bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transplantation of expanded bone marrow‐derived very small embryonic‐like stem cells (VSEL‐SCs) improves left ventricular function and remodelling after myocardial infarction
Authors: Zuba‐Surma Ewa K. , Guo Yiru , Taher Hisham , Sanganalmath Santosh K. , Hunt Greg , Vincent Robert J. , Kucia Magda , Abdel‐Latif Ahmed , Tang Xian‐Liang , Ratajczak Mariusz Z. , Dawn Buddhadeb , Bolli Roberto
Published: July 2010

Adult bone marrow‐derived very small embryonic‐like stem cells (VSEL‐SCs) exhibit a Sca‐1+/Lin–/CD45– phenotype and can differentiate into various cell types, including cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. We have previously reported that transplantation of a small number (1 × 106) of freshly isolated, non‐expanded VSEL‐SCs into infarcted mouse hearts resulted in improved left ventricular (LV) function and anatomy. Clinical translation, however, will require large numbers of cells. Because the frequency of VSEL‐SCs in the marrow is very low, we examined whether VSEL‐SCs can be expanded in culture without loss of therapeutic efficacy. Mice underwent a 30 min. coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion and, 48 hrs later, received an intramyocardial injection of vehicle (group I, n= 11), 1 × 105 enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐labelled expanded untreated VSEL‐SCs (group II, n= 7), or 1 × 105 EGFP‐labelled expanded VSEL‐SCs pre‐incubated in a cardiogenic medium (group III, n= 8). At 35 days after myocardial infarction (MI), mice treated with pre‐incubated VSEL‐SCs exhibited better global and regional LV systolic function and less LV hypertrophy compared with vehicle‐treated controls. In contrast, transplantation of expanded but untreated VSEL‐SCs did not produce appreciable reparative benefits. Scattered EGFP+ cells expressing α‐sarcomeric actin, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)‐1, or von Willebrand factor were present in VSEL‐SC‐treated mice, but their numbers were very small. No tumour formation was observed. We conclude that VSEL‐SCs expanded in culture retain the ability to alleviate LV dysfunction and remodelling after a reperfused MI provided that they are exposed to a combination of cardiomyogenic growth factors and cytokines prior to transplantation. Counter intuitively, the mechanism whereby such pre‐incubation confers therapeutic efficacy does not involve differentiation into new cardiac cells. These results support the potential therapeutic utility of VSEL‐SCs for cardiac repair.
Substance P injections enhance tissue proliferation and regulate sensory nerve ingrowth in rat tendon repair
Authors: Carlsson O. , Schizas N. , Li J. , Ackermann P. W.
Published: July 2010

Tendon healing is characterized mostly by slow rehabilitation and, as in tendinopathy, aberrant, protracted sensory nerve ingrowth. This study investigated whether administration of the sensory neuropeptide substance P (SP) could enhance healing and modulate sensory nerve plasticity after Achilles tendon rupture. Fifty‐four male Sprague–Dawley rats were allocated to three groups, all receiving six daily injections post‐rupture of; (1) SP (10−6 mol/kg body weight)+endopeptidase inhibitors captopril and thiorphan, (2) captopril/thiorphan only and (3) saline control. At 1, 3 and 6 weeks post‐rupture tendon healing was evaluated by assessments of fibroblast proliferation, collagen III‐LI (like) occurrence, diameter of newly organized collagen and sensory nerve fiber ingrowth. At 1 week, the SP‐treated group exhibited increased occurrence of collagen III‐LI (P=0.03) and of organized collagen (P=0.04) compared with control. At 3 weeks, the SP group notably displayed reduced SP‐nerve fiber ingrowth (P=0.02), and higher fibroblast density (P=0.004). Both the SP and captopril/thiorphan groups demonstrated increase in collagen fiber organization compared with control (P=0.02 and 0.004, respectively). At 6 weeks, no significant differences were observed between the groups. SP supply in tendon repair promotes early tissue proliferation and regulation of endogenous sensory nerve ingrowth, suggesting implications for novel treatment in tendinopathy.
Attention among very low birth weight infants following early supplementation with docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acid
Authors: Westerberg Ane C , Schei Ragnhild , Henriksen Christine , Smith Lars , Veierød Marit B , Drevon Christian A , Iversen Per O
Published: July 2010

Aim:  To investigate the effect of supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) in early neonatal life on cognitive functions among human milk fed very low birth weight infants (<1500 g) at 20 months chronological age.

Methods:  Randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled intervention supplementing human milk with 0.5 mL oil (containing 32 mg DHA and 31 mg AA or placebo) per 100 mL milk from 1 week after birth until discharge from hospital (9 weeks on average). The intervention and control group included 44 and 48 children, respectively. Attention capacity was evaluated by two ‘free‐play’ sessions. General cognitive functions were evaluated by the Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI) and an Ages and Stages Questionnaire.

Results:  The results from the free‐play sessions suggested positive effects from supplementation on functions related to attention. Neither the Bayley MDI nor the Ages and Stages Questionnaire showed significant difference between the intervention and control group. Plasma DHA concentration at discharge was positively correlated with both ‘Sustained Attention’ and the Bayley MDI according to chronological age.

Conclusion:  A positive effect of early supplementation with DHA and AA on 20 months attention capacity was indicated. These findings need further investigation.
The New Atheism: Its Virtues and its Vices
Authors: Davies Brian
Published: July 2010

What follows is the text of the 2010 Aquinas Lecture delivered at the church of St Vincent Ferrer, New York. The lecture indicates what makes the so‐called new atheism new. It then offers some defense and critique of three authors: Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens. The chief criticism leveled against them is that their dismissal of theism is based on an ignorance of classical theistic thinking and the mistaken impression that ‘theism’ and ‘creationism’ are equivalent.
Work‐Related Health Limitations, Education, and the Risk of Marital Disruption
Authors: Teachman Jay
Published: July 2010

Despite progress in identifying the covariates of divorce, there remain substantial gaps in the knowledge. One of these gaps is the relationship between health and risk of marital dissolution. I extend prior research by examining the linkages between work‐related health limitations and divorce using 25 years of data (N = 7919) taken from the 1979 National Longitudinal Study of Youth (NLSY‐79). I found that work‐related health limitations among husbands, but not wives, were linked to an increased risk of divorce. In addition, I found that this relationship was moderated by education in a fashion that varies according to race. For White men, education exacerbated the effect of health limitations, but for Black men, education attenuated the effects of work‐related health limitations.
Psychosocial Well‐Being and the Relationship Between Divorce and Children's Academic Achievement
Authors: Potter Daniel
Published: July 2010

As an unprecedented number of children live in families experiencing divorce, researchers have developed increasingly complex explanations for the consequences associated with marital dissolution. Current accounts focus on changes to family finances, destabilized parenting practices, elevated parental conflict, and deterioration of the parent–child relationship, to explain the impact of divorce. A less studied explanation draws attention to children's diminished psychosocial well‐being following divorce. Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Kindergarten cohort (ECLS‐K) (N = 10,061), I examined the role of psychosocial well‐being in the relationship between divorce and children's outcomes. The results suggest that divorce is associated with diminished psychosocial well‐being in children, and that this decrease helps explain the connection between divorce and lower academic achievement.
Educational Progress and Parenting Among Mexican Immigrant Mothers of Young Children
Authors: Crosnoe Robert , Kalil Ariel
Published: July 2010

This study examined the potential for educational investments in Mexican immigrant mothers to enhance their management of their children's pathways through the educational system in the United States, which often disadvantages them. We tested this hypothesis with data on 816 Mexican immigrant women and their children from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten Cohort (ECLS‐K). The results suggest that mothers who pursued their own schooling over a 4‐year period, regardless of whether they obtained a degree, increased their engagement with their children's schools during that same period. The results appear to be robust to a wide range of factors that select women into continuing education.
Involvement of Ech hydrogenase in energy conservation of Methanosarcina mazei
Authors: Welte Cornelia , Krätzer Christian , Deppenmeier Uwe
Published: July 2010

Methanosarcina mazei belongs to the group of aceticlastic methanogens and converts acetate into the potent greenhouse gases CO2 and CH4. The aceticlastic respiratory chain involved in methane formation comprises the three transmembrane proteins Ech hydrogenase, F420 nonreducing hydrogenase and heterodisulfide reductase. It has been shown that the latter two contribute to the proton motive force. The data presented here clearly demonstrate that Ech hydrogenase is also involved in energy conservation. ATP synthesis was observed in a cytoplasm‐free vesicular system of Ms. mazei that was dependent on the oxidation of reduced ferredoxin and the formation of molecular hydrogen (as catalysed by Ech hydrogenase). Such an ATP formation was not observed in a Δech mutant strain. The protonophore 3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxybenzylidene‐malononitrile (SF6847) led to complete inhibition of ATP formation in the Ms. mazei wild‐type without inhibiting hydrogen production by Ech hydrogenase, whereas the sodium ion ionophore ETH157 did not affect ATP formation in this system. Thus, we conclude that Ech hydrogenase acts as primary proton pump in a ferredoxin‐dependent electron transport system.
Protein and mRNA content of TcDHH1‐containing mRNPs in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Holetz Fabíola B. , Alves Lysangela R. , Probst Christian M. , Dallagiovanna Bruno , Marchini Fabricio K. , Manque Patricio , Buck Gregory , Krieger Marco A. , Correa Alejandro , Goldenberg Samuel
Published: July 2010

In trypanosomatids, the regulation of gene expression occurs mainly at the post‐transcriptional level. Previous studies have revealed nontranslated mRNA in the Trypanosoma cruzi cytoplasm. Previously, we have identified and cloned the TcDHH1 protein, a DEAD box RNA helicase. It has been reported that Dhh1 is involved in multiple RNA‐related processes in various eukaryotes. It has also been reported to accumulate in stress granules and processing bodies of yeast, animal cells, Trypanosoma brucei and T. cruzi. TcDHH1 is localized to discrete cytoplasmic foci that vary depending on the life cycle status and nutritional conditions. To study the composition of mRNPs containing TcDHH1, we carried out immunoprecipitation assays with anti‐TcDHH1 using epimastigote lysates. The protein content of mRNPs was determined by MS and pre‐immune serum was used as control. We also carried out a ribonomic approach to identify the mRNAs present within the TcDHH1 immunoprecipitated complexes. For this purpose, competitive microarray hybridizations were performed against negative controls, the nonprecipitated fraction. Our results showed that mRNAs associated with TcDHH1 in the epimastigote stage are those mainly expressed in the other forms of the T. cruzi life cycle. These data suggest that mRNPs containing TcDHH1 are involved in mRNA metabolism, regulating the expression of at least epimastigote‐specific genes.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7909478: DHH1 (uniprotkb:Q4DIE1) physically interacts (MI:0915) with PABP2 (uniprotkb:Q27335) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)

MINT‐7909338: DHH1 (uniprotkb:Q4DIE1) physically interacts (MI:0914) with ATP‐dependent DEAD/H RNA helicase, putative (uniprotkb:Q4DIE1), Actin, putative (uniprotkb:Q4D7A6), Actin, putative (uniprotkb:Q4CLA9), Chaperonin HSP60, mitochondrial (uniprotkb:Q4DYP6), ATP‐dependent Clp protease subunit, heat shock protein 100 (HSP100), putative (uniprotkb:Q4CNM5), Elongation factor 2, putative (uniprotkb:Q4D5X0), Elongation factor 1‐alpha (EF‐1‐alpha), putative (uniprotkb:Q4CU73), Heat shock protein 85, putative (uniprotkb:Q4CQS6), Glutamate dehydrogenase, putative (uniprotkb:Q4DWV8), Putative uncharacterized protein (uniprotkb:Q4CNI8), 40S ribosomal protein S11, putative (uniprotkb:Q4CRH9), Sterol 24‐c‐methyltransferase, putative (uniprotkb:Q4CMB7), Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), putative (uniprotkb:Q4DTM9), Glutamate dehydrogenase, putative (uniprotkb:Q4D5C2) and Calpain‐like cysteine peptidase, putative (uniprotkb:Q4CYU3) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)

MINT‐7909469: DHH1 (uniprotkb:Q4DIE1) physically interacts (MI:0915) with PABP1 (uniprotkb:Q4E4I9) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Blood withdrawn through a cannula valve connector does not result in clinically significant haemolysis
Authors: Paoloni Richard , Taghizadeh Mehrdad , Kouzios Dorothy , Janu Margaret
Published: July 2010

Objective:  To assess the impact of cannula valve connectors on haemolysis of blood samples drawn from newly inserted cannulae.

Methods:  In a semi‐blinded, randomized study paired blood samples, with and without cannula valve connector, were obtained from patients within the ED and tested for haemolysis, defined as haemolysis index of greater than 120 mg/dL. Patients were randomized as to which sample was collected first. Cannula size was standardized and vacutainer systems provided consistent draw pressures. Time taken for the tube to fill was recorded as a measure of blood flow.

Results:  Two hundred and ninety patients were randomized, with six subsequently excluded from analysis because of samples being lost or insufficient for testing. Average patient age was 60.8 years and 52.5% were male. There were no significant differences between the randomization groups. The overall rate of haemolysis was 2.6%, being 2.8% in the valve first group and 2.5% in the no valve first group (P= 1.0). Time for collection averaged 7.7 s in the valve first group and 7.5 s in the no‐valve first group (P= 0.22). Mean serum potassium level was 4.4 mmol/L in both groups (P= 0.46). The rate of hyperkalaemia was not different between valve first and no‐valve first groups (12.7% and 13.7%, respectively, P= 1.0).

Conclusion:  The attachment of a cannula connector valve to a peripheral cannula prior to blood sampling is not associated with an increase in the rate of haemolysis or hyperkalaemia.
Pre‐Clinical Safety Evaluation of Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate
Authors: Chabicovsky Monika , Prieschl‐Grassauer Eva , Seipelt Joachim , Muster Thomas , Szolar Oliver H. J. , Hebar Alexandra , Doblhoff‐Dier Otto
Published: July 2010

Abstract:  Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) was examined for its potential in the intranasal treatment of human rhinovirus infections. Prior to clinical testing, a comprehensive non‐clinical programme was performed to evaluate the general toxicity of PDTC. The animal experiments included investigations in rodents with study durations ranging from single dose to repeated dosing over a period of 28 days. The routes of administration were intranasal, inhalative, oral and intravenous for single‐dose toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies, and intranasal for repeated dose studies. Blood and tissue samples were obtained from PDTC‐treated rats to analyse pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution. Accumulation of selected metals due to PDTC treatment was examined in liver, brain, nerves and fat tissues.
Western Households’ Water Knowledge, Preferences, and Willingness to Pay
Authors: Thorvaldson Jennifer , Pritchett James , Goemans Christopher
Published: July 2010

Water conflicts are intensifying as the population grows in the American West. Stakeholders seek a better understanding of households’ water knowledge, preferences, and willingness to pay (WTP) as they contemplate various water allocation initiatives. An Internet survey provides insight into western households’ perceptions and preferences regarding water use and management, their familiarity with water terminology, and their WTP a fee in support of eight potential water initiatives regarding water acquisition, conservation, and reallocation. Further analysis identifies factors that influence the decision. Just over half of all respondents express a WTP the fee, with an estimated median WTP among survey respondents of $15.65 per summer month. Respondents with higher self‐reported water knowledge are more likely to support the fee. The probability of supporting the fee is also influenced by respondents’ demographic characteristics and attitudes toward water scarcity and management.

Les conflits liés à l’eau s’intensifient à mesure que la population s’accroît dans l’Ouest américain. Les parties prenantes cherchent à découvrir les connaissances sur l’eau, les préférences et le consentement à payer des ménages étant donné qu’elles envisagent divers schémas d’allocation de l’eau. Un sondage en ligne a donné un aperçu des perceptions et des préférences des ménages de l’Ouest américain concernant l’utilisation et la gestion de l’eau, de leur degré de connaissance de la terminologie de l’eau et de leur consentement à payer une taxe pour appuyer huit projets éventuels d’acquisition, de conservation et de réallocation de l’eau. Une analyse plus détaillée a déterminé les facteurs qui influençaient les décisions. Un peu plus de la moitié des répondants ont indiquéêtre prêts à payer une taxe. Chez les répondants, le consentement à payer médian s’élevait à 15,65 $ par mois durant la saison estivale. Les répondants qui ont indiqué avoir de bonnes connaissances sur l’eau sont plus susceptibles d’appuyer l’imposition d’une taxe. Les caractéristiques démographiques et les attitudes des répondants envers la rareté et la gestion de l’eau influencent la probabilité d’appuyer l’imposition d’une taxe.
QUANTIFICATION OF CAROTENOID AND FLAVONOID COMPONENTS IN BRANS OF SOME THAI BLACK RICE CULTIVARS USING SUPERCRITICAL FLUID EXTRACTION AND HIGH‐PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY‐MASS SPECTROMETRY
Authors: NAKORNRIAB MUNTANA , SRISEADKA TINAKORN , WONGPORNCHAI SUGUNYA
Published: July 2010

A method employing supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS) was developed and used for quantification of the antioxidants in groups of carotenoids and flavonoids in the bran of four Thai black rice cultivars: Kao Hom Nin BD, Kao Hom Nin BT, Kao Hom Nin BT no. 3 and 1000–11–2–26. Trans‐β‐carotene, quercetin and isorhamnetin were identified in the crude yellow extracts obtained from SFE using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Their contents in the black rice bran samples were determined using LC‐ESI‐MS operated in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The response of the mass spectrometric detection in the SIM mode was linear, within the range of 1.00–40.00 µg/mL (r2 = 0.9997), 0.25–2.00 µg/mL (r2 = 0.9987) and 0.25–2.00 µg/mL (r2 = 0.9982); the limit of detection was at 0.10, 0.15 and 0.15 µg/mL, and the limit of quantitation was 0.80 g of rice bran for trans‐β‐carotene and 0.60 g of rice bran for both quercetin and isorhamnetin. Method precisions in terms of intraday and inter‐day coefficients of variation were under 3.67% (relative standard deviation). The accuracy of the method estimated by determination of known concentrations of trans‐β‐carotene in the certified reference material, Standard Reference Material 3276, was found to range from 92 to 101%. Trans‐β‐carotene, quercetin and isorhamnetin were present in the bran of all black rice cultivars within the range of 33.60–41, 1.08–2.85 and 0.05–0.83 µg/g, respectively.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Production and accumulation of trans‐β‐carotene, quercetin and isorhamnetin in the bran of black rice revealed in this study imply that more attention should be paid to the analysis for screening black rice that has high contents of these bioactive phytochemicals, especially those obtained in rice‐breeding programs. The developed supercritical fluid extraction and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry method for quantification of β‐carotene, quercetin and isorhamnetin in black rice bran samples proved to be selective, precise, linear and sensitive, and can efficiently be employed for such analytical purposes. Additionally, extraction of carotene components by supercritical CO2 prior to LC‐MS analysis not only makes the total analysis time much shorter than that of the conventional extraction methods but also eliminates a sample clean‐up step, thus offering a clean analytical procedure.
Mortgage origination fraud and the global economic crisis
Authors: Nguyen Tomson H. , Pontell Henry N.
Published: July 2010

Research Summary

The study outlined in this article analyzed the responses of 23 subjects previously and currently employed in the subprime lending industry to understand the implications and role of white‐collar crime in the contemporary subprime mortgage crisis and to document the rationalizations that offenders use to explain their involvement in mortgage‐related crimes. The subjects represented five sectors of the primary mortgage market, including brokerage, lender, escrow, title, and appraisal offices. Secondary sources of data for the study included media accounts, government reports, and industry studies. The research findings detail accounts of mortgage frauds in the subprime lending industry that resulted from inadequate regulation, the indiscriminate use of alternative loan products, and the lack of accountability in the industry.

Policy Implications

The study results suggest that the problem of mortgage origination fraud would be prevented best by major reform of financial policies and lending practices that characterize the subprime mortgage industry. Several broad recommendations are proposed in this article that highlight the need to recognize the potential for insider fraud, to enhance government regulation and oversight, to tighten loan qualification requirements, and to increase standards of underwriting. Observations are offered concerning the need to highlight white‐collar crime in understanding the global financial crisis and to preventing future debacles.
Keeping the secrets of the dead? An evaluation of the statutory framework for access to information about deceased persons
Authors: Donnelly Mary , McDonagh Maeve
Published: July 2010

In England and Wales, the question of access to information about deceased persons is determined under two separate statutes: the Access to Health Records Act 1990 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This paper examines the normative and legal issues raised by access to information about the dead and evaluates the statutory framework. It draws on philosophical and legal sources which support the claim that the dead are owed a moral and legal duty of confidence. However, it also shows that this is not an absolute duty and it identifies the public and private justifications which favour the provision of access to information about the dead. It argues that the current statutory framework is excessively restrictive and that it fails to provide an appropriate context within which interests favouring access may be considered. Accordingly, it argues that the law needs to be reformed and that a specific legislative framework dealing with access to information about the dead should be introduced. The paper concludes by setting out some preliminary suggestions regarding the possible form of such a legislative framework.
Prognostic value of serum acute‐phase proteins in dogs with parvoviral enteritis
Authors: Kocaturk M. , Martinez S. , Eralp O. , Tvarijonaviciute A. , Ceron J. , Yilmaz Z.
Published: July 2010

Objective: To evaluate the acute‐phase protein response in dogs with parvoviral enteritis as predictor of the clinical outcome.

Methods: Canine parvovirus infection was diagnosed based on the compatible clinical findings and confirmed by the canine parvovirus antigen test in 43 dogs of less than six months of age. Blood samples for complete blood cell count and acute‐phase proteins (C‐reactive protein, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin and albumin) were collected before treatment. Twenty‐three dogs died during or after treatment (non‐survival) and the rest recovered (survival). Five healthy dogs were enrolled as control.

Results: Serum C‐reactive protein, ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin levels in dogs with parvoviral enteritis were higher (P<0·001, P<0·01 and P<0·001, respectively), but serum albumin was lower (P<0·001) than those in controls. Mean C‐reactive protein and ceruloplasmin values in non‐survival were higher (P<0·01) than those for survival dogs. C‐reactive protein was found to be superior to ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin and albumin for distinguishing survival from non‐survival dogs. Values higher than 92·4 mg/l for C‐reactive protein had a sensitivity of 91% to predict mortality.

ClinicalSignificance: The magnitude of the increase in serum acute‐phase proteins in dogs with parvoviral enteritis could be a useful indicator of the prognosis of the disease. In acute‐phase proteins, C‐reactive protein is a potent predictor of mortality in dogs with parvoviral enteritis.
Continuous Metabolic Syndrome Risk Score, Body Mass Index Percentile, and Leisure Time Physical Activity in American Children
Authors: Okosun Ike S. , Boltri John M. , Lyn Rodney , Davis‐Smith Monique
Published: July 2010

J Clin Hypertens(Greenwich). 2010;12:636–644. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The objective of this study was to determine independent and joint association of body mass index (BMI) percentile and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) with continuous metabolic syndrome (cMetS) risk score in 12‐ to 17‐year‐old American children. The 2003 to 2004 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were used for this investigation. LTPA was determined by self‐report. cMetS risk score was calculated using standardized residuals of arterial blood pressure, triglycerides, glucose, waist circumference, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate association of BMI percentile and LTPA with cMetS risk score, adjusting for confounders. Increased BMI percentile and LTPA were each associated with increased and decreased cMetS risk score, respectively ((P<.01). There was a gradient of increasing cMetS risk score by BMI percentile cutpoints, from healthy weight (−0.77) to overweight (3.43) and obesity (6.40) ((P<.05). A gradient of decreasing cMetS risk score from sedentary (0.88) to moderate (0.17) and vigorous (−0.42) LTPA levels was also observed (P<.01). The result of this study suggests that promoting LTPA at all levels of weight status may help to reverse the increasing trends of metabolic syndrome in US children.
Targeting metabolic syndrome: Candidate natural agents
Authors: XIA Xuan , WENG Jianping
Published: July 2010

Following on from impressive economic development and urbanization, China is currently experiencing a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome suffer from the “The Deadly Quartet” of hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, and central (or upper body) obesity. Current treatment strategies directed towards metabolic syndrome tend to be limited to just one of these four conditions, so developing novel drugs to target multiple metabolic abnormalities could be preferable to current approaches. New insights suggest benefits of natural agents as treatments for metabolic syndrome. Herein, we review the evidence for using nine such agents developed on the basis of traditional medicine or herbal preparations.
Effects of Nigella sativa and thymoquinone on biochemical and subcellular changes in pancreatic β‐cells of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: ABDELMEGUID Nabila E. , FAKHOURY Rajaa , KAMAL Salwa M. , AL WAFAI Rana J.
Published: July 2010

Background:  The present study investigated the effects of Nigella sativa aqueous extract and oil, as well as thymoquinone, on serum insulin and glucose concentrations in streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats.

Methods:  Rats were divided into five experimental groups (control, untreated STZ‐diabetic, and aqueous extract‐, oil‐, or thymoquinone‐treated diabetic rats). Treated rats received 2 mL/kg, i.p., 5%N. sativa extract, 0.2 mL/kg, i.p., N. sativa oil, or 3 mg/mL, i.p., thymoquinone 6 days/week for 30 days. Serum insulin and glucose concentrations, superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, and pancreatic tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Electron microscopy was used to identify any subcellular changes.

Results:  Diabetes increased tissue MDA and serum glucose levels and decreased insulin and SOD levels. Treatment of rats with N. sativa extract and oil, as well as thymoquinone, significantly decreased the diabetes‐induced increases in tissue MDA and serum glucose and significantly increased serum insulin and tissue SOD. Ultrastructurally, thymoquinone ameliorated most of the toxic effects of STZ, including segregated nucleoli, heterochromatin aggregates (indicating DNA damage), and mitochondrial vacuolization and fragmentation. The aqueous extract of N. sativa also reversed these effects of STZ, but to a lesser extent. The N. sativa oil restored normal insulin levels, but failed to decrease serum glucose concentrations to normal.

Conclusions:  The biochemical and ultrastructural findings suggest that N. sativa extract and thymoquinone have therapeutic and protect against STZ‐diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress, thus preserving pancreatic β‐cell integrity. The hypoglycemic effect observed could be due to amelioration of β‐cell ultrastructure, thus leading to increased insulin levels. Consequently, N. sativa and thymoquinone may prove clinically useful in the treatment of diabetics and in the protection of β‐cells against oxidative stress.
RESEARCH: Zopiclone (Cyclopyrrolone): A Novel Hypnosedative; Hypnosedation Caused by Zopiclone Does Not Impair Memory‐Learning in Albino Mice
Authors: Kadam Uma , Bhosale Anand
Published: July 2010

Objectives:To evaluate hypnosedative action of Zopiclone by using animal models for hypnosis and sedation (anxiolysis); and to further evaluate whether this hypnosedation impairs memory‐learning in albino mice like conventional hypnosedatives.Methods:For evaluation of hypnosedation, following experiments were performed in albino mice: (1) righting reflex test, (2) pentobarbitone sleeping time potentiation, (3) open field apparatus behavior, and (4) elevated plus maze performance. For evaluation of effects on impairment of memory‐learning, elevated plus maze retention test was performed in albino mice.Results:Zopiclone (7.5 mg/kg p.o.) did not inhibit the righting reflex. Significant (P< 0.001) potentiation of pentobarbitone sleeping time and increase in exploration in open field apparatus was observed. Elevated plus maze performance also showed significant (P< 0.01) increase in number of entries to open arm at the same time significant (P< 0.02) increase in time spent in open arm was observed. Elevated plus maze retention test showed significant (P< 0.01) increase in transfer latency on second day of experiment.Conclusions:Zopiclone (7.5 mg/kg p.o.) has selective hypnosedative activity but not CNS‐depressant activity similar to BZDs. Hypnosedative action of Zopiclone does not impair memory‐learning in albino mice like conventional hypnosedatives.
Water Sport Tow Ropes
Authors: Barnett Ralph L. , Ziemba Adam A. E.
Published: July 2010

With the exception of tubing, towed water sports are afflicted by “wipeouts” that cause the athlete to release the handle of the tow rope. Once released, the resilience of the tow rope allows the rope and handle to spring toward the motorboat with the potential for overtaking the craft and impacting its crew. This paper examines this safety problem; specifically, it analyzes the wakeboard which subsumes water skiing, slaloming, kneeboarding and barefooting. A first order formulation is developed for describing the tow handle trajectory in terms of the system geometry, the skier’s grip strength and the mechanical properties of the tow rope. A rope stiffness criterion is established that guarantees the released tow handle will fall harmlessly into the water as opposed to striking the motorboat. The handle fight time and maximum impact speed are predicted for a worst case scenario. Further, the formulation provides a guideline for refining its conservative predictions by testing rope candidates.
Slipping on Concrete: A Case Study
Authors: Barnett Ralph L. , Ziemba Adam A. E. , Liber Theodore
Published: July 2010

The notion of slipperiness is rarely associated with a concrete walkway. The aggressive nature of this surface invariably satisfies the classical criterion of a safe floor. The case study described in this paper challenges this preconception. It involves a woman who enters an indoor stairwell of a parking lot and slips on the dry concrete landing while approaching the stairs with her arm outstretched to grasp the railing. The current state-of-the-art of human slipping provides this victim with no remedy at law. This paper presents a forensic and safety study that focuses on slip and fall. Slip is usually analyzed by a classical system that has no redeeming features. This protocol provides a go/no-go criterion that proclaims a walking surface safe if its interaction with a surrogate material (e.g. leather) produces an average coefficient of friction greater than 0.5. It turns out that many walkers slip on such mythical “safe” floors. The subject case adopts a modern theory of human slipping that quantitatively predicts the number of walkers who will slip on a given surface including concrete landings.
Fast Multipole Boundary Element Method for 3-D Full- and Half-Space Acoustic Wave Problems
Authors: Liu Yijun , Bapat Milind
Published: July 2010

In this paper, the fast multipole boundary element method (BEM) for modeling acoustic wave problems in both 3-D full- and half-space domains will be discussed. First, the fast multipole BEM formulations will be presented and then improvements to the formulations and algorithms will be discussed. Examples with large-scale acoustic BEM models, with the DOFs above 2 millions and solved on desktop PCs, will be presented to demonstrate the potential of the fast multipole BEM for modeling large-scale structural acoustic problems.
CFD Analysis of Drag Reduction for a Generic SUV
Authors: Krishnani Pramod Nari , Zhou Dongmei
Published: July 2010

The flow in the near wake of the blunt bodies of road vehicles like SUVs plays an important role in determining the pressure forces acting on the surface of the body. To better understand the wake profiles and stagnation pressure gradient of the vehicle, this paper performed numerical analysis on CAD model of a Generic SUV which was previously tested in the wind tunnel. Commercial software package of ANSYS® GAMBIT, T-grid and FLUENT® was used for multi cell meshing and solving of the governing equations. The pressure coefficient ‘Cp’ plots at the symmetry plane of the model were compared with experimental results from the wind tunnel tests to validate the simulation. Results and conclusions were presented from the simulations of the CAD model using upper and lower flat boat tail plates with gradual increment in the angle of inclination.
Investigation of Energy Loss Mechanisms in Surface-Micromachined Resonators
Authors: Durgam Shiva Krishna , Xu Yang , Hao Zhili , Sarangan Sunder , Dallas Tim
Published: July 2010

This paper presents an analytical and experimental investigation of energy loss mechanisms in surface-micromachined resonators. The numerical models of anchor loss and thermoelastic damping are created in ANSYS/Multiphysics, according to a separation-and-transfer method and a thermal-energy method, respectively. Surface-micromachined resonators are fabricated using the SUMMiT V MEMS foundry process and the measured Quality (Q) factors from these resonators are compared with the created numerical models, showing good agreement. The measured highest Q value is 35,088 at a resonant frequency of 1 l MHz. Thermoelastic damping is found to be the dominant loss in these surface-micromachined resonators.
Periodic Solutions for Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Nonlinear Dynamical System Solved by the Extended Homotopy Analysis Method
Authors: Qian Youhua , Zhang Wei , Chen Shuping
Published: July 2010

In normal circumstances, many practical engineering problems are nonlinear and can be described by multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) dynamical systems. Theoretically speaking, the exact solutions are very scarce, so it is extremely significant to develop the analytic tools for nonlinear systems in engineering. Inasmuch as the homotopy analysis method (HAM) can overcome the foregoing restrictions of conventional perturbation techniques, this method has been widely applied to solve a variety of nonlinear problems. In this paper, the extended homotopy analysis method (EHAM) is presented to establish the analytical approximate periodic solutions for MDOF nonlinear dynamic system. The periodic solutions for the parametric excitation buckled thin plate system of MDOF are applied to illustrate the validity and great potential of this method. In addition, comparisons are conducted between the results obtained by the EHAM and the numerical integration (i.e. Runge-Kutta) method. It is shown that the second-order analytical solutions of the EHAM agree well with the numerical integration solutions, even if time t progresses to a certain large domain in the time history responses.
Thermal Analysis of a Microfluidic Preconcentrator for Portable Micro Gas Analysis Systems
Authors: Cao Z. Jay , Knobloch Aaron J. , Tian Wei-Cheng , Kennerly Stacey J. , Chen Nannan , Shannan Mark A. , Masel Rich
Published: July 2010

Two key challenges to portable gas chromatography are reducing preconcentrator power consumption and accurate temperature control of adsorbent. This paper presents the results of thermal modeling performed to optimize a microfabricated preconcentrator based on a silicon microhotplate and utilizing Metal Organic Framework (MOF) adsorbents. From this modeling, two design changes are presented that reduce the power consumption by 1.5 W and reduce temperature variation across the microhotplate by 50%.
Axisymmetric Wave Propagation in the Initially Twisted Circular Compound Cylinders
Authors: Akbarov Surkay , Guliev Mugan
Published: July 2010

Within the scope of the piecewise homogeneous body model with the use of the three-dimensional linearized theory of elastic wave propagation in an initially stressed body, the problem of the axisymmetric wave propagation in an initially twisted circular compound cylinders is studied. The mathematical formulation of the problem is presented and the corresponding solution method is proposed and developed, following which the numerical results are presented and discussed. In particular, it is established that as a result of the initial twisting of the circular compound cylinders, new axisymmetric wave modes arise.
MEMS Biosensor for Potential Cancer Cell Detection
Authors: Zakaria Nor Hisyamuddin , Nordin Anis Nurashikin , Mel Maizirwan , Arifuzzaman Sayeed M. , Voiculescu Ioana
Published: July 2010

Typically, cancer diagnosis relies on morphological examination of surgically removed tissue samples. However, diagnosis based on morphological examination is difficult, not accurate and often requires large amounts of biological materials. Thus, additional more accurate markers are needed to further increase the diagnostic accuracy of cancer cells. Despite having similar morphological features, the cancer and normal cell populations show significantly different mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of cancer cells that have been identified as important factors for the diagnosis of cancer are the cell stiffness or elasticity and cell adhesion. We present an acoustic resonant platform that is used in liquid environments and it is able to monitor the attachment of normal and cancer cell lines. The biosensor is based on a MEMS sheer horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) piezoelectric resonator. We consider the SH-SAW piezoelectric resonator because it is better suited for liquid sensing applications due to the minimal damping of the acoustic wave. The miniature size of this biosensor allows us to perform single cell electrical measurements which will provide information on the progression of cell adhesion, cell growth and viscoelasticity changes of normal and cancer cells. A commercial quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is initially used to study the cell attachment process and correlate the relationship between the electrical measurements and the mechanical properties of cells. The commercial QCM could be used as a functional biosensor utilizing living cells as biological signal transduction elements.
Anisotropic Band Gap in a 2D Acoustic Metamaterial
Authors: Huang H. H. , Sun C. T.
Published: July 2010

A two-dimensional (2D) metamaterial possessing an effective anisotropic mass is investigated. This metamaterial is a composite material in the form of an internal mass connected in two directions to the host medium. A 2D mass-in-mass lattice model is used to characterize the dynamic behavior of the metamaterial. If modeled as an effective spring-mass lattice system, the metamaterial may possess a frequency-dependent effective mass. Moreover, if an equivalent homogenous elastic continuum is used to represent the metamaterial, an anisotropic mass density may result and may assume negative values for wave frequencies that are near the local resonance frequency of the internal mass. In fact, it was found that negative mass density occurs in the band-gap of the metamaterial. Unusual wave motion arises from the anisotropic band gap structure. In the present study, wave propagation in the representative continuum model for the metamaterial is studied in order to understand the unusual features of the dynamic behavior of the metamaterial.
Nomographs for Kinematics, Statics and Power Flow Analysis of Epicyclic Gear Trains
Authors: Esmail Essam L. , Hussen Hamed A.
Published: July 2010

A new methodology for constructing multi-axes nomographs is developed. Using this methodology, a unified general formulation for computing velocities and torques of any epicyclic-type transmission train is presented. To demonstrate and apply the new technique, Ravigneaux automatic transmission is used to show how the velocities, the torques and the power flow through the train can be simultaneously visualized on a single nomograph. The present methodology is judged to be more efficient than other methods and than the three-ax nomograph methodology. Using this methodology an innovative design of two-input transmission with only one electric motor/generator (MG) and without any rotating clutches is presented. The proposed design provides some of the benefits and flexibility of a power-split design by using the conventionally available Ravigneaux gear train in a simpler mechanical layout which makes the design compact, mechanically simple, and operationally flexible.
Exploration of a Potential-Flow-Based Compact Model of Air-Flow Transport in Data Centers
Authors: Toulouse Michael M. , Doljac Guislain , Carey Van P. , Bash Cullen
Published: July 2010

This paper summarizes an exploration of a compact model of air flow and transport in data centers developed from potential flow theory. Boundaries for the airflow in the data center are often complex due to the numerous rows of servers and other equipment in the facility, and there are generally multiple air inlets and outlets, which produce a fairly complex three-dimensional flow field in the air space in the data center. The general problem of airflow and convective transport in a data center requires accurate treatment of a turbulent flow in a complex flow passage with some buoyancy effects. As a result, full CFD thermofluidic models tend to be time-consuming and tedious to set up for such complex flow circumstances. In this initial study, we formulated an approximate model that retains only the most basic physical mechanisms of the flow. The resulting model of air flow in the data center is based on potential flow theory, which is exact for irrotational inviscid flow. The temperature field resulting from server heat input is determined by solving the convective energy transport equation along potential flow streamlines. This innovative approach, which takes advantage of the irrotational character of the modeled flow, provides a fast computational method for determining the temperature field and convective transport of thermal energy in the data center. Computations to predict the three-dimensional flow and temperature fields with the model typically require less than 60 seconds to complete on a laptop computer. Flow and temperature field results predicted by the model for typical data center flow circumstances are presented and limitations of the model are assessed. Features of an intuitive graphical user interface for the model that simplifies input of the data center design parameters are also described. Results for case studies indicate low sensitivity to mesh size and convergence criteria. Although the flow and temperature field models developed here are more approximate than full CFD methods, they are good first approximations that provide the means to rapidly explore the parameter space for the data center design. This model can be used to quickly identify the optimal region of the design space, whereupon a more detailed CFD modeling can be used to fine-tune an optimal design. The results of this investigation demonstrate that this type of fast compact model can be a very useful tool when used as a precursor to full CFD modeling in data center design optimization.
A Flexible Rotor on Flexible Supports: Modeling and Experiments
Authors: Dikmen Emre , van der Hoogt Peter , de Boer Andre´ , Aarts Ronald , Jonker Ben
Published: July 2010

In this study, a flexible rotor with variable support stiffness has been analyzed. Simple support models consisting of mass, spring systems are extracted from modal analysis of the isolated support and by applying static loads to the finite element model of the supports. The derived equivalent models of the supports are then implemented in the finite element based structural model which predicts the dynamic behavior of the rotor. Finally experimental modal analysis of the rotor is performed with different support stiffnesses. The experimental and theoretical results have been compared and different support modeling approaches have been examined.
Development of Three-Dimensional Velocity Measurement System of Micro Flow Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Fujimoto Takeshi , Saeki Souichi , Saito Takashi , Hiro Takafumi , Matuzaki Masunori
Published: July 2010

This paper presents three-dimensional micro flow measurement system “OCTIV”, which is based on Optical Coherence Tomography. This was applied to solid-liquid two-phase flow in the microchannel. Consequently, OCTIV has an attractive two-component and three-dimensional velocimetry for micro flow.