bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcomes with Ertapenem as a First-Line Treatment Option of Infections Caused by Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Fong Jeffrey J , Rosé Lucia , Radigan Elizabeth A
Published: March 2012

Background:

Infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing gram-negative organisms are a growing concern in hospitalized patients. Traditionally, these infections can be effectively treated by the carbapenem class of drugs. In 2005, our institution initiated a protocol (or use of ertapenem, a carbapenem, as the first-line treatment option for these infections. It is unknown whether ertapenem is associated with similar clinical response and microbiologic cure rates as those achieved with group 2 carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem, doripenem).

Objective:

To describe clinical response and microbiologic cure rates associated with ertapenem as first-line treatment of infections caused by ESBL-producing organisms.

Methods:

This case series included patients who received ertapenem for more than 48 hours to treat a documented infection with a positive culture for an ESBL-producing organism. Efficacy was determined by the clinical response and microbiologic cure rates achieved with ertapenem.

Results:

Seventy-three patients received ertapenem for a mean (SD) of 10.7 (5.9) days. The most common (59%) infection site was urine. The most common causative organisms were ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (47%) and Escherichia coli (48%). Clinical response was observed in 78% of patients. Microbiologic cure was achieved in 92% of the evaluable population (n = 50). There were no significant differences in clinical or microbiologic cure rates across important subgroups.

Conclusions:

Patients treated with ertapenem achieved favorable clinical response and microbiologic cure rates. Our data suggest that ertapenem can be used as an alternative to group 2 carbapenems (or the treatment of infections caused by ESBL-producing gram-negative organisms.
Impact of Clinical Pharmacist Intervention on Diabetes-Related Outcomes in a Military Treatment Facility
Authors: Wallgren Stephanie , Berry-Cabán Cristóbal S , Bowers Laura
Published: March 2012

Background:

Clinical pharmacist management of patients with diabetes has been well justified, but there is a lack of research that evaluates the impact of pharmacist-managed diabetes care versus standard medical care on American Diabetes Association (ADA) treatment goals other than hemoglobin A1c (A1C).

Objective:

To evaluate the reduction in A1C, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) for patients with diabetes whose care was managed by a clinical pharmacist and compare these values to those of a cohort of patients whose care was managed by primary care providers. The difference in percentage of patients attaining ADA treatment goals between the 2 groups was also evaluated.

Methods:

This retrospective chart review identified 98 diabetic patients managed by a clinical pharmacist with at least 2 A1C measurements between September 15, 2008. and March 15, 2011. The Military Health System Population Health Portal was used to identify a similar group of patients with diabetes managed by their primary care provider (N = 90). The Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application was used 1o collect baseline data and the most recent measurements for A1C, blood pressure, LDL-C, and documented immunizations.

Results:

The pharmacist group saw positive improvements in all primary end points, including a 1.6% reduction in A1C, a 9-mm Hg and 1.4-mm Hg reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively, and a 16.3-mg/dL reduction in LDL-C, Conversely, the control group had an increase of 0.8% in A1C and 1.5 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure. Reductions in systolic blood pressure and LDL-C were much less robust than in the pharmacist group (1.6 mm Hg and 5.2 mg/dL, respectively). Overall, patients in the pharmacist group were more likely to achieve ADA treatment goals.

Conclusion:

Pharmacist management of patients with diabetes significantly reduces A1C and allows more patients to meet ADA treatment goals. A clinical pharmacist-run diabetes clinic can provide numerous clinical benefits to patients.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of the Ubiquitin-conjugating Enzyme UbcH10 in Lung Cancer
Authors: Perrotta Ida , Bruno Leonardo , Maltese Lorenza , Russo Emilio , Donato Annalidia , Donato Giuseppe
Published: March 2012

The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (UbcH10) plays important roles in the regulation of cell cycle progression. Recently, UbcH10 expression has been demonstrated in several human and experimental tumors, and proteasome inhibitors have been tested in trials for pulmonary neoplasms; however, the underlying mechanisms as well as the clinicopathological relevance of UbcH10 in the genesis and progression of lung cancer remain largely unknown. Therefore, the authors evaluated the expression of UbcH10 in human lung cancer and evaluated its possible diagnostic and prognostic use. They found that most cases of lung adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell and small cell carcinoma were positive for UbcH10. The expression levels of UbcH10 progressively increased with decreasing degree of tumor differentiation. There was a statistically significant difference of UbcH10 positivity between grade I/III of lung adenocarcinoma ( p=0.013) and squamous cell carcinoma ( p=0.002). No significant differences were found between histological types ( p=0.072). In the case of cell blocks prepared from pleural effusions, inflammatory and reactive mesothelial elements did not show appreciable UbcH10 expression, whereas neoplastic cells exhibited clear UbcH10 positivity. The results suggest that UbcH10 might represent a new and promising diagnostic and prognostic marker in both histologic and cytologic specimens of lung cancer.
TheDrosophilaVisual Cycle andDe NovoChromophore Synthesis Depends onrdhB
Authors: Wang Xiaoyue , Wang Tao , Ni Jinfei D. , von Lintig Johannes , Montell Craig
Published: March 2012

In mammalian rods and cones, light activation of the visual pigments leads to release of the chromophore, which is then recycled through a multistep enzymatic pathway, referred to as the visual or retinoid cycle. In invertebrates such asDrosophila, a visual cycle was thought not to exist since the rhodopsins are bistable photopigments, which consist of a chromophore that normally stays bound to the opsin following light activation. Nevertheless, we recently described a visual cycle inDrosophilathat serves to recycle the free chromophore that is released following light-induced internalization of rhodopsin, and a retinol dehydrogenase (RDH) that catalyzes the first step of the pathway. Here, we describe the identification of a putative RDH, referred to as RDHB (retinol dehydrogenase B), which functions in the visual cycle and inde novosynthesis of the chromophore. RDHB was expressed in the retinal pigment cells (RPCs), where it promoted the final enzymatic reaction necessary for the production of the chromophore. Mutation ofrdhBcaused moderate light-dependent degeneration of the phototransducing compartment of the photoreceptor cells—the rhabdomeres, reminiscent of the effects of mutations in some humanRDHgenes. Since the first and last steps in the visual cycle take place in the RPCs, it appears that these cells are the sites of action for this entire enzymatic pathway inDrosophila.
Accumulation of Toxic α-Synuclein Oligomer within Endoplasmic Reticulum Occurs in α-SynucleinopathyIn Vivo
Authors: Colla Emanuela , Jensen Poul H. , Pletnikova Olga , Troncoso Juan C. , Glabe Charles , Lee Michael K.
Published: March 2012

In Parkinson's disease (PD) and other α-synucleinopathies, prefibrillar α-synuclein (αS) oligomer is implicated in the pathogenesis. However, toxic αS oligomers observed usingin vitrosystems are not generally seen to be associated with α-synucleinopathyin vivo. Thus, the pathologic significance of αS oligomers to αS neurotoxicity is unknown. Herein, we show that, αS that accumulate within endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/microsome forms toxic oligomers in mouse and human brain with the α-synucleinopathy. In the mouse model of α-synucleinopathy, αS oligomers initially form before the onset of disease and continue to accumulate with the disease progression. Significantly, treatment of αS transgenic mice with Salubrinal, an anti-ER stress compound that delays the onset of disease, reduces ER accumulation of αS oligomers. These results indicate that αS oligomers with toxic conformation accumulate in ER, and αS oligomer-dependent ER stress is pathologically relevant for PD.
Hippocampal Dynamics Predict Interindividual Cognitive Differences in Rats
Authors: Hok Vincent , Chah Ehsan , Reilly Richard B. , O'Mara Shane M.
Published: March 2012

There are important and sustained interindividual differences in cognition during aging. Here, we investigated hippocampal spatial representations in a rat model of cognitive aging characterized by individual differences in a mnemonic task. Individual cognitive capabilities in old rats were assessed in a delayed non-matching-to-position task. We recorded hippocampal CA1 place cells as the rats explored a familiar environment. Unlike the usual place cells commonly described in the literature, we found that a significant fraction of pyramidal neurons recorded in our study showed a substantial delayed onset of their place field activity. We established that this firing onset delay naturally occurs under basal conditions in old rats and is positively correlated with the remapping status of the animals. The lack of firing during the first few hundred seconds after the animals were introduced into a familiar environment was also associated with an increased locomotion in the remapping rats. This delayed activity is central to understanding the individual basis of age-related cognitive impairment and to resolving numerous discrepancies in the literature on the place cell contribution to the etiology of aged-related decline. Finally, we also found a positive correlation between the degree of firing variability of place cells (“overdispersion”) and performance during the long delays in the delayed non-matching-to-position task. Place cell overdispersion might provide the functional basis for interindividual differences in behavior and cognition.
Ocorrência e controle de lesmas do gênero Omalonyx (Gastropoda, Succineidae), pragas de capim-elefante Pennisetum purpureum (Poaceae) em Rio Preto da Eva, Amazonas
Authors: Garcia Marcos Vinicius Bastos , Arruda Janine Oliveira , Pimpão Daniel Mansur , Garcia Terezinha Batista
Published: March 2012

Lesmas do gênero Omalonyx d'Orbigny, 1837 são hermafroditas, herbívoras, de distribuição neotropical e vivem em plantas aquáticas, nas demais vegetações adjacentes e em solo úmido próximo a ambientes de água doce. No presente trabalho reporta-se a ocorrência atípica de O. pattersonae Tillier, 1981 e de Omalonyx sp. em área de terra firme, distante de ambiente aquático. Estas espécies aqui reportadas são simpátricas e devido à alta densidade populacional e prejuízos causados às folhas do capim-elefante Pennisetum purpureum Schumach, são caracterizadas como pragas agrícolas. No período da noite as lesmas se alimentavam das folhas do capim elefante e durante o dia permaneciam escondidas na base do caule, próximo a superfície úmida do solo. A aplicação de cal hidratada sobre agregados de indivíduos de Omalonyx spp foi um método efetivo para o controle das populações. As alterações ambientais dos ecossistemas amazônicos para uso agrícola e/ou urbanização tem promovido o aumento populacional de espécies que se adaptam a novos habitats e geralmente se tornam pragas de difícil controle.
Contribuições da análise do comportamento em odontopediatria
Authors: Brandenburg Olivia Justen , Haydu Verônica Bender
Published: March 2012

Controlar o comportamento de crianças durante o tratamento odontológico é um dos grandes desafios para os dentistas. A falta de cooperação infantil em odontopediatria é um tópico de debate entre pesquisadores, que buscam explicações como medo, ansiedade e experiências aversivas para o fato. Pesquisas de análise do comportamento em contextos de odontopediatria fornecem evidências de que os estímulos aversivos, com função de operações estabelecedoras, alteram o valor de outras contingências presentes no contexto odontológico, como o reforço positivo ou a distração, sendo essa uma possível razão para a dificuldade do manejo de comportamentos não-colaborativos das crianças. Uma breve revisão bibliográfica é apresentada neste trabalho, incluindo a conceituação de operações estabelecedoras, de fuga e de esquiva. Além disso, é feita uma análise da função das operações estabelecedoras no contexto odontopediátrico, sugerindo-se que elas estabelecem condições para a manutenção da não-colaboração de crianças nos consultórios odontológicos. Também são discutidas possibilidades de intervenção com contingências que diminuem as propriedades aversivas da situação.
Las instituciones educativas y la comunidad frente al maltrato infantil: una experiencia de investigación acción participativa
Authors: Barrera María Dilia Mieles , Espitia María Victoria Gaitán , Gaitán Renán Cepeda
Published: March 2012

La investigación "Diagnóstico del Maltrato Infantil en la Comuna 8 del Distrito de Santa Marta", financiada por el Fondo Patrimonial para el Desarrollo de la Investigación de la Universidad del Magdalena (Santa Marta, Colombia) y desarrollada por el Grupo de Investigación en Educación Infantil, caracteriza las formas de maltrato infantil (MI) más frecuentes en esta zona de la ciudad y describe el papel de las instituciones educativas y la comunidad frente a esta problemática. La metodología Investigación-Acción-Participativa (IAP) permitió movilizar la sociedad civil, instituciones educativas y organizaciones gubernamentales para trabajar en el diagnóstico y prevención. Se encontraron todas las formas de maltrato caracterizadas y los principales maltratadores se reconocieron como pertenecientes al grupo familiar. Se identificaron factores protectores en las familias, la comunidad y el Estado. La extrema pobreza y el bajo nivel educativo propician el maltrato y originan condiciones de vida injustas para la infancia, violación de sus derechos y grave daño en su desarrollo integral. Se recomienda: i) Desarrollar estrategias de formación y prevención con las familias y la comunidad para disminuir la violencia intrafamiliar y escolar; ii) que las instituciones educativas intervengan con una activa función preventiva; iii) organizar programas de apoyo social, económico y psicológico, que mejoren la calidad de vida de las familias y contribuyan a la protección de la infancia, con apoyo de universidades, organismos oficiales e institucionales, iv) difundir ampliamente los resultados visualizando la preocupante presencia del maltrato infantil y concientizando sobre su prevención.
Streptococcus pneumoniae: sensibilidade a penicilina e moxifloxacina
Authors: Rossi Flávia , Franco Maria Renata Gomes , Rodrigues Heleni Mota de Pina , Andreazzi Denise
Published: March 2012

OBJETIVO: Determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) de penicilina parenteral e moxifloxacina contra cepas de Streptococcus pneumoniae isoladas em um centro hospitalar. Métodos: Estudo in vitro prospectivo de 100 isolados de S. pneumoniae coletados de pacientes tratados entre outubro de 2008 e julho de 2010 no complexo do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, em São Paulo (SP). Os isolados foram obtidos de culturas do trato respiratório e de amostras de sangue não relacionadas a infecções meníngeas e foram testados quanto à suscetibilidade a penicilina e moxifloxacina por E test. As interpretações categóricas de CIM foram baseadas em padrões atualizados. RESULTADOS: Todos os isolados foram suscetíveis a penicilina parenteral (CIM < 2 µg/mL) e, consequentemente, eram também suscetíveis a amoxicilina, ampicilina, cefalosporinas de terceira e quarta geração e ertapenem. Quanto à moxifloxacina, 99% das cepas de S. pneumoniae também foram suscetíveis, e somente uma teve CIM = 1,5 µg/mL (intermediário). Conclusões: Nossos resultados mostraram altas taxas de sensibilidade a penicilina parenteral e moxifloxacin nos isolados de S. pneumoniae não relacionados a meningite, o que difere de relatos internacionais. Relatos sobre resistência a penicilina devem ser baseados em pontos de corte atualizados para isolados não relacionados a meningite a fim de guiar a escolha terapêutica antimicrobiana e melhorar a predição dos desfechos clínicos.
Ressonância magnética de pulmão: um novo passo no estudo das doenças pulmonares
Authors: Hochhegger Bruno , Marchiori Edson , Irion Klaus , Souza Jr Arthur Soares , Volkart Jackson , Rubin Adalberto S
Published: March 2012

A ressonância magnética (RM) de pulmão progrediu tremendamente nos últimos anos. Devido a melhorias na velocidade e na qualidade de imagens, a RM de pulmão hoje está pronta para a utilização clínica de rotina. A principal vantagem da RM de pulmão é a sua combinação exclusiva de avaliação estrutural e funcional em uma única sessão de imagens. Revisamos aqui as três principais indicações clínicas da RM de pulmão: o estadiamento de tumores pulmonares, a avaliação de doença vascular pulmonar e a investigação de anormalidades pulmonares em pacientes que não podem ser expostos à radiação.
Herbivory, growth rates, and habitat specialization in tropical tree lineages: implications for Amazonian beta‐diversity
Authors: Lamarre Greg P. A. , Baraloto Christopher , Fortunel Claire , Dávila Nallarett , Mesones Italo , Rios Julio Grandez , Ríos Marcos , Valderrama Elvis , Pilco Magno Vásquez , Fine Paul V. A.
Published: March 2012

Tropical plant diversity is extraordinarily high at both local and regional scales. Many studies have demonstrated that natural enemies maintain local diversity via negative density dependence, but we know little about how natural enemies influence beta‐diversity across habitats and/or regions. One way herbivores could influence plant beta‐diversity is by driving allocation trade‐offs that promote habitat specialization across resource gradients. We therefore predicted that increasing resource availability should be accompanied by increasing herbivory rates and decreasing plant allocation to defense. Second, relative abundances within plant lineages are predicted to reflect patterns of habitat specialization and allocation trade‐offs. A phylogenetic context is vital not only to compare homologous plant traits (including defense strategies) across habitat types, but also to connect evolutionary trade‐offs to patterns of species diversification in each phylogenetic lineage.

We tested these predictions for trees in white‐sand, clay terra firme, and seasonally flooded forests in Peru and French Guiana that represent the range of soil fertility, forest structure, and floristic compositions found throughout the Amazon region. We established 74 0.5‐ha plots in these habitats and sampled all trees. Within 12 representative plots we marked newly expanding leaves of 394 saplings representing 68 species, including the most abundant species in each plot in addition to species from five focal lineages: Swartzia and Inga (Fabaceae), Protieae (Burseracaeae), Bombacoideae (Malvaceae), and Micropholis (Sapotaceae). We measured total leaf production rates for each sapling and calculated relative herbivory impact as the ratio between herbivory rate and leaf production rate.

Herbivory rates averaged 2.1% per month, did not correlate with leaf production rate, and were similar across habitats. Relative herbivore impacts exceeded leaf production rates for most species. Leaf production rate averaged 2.8%, was significantly higher in seasonally flooded forests than the other two habitats, and exhibited significant correlations with specific leaf area. Species with high herbivory rates exhibited significantly lower relative abundances in terra firme forests. Overall, focal species within lineages present contrasting patterns regarding their herbivory rates and leaf production rate within habitats. These results highlight why a lineage‐based approach is necessary when attempting to connect hypotheses regarding evolutionary trade‐offs to community assembly patterns.
Shocks to the system: community assembly of the oak savanna in a 40‐year fire frequency experiment
Authors: Cavender-Bares Jeannine , Reich Peter B.
Published: March 2012

Fire is a major force driving the evolution of plants and the structure and function of ecosystems globally. It thus likely operates as an important environmental filter that selects for species that have evolved to tolerate and depend on fire. Across a 40‐year experimental fire gradient from frequently burned open savanna to unburned dense woodland in Minnesota, USA, we examined the relationships among community assembly, evolutionary history, and functional trait composition. Close relatives had similar abundance patterns across the fire gradient, providing evidence for phylogenetic conservatism in fire adaptation and highlighting the importance of shared ancestry in predicting species responses to fire.

Phylogenetic beta diversity was greatest between the most extreme fire treatments across the gradient, indicating that species in the most contrasting fire regimes were most distantly related. Fire strongly influenced diversity, co‐occurrence patterns, and leaf trait means and variances within communities. The most frequently burned communities had the highest species richness, exhibited the most resource‐conservative leaf traits, and spanned the greatest number of phylogenetic lineages but harbored more close relatives within those lineages than other communities. In contrast, unburned communities had the lowest species diversity, the most acquisitive leaf traits, and the fewest phylogenetic lineages, but close relatives co‐occurred less frequently. The largest difference in abundance between treatments occurred within the Rosales, Asteraceae, Vitaceae, and the Poaceae; woody Rosales were strongly selected for in unburned communities, while composites and grasses of the Poaceae were strongly selected for under frequent burning.

A major climatic perturbation of consecutive hot, dry summers in the late 1980s prompted a significant shift in the functional and phylogenetic composition of communities. Greater than expected turnover in species composition occurred following the drought years, and then again during the subsequent five‐year rebound period. Just after the drought year, turnover was greatest among recently diverged taxa, whereas during the rebound period turnover was greater among taxa that diverged deep in the phylogeny. The drought years also caused a short‐term shift in functional traits, including declines in specific leaf area and leaf nitrogen content and an increase in leaf length. These results indicate that the phylogenetic and functional trait composition of communities are responsive both to fire gradients and to shocks to the system, such as climatic perturbation.
Stress Augments Insulin Resistance and Prothrombotic State
Authors: Uchida Yasuhiro , Takeshita Kyosuke , Yamamoto Koji , Kikuchi Ryosuke , Nakayama Takayuki , Nomura Mieko , Cheng Xian Wu , Egashira Kensuke , Matsushita Tadashi , Nakamura Hideo , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: March 2012

Stressors contribute to thrombosis and insulin resistance. Since obesity-related adipose inflammation is also involved in these pathological states, we assumed that stress correlates with adipose inflammation. Male mice were subjected to 2-week intermittent restraint stress. Expression of plasma lipids, monocyte/macrophage markers (CD11b, CD68, and F4/80), proinflammatory cytokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1], tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6), adiponectin, heat shock protein 70.1 (HSP70.1), and coagulation factors (plasminogen activation inhibitor-1 [PAI-1] and tissue factor [TF]) in blood and inguinal white adipose tissue (WAT) was determined using immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and RT-PCR, respectively. Glucose metabolism was assessed by glucose tolerance tests (GTTs) and insulin tolerance tests, and expression of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in WAT. To examine effects of MCP-1 blockade, animals were treated with control or neutralizing antibody, or transplanted with control or 7ND (dominant-negative form of MCP-1)-overexpressing adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs). Stress increased monocyte accumulation, free fatty acids, proinflammatory cytokine, and HSP70.1 and reduced adiponectin. Adipose stromal cells highly expressed MCP-1. The stress-induced adipose inflammation increased PAI-1 and TF but did not give rise to thrombus formation. Without any changes in GTT, stress worsened insulin sensitivity and decreased IRS-1 and GLUT4 in WAT. Neutralizing antibody and 7ND-ADSCs reversed stress-induced adipose inflammation, procoagulant state, and insulin resistance. Stress evoked adipose inflammation to increase coagulation factors and impair insulin sensitivity through adipose-derived MCP-1.
Placental Adiponectin Gene DNA Methylation Levels Are Associated With Mothers’ Blood Glucose Concentration
Authors: Bouchard Luigi , Hivert Marie-France , Guay Simon-Pierre , St-Pierre Julie , Perron Patrice , Brisson Diane
Published: March 2012

Growing evidence suggests that epigenetic profile changes occurring during fetal development in response to in utero environment variations could be one of the mechanisms involved in the early determinants of adult chronic diseases. In this study, we tested whether maternal glycemic status is associated with the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) DNA methylation profile in placenta tissue, in maternal circulating blood cells, and in cord blood cells. We found that lower DNA methylation levels in the promoter of ADIPOQ on the fetal side of the placenta were correlated with higher maternal glucose levels during the second trimester of pregnancy (2-h glucose after the oral glucose tolerance test; rs ≤ −0.21, P < 0.05). Lower DNA methylation levels on the maternal side of the placenta were associated with higher insulin resistance index (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (rs ≤ −0.27, P < 0.05). Finally, lower DNA methylation levels were associated with higher maternal circulating adiponectin levels throughout pregnancy (rs ≤ −0.26, P < 0.05). In conclusion, the ADIPOQ DNA methylation profile was associated with maternal glucose status and with maternal circulating adiponectin concentration. Because adiponectin is suspected to have insulin-sensitizing proprieties, these epigenetic adaptations have the potential to induce sustained glucose metabolism changes in the mother and offspring later in life.
Sustained Antidiabetic Effects of a Berberine-Containing Chinese Herbal Medicine Through Regulation of Hepatic Gene Expression
Authors: Zhao Hai-Lu , Sui Yi , Qiao Chun-Feng , Yip Kevin Y. , Leung Ross K.K. , Tsui Stephen K.W. , Lee Heung-Man , Wong Harriet K.T. , Zhu Xun , Siu Jennifer J. , He Lan , Guan Jing , Liu Li-Zhong , Xu Hong-Xi , Tong Peter C.Y. , Chan Juliana C.N.
Published: March 2012

Diabetes and obesity are complex diseases associated with insulin resistance and fatty liver. The latter is characterized by dysregulation of the Akt, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and IGF-I pathways and expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). In China, multicomponent traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat diabetes for centuries. In this study, we used a three-herb, berberine-containing TCM to treat male Zucker diabetic fatty rats. TCM showed sustained glucose-lowering effects for 1 week after a single-dose treatment. Two-week treatment attenuated insulin resistance and fatty degeneration, with hepatocyte regeneration lasting for 1 month posttreatment. These beneficial effects persisted for 1 year after 1-month treatment. Two-week treatment with TCM was associated with activation of AMPK, Akt, and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)1 pathways, with downregulation of miR29-b and expression of a gene network implicated in cell cycle, intermediary, and NADPH metabolism with normalization of CYP7a1 and IGFBP1 expression. These concerted changes in mRNA, miRNA, and proteins may explain the sustained effects of TCM in favor of cell survival, increased glucose uptake, and lipid oxidation/catabolism with improved insulin sensitivity and liver regeneration. These novel findings suggest that multicomponent TCM may be a useful tool to unravel genome regulation and expression in complex diseases.
A Novel Method to Measure Glucose Uptake and Myosin Heavy Chain Isoform Expression of Single Fibers From Rat Skeletal Muscle
Authors: MacKrell James G. , Cartee Gregory D.
Published: March 2012

Skeletal muscle includes many individual fibers with diverse phenotypes. A barrier to understanding muscle glucose uptake at the cellular level has been the absence of a method to measure glucose uptake by single fibers from mammalian skeletal muscle. This study’s primary objective was to develop a procedure to measure glucose uptake by single fibers from rat skeletal muscle. Rat epitrochlearis muscles were incubated ex vivo with [3H]-2-deoxy-d-glucose, with or without insulin or AICAR, before isolation of ~10–30 single fibers from each muscle. Fiber type (myosin heavy chain [MHC] isoform) and glucose uptake were determined for each single fiber. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (which was cytochalasin B inhibitable) varied according to MHC isoform expression, with ~2-fold greater values for IIA versus IIB or IIX fibers and ~1.3-fold greater for hybrid (IIB/X) versus IIB fibers. In contrast, AICAR-stimulated glucose uptake was ~1.5-fold greater for IIB versus IIA fibers. A secondary objective was to assess insulin resistance of single fibers from obese versus lean Zucker rats. Genotype differences were observed for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and inhibitor κB (IκB)-β abundance in single fibers (obese less than lean), with decrements for glucose uptake (44–58%) and IκB-β (25–32%) in each fiber type. This novel method creates a unique opportunity for future research focused on understanding muscle glucose uptake at the cellular level.
More results in polychromatic Ramsey theory
Authors: Abraham Uri , Cummings James
Published: March 2012

We study polychromatic Ramsey theory with a focus on colourings of [ω
2]2. We show that in the absence of GCH there is a wide range of possibilities. In particular each of the following is consistent relative to the consistency of ZFC: (1) 2ω = ω
2 and
$\omega _2 \to ^{poly} (\alpha )_{\aleph _0 - bdd}^2 $
for every α <ω
2; (2) 2ω = ω
2 and
$\omega _2 \nrightarrow ^{poly} (\omega _1 )_{2 - bdd}^2 $
.
Fatty acid and phytosterol contents of some Romanian wild and cultivated berry pomaces
Authors: Dulf Francisc , Andrei Sanda , Bunea Andrea , Socaciu Carmen
Published: March 2012

The total oil content and composition of fatty acids and phytosterols of five Transylvanian (Romania) pomaces of wild and cultivated blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), wild cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus), and cultivated black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), were determined by capillary gas chromatography. Out of the five pomace oils, the percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ranged from 37 % to 69 %. The lipid classes analysed (PLs — polar lipids, TGs — triacylglycerols, SEs — sterol esters) were separated and identified using thin-layer chromatography. TGs showed the highest PUFAs content (ranging from 41.9 % to 72.5 %) and PUFAs/SFAs (saturated fatty acids) ratios (in the range of 5.8–33.1 %). In the case of PL and SE fractions, the levels of SFA were significantly higher than in TGs. The total amount of sterols was in the range of 101.6–168.2 mg per 100 g of lipids of the pomaces analysed. The predominant phytosterols were β-sitosterol, stigmastanol + isofucosterol, and campesterol. The results indicated that the investigated pomace oils, due to their good balance between n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (except for chokeberry) and high β-sitosterol content, could be excellent sources of PUFAs and phytosterols, thus suggesting potential value-added utilisation of berry waste oils for preparing functional foods or food supplements.
On a predictive scheme for colour image quantization
Authors: Hu Y. , Chen W. , Lo C. , Wu C.
Published: March 2012

In this paper we proposed an improved colour image quantization scheme based on predictive coding. Since the neighbouring colour pixels are quite similar in most colour images, the similarity among the encoded pixels is exploited. In the proposed scheme the encoded distinct neighbouring colours are collected to form a smaller state-palette. If the closest colour in the state-palette is quite similar to the current encoding colour pixel, the index of the closest colour in the state-palette is recorded. Otherwise, the closest colour in original colour palette for the current encoding colour pixel is searched and the corresponding index is recorded. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves good image qualities while requiring much lower bit rates for colour image compression.
Sub-THz radiation room temperature sensitivity of long-channel silicon field effect transistors
Authors: Sizov F. , Golenkov A. , But D. , Sakhno M. , Reva V.
Published: March 2012

Room temperature operating n-MOSFETs (n-type metal-oxide silicon field effect transistors) used for registration of sub-THz (sub-terahertz) radiation in the frequency range ν = 53−145 GHz are considered. n-MOSFETs were manufactured by 1-μm Si CMOS technology applied to epitaxial Si-layers (d ≈15 μm) deposited on thick Si substrates (d = 640 μm). It was shown that for transistors with the channel width to length ratio W/L = 20/3 μm without any special antennas used for radiation input, the noise equivalent power (NEP) for radiation frequency ν ≈76 GHz can reach NEP ∼6×10−10 W/Hz1/2. With estimated frequency dependent antenna effective area Sest for contact wires considered as antennas, the estimated possible noise equivalent power NEPpos for n-MOSFET structures themselves can be from ∼15 to ∼103 times better in the specral range of ν ∼55–78 GHz reaching NEPpos ≈10−12 W/Hz1/2.
Properties of a-Si:N:H films beneficial for silicon solar cells applications
Authors: Swatowska B. , Stapiński T. , Zimowski S.
Published: March 2012

Amorphous silicon-nitride thin films a-Si:N:H were obtained by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) method from SiH4+NH3 at 13.56 MHz. The process parameters were chosen to obtain the films of properties suitable for optoelectronic and mechanical applications. FTIR analysis of a-Si:N:H films indicated the presence of numerous hydrogen bonds (Si-H and N-H) which passivate structural defects in multicrystalline silicon and react with impurities. The morpho-logical investigations show that the films are homogeneous. The deposition of a-Si:N:H layers leads to the decrease in friction coefficient of used substrates. Optical properties were optimised to obtain the films of low effective reflectivity, large energy gap Eg from 2.4 to 2.9 eV and refractive index in the range of 1.9 to 2.2. Reduction of friction coefficient for monocrystalline silicon after covering with a-Si:N:H films was observed: from 0.25 to 0.18 for 500 cycles.
Construction of Master Recession Curve Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Gregor Miloš , Malík Peter
Published: March 2012

Construction of Master Recession Curve Using Genetic Algorithms

The article describes a new methodology of using genetic algorithms to assemble a natural time series of discharge recession, from which a master recession curve can be interpreted both for streams and for springs. Presented approach can avoid obstacles such as limited time-series datasets, incomplete recessions or too many recessionary segments in many recession series, different time intervals of observations (daily or weekly frequencies). Short time-series intervals, imprecise or mistaken measurements and different types of datasets (averaged or directly measured data) are taken into account as well. Even rough measurements of discharges with inaccurate sensing range can be analysed, if sufficiently long observation is available. Complicated hydrograph shapes in the case of e.g. karstic springs (often caused by combination of laminar and turbulent discharge sub-regimes due to karst network settings) can be processed as well. Subsequent construction of master recession curve is much easier an offers better conditions for its interpretation. Presented algorithm was already implemented to a programme solution, completed on the user form.
Linkage Between In-Stream Total Phosphorus and Land Cover in Chugoku District, Japan: An Ann Approach
Authors: Amiri Bahman , Sudheer K. , Fohrer Nicola
Published: March 2012

Linkage Between In-Stream Total Phosphorus and Land Cover in Chugoku District, Japan: An Ann Approach

Development of any area often leads to more intensive land use and increase in the generation of pollutants. Modeling these changes is critical to evaluate emerging changes in land use and their effect on stream water quality. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of spatial patterns in land use and population density on the water quality of streams, in case of data scarcity, in the Chugoku district of Japan. The study employed artificial neural network (ANN) technique to assess the relationship between the total phosphorous (TP) in river water and the land use in 21 river basins in the district, and the model was able to reasonably estimate the TP in the stream water. Uncertainty analysis of ANN estimates was performed using the Monte Carlo framework, and the results indicated that the ANN model predictions are statistically similar to the characteristics of the measured TP values. It was observed that any reduction in forested area or increase in agricultural land in the watersheds may cause the increase of TP concentration in the stream. Therefore, appropriate watershed management practices should be followed before making any land use change in the Chugoku district.
Remote-Sensing Based Groundwater Recharge Estimates in the Danube-Tisza Sand Plateau Region of Hungary
Authors: Szilágyi József , Kovács Ákos , Józsa János
Published: March 2012

Remote-Sensing Based Groundwater Recharge Estimates in the Danube-Tisza Sand Plateau Region of Hungary

Mean annual recharge in the Danube-Tisza sand plateau region of Hungary over the 2000-2008 period was estimated at a 1-km spatial resolution as the difference of mean annual precipitation (P) and evapotranspiration (ET). TheETrates were derived from linear transformations of the MODIS daytime land surface temperature (Ts) values with the help of ancillary atmospheric data (air temperature, humidity, and sunshine duration). The groundwater under the sand plateau receives about 75 ± 50 mm of recharge annually (the plus/minus value is the associated error, resulting from an assumed 5% error in both thePandETvalues), which is about 14 ± 9 % of the regional mean annualPvalue of 550 mm. The largest continuous region with elevated recharge rates (about 180 ± 50 mm a-1or 30 ± 8 % ofP) occur in the south-western part of the plateau due to more abundant precipitation (around 580 mm a-1), while recharge is the smallest (about 40 ± 40 mm a-1or 7 ± 7 % ofP) under forested areas. Typically, lakes, wetlands, river valleys, and certain afforested areas in the north-central part of the region act as discharge areas for groundwater.
Increasing pupil physical activity: a comprehensive professional development effort
Authors: Kulinna Pamela
Published: March 2012

Increasing pupil physical activity: a comprehensive professional development effort

Study aim: To determine if pupil physical activity and Body Mass Index classifications maintained or improved after a one-year professional development program involving both classroom and physical education teachers. Guskey's model of teacher change guided this study.

Material and methods: Indigenous children from ten schools (N = 320) in grades 3-12 from one community participated in this year-long comprehensive school change effort. Classroom (n = 31) and physical education teachers (n = 7) participated in this study as intervention (n = 27) or comparison (n = 11) teachers. Intervention teachers participated in a year-long professional development program to increase physical activity and healthy behaviour knowledge of pupils.

Results: ANOVA results for pupil physical activity (measured using pedometry) indicated that both groups of pupils (intervention and comparison) became significantly more active over time. The intervention groups' behaviour was less stable (α = 0.71) over time versus the comparison group (α = 0.86), suggesting positive behaviour changes. No significant Body Mass Index changes were found.

Conclusions: Although the intervention resulted in physical activity increases for both intervention and comparison pupils at the schools, change takes time and these initial findings show progress in increasing physical activity behaviours at school in an understudied and disadvantaged population of indigenous USA youth.
Method of convective velocity determination from dissipative range of energy spectrum
Authors: Kurasiński Tomasz , Kuncewicz Czesław , Stelmach Jacek
Published: March 2012

Method of convective velocity determination from dissipative range of energy spectrum

In the study a new proposal of convective velocity determination necessary for eddy size determination from the dissipative range in a turbulent flow in a mixer was made. The proposed quantity depends on all the mean and fluctuating velocity components. By applying convective velocity one may determine the distribution of time and linear Taylor microscale in a stirred vessel.
Effective diffusivity of moisture in low rank coal during superheated steam drying at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Pakowski Zdzisław , Adamski Robert , Kwapisz Sławomir
Published: March 2012

Effective diffusivity of moisture in low rank coal during superheated steam drying at atmospheric pressure

The effective diffusivity of water in brown coal of Bełchatów mine was experimentally determined. The experiments were performed in superheated steam at 200°C and atmospheric pressure using slightly compressed pellets of cylindrical shape. The drying and temperature curves of the sample were used to identify diffusivity. An inverse problem was formulated and solved by the finite element method for 3D axially symmetric cylindrical geometry of the sample. A satisfactory fit of the simulated curves to experimental results was obtained. The obtained dependence of effective diffusivity on moisture content and temperature may be used in designing lignite dryers.
Comparison of experimental data and numerical simulation of two-phase flow pattern in vertical minichannel
Authors: Sowiński Jarosław , Krawczyk Marek , Dziubiński Marek
Published: March 2012

Comparison of experimental data and numerical simulation of two-phase flow pattern in vertical minichannel

The aim of the study was the implementation of a numerical simulation of the air-water two-phase flow in the minichannel and comparing results obtained with the values obtained experimentally. To perform the numerical simulations commercial software ANSYS FLUENT 12 was used. The first step of the study was to reproduce the actual research installation as a three-dimensional model with appropriate and possible simplifications - future computational domain. The next step was discretisation of the computational domain and determination of the types of boundary conditions. ANSYS FLUENT 12 has three built-in basic models with which a two-phase flow can be described. However, in this work Volume-of-Fluid (VOF) model was selected as it meets the established requirements of research. Preliminary calculations were performed for a simplified geometry. The calculations were later verified whether or not the simplifications of geometry were chosen correctly and if they affected the calculation. The next stage was validation of the chosen model. After positive verification, a series of calculations was performed, in which the boundary conditions were the same as the starting conditions in laboratory experiments. A satisfactory description of the experimental data accuracy was attained.
The Fractional derivative rheological model and the linear viscoelastic behavior of hydrocolloids
Authors: Orczykowska Magdalena , Dziubiński Marek
Published: March 2012

The Fractional derivative rheological model and the linear viscoelastic behavior of hydrocolloids

This study was aimed at evaluating the possibility to use the Friedrich-Braun fractional derivative rheological model to assess the viscoelastic properties of xanthan gum with rice starch and sweet potato starch. The Friedrich-Braun fractional derivative rheological model allows to describe viscoelastic properties comprehensively, starting from the behaviour characteristic of purely viscous fluids to the behaviour corresponding to elastic solids. The Friedrich-Braun fractional derivative rheological model has one more virtue which distinguishes it from other models, it allows to determine the relationship between stress and strain and the impact of each of them on viscoelastic properties on the tested material. An analysis of the data described using the Friedrich-Braun fractional derivative rheological model allows to state that all the tested mixtures of starch with xanthan gum form macromolecular gels exhibiting behaviour typical of viscoelastic quasi-solid bodies. The Friedrich-Braun fractional derivative rheological model and 8 rheological parameters of this model allow to determine changes in the structure of the examined starch - xanthan gum mixtures. Similarly important is the possibility to find out the trend and changes going on in this structure as well as their causes.
The Experience the Gift in a Model of Co-Therapy
Authors: Canna Paola , Partinico Manuela
Published: March 2012

The significant social and cultural transformations which took place in recent decades brought about significant changes in the way couples interact and deal with “the risk of bonding”. The vulnerability that characterizes the couple in post-modernity is the consequence of these changes. The application of a co-therapy model with couples in crisis is based on the premise of mutual gift, which has to be understood as both an exchange of expertise and professionalism to the benefit of the couple, and as a bond of unity between co-therapists. The work that follows suggests some reflections which originate from the co-therapy model.

The novelty of this model originates from the fact that the clinical work is based on two connected and complementary aspects: a deep attention towards the patient and a deep attention towards the relationship between the co-therapists. Both of these aspects are characterized by the dimension of gift.

In this clinical model therapists transform any specific suffering lived by the couple in a positive relational experience between themselves which then becomes an example for the couple. Thus, for example, the inability to understand each other that the couple lives is contrasted by the capacity to listen to each other in a deep and authentic way by the therapists; the attitude of prevailing over each other in the couple, is counterbalanced by the therapists’ attention towards each other. And so on. This act of “overturning the limit” seems to reveal the therapeutic potential that a model of co-therapy, based on a new humanism, can offer to the clinical work with couples in crisis.