bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HEALTH STATUS AND SERVICE USE IN HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS: CONSISTENCY BETWEEN SELF-REPORT AND ADMINISTRATIVE HEALTH RECORDS IN THE AT HOME/CHEZ SOI MULTI-SITE TRIAL
Authors: Hinds Aynslie , Distasio Jino , Martens Patricia J , Smith Mark
Published: March 2013

Objective

Homeless individuals with poor health frequently use healthcare services. However, studies using self-reported data may be subject to biases. We examined health status, healthcare and drug use among mentally ill homeless individuals, comparing self-report and administrative data claims to estimate the degree of agreement between the two sources.

Methods

Baseline survey data from 100 participants of the Winnipeg site of the Mental Health Commission of Canada's At Home/Chez Soi research project were linked to deidentified administrative health records stored in the Repository at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy. Demographic characteristics, homelessness histories and health service use were analysed, as well as disease status for asthma, hypertension, arthritis and diabetes (using previously validated definitions). Participants were similarly classified using their survey responses. The degree of agreement between the two data sources was evaluated using cross-tabulations and the κ statistic.

Results

There was 100% linkage of surveyed homeless people with the Repository data. In 1 year, 97% of participants had at least one ambulatory physician visit, with an age- and sex-adjusted rate of 14.82 per person-year (Manitoba rate=4.99 per person-year). 34% had an inpatient hospitalisation (adjusted hospital separation rate=491 per thousand person-years vs the Manitoba rate of 137 per thousand person-years). 95% filled at least one prescription, with 65% of drugs targeting the nervous system (majority were psycholeptics). The degree of agreement between the data sources ranged from a κ of 0.27 for arthritis to 0.57 for hypertension. Individuals were more likely to be classified as having one of the four conditions based on the administrative data than on the survey data.

Conclusions

Compared with the general population, participants had high health service use, and high prescription drug use. There was poor to moderate agreement between the two data sources. Researchers studying homeless persons with mental illness should consider using multiple data sources to estimate disease prevalence and health service use.
IS THERE AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX AND MIGRAINE HEADACHES WITHIN THE CANADIAN POPULATION?
Authors: Quach Pauline
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Obesity (a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) and migraine headaches are both chronic conditions that have become increasingly common within the Canadian population. Increasing body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased frequency and severity of migraine headaches, but not its prevalence, such that increasing BMI leads to greater disability by exacerbating migraine symptoms among migraneurs. The association between increasing BMI and the prevalence of migraine headaches, however, has provided inconsistent findings. There is uncertainty as to whether there is an association between increasing BMI and an individual's risk of developing and having this condition. Some studies have found that there is an association, whereas other studies have dismissed such a relationship. There has been little to no Canadian studies conducted to determine the association between increasing BMI and the prevalence of migraines, and the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) dataset has not been used as a source population.

Objective

To investigate whether increasing BMI (underweight, normal, overweight, obese) was significantly associated with a linear dose-response trend in the prevalence of migraine headaches. It is hypothesized that compared with normal weight, increasing BMI would result in a larger prevalence.

Methods

A sample population of 113 235 subjects from the 2007–2008 cross-sectional CCHS, Cycle 4.1 was used. Subjects included those who had responded to questions regarding self-reported height, weight and migraine status. Subjects less than 18 years of age, and those who were pregnant, were excluded. Log binomial modelling was used to derive unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) estimates, with their corresponding 95% CI. Population weights and average design effects were incorporated to adjust for the effects of complex survey designs.

Results

When adjusting for covariates compared with normal weight, the PR for migraines was highest and significant only among the obese, 1.19 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.27), followed by underweight which was not significant, 1.09 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.23), and overweight which was marginally significant, 1.06 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.12).

Conclusions

Obese and overweight BMI were significantly associated with increased prevalence of migraine headaches. Although a U-shaped pattern was observed with obese and underweight at the extremes, when addressing the non-significant PR estimates for underweight, a resulting linear dose-response trend was present, thus, resulting in the obese having the highest PR followed by overweight and normal weight. Small samples of underweight subjects, various biases, and/or an actual plausible mechanism for underweight and migraine prevalence could have accounted for the high PR estimates for underweight. Additional studies to verify results are warranted.
Traffic-induced vibrations of frame structures
Authors: Nefovska-Danilovic Marija , Petronijevic Mira , Savija Branko
Published: March 2013

Using the spectral element method (SEM), a 2-D numerical model of multi-storey frame structures has been developed. The model has been used to predict traffic-induced vibrations of two, six, and twelve-story concrete buildings measured along the route of a future metro line in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Vibration simulations of the six-storey frame match satisfactorily the measured dynamic response. However, there is a difference between numerical simulation and the actual measurements for the two-storey and twelve-story buildings. The results indicate a great potential of the proposed SEM to simulate ground-induced vibrations of frame buildings. However, more complex structural models should be developed to better replicate actual situations.
The Fe3O4 nanoparticle doping effect in liquid crystal on electrical and dielectric properties
Authors: Köysal O. , Gökçen M. , Yıldırım M.
Published: March 2013

Fe3O4 nanoparticles were doped into E63 coded liquid crystal (LC) with 0.1 wt% to investigate the effect of Fe3O4 on the electrical and dielectric properties of LC in a wide range of frequency, bias voltage, and illumination. The frequency, bias voltage, and illumination level dependence of the electrical and dielectric properties of pure E63 and doped mixture (E63–Fe3O4) has been investigated using the current–voltage (I–V) and admittance spectroscopy (C–V and G/ω–V) data in the frequency range of 10 kHz – 1 MHz at room temperature. Results show that the increment in current with Fe3O4 doping is due to the metallic nature of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The current switching voltage of reorientation is shifted to lower voltage values as a result of Fe3O4 doping. Same behavior is also observed with increasing illumination level. The polarization contribution of Fe3O4 doping is evident considering the values of [Formula: see text] at low frequencies. Moreover, depending on the existence of Fe3O4 doping agent, there is a split in σac–f plots where σac values increase with frequency, especially at high frequencies.
Nucleus–nucleus relativistic multiple scattering theory with delta degrees of freedom
Authors: Werneth Charles M. , Maung Khin M.
Published: March 2013

It is well known that multiple scattering theories are very useful in the study of nucleon–nucleus and nucleus–nucleus scattering processes. The derivation of a nonrelativistic multiple scattering theory (NRMST) is well-established and clear. A key component to the formulation of an NRMST is the ability to separate the unperturbed Hamiltonian from the residual interaction. For the relativistic problem, it is not clear how to perform this separation starting from a field theoretical Lagrangian. Instead, one starts from an infinite set of Feynman diagrams, which play the role of the kernel in the Bethe–Salpeter equation for nucleus–nucleus scattering. Once the kernel is defined, it is straightforward to develop a relativistic multiple scattering theory (RMST). To be more complete than previous studies, delta degrees of freedom are included, which is a minimum requirement to explain pion production. It is demonstrated that an RMST can be formulated by expressing the kernel in a form that is similar to the residual interaction in the NRMST.
FROM COMPLEX TO STOCHASTIC POTENTIAL: HEAVY QUARKONIA IN THE QUARK–GLUON PLASMA
Authors: ROTHKOPF ALEXANDER
Published: March 2013

The in-medium physics of heavy quarkonium is an ideal proving ground for our ability to connect knowledge about the fundamental laws of physics to phenomenological predictions. One possible route to take is to attempt a description of heavy quark bound states at finite temperature through a Schrödinger equation with an instantaneous potential. Here we review recent progress in devising a comprehensive approach to define such a potential from first principles QCD and extract its, in general complex, values from non-perturbative lattice QCD simulations. Based on the theory of open quantum systems we will show how to interpret the role of the imaginary part in terms of spatial decoherence by introducing the concept of a stochastic potential. Shortcomings as well as possible paths for improvement are discussed.
LOCAL RANDOM WALK WITH DISTANCE MEASURE
Authors: XU BAOMIN , XIN TINGLIN , WANG YUNFENG , ZHAO YANPIN
Published: March 2013

Link prediction based on random walks has been widely used. The existing random walk algorithms ignore the probability of a walker visit from the initial node to the destination node for the first time, which makes a major contribution to establish links in some networks. To deal with the problem, we develop a link prediction method named Local Random Walk with Distance (LRWD) based on local random walk and the shortest distance of node pairs. In LRWD, walkers walk with their own steps rather than uniform steps. To evaluate the performance of the LRWD algorithm, we present the concept of distance distribution. The experimental results show that LRWD can improve the prediction accuracy when the distance distribution of the network is relatively concentrated.
A STUDY INVESTIGATING CHALLENGES IN THE INTERFACE BETWEEN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOFTWARE-INTENSIVE AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS
Authors: PERNSTÅL J. , MAGAZINIUS A. , GORSCHEK T.
Published: March 2013

The automotive industry is facing a tremendous growth in the engineering of software-intensive systems, giving rise to various challenges. To prevent problems related to the fit of new software technologies in vehicles and the manufacturing processes, a well functioning interaction between the functions for product development and manufacturing is crucial. This is complicated by the fact that the changeable nature of software development causes unprecedented needs for collaboration and coordination between these two functions. This paper reports on a process assessment that focuses on the interface between the functions for product development and manufacturing in the development and design of software-intensive automotive systems. The main purpose of the study was to identify the key issues for improvement in the area assessed. The assessment was performed at two Swedish automotive companies where data were collected from documents and in interviews with practitioners. Nine key improvement issues were established ranging from challenges in requirements engineering to the need for knowledge transfer between manufacturing and product development. In addition, to increase the understandability of the results and map possible avenues for solution and future research, the paper provides an extensive analysis of each improvement issue in relation to the state-of-the-art.
MULTIFRACTAL FLUCTUATIONS OF JIUZHAIGOU TOURISTS BEFORE AND AFTER WENCHUAN EARTHQUAKE
Authors: SHI KAI , LI WEN-YONG , LIU CHUN-QIONG , HUANG ZHENG-WEN
Published: March 2013

In this work, multifractal methods have been successfully used to characterize the temporal fluctuations of daily Jiuzhai Valley domestic and foreign tourists before and after Wenchuan earthquake in China. We used multifractal detrending moving average method (MF-DMA). It showed that Jiuzhai Valley tourism markets are characterized by long-term memory and multifractal nature in. Moreover, the major sources of multifractality are studied. Based on the concept of sliding window, the time evolutions of the multifractal behavior of domestic and foreign tourists were analyzed and the influence of Wenchuan earthquake on Jiuzhai Valley tourism system dynamics were evaluated quantitatively. The study indicates that the inherent dynamical mechanism of Jiuzhai Valley tourism system has not been fundamentally changed from long views, although Jiuzhai Valley tourism system was seriously affected by the Wenchuan earthquake. Jiuzhai Valley tourism system has the ability to restore to its previous state in the short term.
A PARTIAL ORDER ON TRANSFORMATION SEMIGROUPS THAT PRESERVE DOUBLE DIRECTION EQUIVALENCE RELATION
Authors: SUN LEI , SUN JUNLING
Published: March 2013

Let [Formula: see text] be the full transformation semigroup on a nonempty set X and E be an equivalence relation on X. Then [Formula: see text] is a subsemigroup of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we endow it with the natural partial order. With respect to this partial order, we determine when two elements are related, find the elements which are compatible and describe the maximal (minimal) elements. Also, we investigate the greatest lower bound of two elements.
VECTOR SPACE GENERATED BY THE MULTIPLICATIVE COMMUTATORS OF A DIVISION RING
Authors: AGHABALI M. , AKBARI S. , ARIANNEJAD M. , MADADI A.
Published: March 2013

Let D be a division ring with center F. An element of the form xyx-1y-1 ∈ D is called a multiplicative commutator. Let T(D) be the vector space over F generated by all multiplicative commutators in D. In this paper it is shown that if D is algebraic over F and Char (D) = 0, then D = T(D). We conjecture that it is true in general. Among other results it is shown that in characteristic zero if T(D) is algebraic over F, then D is algebraic over F.
AN EDGE-BASED SMOOTHED FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR ANALYSIS OF LAMINATED COMPOSITE PLATES
Authors: PHAN-DAO H. H. , NGUYEN-XUAN H. , THAI-HOANG C. , NGUYEN-THOI T. , RABCZUK T.
Published: March 2013

This paper promotes a novel numerical approach to static, free vibration and buckling analyses of laminated composite plates by an edge-based smoothed finite method (ES-FEM). In the present ES-FEM formulation, the system stiffness matrix is established by using the strain smoothing technique over the smoothing domains associated with the edges of the triangular elements. A discrete shear gap (DSG3) technique without shear locking is combined into the ES-FEM to give a so-called edge-based smoothed discrete shear gap method (ES-DSG3) for analysis of laminated composite plates. The present method uses only linear interpolations and its implementation into finite element programs is quite simple. Numerical results for analysis of laminated composite plates show that the ES-DSG3 performs quite well compared to several other published approaches in the literature.
New quantitative trait loci for carotid atherosclerosis identified in an intercross derived from apolipoprotein E-deficient mouse strains
Authors: Rowlan Jessica S. , Zhang Zhimin , Wang Qian , Fang Yan , Shi Weibin
Published: March 2013

Carotid atherosclerosis is the primary cause of ischemic stroke. To identify genetic factors contributing to carotid atherosclerosis, we performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using female mice derived from an intercross between C57BL/6J (B6) and BALB/cJ (BALB) apolipoprotein E ( Apoe−/−) mice. We started 266 F2mice on a Western diet at 6 wk of age and fed them the diet for 12 wk. Atherosclerotic lesions in the left carotid bifurcation and plasma lipid levels were measured. We genotyped 130 microsatellite markers across the entire genome. Three significant QTLs, Cath1 on chromosome (Chr) 12, Cath2 on Chr5, and Cath3 on Chr13, and four suggestive QTLs on Chr6, Chr9, Chr17, and Chr18 were identified for carotid lesions. The Chr6 locus replicated a suggestive QTL and was named Cath4. Six QTLs for HDL, three QTLs for non-HDL cholesterol, and three QTLs for triglyceride were found. Of these, a significant QTL for non-HDL on Chr1 at 60.3 cM, named Nhdl13, and a suggestive QTL for HDL on ChrX were new. A significant locus for HDL ( Hdlq5) was overlapping with a suggestive locus for carotid lesions on Chr9. A significant correlation between carotid lesion sizes and HDL cholesterol levels was observed in the F2population ( R = −0.153, P = 0.0133). Thus, we have identified several new QTLs for carotid atherosclerosis and the locus on Chr9 may exert effect through interactions with HDL.
Prospects for Ferroelectrics: 2012–2022
Authors: Scott J. F.
Published: March 2013

A review is given of more than a dozen subtopics within the general study of ferroelectrics, with emphasis upon controversies, unsolved problems, and prospects for the next decade, including pure science and industrial applications. The review emphasizes work over the past two years, from 2010 to 2012.
Simultaneous Determination of Hormonal Residues in Treated Waters Using Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Guedes-Alonso Rayco , Sosa-Ferrera Zoraida , Santana-Rodríguez José Juan
Published: March 2013

In the last years, hormone consumption has increased exponentially. Because of that, hormone compounds are considered emerging pollutants since several studies have determinted their presence in water influents and effluents of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study, a quantitative method for the simultaneous determination of oestrogens (estrone, 17β-estradiol, estriol, 17α-ethinylestradiol, and diethylstilbestrol), androgens (testosterone), and progestogens (norgestrel and megestrol acetate) has been developed to determine these compounds in wastewater samples. Due to the very low concentrations of target compounds in the environment, a solid phase extraction procedure has been optimized and developed to extract and preconcentrate the analytes. Determination and quantification were performed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The method developed presents satisfactory limits of detection (between 0.15 and 9.35 ng·L−1), good recoveries (between 73 and 90% for the most of compounds), and low relative standard deviations (under 8.4%). Samples from influents and effluents of two wastewater treatment plants of Gran Canaria (Spain) were analyzed using the proposed method, finding several hormones with concentrations ranged from 5 to 300 ng·L−1.
The Influence of Self-Efficacy on Mood States in People with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Craig Ashley , Wijesuriya Nirupama , Tran Yvonne
Published: March 2013

Objective. Negative mood is prevalent in people with a neurological injury such as spinal cord injury (SCI). However, research is needed for determining those people with SCI who are vulnerable to negative mood states, as well as establishing the influence of self-efficacy, that is, expectations of their control over their lives. The objective of this research was to investigate the protective role that self-efficacy may play in adult people with SCI compared to able-bodied controls. Methods. Participants included 41 adults with SCI living in the community and 41 able-bodied controls similar in age, sex ratio, and education. All participants completed a psychological assessment regimen in a relaxed environment. Measures consisted of validated measures of self-efficacy and negative mood states. Results. The SCI group was found to have significantly elevated levels of depressive mood, anxiety, stress, and poor self-efficacy. SCI participants with low levels of self-efficacy were shown to have significantly elevated levels of depressive mood and anxiety in comparison to those SCI participants with high levels of self-efficacy and able-bodied controls. Conclusions. People with a neurological injury such as SCI are vulnerable to experiencing clinically elevated negative mood states if they have poor expectations of control over their lives. Implications for SCI rehabilitation are discussed.
Advances in Energy Conservation of China Steel Industry
Authors: Sun Wenqiang , Cai Jiuju , Ye Zhu
Published: March 2013

The course, technical progresses, and achievements of energy conservation of China steel industry (CSI) during 1980–2010 were summarized. Then, the paper adopted e‐p method to analyze the variation law and influencing factors of energy consumptions of large‐ and medium‐scale steel plants within different stages. It is pointed out that energy consumption per ton of crude steel has been almost one half lower in these thirty years, with 60% as direct energy conservation owing to the change of process energy consumption and 40% as indirect energy conservation attributed to the adjustment of production structure. Next, the latest research progress of some key common technologies in CSI was introduced. Also, the downtrend of energy consumption per ton of crude steel and the potential energy conservation for CSI during 2011–2025 were forecasted. Finally, it is indicated that the key topic of the next 15 years’ research on the energy conservation of CSI is the synergistic operation of material flow and energy flow. It could be achieved by the comprehensive study on energy flow network optimization, such as production, allocation, utilization, recovery, reuse, and resource, according to the energy quantity, quality, and user demand following the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
Infiltration Kinetics of Wetting in a Building Plaster and the Effect of Added Glass and Hemp Fibers
Authors: Gassita Serge , Marmoret Laurent , Perwuelz Anne , Beji Hassen
Published: March 2013

Capillary rise is an important cause of deterioration for plaster in building. This phenomenon has been studied by the tensiometric experimental technique. Structural and hydric characteristics of plaster have been determined. Decane, a perfectly impregnate fluid, has been used to calculate the porous constant characteristic called and other structural parameters like pore radius and specific surface. Evaluation of the sensibility of plaster for water has been evaluated in a second time. The angle constant and the capillary moisture content have been determined. A comparison between results for plaster and composite plaster with fiber has been done. The addition of glass and hemp fiber does not have important effect on hydric properties (angle constant), but we have observed influence on structural charecteristics (pore radius, porosity, and degree of heterogeneity).
From Generalized Dirac Equations to a Candidate for Dark Energy
Authors: Jentschura U. D. , Wundt B. J.
Published: March 2013

We consider extensions of the Dirac equation with mass terms m1+iγ5m2 and im1+γ5m2. The corresponding Hamiltonians are Hermitian and pseudo-Hermitian (γ5 Hermitian), respectively. The fundamental spinor solutions for all generalized Dirac equations are found in the helicity basis
and brought into concise analytic form. We postulate that the time-ordered product of field operators
should yield the Feynman propagator (iϵ prescription), and we also postulate that the tardyonic as
well as tachyonic Dirac equations should have a smooth massless limit. These postulates lead to sum
rules that connect the form of the fundamental field anticommutators with the tensor sums of the
fundamental plane-wave eigenspinors and the projectors over positive-energy and negative-energy
states. In the massless case, the sum rules are fulfilled by two egregiously simple, distinguished
functional forms. The first sum rule remains valid in the case of a tardyonic theory and leads to
the canonical massive Dirac field. The second sum rule is valid for a tachyonic mass term and leads
to a natural suppression of the right-handed helicity states for tachyonic particles and left-handed
helicity states for tachyonic spin-1/2 antiparticles. When applied to neutrinos, the theory contains a
free tachyonic mass parameter. Tachyons are known to be repulsed by gravity. We discuss a possible
role of a tachyonic neutrino as a contribution to the accelerated expansion of the Universe “dark
energy.”
Metabolomic Study of Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats and the Interventional Effects of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang, a Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Yue Rongcai , Zhao Ling , Hu Yaohua , Jiang Peng , Wang Shuping , Xiang Li , Liu Wencong , Shan Lei , Zhang Weidong , Liu Runhui
Published: March 2013

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with anti-inflammatory activity. The present study used a metabolomic approach based on LC-Q-TOF-MS to profile rheumatoid-arthritis- (RA-) related metabolic changes and to investigate the interventional mechanisms of HLJDT in collagen-induced arthritis rats. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: (1) a model group, (2) a normal control group, (3) a dexamethasone group, (4) a HLJDT group, and (5) a group that received 13 components of HLJDT. Plasma samples were collected 8, 15, and 22 days after the rats were injected with bovine type II collagen. By combining variable importance in the projection values with partial least squares discriminant analysis, 18 potential biomarkers were identified in the plasma samples. The biomarkers were primarily involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, purine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and bile acid biosynthesis. Using the potential biomarkers as a screening index, the results suggest that HLJDT can potentially reverse the process of RA by partially regulating fatty acid oxidation and arachidonic acid metabolism. This study demonstrates that a metabolomic strategy is useful for identifying potential RA biomarkers and investigating the underlying mechanisms of a TCM in RA treatment.
A Case of Trastuzumab-Associated Cardiomyopathy Presenting as an Acute Coronary Syndrome: Acute Trastuzumab Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Hidalgo Sylvana , Albright Carol A. , Wells Gretchen L.
Published: March 2013

Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody highly effective in the treatment of several cancers, but its use is associated with cardiac toxicity which usually responds to cessation of the drug and/or medical therapy. We present an unusual case of acute cardiac toxicity temporally related to administration of trastuzumab in which the clinical presentation suggested an acute coronary syndrome. Coronary angiography, however, demonstrated minimal epicardial disease, but new wall motion abnormalities. Furthermore, the patient did not respond to withdrawal of the drug or medical therapy for heart failure.
Long-Baseline Neutrino Oscillation Experiments
Authors: Feldman G. J. , Hartnell J. , Kobayashi T.
Published: March 2013

A review of accelerator long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments is provided, including all experiments performed to date and the projected sensitivity of those currently in progress. Accelerator experiments have played a crucial role in the confirmation of the neutrino oscillation phenomenon and in precision measurements of the parameters. With a fixed baseline and detectors providing good energy resolution, precise measurements of the ratio of distance/energy (L/E) on the scale of individual events have been made and the expected oscillatory pattern resolved. Evidence for electron neutrino appearance has recently been obtained, opening a door for determining the CP violating phase as well as resolving the mass hierarchy and the octant ofθ23; some of the last unknown parameters of the standard model extended to include neutrino mass.
PTPIP51: A New Interaction Partner of the Insulin Receptor and PKA in Adipose Tissue
Authors: Bobrich M. A. , Schwabe S. A. , Brobeil A. , Viard M. , Kamm M. , Mooren F. C. , Krüger K. , Tag C. , Wimmer M.
Published: March 2013

Aims. Our previous experiments revealed an association of PTPIP51 (protein tyrosine phosphatase interacting protein 51) with the insulin signalling pathway through PTP1B and 14-3-3beta. We aimed to clarify the role of PTPIP51 in adipocyte metabolism.Methods. Four groups of ten C57Bl/6 mice each were used. Two groups were fed a standard diet; two groups were fed a high-fat diet. Two groups (one high-fat diet and one standard diet) were submitted to endurance training, while the remaining two groups served as untrained control groups. After ten weeks, we measured glucose tolerance of the mice. Adipose tissue samples were analyzed by immunofluorescence and Duolink proximity ligation assay to quantify interactions of PTPIP51 with either insulin receptor (IR) or PKA.Results. PTPIP51 and the IR and PTPIP51 and PKA, respectively, were colocalized in all groups. Standard diet animals that were submitted to endurance training showed low PTPIP51-IR and PTPIP51-PKA interactions. The interaction levels of both the IR and PKA differed between the feeding and training groups.Conclusion. PTPIP51 might serve as a linking protein in adipocyte metabolism by connecting the IR-triggered lipogenesis with the PKA-dependent lipolysis. PTPIP51 interacts with both proteins, therefore being a potential gateway for the cooperation of both pathways.
Modelling the Trend and Determinants of Breastfeeding Initiation in Nigeria
Authors: Babatunde Yahya Waheed , Adebayo Samson Babatunde
Published: March 2013

This paper examined the general trend of timing of breastfeeding initiation among nursing mothers in Nigeria. The time of initiating the first breast milk to an infant by his/her mother is measured as whether it is immediate (before the first hour of birth) or delayed (after the first hour of birth), and the impacts of some socioeconomic and maternal factors on this are determined. Results from this study showed that mother’s age at birth, her enhanced educational status, mothers’ domiciling in urban areas, singleton birth, and mother’s frequent antenatal visits among others contributed positively to early initiation of breastfeeding by Nigerian nursing mothers (P<0.05). In the contrary, delivery through caesarean operation, nursing mothers that delivers at homes instead of hospitals, and the current birth being the first from a mother are all found to militate against early initiation of breastfeeding (P<0.05) among others. General results showed that early breastfeeding initiation experience among nursing mothers in Nigeria significantly improves over time between 1990 and 2008 (P<0.05), although following a sinusoidal pattern. Four waves of national data from the Nigerian Demographic and Health Surveys for 1990, 1999, 2003, and 2008 were employed in the study.
Cesarean Section and Right Femur Fracture: A Rare but Possible Complication for Breech Presentation
Authors: Capobianco Giampiero , Virdis Giuseppe , Lisai Pietro , Cherchi Claudio , Biasetti Ornella , Dessole Francesco , Meloni Giovanni Battista
Published: March 2013

Background. The breech extraction of the fetus through the vagina has a greater risk of hip fracture compared with the extraction by abdominal route.Case. A 2390 g female infant was delivered at 39 weeks by elective cesarean section for breech presentation. The newborn sustained a fracture of the right femur. A simple immobilization of the limb in extension led to a complete healing of the fracture without sequelae.Conclusion. Caesarean delivery reduces the risk of causing a traumatic injury of the newborn compared to vaginal delivery, especially with breech presentation but does not eliminate this possible accidental complication.
The Cost of Diabetes-Related Complications: Registry-Based Analysis of Days Absent from Work
Authors: Sørensen Jan , Ploug Uffe Jon
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to estimate the annual number of days absent from work associated with diabetes-related complications. Registry data were obtained for 34,882 individuals aged 18–70 years with hospital-diagnosed diabetes (ICD-10 codes: E10–E14) identified from a large national sample (40% of the Danish population) with 6 years of hospital utilisation data. The occurrence of a complication was defined as a hospital admission with a specified diagnosis or procedure code. Data on sickness episodes with municipal subsidy were retrieved for each individual. Days absent from work attributable to complications were defined as the estimated difference in absence days between individuals with and without the specified complication and were estimated for the first and subsequent years after the initial episode of the recorded complication. Angina pectoris, ischaemic stroke, and heart failure were the three most frequent complications in the population. Heart failure, amputation, renal disease, and peripheral vascular disease were on average associated with more than three-month additional absence from work during the first and subsequent years. Leg ulcers and neuropathy were associated with more days absent from work during the first year than in subsequent years. Diabetes complications are associated with a substantial number of additional days absent from work. The avoidance of these complications would benefit both patients and society.
Inhibitory Effects of Traditional Herbal Formula Pyungwi-San on Inflammatory ResponseIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Cha Ji Young , Jung Ji Yun , Jung Jae Yup , Lee Jong Rok , Cho Il Je , Ku Sae Kwang , Byun Sung Hui , Ahn Yong-Tae , Lee Chul Won , Kim Sang Chan , An Won G.
Published: March 2013

Pyungwi-san (PWS) is a traditional basic herbal formula. We investigated the effects of PWS on induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) as well as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in lipopolysaccharide-(LPS-) induced Raw 264.7 cells and on paw edema in rats. Treatment with PWS (0.5, 0.75, and 1 mg/mL) resulted in inhibited levels of expression of LPS-induced COX-2, iNOS, NF-κB, and MAPKs as well as production of prostaglandin E2(PGE2), nitric oxide (NO), IL-6, and TNF-αinduced by LPS. Our results demonstrate that PWS possesses anti-inflammatory activities via decreasing production of pro-inflammatory mediators through suppression of the signaling pathways of NF-κB and MAPKs in LPS-induced macrophage cells. More importantly, results of the carrageenan-(CA-) induced paw edema demonstrate an anti-edema effect of PWS. In addition, it is considered that PWS also inhibits the acute edematous inflammations through suppression of mast cell degranulations and inflammatory mediators, including COX-2, iNOS and TNF-α. Thus, our findings may provide scientific evidence to explain the anti-inflammatory properties of PWSin vitroandin vivo.
Transsulfuration Is a Significant Source of Sulfur for Glutathione Production in Human Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Belalcázar Andrea D. , Ball John G. , Frost Leslie M. , Valentovic Monica A. , Wilkinson John
Published: March 2013

The transsulfuration pathway, through which homocysteine from the methionine cycle provides sulfur for cystathionine formation, which may subsequently be used for glutathione synthesis, has not heretofore been identified as active in mammary cells. Primary human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC’s) were labeled withS35-methionine for 24 hours following pretreatment with a vehicle control, the cysteine biosynthesis inhibitor propargylglycine or the gamma-glutamylcysteine synthesis inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine. Cell lysates were prepared and reacted with glutathione-S-transferase and the fluorescent labeling compound monochlorobimane to form a fluorescent glutathione-bimane conjugate. Comparison of fluorographic and autoradiographic images indicated that glutathione had incorporatedS35-methionine demonstrating that functional transsulfuration occurs in mammary cells. Pathway inhibitors reduced incorporation by roughly 80%. Measurement of glutathione production in HMEC’s treated with and without hydrogen peroxide and/or pathway inhibitors indicates that the transsulfuration pathway plays a significant role in providing cysteine for glutathione production both normally and under conditions of oxidant stress.
Canopy Light Signals and Crop Yield in Sickness and in Health
Authors: Casal Jorge J.
Published: March 2013

Crop management decisions such as sowing density, row distance and orientation, choice of cultivar, and weed control define the architecture of the canopy, which in turn affects the light environment experienced by crop plants. Phytochromes, cryptochromes, phototropins, and the UV-B photoreceptor UVR8 are sensory photoreceptors able to perceive specific light signals that provide information about the dynamic status of canopy architecture. These signals include the low irradiance (indicating that not all the effects of irradiance occur via photosynthesis) and low red/far-red ratio typical of dense stands. The simulation of selected signals of canopy shade light and/or the analysis of photoreceptor mutants have revealed that canopy light signals exert significant influence on plant performance. The main effects of the photoreceptors include the control of (a) the number and position of the leaves and their consequent capacity to intercept light, via changes in stem height, leaf orientation, and branching; (b) the photosynthetic capacity of green tissues, via stomatic and nonstomatic actions; (c) the investment of captured resources into harvestable organs; and (d) the plant defences against herbivores and pathogens. Several of the effects of canopy shade-light signals appear to be negative for yield and pose the question of whether breeding and selection have optimised the magnitude of these responses in crops.
Smokeless Tobacco and Dual Use among Firefighters in the Central United States
Authors: Jitnarin Nattinee , Haddock Christopher K. , Poston Walker S. C. , Jahnke Sara
Published: March 2013

Little is known about smokeless tobacco (SLT) use in the fire service, whose personnel need to maintain high levels of health and fitness given the rigorous physical and mental job requirements. We examined the relationships among variables associated with SLT use and dual tobacco use (SLT and smoking) among 353 male career firefighters. Around 13% of male career firefighters reported being current exclusive SLT users, and 2.6% used both cigarettes and SLT. Age-adjusted models revealed that race, binge drinking, and dietary fat consumption were positively associated with exclusive SLT use when compared to nontobacco users. SLT users were much more likely to binge drink (OR = 3.98,P<.01) and consume high fat foods (OR = 1.94,P<.05). Only high dietary fat consumption was a strong correlate (OR = 8.41,P<.05) of dual use when compared to nontobacco users. SLT and dual tobacco use are associated with significant health risks. Detailed information on the predictors of SLT use among firefighters will aid in developing more effective tobacco prevention and cessation intervention in fire service.
Methanolic Extracts of Bitter Melon Inhibit Colon Cancer Stem Cells by Affecting Energy Homeostasis and Autophagy
Authors: Kwatra Deep , Subramaniam Dharmalingam , Ramamoorthy Prabhu , Standing David , Moran Elizabeth , Velayutham Ravichandiran , Mitra Ashim , Umar Shahid , Anant Shrikant
Published: March 2013

Bitter melon fruit is recommended in ancient Indian and Chinese medicine for prevention/treatment of diabetes. However its effects on cancer progression are not well understood. Here, we have determined the efficacy of methanolic extracts of bitter melon on colon cancer stem and progenitor cells. Both, whole fruit (BMW) and skin (BMSk) extracts showed significant inhibition of cell proliferation and colony formation, with BMW showing greater efficacy. In addition, the cells were arrested at the S phase of cell cycle. Moreover, BMW induced the cleavage of LC3B but not caspase 3/7, suggesting that the cells were undergoing autophagy and not apoptosis. Further confirmation of autophagy was obtained when western blots showed reduced Bcl-2 and increased Beclin-1, Atg 7 and 12 upon BMW treatment. BMW reduced cellular ATP levels coupled with activation of AMP activated protein kinase; on the other hand, exogenous additions of ATP lead to revival of cell proliferation. Finally, BMW treatment results in a dose-dependent reduction in the number and size of colonospheres. The extracts also decreased the expression of DCLK1 and Lgr5, markers of quiescent, and activated stem cells. Taken together, these results suggest that the extracts of bitter melon can be an effective preventive/therapeutic agent for colon cancer.
Combined Treatment with Laser Sintering and Zirconium: A Case Report of Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Ayyildiz Simel , Sahin Cem , Akgün Özlem Marti , Basak Feridun
Published: March 2013

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous disorder of connective tissue that manifests mainly as skeletal deformity and bone fragility. Dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) is sometimes an accompanying symptom of OI. The treatment protocol of these patients varies according to the clinical appearance. The case report here describes complete mouth rehabilitation of an 18-year-old male patient with OI and DI using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technique of metal-ceramic restorations and zirconium all-ceramic crowns. DMLS is an additive metal fabrication technology that is simpler, more precise, and healthier than conventional manufacturing and can be remarkably cost effective. Moreover, the technique affords highly accurate production of fixed partial dentures with ideal marginal fit and excellent mechanical properties. The patient was treated using a multidisciplinary strategy that focused on controlling caries, protecting teeth from further wear, obtaining an appropriate vertical dimension, and providing soft tissue support to return the facial profile to a normal appearance using new technology in the field of prosthetics.
Controllability of Impulsive Neutral Functional Differential Inclusions in Banach Spaces
Authors: Wan X. J. , Zhang Y. P. , Sun J. T.
Published: March 2013

We investigate the controllability of impulsive neutral functional differential inclusions in Banach spaces. Our main aim is to find an effective method to solve the controllability problem of impulsive neutral functional differential inclusions with multivalued jump sizes in Banach spaces. Based on a fixed point theorem with regard to condensing map, sufficient conditions for the controllability of the impulsive neutral functional differential inclusions in Banach spaces are derived. Moreover, a remark is given to explain less conservative criteria for special cases, and work is improved in the previous literature.
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Rotary Magnetorheological Damper for Unmanned Vehicle Suspension Systems
Authors: Lee Jae-Hoon , Han Changwan , Ahn Dongsu , Lee Jin Kyoo , Park Sang-Hu , Park Seonghun
Published: March 2013

We designed and validated a rotary magnetorheological (MR) damper with a specified damping torque capacity, an unsaturated magnetic flux density (MFD), and a high magnetic field intensity (MFI) for unmanned vehicle suspension systems. In this study, for the rotary type MR damper to have these satisfactory performances, the roles of the sealing location and the cover case curvature of the MR damper were investigated by using the detailed 3D finite element model to reflect asymmetrical shapes and sealing components. The current study also optimized the damper cover case curvature based on the MFD, the MFI, and the weight of the MR damper components. The damping torques, which were computed using the characteristic equation of the MR fluid and the MFI of the MR damper, were 239.2, 436.95, and 576.78 N·m at currents of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 A, respectively, at a disk rotating speed of 10 RPM. These predicted damping torques satisfied the specified damping torque of 475 N·m at 1.5 A and showed errors of less than 5% when compared to experimental measurements from the MR damper manufactured by the proposed design. The current study could play an important role in improving the performance of rotary type MR dampers.
Experimental Study on LTCC Glass-Ceramic Based Dual Segment Cylindrical Dielectric Resonator Antenna
Authors: Gangwar Ravi Kumar , Singh S. P. , Choudhary Meenakshi , Kumar D. , Lakshmi Narayana Rao G. , James Raju K. C.
Published: March 2013

The measured characteristics in C/X bands, including material properties of a dual segment cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (CDRA) fabricated from glass-ceramic material based on B2O3–La2O3–MgO glass and La(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3 ceramic, are reported. The sintering characteristic of the ceramic in presence of glass is determined from contact angle measurement and DTA. The return loss and input impedance versus frequency characteristics and radiation patterns of CDRA at its resonant frequency of 6.31 GHz are studied. The measured results for resonant frequency and return loss bandwidth of the CDRA are also compared with corresponding theoretical ones.
Planar Ultrawideband Antenna with Photonically Controlled Notched Bands
Authors: Draskovic Drasko , Fernandez Jean Raphaël Olivier , Briso Rodríguez César
Published: March 2013

A design of a planar microstrip-fed ultrawideband (UWB) printed circular monopole antenna with optically controlled notched bands is presented. The proposed antenna is composed of a circular ultrawideband patch, with an etched T-shaped slot controlled by an integrated silicon switch. The slot modifies the frequency response of the antenna suppressing 3.5–5 GHz band when the switch is in open state. The optical switch is controlled by a low-power near-infrared (808 nm) laser diode, which causes the change in the frequency response of the antenna generating a frequency notch. This solution could be expanded to include several notches in the antenna frequency response achieving a fully reconfigurable UWB antenna. The antenna could be remotely controlled at large distances using optical fiber. The prototype antenna has been fully characterized to verify these design concepts.
Left Sided Oesophageal Lung: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Sur Amitava , Sardar Syamal Kumar , Paria Anshuman
Published: March 2013

Bronchopulmonary foregut malformations (BPFMs) include a wide variety of malformations such as intralobar or extralobar pulmonary sequestration, foregut duplication cysts, and diverticula of the gastrointestinal or pulmonary tree (Srikanth et al., 1992). Those anomalies in which a tract between the respiratory and alimentary systems exists are termed communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformations (CBPFMs). Most infants with CBPFMs suffer from respiratory distress, and an accurate diagnosis may be difficult to make at the patient’s initial presentation. Herein we report such a case which posed a diagnostic challenge to us. This baby however survived and is doing well on a 2-year followup.