bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postprandial regulation of hepatic glucokinase and lipogenesis requires the activation of TORC1 signaling in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Dai Weiwei , Panserat Stephane , Mennigen Jan , Terrier Frédéric , Dias Karine , Seiliez Iban , Skiba-Cassy Sandrine 
Published: September 2013

Summary
To assess the potential involvement of TORC1 (target of rapamycin complex 1) signaling in the regulation of postprandial hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism-related gene expression in trout, we employed intraperitoneal (IP) administration of rapamycin to achieve an acute inhibition of the TOR pathway. Our results reveal that rapamycin inhibits the phosphorylation of TORC1 and its downstream effectors (S6K1, S6 and 4E-BP1), without affecting Akt and the Akt substrates Forkhead-box Class O1 (FoxO1) and glycogen synthase kinase 3α/β (GSK 3α/β). These results indicate that acute administration of rapamycin in trout leads to the inhibition of TORC1 activation. No effect is observed on the expression of genes involved in gluconeogenesis, glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation, but hepatic TORC1 inhibition results in decreased sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) gene expression and suppressed fatty acid synthase (FAS) and glucokinase (GK) at gene expression and activity levels, indicating that FAS and GK activity is controlled at a transcriptional level in a TORC1-dependent manner. This study demonstrates for the first time in fish that postprandial regulation of hepatic lipogenesis and glucokinase in rainbow trout requires the activation of TORC1 signaling.
The response of brain serotonergic and dopaminergic systems to an acute stressor in rainbow trout: a time-course study
Authors: Gesto Manuel , López-Patiño Marcos A. , Hernández Juan , Soengas José L. , Míguez Jesús M. 
Published: September 2013

Summary
The brain monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems are known to be involved in the integrated response to stress in vertebrates. However, the present knowledge about the timing of their actions as well as their specific roles in the regulation of the endocrine axes that drive the stress response is incomplete. This is partially because of the complexity of the reciprocal interactions among the monoaminergic systems and other biochemical actors of the stress response such as CRF, AVT, ACTH or corticosteroids. In this study, we show for the first time in teleost fish, the short- and mid-term time-course of the response of the forebrain serotonergic and dopaminergic activities after the exposure to an acute stressor in rainbow trout. Other stress markers like the plasma levels of cortisol, glucose and lactate were also monitored, providing a context to precisely locate the monoaminergic activation within the fish acute stress response. Our results show that the acute stress induced a rapid increase in the forebrain serotonergic activity, which became elevated after only 15 seconds of chasing. Several hours after stress, the serotonergic activity recovered its basal levels, in parallel to the recovery of other stress markers such as plasma catecholamines and cortisol. The dopaminergic activity was also increased after stress, but only in the telencephalon and only after 20 minutes post-stress. The increase in serotonergic activity happened before the elevation of plasma catecholamines, suggesting that this monoamine system could have a key role in triggering the initial steps of the activation of not only the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal axis, but also the brain-sympathetic-chromaffin axis in fish.
Pattern and contrast dependent visual response in the box jellyfish Tripedalia cystophora
Authors: Garm Anders , Hedal Ida , Islin Majken , Gurska Daniela 
Published: September 2013

Summary
Cubomedusae possess a total of 24 eyes of which some are structurally similar to vertebrate eyes. Accordingly, the medusae also display a range of light guided behaviours including obstacle avoidance, diurnal activity patterns, and navigation. Navigation is supported by spatial resolution and image formation in the so-called upper lens eye. Further, there are indications that the obstacle avoidance requires image information from the lower lens eye. Here we use a behavioural assay to examine the obstacle avoidance behaviour of the Caribbean cubomedusa Tripedalia cystophora and test whether it requires spatial resolution. The possible influence of the contrast and orientation of the obstacles is also examined. We show that the medusae can only perform the behaviour when spatial information is present, and fail to avoid a uniformly dark wall, directly proving the use of spatial vision. We also show that the medusae respond stronger to high contrast lines than to low contrast lines in a graded fashion and propose that the medusae use the contrast as a semi reliable measure of distance to the obstacle.
Drastic reorganization of bioconvection pattern of Chlamydomonas: Quantitative analysis of the pattern transition response
Authors: Kage Azusa , Hosoya Chiharu , Baba Shoji A. , Mogami Yoshihiro 
Published: September 2013

Summary
Motile aquatic microorganisms are known to self-organize into bioconvection. The swimming activity of the population of the microorganisms leads to the emergence of macroscopic patterns of density under the influence of gravity. Although long-term development of the bioconvection pattern is important in order to elucidate the possible integration of physiological functions of individuals through the bioconvection pattern formation, little quantitative investigation has been done. In the present paper, we present the first quantitative description of long-term behavior of bioconvection of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, particularly focusing on the "pattern transition response." The pattern transition response is a sudden breakdown of the steady bioconvection pattern followed by re-formation of the pattern with a decreased wavelength. We found the three phases in the pattern formation of the bioconvection of Chlamydomonas: the Onset, Steady State 1 before the transition and Steady State 2 after the transition. In Onset, the wavelength of the bioconvection pattern increases with increasing depth, but not in Steady States 1 and 2. By means of the newly developed two-axis view method, we revealed that the population of Chlamydomonas moves toward the bottom of the experimental chamber just before the pattern transition. This fact indicates the pattern transition response could be caused by enhancing the gyrotaxis of Chlamydomonas due to the changes in the balance between the gravitactic and gyrotactic torques. We also found that the bioconvection pattern changes in response to the intensity of red-light illumination, to which Chlamydomonas is phototactically insensitive. These facts suggest the bioconvection pattern has a potential to drastically reorganize its convection structure in response to the physiological processes under the influence of the environmental cues.
Bayesian prediction of microbial oxygen requirement
Authors: Jensen Dan B. , Ussery David W. 
Published: September 2013

Background: Prediction of the optimal habitat conditions for a given bacterium, based on genome sequence alone would be of value for scientific as well as industrial purposes. One example of such a habitat adaptation is the requirement for oxygen. In spite of good genome data availability, there have been only a few prediction attempts of bacterial oxygen requirements, using genome sequences. Here, we describe a method for distinguishing aerobic, anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria, based on genome sequence-derived input, using naive Bayesian inference. In contrast, other studies found in literature only demonstrate the ability to distinguish two classes at a time. Results: The results shown in the present study are as good as or better than comparable methods previously described in the scientific literature, with an arguably simpler method, when results are directly compared. This method further compares the performance of a single-step naive Bayesian prediction of the three included classifications, compared to a simple Bayesian network with two steps. A two-step network, distinguishing first respiring from non-respiring organisms, followed by the distinction of aerobe and facultative anaerobe organisms within the respiring group, is found to perform best. Conclusions: A simple naive Bayesian network based on the presence or absence of specific protein domains within a genome is an effective and easy way to predict bacterial habitat preferences, such as oxygen requirement.
Pediatric chronic kidney disease rates in Southern Israel are higher than reported
Authors: Landau Daniel , Schreiber Ruth , Kleinman Anya , Vodonos Alina , Shalev Hannah 
Published: September 2013

Background: The incidence and prevalence of pediatric chronic kidney disease (p-CKD) in developed countries has previously been estimated to be 12 and 75 cases/106 population respectively, much lower than reports in young adults (age 20-40) (40,000/106). Thus, the extent of p-CKD may be underestimated.Methods: Being the only Pediatric Nephrology center in Southern Israel, we reviewed all detected cases of p-CKD (stages 1-5) between 1994-2008. We then prospectively summarized the incidence and prevalence of CKD between 2009-2010. Results: We retrospectively identified 192 children (53.9% of Bedouin origin, 53.4% males, median diagnosis age: 1 year) with CKD. The prevalence in December 2008 was 795 cases/106 for all CKD stages and 331/106 for CKD stage >2. Calculated incidence for the study period (1994-2008) was 46/106/year. The main CKD etiologies were: hypodysplasia: 35%; obstructive uropathy: 13%; genetic renal diseases: 28% and glomerulonephritis: 15%. The proportions of children in each CKD stage were as follows: stage 1: 50%; stages 2-4: 30%; stage 5: 20%. During a subsequent two-year study period we identified 26 new CKD cases (incidence: 54 cases/106/year). Conclusions: p-CKD rates in our area are higher than reported and maybe even higher if asymptomatic populations are screened. Fifty percent of detected cases have CKD stage 1. This may contribute significantly to CKD beyond the pediatric age.
Case Article—Beijing Opera Mask Sales in Four Cities in the United States
Authors: Hu Xiangling , Kumar Ashok 
Published: September 2013

The Beijing Opera Theater Company organizes four shows a year in the United States, each in a different city. The company sells two styles of souvenir masks during each show. The case narrative is created as the retail manager of the Beijing Opera Theater Company consults her previous MBA professor to seek guidance on available resources to make cost- and service-effective ordering decisions. Available information includes historic demand data of masks and relevant costs and revenues. Other issues discussed include development of a demand forecast for a new site, analysis of the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on the orders, and leftover shipping options. EasyFitXL, a module of Excel, is used to conduct all analyses to arrive at final decisions. The methodology used to solve the case is the newsvendor model, which is appropriate for making ordering decisions in respect to seasonal, perishable, and short life-cycle items that face uncertain demand. The case requires curve-fitting skills and use of expertise related to the the newsvendor model. It can be utilized by faculty, students, consultants, and practitioners in the areas of operations and supply chain management, operations research, management science, quantitative methods, and industrial engineering to enhance inventory planning expertise. Case Teaching Note: Interested Instructors please see the Instructor Materials page for access to the restricted materials. To maintain the integrity and usefulness of cases published in ITE, unapproved distribution of the case teaching notes and other restricted materials to any other party is prohibited.
Point-of-care testing: where is the evidence? A systematic survey
Authors: Pecoraro Valentina , Germagnoli Luca , Banfi Giuseppe 
Published: September 2013

AbstractPoint-of-care testing (POCT) has had rapid technological development and their use is widespread in clinical laboratories to assure reduction of turn-around-time and rapid patient management in some clinical settings where it is important to make quick decisions. Until now the papers published about the POCT have focused on the reliability of the technology used and their analytical accuracy. We aim to perform a systematic survey of the evidence of POCT efficacy focused on clinical outcomes, selecting POCT denoted special analytes characterized by possible high clinical impact. We searched in Medline and Embase. Two independent reviewers assessed the eligibility, extracted study details and assessed the methodological quality of studies. We analyzed 84 studies for five POCT instruments: neonatal bilirubin, procalcitonin, intra-operative parathyroid hormone, troponin and blood gas analysis. Studies were at high risk of bias. Most of the papers (50%) were studies of correlation between the results obtained by using POCT instruments and those obtained by using laboratory instruments. These data showed a satisfactory correlation between methods when similar analytical reactions were used. Only 13% of the studies evaluated the impact of POCT on clinical practice. POCT decreases the time elapsed for making decisions on patient management but the clinical outcomes have never been adequately evaluated. Our work shows that, although POCT has the potential to provide beneficial patient outcome, further studies may be required, especially for defining its real utility on clinical decision making.
Examination of a fall prevention program on leisure and leisure-based fear of falling of older adults
Authors: Headley Catherine M. , Payne Laura 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Falling is a serious public health issue, and many studies have examined the effects of balance programs on fall risk, balance, gait, and balance self-efficacy. However, few studies have focused on changes in leisure self-efficacy and leisure-based fear of falling. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in older adults’ perceptions of leisure efficacy, balance self-efficacy, and leisure-based fear of falling from participating in a six-week community based program called N’ Balance®. Participants were randomly assigned into the intervention group (n=26) or control group (n=24). The sample ranged in age from 73 to 97 years, with a mean age of 84.51 years. Leisure-based fear of falling was measured with one question: “In the last 12 months, to what extent have you limited your activities because you were afraid you would fall”? Balance self-efficacy was measured with an 18-item scale, where respondents estimated how confident they felt about their ability to do various daily tasks. Leisure self-efficacy was assessed with 25 questions about how confident they felt doing a variety of active leisure activities. Results indicated both groups significantly improved their balance self-efficacy over time and leisure self-efficacy improved by 8.1% in the intervention group, whereas the control group decreased. Fear of falling decreased significantly for N’ Balance participants, but at post-test was worse in the control group. Results highlight the importance of leisure-based fear of falling and leisure self-efficacy and future research should consider how participation in fall prevention programs can encourage people to resume or continue valued leisure activities.
Measurement and Evaluation of the Thermal Expansion Coefficient of Rock-Filled Concrete
Authors: Wang Jin-Ting , Wang Shuo , Jin Feng 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Rock-filled concrete (RFC), formed by pouring self-compacting concrete (SCC) into rock blocks, is a newly developed type of mass concrete. It is important to determine its coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) in engineering applications. In this study the CTE of RFC was determined for the first time using thermal expansion tests. RFC with three rock rates was measured at different ages. Meanwhile, the CTEs of SCC and rock blocks were experimentally tested for subsequent numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. The CTE of RFC was then evaluated numerically and theoretically based on the constituent materials. A three-dimensional finite element model was built for the numerical simulation of the thermal expansion tests of RFC. In addition, two composite models were used for the theoretical evaluation of the CTE of RFC based on the material parameters of SCC and rock blocks. The obtained numerical and theoretical CTE values agree well with the experimental CTE value. The numerical simulation and theoretical formulas can be used to estimate the CTE of RFC, thereby overcoming the high cost of complex experimental measurements.
Evaluation of a Cryogenic Sprayer Using Liquid Nitrogen and a Ballasted Roller for Weed Control
Authors: Cutulle Matthew A. , Armel Gregory R. , Brosnan James T. , Kopsell Dean A. , Hart William E. , Vargas J. Javier , Gibson Lori A. , Messer Rebecca E. , McLemore Alex J. , Duncan H. Adam 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Current weed-control practices might not be sustainable because of the increased incidence of herbicide-resistant weeds and the limited effectiveness of organic weed-control techniques. A cryogenic weed-control system was developed to improve weed control in row crops without the input of synthetic or organic pesticides. The cryogenic system applies liquid nitrogen to target weeds through a modified sprayer and then crushes the weeds with a ballasted mechanical roller. Greenhouse studies were initially performed to validate the biological impact of directed liquid nitrogen and mechanical pressure on large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis L. Scop). Field studies were performed to evaluate the effects of the liquid nitrogen volume, spray nozzle height, and mechanical roller pressure on pitted morningglory (Ipomoea lacunosa L.) control. This weed was most effectively controlled with 9360 l/ha of liquid nitrogen applied with a nozzle raised 30 cm above the soil surface, followed by 41 kPa of pressure with the mechanical roller. The concept of cryogenic weed control was validated in a field experiment using mostly standard farm equipment. This cryogenic system provides a successful prototype for future designs utilizing liquid nitrogen for weed control.
Modal Identification of Different RC Frames Using Experimental Measurements
Authors: Arslan Mehmet Emin , Durmuş Ahmet 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to determine dynamic characteristics, such as natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios of reinforced concrete (RC) frames with low and normal strength concrete and compare them with each other using the operational modal analyses method under ambient vibration. For this purpose, full-scaled, one bay, and one-story RC frames with low and normal strength concrete are produced. The RC frames are vibrated by natural excitations with small impact effects, and the response signals are recorded using accelerometers during the tests. Measurement time-frequency span and effective mode number are determined by considering similar studies and literature. To obtain experimental dynamic characteristics, enhanced frequency domain decomposition and stochastic subspace identification methods are evaluated together. Results of ambient vibration tests show that dynamic characteristics change significantly depending on the material properties. It is shown that the ambient vibration measurements are enough to identify the most significant modes of RC frames as well. The first five natural frequencies are obtained experimentally for the RC frame with low and normal strength concrete between 14.99–155.20 Hz and 16.64–179.20 Hz, respectively. Dynamic characteristics should be verified using finite element analysis. Finally, inconsistency between experimental and analytical dynamic characteristics should be minimized by finite element model updating using some uncertain parameters such as material properties, boundary condition, and section properties to reflect the current behavior of the RC frames.
Plasma proANP and SDMA and microRNAs are associated with chronic mitral regurgitation in a pig model
Authors: Cirera Susanna , Moesgaard Sophia G , Zois Nora E , Ravn Nathja , Goetze Jens P , Cremer Signe E , Teerlink Tom , Leifsson Páll S , Honge Jesper L , Hasenkam J Michael , Olsen Lisbeth H 
Published: September 2013

ObjectiveNon-ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is primarily caused by myxomatous mitral valve (MV) disease leading to adaptive remodeling, enlargement, and dysfunction of the left ventricle. The aim of this study was to examine the regulation of plasma markers and several cardiac key genes in a novel porcine model of non-ischemic MR.Methods and resultsTwenty-eight production pigs (Sus scrofa) were randomized to experimental MR or sham surgery controls. MR was induced by external suture(s) through the posterior MV leaflet and quantified using echocardiography. The experimental group was subdivided into mild MR (mMR, MR=20–50%, n=10) and moderate/severe MR (sMR, MR >50%, n=6) and compared with controls (CON, MR ≤10%, n=12). Eight weeks postoperatively, follow-up examinations were performed followed by killing. Circulating concentrations of pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (proANP), l-arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were measured. MV, anterior papillary muscle, and left ventricular free wall tissues were collected to quantify mRNA expression of eNOS (NOS3), iNOS (NOS2), MMP9, MMP14, ANP (NPPA), BNP (NPPB), and TGFB1, 2, and 3 and five microRNAs by quantitative real-time PCR. Pigs with sMR displayed markedly increased plasma proANP and SDMA concentrations compared with both controls and mMR (P<0.05). The expression of all genes examined differed significantly between the three localizations in the heart. miR-21 and miR-133a were differently expressed among the experimental groups (P<0.05).ConclusionsPlasma proANP and SDMA levels and tissue expression of miR-21 and miR-133a are associated with severity of chronic MR in an experimental porcine model.
Greater prevalence of PROKR2 mutations in Kallmann syndrome patients from the Maghreb than in European patients
Authors: Sarfati Julie , Fouveaut Corinne , Leroy Chrystel , Jeanpierre Marc , Hardelin Jean-Pierre , Dodé Catherine 
Published: September 2013

ContextKallmann syndrome (KS) is a genetically heterogeneous developmental disorder that associates hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia. Various causative genes have been identified, but their respective involvement in different world regions is poorly documented.ObjectiveWe aimed to compare the prevalence of mutations in five routinely analyzed KS genes between Maghrebian and European patients.MethodsBlood samples from 120 presumably unrelated Maghrebian patients were collected for DNA sequencing by the Sanger technique. The prevalence of the non-synonymous mutations inKAL1,FGFR1,FGF8,PROKR2, andPROK2was determined for each gene, and compared with those previously obtained from the analysis of 712 European patients.ResultsDiverse mutations inPROKR2, a gene involved both in monogenic recessive and digenic/oligogenic KS transmission modes, were found in 23.3% of the Maghrebian patients, but only in 5.1% of the European patients (Fisher's exact test,P<0.001), whereas mutations in each of the other four KS genes were present either at similar frequencies in the Maghrebian and European patients (KAL1,PROK2,FGF8, from 6.6 to 0.8%; Fisher's exact test,P>0.4 for all comparisons) or at a lower frequency in Maghrebian patients (FGFR1, 5.0 vs 11.7%; Fisher's exact test,P<0.05). Homozygosity resulting from consanguineous marriages was not sufficient to account for the greater prevalence ofPROKR2mutations in the Maghrebian patients.ConclusionsThe great prevalence ofPROKR2mutations in Maghrebian patients has practical consequences for molecular diagnosis of the disease and genetic counseling in the Maghrebian population.