bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of limited concentrate feeding on growth and blood and serum variables, and on nutrient digestibility and gene expression of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes in dairy calves
Authors: Lohakare J. D. , van de Sand H. , Gerlach K. , Hosseini A. , Mielenz M. , Sauerwein H. , Pries M. , Südekum K.‐H.
Published: January 2011

This study elucidated the effects of limited concentrate feeding on growth, nutrient digestibility, blood profile and gene expression of gluconeogenic enzymes in the liver of dairy calves. The study utilized 36 German Holstein dairy calves (5–7 days of age) divided into two groups of 18 calves each for 150 days. Control group calves received 2 kg/(calf × day) of concentrate, whereas calves in the restricted group received only 1 kg/(calf × day). Good quality forage (mixture of maize and grass silages) was available forad libitumconsumption to both groups. The intake of milk replacer before weaning, and of concentrate were recorded daily per calf; however, the consumption of forages was quantified as daily average of the group. Body weights (BW) were recorded at start and on days 35, 70, 112 and 150. Blood and serum samples and spot urinary and faecal samples were also collected at similar time points. On days 70 and 150, liver biopsies were collected from seven animals in each group. The BW was not different between the groups at all times. Total BW gain in the control group was 124 kg as opposed to 111 kg in restricted group that led to average BW gain of 827 g/day and 739 g/day in respective groups, and the differences were significant (p = 0.018). As planned, the control group had higher concentrate and lower forage intake than the restricted group. The blood haemoglobin, haematocrit and serum variables (glucose, total protein, albumin and urea) were within the normal range in both groups, but serum glucose was higher (p < 0.05) in control than in restricted group at 70 days. There was no difference between groups in organic matter (OM) digestibility which declined (p < 0.001) with increasing age in both groups. Microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis estimated from urinary allantoin excretion increased (p < 0.001) in both groups with increasing age but was not different between groups. The mRNA expressions for the gluconeogenic enzymes, cytosolic and mitochondrial phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (EC 4.1.1.32) and pyruvate carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.1) measured by quantitative real‐time PCR in liver biopsies showed no differences between groups. Overall, restricting concentrate moderately reduced the growth intensity without affecting the normal serum and blood indices, and MCP synthesis and OM digestibility showed no differences between groups, indicating that both concentrate feeding schemes can be successfully applied.
Impacts of service learning on Irish healthcare students, educators, and communities
Authors: McMenamin Ruth , McGrath Margaret , D'Eath Maureen
Published: January 2011

This study investigated the impact of service learning on healthcare students, educators, and community partners in Ireland. Using a qualitative approach with focus groups and interviews, 38 participants' perceptions of the impact of service learning were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. The findings in relation to the students reflected previous research: service learning had the capacity to support personal development, enhance academic performance, and increase civic awareness. The primary impacts for the community partners involved accessing students and services. The educators appreciated the opportunities to link academic theory to practice and to engage with the community partners. The results identified that the evaluation of learning outcomes was challenging because of both the evolving nature and breadth of learning achieved by all the stakeholders. However, our findings suggested that some impacts of service learning are consistent between Ireland and the USA. Further research is needed to explore whether the impacts of service learning are comparable across other cultures and contexts.
Impact of 18F‐FDG‐PET in decision making for liver metastectomy of colorectal cancer
Authors: McLeish Andrew R. , Lee Sze Ting , Byrne Amanda J. , Scott Andrew M.
Published: January 2011

Background:  The ability of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) to impact on management of patients with recurrent colorectal cancer is high. However, direct impact of FDG‐PET on surgical management of patients with potentially resectable hepatic metastases is limited.

Methods:  FDG‐PET scans of patients with colorectal cancer at Austin Hospital in a 2‐year period were retrospectively evaluated. Data were collected on patient demographics, scan indication and sites of disease pre‐ and post‐PET. Results of standard imaging tests and FDG‐PET scans were analysed. The potential impact of FDG‐PET on proposed surgical management plans was assessed by an experienced surgeon.

Results:  There were 585 FDG‐PET scans performed on 470 patients (309M : 161F, mean age 61.9 years) with colorectal cancer. Hepatic metastases were identified on standard imaging in 232 (39.7%) patients, and FDG‐PET confirmed hepatic metastasis in 203 cases, including 22 cases with new lesions, and clarified presence of disease in 34/37 (92%) cases with equivocal standard imaging. In 54 patients, FDG‐PET was performed for disease assessment before hepatic resection. FDG‐PET had substantial management plan impact in 36/54 (66.7%) patients.

Conclusions:  FDG‐PET can profoundly impact on the management plan of patients with colorectal cancer who may be suitable for hepatic metastectomy.
Safety and efficacy of trisectionectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Yanming , Sui Chengjun , Li Bin , Kan Tong , Yang Jiamei , Wu Mengchao
Published: January 2011

Background:  Right or left trisectionectomy represents the most extensive and difficult type of hepatic resection, and carries an unfavourably high morbidity and mortality. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of trisectionectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:  From January 2000 to December 2008, 35 patients with HCC were treated with trisectionectomy. The treatment outcomes of these patients were retrospectively analysed.

Results:  Twenty‐three right and 12 left trisectionectomies were performed. The overall operative morbidity and mortality were 42.8% (n= 15) and 2.8% (n= 1), respectively. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival rates were 82.9%, 51.4% and 23.8%, while the 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year disease‐free survival rates were 71.4%, 42.9% and 12.9%, respectively.

Conclusions:  With careful patient selection and meticulous surgical technique, trisectionectomy can be performed safely and is associated with long‐term survival in a subset of patients with HCC.
Microbial metatranscriptomics in a permanent marine oxygen minimum zone
Authors: Stewart Frank J. , Ulloa Osvaldo , DeLong Edward F.
Published: January 2011

Simultaneous characterization of taxonomic composition, metabolic gene content and gene expression in marine oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) has potential to broaden perspectives on the microbial and biogeochemical dynamics in these environments. Here, we present a metatranscriptomic survey of microbial community metabolism in the Eastern Tropical South Pacific OMZ off northern Chile. Community RNA was sampled in late austral autumn from four depths (50, 85, 110, 200 m) extending across the oxycline and into the upper OMZ. Shotgun pyrosequencing of cDNA yielded 180 000 to 550 000 transcript sequences per depth. Based on functional gene representation, transcriptome samples clustered apart from corresponding metagenome samples from the same depth, highlighting the discrepancies between metabolic potential and actual transcription. BLAST‐based characterizations of non‐ribosomal RNA sequences revealed a dominance of genes involved with both oxidative (nitrification) and reductive (anammox, denitrification) components of the marine nitrogen cycle. Using annotations of protein‐coding genes as proxies for taxonomic affiliation, we observed depth‐specific changes in gene expression by key functional taxonomic groups. Notably, transcripts most closely matching the genome of the ammonia‐oxidizing archaeon Nitrosopumilus maritimus dominated the transcriptome in the upper three depths, representing one in five protein‐coding transcripts at 85 m. In contrast, transcripts matching the anammox bacterium Kuenenia stuttgartiensis dominated at the core of the OMZ (200 m; 1 in 12 protein‐coding transcripts). The distribution of N. maritimus‐like transcripts paralleled that of transcripts matching ammonia monooxygenase genes, which, despite being represented by both bacterial and archaeal sequences in the community DNA, were dominated (> 99%) by archaeal sequences in the RNA, suggesting a substantial role for archaeal nitrification in the upper OMZ. These data, as well as those describing other key OMZ metabolic processes (e.g. sulfur oxidation), highlight gene‐specific expression patterns in the context of the entire community transcriptome, as well as identify key functional groups for taxon‐specific genomic profiling.
A Class of Bonferroni Inequality Indices
Authors: IMEDIO‐OLMEDO LUIS J. , BÁRCENA‐MARTÍN ELENA , PARRADO‐GALLARDO ENCARNACIÓN M.
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this paper is to propose a family of inequality measures obtained from the Bonferroni curve as a distribution function. This family characterizes the income distribution, given the mean income, as well as other families considered in this paper. Although all of the families show a clear formal analogy and are mutually determined, their elements include very different value judgments for measuring inequality and social welfare. Normative aspects are analyzed by means of the preference distributions associated to the indexes. This allows us to compare the indexes, and in some cases, rank them according to their degree of inequality aversion, as well as studying their behavior regarding different principles of transfer.
International Outsourcing, Tax, and Patent Protection
Authors: DINDA SOUMYANANDA , MUKHERJEE ARIJIT
Published: January 2011

We show the implications of strengthening patent protection in a developing country in the presence of a vertical technology transfer, which, despite its empirical relevance, did not get due attention in the literature. We show that if there is imperfect knowledge spillover under a weak patent protection, a strong patent protection in the developing country increases the profit of the developed‐country firm if there is a uniform tax rate in the developing country. However, if there is either perfect knowledge spillover under weak patent protection or discriminatory tax policy in the developing country, the profits of the developed‐country firms are the same under weak and strong patent protections in the developing countries.
A novel method for extracting respiration rate and relative tidal volume from infrared thermography
Authors: Lewis Gregory F. , Gatto Rodolfo G. , Porges Stephen W.
Published: January 2011

In psychophysiological research, measurement of respiration has been dependent on transducers having direct contact with the participant. The current study provides empirical data demonstrating that a noncontact technology, infrared video thermography, can accurately estimate breathing rate and relative tidal volume across a range of breathing patterns. Video tracking algorithms were applied to frame‐by‐frame thermal images of the face to extract time series of nostril temperature and to generate breath‐by‐breath measures of respiration rate and relative tidal volume. The thermal indices of respiration were contrasted with criterion measures collected with inductance plethysmography. The strong correlations observed between the technologies demonstrate the potential use of facial video thermography as a noncontact technology to monitor respiration.
FRET studies of lipid‐protein aggregates related to amyloid‐like fibers
Authors: Coutinho Ana , Loura Luís M. S. , Prieto Manuel
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 696–701.

Acidic lipids are known to both catalyze amyloid fiber formation by amyloidogenic peptides/proteins and induce formation of ‘amyloid‐like’ fibrils by non‐amyloidogenic proteins. In this work, we describe the application of state‐of‐the‐art time‐resolved Förster resonance energy transfer methodologies to the characterization of the supramolecular structure of the aggregates formed by both a cationic peptide (hexalysyltryptophan) and a basic non‐amyloidogenic protein (lysozyme) upon their interaction with negatively‐charged fluid membranes (mixtures of zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine and anionic phosphatidylserine). It was concluded that both the peptide and protein induce the formation of multistacked lipid bilayers. Furthermore, upon using conditions that are described in the literature to cause the formation of amyloid‐like fibers, lysozyme was found to induce the formation of a ‘pinched lamellar’ structure, with reduced interbilayer distance in the regions where there is bound protein, and increased interbilayer distance (stabilized by hydration repulsion) outside these areas. No significant lateral domains (lipid demixing) were induced in the membrane by either the cationic peptide or lysozyme.
Age‐dependent spatial segregation of synaptobrevin 2‐containing vesicles in astrocytes
Authors: Losón Oliver C. , Ha Chang Man , Parpura Vladimir
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 909–915.

Astrocytes possess much of the same exocytotic protein machinery as neurons do and can release various gliotransmitters stored in their secretory vesicles. An essential component of this exocytotic machinery is the vesicle‐associated membrane protein synaptobrevin 2 (Sb2). In order to assess whether vesicular age plays a role in determining the intracellular location of vesicles in astrocytes, we generated a fluorescent chimeric form of Sb2. We appended the Sb2 cytosolic N‐terminus with the fluorescent ‘timer’ protein DsRedE5, which changes its fluorescence emission from green to red as it ages. We found that Sb2‐containing vesicles in astrocytes segregate and localize intracellularly in an age dependent manner. Younger vesicles predominately localize at the periphery of cell somata and processes, while older vesicles predominately locate at the central portion of the cell body. These findings raise the notion that there might be differential astrocyte‐neuron signaling at sites away or at the tripartite synapse that could be modulated by the age of vesicles and/or their cargo.
Cell surface sphingolipid glycohydrolases in neuronal differentiation and aging in culture
Authors: Aureli Massimo , Loberto Nicoletta , Lanteri Patrizia , Chigorno Vanna , Prinetti Alessandro , Sonnino Sandro
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 891–899.

Qualitative and quantitative changes in glycosphingolipids, together with changes in the expression of the corresponding glycosyltransferases, have been reported along neuronal differentiation and aging. Plasma membrane (PM) glycosphingolipid pattern and content are the result of a complex network of metabolic pathways, including those potentially involving the activity of PM glycohydrolases. We analyzed the total cell activities of sialyltransferase I, II and IV, sialidase, β‐galactosidase and β‐glucosidase, and the PM‐associated activities of sialidase Neu3, β‐galactosidase, Conduritol B Epoxide‐sensitive β‐glucosidase and β‐glucosidase GBA2 in rat cerebellar granule cells along differentiation and aging in culture. Sialyltransferase activities increased during cell differentiation, in agreement with the known increase of the total ganglioside content during neuronal maturation. The remodeling of ganglioside pattern could be because of the augmented activities of total sialidase and, within PM, to the action of the cell surface associated sialidase Neu3. Sialidase activities remained high during aging, in agreement with the known progressive ganglioside reduction in brain senescence. As PM β‐galactosidase and β‐glucosidase activities and parallely ceramide levels markedly increased along in vitro aging, PM ceramide production in neurons might be because of local catabolism of glycosphingolipids and not only to that of sphingomyelin, as already reported in human fibroblasts.
Nanoscale structural response of ganglioside‐containing aggregates to the interaction with sialidase
Authors: Del Favero Elena , Brocca Paola , Motta Simona , Rondelli Valeria , Sonnino Sandro , Cantu′ Laura
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 833–839.

It is well known that the curvature of ganglioside‐containing nanoparticles strongly depends on their headgroup structure, as determined in aggregates with ‘stationary’ composition, that is, when the system finds its optimal structure at the moment of lipid dissolution in aqueous solution. In the present work, we directly followed the structural change in model aggregates, induced by on‐line molecular modification of already‐packed gangliosides, namely the one brought about by a sialidase, acting on the ganglioside GD1a and leading to the lower‐curvature‐aggregating GM1. We applied small‐angle X‐ray and neutron scattering techniques to follow the time evolution of the aggregate structure. We found that, while chemically undergoing the enzymatic action in both cases, the aggregated structure could be either very stable, in single component systems, or structurally responsive, in mixed model systems. Moreover, while in progress, the sialidase–ganglioside interaction seems to define a time lag where the system is structurally off the smooth route between the initial and the final states. We hypothesize that, in this time lag, the local structure could be very sensitive to the environment and eventually readdressed to a specific final structural fate.
Isolation of nano–meso scale detergent resistant membrane that has properties expected of lipid ‘rafts’
Authors: Morris Roger J. , Jen Angela , Warley Alice
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 671–678.

This review assesses problems that confound attempts to isolate ‘raft’ domains from cell membranes, focusing in particular upon the isolation of detergent resistant membrane (DRM). Despite its widespread use, this technique is rightly viewed with skepticism by many membrane biochemists and biophysics for reasons that include the inability to isolate DRMs at 37°C, the temperature at which their lipids are supposed to be ordered and so exclude detergents. If solubilization is done in an ionic buffer that preserves the lamellar phase of the metastable inner leaflet lipids, DRMs can readily be isolated at 37°C, and these have many properties expected of lipid rafts. However, to date these DRMs have remained somewhat larger than current concepts of rafts. We describe an adaptation of this method that purifies nano–meso scale DRMs, and could be a significant step towards purifying the membrane of individual ‘rafts’.
Glycoconjugates in the mammalian auditory system
Authors: Go Shinji , Yoshikawa Misato , Inokuchi Jin‐ichi
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 756–763.

Cell‐surface glycoconjugates, such as proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and glycosphingolipids have been suggested to serve important functions in hearing because of their variety and their specific expression patterns during the development and maturation of cochlea. However, there has been no definitive proof regarding their involvement in auditory functions. In this study, we provide an overview of the expression of glycoconjugates in auditory systems and consider their possible involvement in hearing functions. We include our recent findings regarding deafness in ganglioside (sialic acid containing glycosphingolipids)‐deficient mice, and address the importance of functional glycobiology in auditory systems.
Atypical pharmacokinetics of atazanavir in an HIV‐1‐infected patient
Authors: Cattaneo Dario , Meraviglia Paola , Cozzi Valeria , Baldelli Sara , Milani Greta , Clementi Emilio
Published: January 2011

An HIV‐infected patient with very low atazanavir (ATV) plasma trough concentrations despite clinical signs of poor drug tolerability was described. By therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), the authors found that the patient had an atypical ATV pharmacokinetics characterized by rapid drug absorption followed by very fast drug clearance probably attributable to his genetic background. This case underlines the importance of traditional and pharmacogenetic‐based TDM for the individualization of ATV therapy in HIV‐1 patients.
Pharmacotherapy of polycystic ovary syndrome – an update
Authors: Saha Lekha , Kaur Sharonjeet , Saha Pradip Kumar
Published: January 2011

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a persisting challenge to clinical and basic research scientists as none of the presently available medications have been fully able to combat these consequences. The aim of the present review is to summarize the different lines of treatment available for the different symptomologies that women with PCOS presents. In this comprehensive review, search was made for various treatment options available for PCOS by using Cochrane library, Pubmed, Medline, in addition to the relevant printed medical journals and periodicals. The search results revealed that oral contraceptives containing oestrogen and progesterone regularize the menstruation, antiandrogens like spironolactone and drosperinone have proven to be effective in hirsutism and acne, clomiphene is the gold standard for ovulation induction, but multiple pregnancies and clomiphene failure add to its limitation. Hence, aromatase inhibitors like letrozole, low‐dose gondotropins, and ovarian drilling procedure have shown to be beneficial effect in clomiphene‐resistant cases. Insulin sensitizers such as metformin, thiazolidinediones, and d‐chiro‐inositol increase insulin sensitivity and improve ovulation rate. Recently, melatonin, N‐acetyl cysteine, acarbose, and statins have shown positive results in different symptomologies of PCOS. The results show that PCOS treatment constitutes varied line of treatment depending upon the clinical features with which a woman is presenting. Still, unfortunately, none of the treatments are fully able to combat the PCOS.
Riding the tide: intriguing observations of gulls resting at sea during breeding
Authors: SHAMOUN‐BARANES JUDY , BOUTEN WILLEM , CAMPHUYSEN CORNELIS JAN , BAAIJ EDWIN
Published: January 2011

Adult Lesser Black‐backed Gulls Larus fuscus were followed during the breeding season using a high‐resolution GPS tracking system. Little is known about the foraging movements of these birds and what they do when they are away from the colony. The study revealed intriguing yet infrequent behavioural patterns showing that birds would sit on the sea surface drifting passively with the tidal current for several hours, resting at sea rather than in the breeding colony. The potential function of the observed patterns is discussed as well as the relevance of these observations to other species.
Depression and epilepsy: A bidirectional relation?
Authors: Kanner Andres M.
Published: January 2011

A bidirectional relation between depressive disorders and epilepsy has been suggested by several population‐based studies and is supported by experimental studies. This article reviews the potential pathogenic mechanisms operant in both disorders that may explain such a relation. These mechanisms include a hyperactive hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and its neuroanatomic and neuropathologic complications, as well as disturbances in serotonergic, noradrenergic, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems, all of which may be interrelated.
Prevention of allergic transfusion reactions to platelets and red blood cells through plasma reduction
Authors: Tobian Aaron A.R. , Savage William J. , Tisch Daniel J. , Thoman Sandra , King Karen E. , Ness Paul M.
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: The incidence of allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) ranges from 1% to 3% of all transfusions, and they are difficult to prevent. This study evaluated whether removing plasma from apheresis platelets (APs) or red blood cells (RBCs) by concentrating or washing transfusion products can decrease the incidence of ATRs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 179 individuals who received unmanipulated and subsequently concentrated and/or washed APs was conducted. Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations was used to estimate the incident rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of ATRs.

RESULTS: The incidence of ATRs to unmanipulated APs was 5.5% (306 ATRs/5575 AP units). The incidence decreased to 1.7% (135 ATRs/4327 AP units) when individuals received concentrated APs (73% reduction; 95% CI, 65%‐79%) and 0.5% (21 ATRs/4082 AP units) when individuals received washed APs (95% reduction; 95% CI, 91%‐97%). Of the 39 individuals who received unmanipulated RBCs and subsequently washed RBCs, the incidence of ATRs decreased from 2.7% (33 ATRs/1236 RBC units) to 0.3% (2 ATRs/733 RBC units; 89.4% reduction; 95% CI, 55.5%‐97.5%). The median number of AP transfusions to first ATR was six (interquartile range [IQR], 2‐19) for unmanipulated APs and increased to 13 (IQR, 4‐32) for concentrated APs and 40 (IQR, 29‐73.5) for washed APs.

CONCLUSIONS: Concentrating APs and washing APs and RBCs substantially reduces ATRs, suggesting that the plasma component of APs and RBCs has an essential role in the etiology of ATRs.
The influence of sex and maturation on landing biomechanics: implications for anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Sigward S. M. , Pollard C. D. , Powers C. M.
Published: January 2011

During landing and cutting, females exhibit greater frontal plane moments at the knee (internal knee adductor moments or external knee abduction moments) and favor the use of the knee extensors over the hip extensors to attenuate impact forces when compared with males. However, it is not known when this biomechanical profile emerges. The purpose of this study was to compare landing biomechanics between sexes across maturation levels. One hundred and nineteen male and female soccer players (9–22 years) participated. Subjects were grouped based on maturational development. Lower extremity kinematics and kinetics were obtained during a drop‐land task. Dependent variables included the average internal knee adductor moment and sagittal plane knee/hip moment and energy absorption ratios during the deceleration phase of landing. When averaged across maturation levels, females demonstrated greater internal knee adductor moments (0.06±0.03 vs 0.01±0.02 N m/kg m; P<0.005), knee/hip extensor moment ratios (2.0±0.1 vs 1.4±0.1 N m/kg m; P<0.001) and knee/hip energy absorption ratios (2.9±0.1 vs 1.96±0.1 N m/kg m; P<0.001) compared with males. Higher knee adductor moments combined with disproportionate use of knee extensors relative to hip extensors observed in females reflect a biomechanical pattern that increases anterior cruciate ligament loading. This biomechanical strategy already was established in pre‐pubertal female athletes.
Measuring soccer skill performance: a review
Authors: Ali A.
Published: January 2011

The ability to execute skilled movement patterns efficiently and effectively is the most important aspect of soccer performance and players must apply cognitive, perceptual and motor skills to rapidly changing situations. There have been attempts to measure these parameters for talent identification (or development) purposes and skill acquisition and intervention research; the aim of this review is to examine the strengths and limitations of these tests. High levels of perceptual and cognitive skill are characteristics of those players who are able look in the right places for information and process this information efficiently before deciding on a suitable course of action. The motor skills required to successfully control, pass, dribble and shoot the ball at goal are fundamental skills of the soccer player and a variety of methods have been used to measure these aspects. The tests mentioned in this review vary in their complexity and the type of skill(s) they purport to measure. The assessment of choice must come down to a number of factors including cost, available time and space, number of athletes in the cohort and experience of researchers. Furthermore, consideration must be given to the aim(s) of the research/assessment and issues relating to validity and reliability.
Is there an interaction between BDKRB2−9/+9 and GNB3 C825T polymorphisms and elite athletic performance?
Authors: Eynon N. , Meckel Y. , Alves A. J. , Nemet D. , Eliakim A.
Published: January 2011

The −9 deletion allele in the BDKRB2 −9/+9 polymorphism was associated previously with improved endurance performance. We compared the frequency distribution of the BDKRB2 −9/+9 (rs5810761) polymorphism between athletes (n=155) of sports with different demands (endurance runners; n=74 vs sprinters; n=81) as well as between athletes of different competitive levels (elite level; n=46 vs national level; n=109). These results were compared with those of 240 non‐athletic healthy individuals. We also tested the influence of the interaction between the BDKRB2 −9/+9 and the GNB3 C825T (rs5443) genotypes in relation to endurance performance. Genotype distribution and allele frequencies were found to be similar in the endurance athlete, sprinter, and control groups (P=0.83 for genotype distribution and P=0.9 for allele frequencies). Similarly, no statistical differences were found between the subgroups of elite‐level endurance athletes and national‐level endurance athletes, or between elite‐level and national‐level sprinters (P>0.09 for all comparisons). There was no interaction between BDKRB2 −9/+9 and GNB3 C825T polymorphisms in relation to endurance performance (P=0.16 for interaction effect). In conclusion, the BDKRB2 +9/−9 polymorphism is not associated with endurance performance, at least among Israeli athletes, and the GNB3TT+BDKRB2 −9/−9 “optimal genotype” is not associated with endurance performance.
Selling androgenic anabolic steroids by the pound: identification and analysis of popular websites on the Internet
Authors: Cordaro F. G. , Lombardo S. , Cosentino M.
Published: January 2011

Internet websites offering androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) were identified and available products were examined. Keywords for the website search were: “anabolic steroids,” “anabolic steroids buy,” “anabolic steroid purchase.” The first 10 websites offering AAS in the first 10 pages of results were considered. At least two AAS‐containing products per website were selected. Thirty AAS‐selling websites were identified, mainly located in the United States (46.7%) and Europe (30%). Most websites sold other anabolic/ergogenic products (clenbuterol, 76.7%; GH/IGF, 60.0%; thyroid hormones, 46.7%; erythropoietin, 30.0%; insulin, 20.0%) or products for AAS‐related adverse effects (mainly: estrogen antagonists, 63.3%; products for erectile dysfunction, 56.7%; 5α‐reductase inhibitors, 33.3%; anti‐acne products, 33.3%). AAS were sold as medicines (69.6%) or as dietary supplements (30.4%). AAS in medicines were mainly: nandronole (20.4%), methandrostenolone (18.4%), and testosterone (12.2%). Dietary supplements contained mainly DHEA and included several fake compounds. Manufacturers were declared for 97.9% of medicines and 66.7% of dietary supplements; however, several manufacturers were not found on the Internet. Described benefits were usually few adverse effects and no estrogenicity. Toxicity was seldom reported and presented as mild. Recommended doses were two–fourfold higher than current medical recommendations. In conclusion, misleading information and deceiving practices were common findings on AAS‐selling websites, indicating their deleterious potential for public health.
Oral complications in the treatment of cancer patients
Authors: Mosel DD , Bauer RL , Lynch DP , Hwang ST
Published: January 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 550–559

While treatment for cancer in terms of chemotherapy and radiation therapy have evolved significantly since their inception, both of these cancer treatment modalities, especially if used in combination (e.g., as with head and neck cancers), have a very real potential to result in painful and debilitating adverse effects that clearly decrease quality of life and, potentially, increase mortality due to cancer. Herein, we discuss the prevalence and etiology of three broad categories of oral complications found during the treatment of cancer patients: mucositis, dysgeusia, and infectious disease. Lastly, we present therapeutic options that may be helpful in ameliorating these uncomfortable and, sometimes, life‐threatening oral complications.
Urban creep in Scotland: stakeholder perceptions, quantification and cost implications of permeable solutions
Authors: Wright G. B. , Arthur S. , Bowles G. , Bastien N. , Unwin D.
Published: January 2011

The gradual increase in impermeable surface area in urban conurbations has clear consequences for flood risk. This paper details an investigation into the impact of one element of urban creep (hardstanding/paving provision) on flood risk and water quality in Scotland. Following a review of current hardstanding practice, an extensive stakeholder consultation exercise is presented. The outcomes of this consultation clearly highlight that the installation of impermeable hardstanding in Scotland is sufficiently widespread to justify measures to discourage such development. This is confirmed by the results of a residential survey, which indicates that there has been a near quadrupling of the area of impermeable hardstanding in three typical residential areas of Edinburgh. A number of case studies are presented, and it is concluded that, although more costly, permeable hardstanding solutions offer multiple benefits to the urban drainage cycle and should be promoted through legislation, education and incentivisation. Finally, recommendations for future work are detailed.
“Passing the Buck”: Incongruence Between Gender Role and Topic Leads to Avoidance of Negotiation
Authors: Bear Julia
Published: January 2011

Avoidance of negotiation is rarely investigated, and the implicit assumption guiding much of the current negotiation research is that engagement is inevitable. In addition, compensation is typically examined, although topics related to both employment and family life are also negotiated in organizations. Two experimental studies tested hypotheses about how incongruence between gender role and negotiation topic influences the likelihood of passing off the negotiation, i.e., “passing the buck.” In study 1, women were significantly more likely to avoid a negotiation about compensation than men, and aversion partially mediated this gender difference. Study 2 revealed a significant two‐way interaction between gender and negotiation topic on avoidance. Women were significantly more likely to avoid negotiation about compensation than men; conversely, there was a trend for men to avoid negotiation about access to a lactation room, with the interaction mediated by aversion. The findings underscore the importance of both negotiation topics and avoidance.
Big Mother or Small Baby: Which Predicts Hypertension?
Authors: Filler Guido , Yasin Abeer , Kesarwani Priya , Garg Amit X. , Lindsay Robert , Sharma Ajay P.
Published: January 2011

According to the Barker hypothesis, intrauterine growth restriction and premature delivery adversely affect cardiovascular health in adult life. The association of childhood hypertension as a cardiovascular risk factor and birth weight has been understudied. In a prospective cohort study, the authors evaluated the effect of birth weight, gestational age, maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), and child BMI z score at the time of enrollment on the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) z score in 3024 (1373 women) consecutive outpatient clinic patients aged 2.05 to 18.58 years. The latest National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) was used to calculate the age‐dependent z scores. The median z scores of BMI (+0.48, range −6.96–6.64), systolic BP (+0.41, range −4.50–6.73), and diastolic BP (+0.34, range −3.15–+6.73) were all significantly greater than the NHANES III reference population. Systolic BP z score did not correlate with birth weight or gestational age, but did correlate with maternal prepregnancy BMI (r=.090, P<.0001) and BMI z score (r=.209, P<.0001). Diastolic BP z score positively correlated with birth weight (0.037, P=.044), gestational age (r=.052, P=.005), BMI z score(r=.106, P<.0001), and maternal prepregnancy BMI (r=.062, P=.0007). In contrast to what would be expected from the Barker hypothesis, the authors found no negative correlation between BP z score and birth weight or gestational age. This study suggests that a high BMI, a big mom, and a high birth weight are more important risk factors for hypertension during childhood than low birth weight or gestational age. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:35–41. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Idealization of Thin Figures and Appearance Concerns in Middle School Children
Authors: Dunn Jacquie , Lewis Vivienne , Patrick Sally
Published: January 2011

Considerable research has been conducted on adolescent body image but much less on preadolescents, even though children as young as six have been shown to be dissatisfied with their bodies. This study investigates figure preferences in 10–12‐year‐olds and the presence of body dissatisfaction and social physique anxiety (SPA) commonly seen in older ages. Sixty children were recruited from a private school in Australia, who completed a self‐report questionnaire. Results revealed that both genders nominated a significantly thinner ideal figure than they perceived their actual. As seen in the adult literature, gender differences were evident, with females higher in SPA. Results are discussed in relation to implications to prevention and intervention of body image concerns in children.
Empirical Test of an Integrative Model Explaining Higher Prevalence of Subclinical Depression in Women: A Normative Sex‐Role Orientation Approach
Authors: Huckert Thomas , Krampen Günter
Published: January 2011

Women are twice as likely to be affected by unipolar depression as men. In a sample of 137 German college students it is shown that normative sex‐role orientation (SRO) moderates gender differences in subclinical depression, using multivariate analysis of variance. Higher levels of depression in women exist only among those with traditional SRO, while women and men with liberal SRO do not differ in the amount of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, an integrative model to explain the higher amount of depression in women is tested empirically by path analysis. The model shows that gender does not have a direct effect on depression, but rather an indirect one through SRO, stressful life events and locus of control.
Unusual intramandibular plexiform shwannoma
Authors: Bavle R.M. , Thambiah L.J. , Nanda Kumar H. , Srinath N. , Paremala K. , Sudhakara M.
Published: January 2011

Background:  Schwannoma is a benign neoplasm originating from the neural sheath of peripheral soft tissues, but to occur within the jaw bones is exceptional. Plexiform schwannoma is a rare variant of Schwann cell tumour having plexiform pattern of intraneural growth with multinodularity.

Case report:  This report documents a case of a plexiform intraosseous schwannoma located in the mandible of a fifty‐four‐year old male.

Conclusion:  Although intraosseous schwannomas of the jaw bones and plexiform schwannomas of soft tissues of head and neck are documented in the recent literature; to the best of our knowledge, an intraosseous variant of plexiform schwannoma has not been reported.
Full Field Joule Heating Measurement of Copper Plate Using Phase Shifting Moire´ Interferometry in Microscopic Scale
Authors: Chen Bicheng , Basaran Cemal
Published: January 2011

Heat generated from Joule heating is an important factor in several failure mechanisms in microelectronic packaging (e.g. thermomigration, electromigration and etc) and large amount of the heat causes severe heat dissipation problem. It is further exaggerated by the continuous marching towards miniaturization of microelectronics. The techniques of measuring the Joule heating effects at the microscopic scale are quite limited especially for the full field measurement. Infrared microscopic imaging has been reported to measure the heat radiation by the Joule heating in the microscopic scale. Moire´ interferometry with phase shifting is a highly sensitive and a high resolution method to measure the in-plane full field strain. In this paper, it is demonstrated that the Joule heating effect can be measured by Moire´ interferometry with phase shifting at the microscopic scale. The copper sheet is used for the demonstration because of isotropic material property and well known thermal properties and parameters. The specimen was designed to minimize the out-of-plane strain and the strain caused by the thermal-structural effects. A finite element model was developed to verify the design of the structure of the specimen and the specimen was tested under different current density (input current from 0 to 24 A). Based on the research, a correlation relationship between the current density and the strain in two orthogonal directions (one in the direction of the current flow) was determined. The regression coefficients of the full field were analyzed. The experiment demonstrates the capability of measuring microscopic Joule heating effects by using Moire´ interferometry with phase shifting. The method can be further applied to the measurement of Joule heating effect in the microscopic solid structures in the electronic packaging devices.
Experiments and Modeling of a Liquid Droplet Transported by a Gas Stream Impinging on a Heated Surface: Single Phase Regime
Authors: Anderson Ryan P. , Ortega Alfonso
Published: January 2011

Understanding the transport mechanisms involved in a single droplet impinging on a heated surface is imperative to the complete understanding of droplet and spray cooling. Evidence in the literature shows that gas assisted droplet sprays and mist flows are more efficient than sprays consisting only of liquid droplets. In both cases, understanding the transport physics due to the heat transfer from the surface to the droplet and then by convection and evaporation to the airflow is of fundamental importance. The current work focuses on the behavior of a single droplet as it is propelled to the target by a gas jet impinging on a heated surface. The study is restricted to the single-phase regime. High-speed photography was used to capture the droplet dynamics, including the droplet spreading and receding processes, over a range of jet Reynolds numbers. The instantaneous heat transfer coefficient from the surface to the liquid droplet was measured using a heated foil technique with a constant surface heat flux. It was found that the gas jet contributes to an increase in the maximum spreading diameter and in the instantaneous heat transfer coefficient, compared to a free falling droplet impinging onto a surface. The instantaneous, maximum heat transfer coefficient is achieved at intermediate times, apparently when an optimum liquid film thickness is achieved.
Thermoelectric Assisted Adsorption Cooling Systems for Harsh Environment Electronics: Issues With Heat Regeneration
Authors: Sinha Ashish , Joshi Yogendra
Published: January 2011

Adsorption cooling systems can be made compact enough to fit into electronic enclosures by the use of Thermo-Electric (TE) devices for heat regeneration and recovery. While such systems have been studied for near room temperature cooling of electronics, their straightforward application to harsh (high temperature) environments can prove detrimental to the TE devices. Cyclic temperature variations coupled with heat pump requirements can greatly reduce the performance of a TE device. Moreover the temperature overlap between adsorption and desorption processes, that is usually desired for greater heat recovery, increases the temperature variations that a TE device has to go through. Hence in the context of using TE device to regenerate and recover heat in between the adsorbent beds, it becomes important to balance the advantages and drawbacks of thermal overlap. In the present work the suitability of temperature overlap for thermoelectric assisted heat regeneration and recovery has been theoretically examined. It was found that greater temperature overlap in between adsorption and desorption processes is not beneficial for TE device assisted heat regeneration and recovery.
Combinatorial Studies for the Minimization of Tin Whiskers Growth in Lead Free Electronics
Authors: Quintero-Aguilo´ Pedro O. , Ca´ceres-Valencia Pablo , Valenti´n Ricky , Di´az Alfredo
Published: January 2011

A combinatorial materials science method for screening potential elemental additions to mitigate tin whisker formation on Pb-free electronics is presented. This combinatorial method is demonstrated using compositional gradient libraries deposited on glass substrates. Fabrication and heat treatment of combinatorial libraries is discussed. The effectiveness of this high-throughput screening method becomes evident from the analysis of two ternary systems (W-Cr-Ni and Mo-Al-Co) deposited over a tin matrix on glass substrates. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that tin whiskers tend to nucleate and grow on samples with no compressive stresses associated with the formation of intermetallic layers. Additionally, a nickel layer between the glass and tin was found to hinder the formation of whiskers; however, the traditional argument of Ni as a diffusion barrier between Sn-Cu not longer explains the observed behavior. This combinatorial method provides a rapid assessment tool to identify potential elemental mixtures to mitigate tin whiskers while using a simple, cost effective experimental approach.
Estimation of Thermal Parameters of the Compact Electronic Enclosure Using Dynamic Thermal Response
Authors: Kim Jung-Kyun , Nakayama Wataru , Lee Sun-Kyu
Published: January 2011

A methodology for modeling and simulating the electrothermal behavior of an enclosed electronic package is presented and validated. The electro-thermal model is constructed using system dynamics. The system model, in which the electrical and the thermal domain are combined, is presented. The developed model describes the dynamic thermal behavior system that was an electronic device in the test enclosure. An effective way to identify the thermal parameters of the system, especially the thermal contact resistance, is suggested. Based on the proposed model, either the variation of the heat source or the ambient temperature can be estimated. Simulated results were in good agreement with the measured temperature in the transient state accompanying with the variation of the environment.
Thermal Policies and Active Workload Migration Within Data Centers
Authors: Bash Cullen , Hyser Chris , Hoover Christopher
Published: January 2011

Energy consumption and energy prices are two critical concerns for data center operators. In 2005, servers alone accounted for 1.2% of energy consumption in the U.S. [1]. By 2012, the EPA predicts energy consumption in data centers will double from 2007 levels. Energy prices are also increasing. In 2006, they rose by 10% [1]. Energy prices are expected to rise even higher, due to regulatory and social concerns over green house gas emissions from energy production. In this work, we demonstrate how data center energy consumption can be reduced and thermal capacity improved by systematically considering the interactions between data center infrastructure elements (e.g., cooling and servers). Specifically, we quantify the benefits of the automated migration of workloads running in Virtual Machines (VMs). VMs are migrated from a set of servers located in an inefficient thermal zone to servers in a more efficient zone. Our experimental results show that our technique reduced data center energy usage by 30% and improved available thermal capacity by 22%.