bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute microcirculatory effects of medium frequency versus high frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation in critically ill patients - a pilot study
Authors: Angelopoulos Epameinondas , Karatzanos Eleftherios , Dimopoulos Stavros , Mitsiou Georgios , Stefanou Christos , Patsaki Irini , Kotanidou Anastasia , Routsi Christina , Petrikkos George , Nanas Serafeim 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) is a common complication, associated with significant morbidity. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has shown promise for prevention. NMES acutely affects skeletal muscle microcirculation; such effects could mediate the favorable outcomes. However, optimal current characteristics have not been defined. This study aimed to compare the effects on muscle microcirculation of a single NMES session using medium and high frequency currents.

Methods
ICU patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis of three to five days duration and patients with ICUAW were studied. A single 30-minute NMES session was applied to the lower limbs bilaterally using current of increasing intensity. Patients were randomly assigned to either the HF (75 Hz, pulse 400 μs, cycle 5 seconds on - 21 seconds off) or the MF (45 Hz, pulse 400 μs, cycle 5 seconds on - 12 seconds off) protocol. Peripheral microcirculation was monitored at the thenar eminence using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to obtain tissue O2 saturation (StO2); a vascular occlusion test was applied before and after the session. Local microcirculation of the vastus lateralis was also monitored using NIRS.

Results
Thirty-one patients were randomized. In the HF protocol (17 patients), peripheral microcirculatory parameters were: thenar O2 consumption rate (%/minute) from 8.6 ± 2.2 to 9.9 ± 5.1 (P = 0.08), endothelial reactivity (%/second) from 2.7 ± 1.4 to 3.2 ± 1.9 (P = 0.04), vascular reserve (seconds) from 160 ± 55 to 145 ± 49 (P = 0.03). In the MF protocol: thenar O2 consumption rate (%/minute) from 8.8 ± 3.8 to 9.9 ± 3.6 (P = 0.07), endothelial reactivity (%/second) from 2.5 ± 1.4 to 3.1 ± 1.7 (P = 0.03), vascular reserve (seconds) from 163 ± 37 to 144 ± 33 (P = 0.001). Both protocols showed a similar effect. In the vastus lateralis, average muscle O2 consumption rate was 61 ± 9%/minute during the HF protocol versus 69 ± 23%/minute during the MF protocol (P = 0.5). The minimum amplitude in StO2 was 5 ± 4 units with the HF protocol versus 7 ± 4 units with the MF protocol (P = 0.3). Post-exercise, StO2 increased by 6 ± 7 units with the HF protocol versus 5 ± 4 units with the MF protocol (P = 0.6). These changes correlated well with contraction strength.

Conclusions
A single NMES session affected local and systemic skeletal muscle microcirculation. Medium and high frequency currents were equally effective.
Cultivation-independent establishment of genetically engineered plants in natural populations: current evidence and implications for EU regulation
Authors: Bauer-Panskus Andreas , Breckling Broder , Hamberger Sylvia , Then Christoph 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
About 20 years after the market introduction of the first GM plants, we review whether or not uncontrolled spread occurred. We summarise cases documented in the scientific literature and derive conclusions for the regulation of the authorisation of new events. Several cases documented in North and Central America and Japan show that transgenes have spread beyond cultivation areas. Important examples are bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifer a), oilseed rape (Brassica napu s) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Several factors can be identified as relevant for transgene dispersal in the environment. Grasses (Poaceae), in particular, show a high potential for persistence and invasiveness, and wild relatives that can cross with the crop plants are a major factor in the unintended spread of the transgenes. There are significant uncertainties in predicting which transgenes will escape and how they will interact with the environment. For example, climate change is likely to have a major impact on the invasive potential of some plant species. The uncontrolled spread of transgenes is therefore a remaining challenge for regulators. We discuss some of these issues in the context of EU regulations since these regulations explicitly refer to the precautionary principle in the assessment of uncertainties. We found the that the precautionary principle as established in EU Directive 2001/18 can only be applied where efficient measures are available to remove genetically engineered organisms from the environment should this become necessary. If a removal from the environment would not be practically feasible, undesirable developments could not be mitigated.
Increased Scalp Hair Cortisol Concentrations in Obese Children
Authors: Veldhorst Margriet A. B. , Noppe Gerard , Jongejan Mieke H. T. M. , Kok Chantine B. M. , Mekic Selma , Koper Jan Willem , van Rossum Elisabeth F. C. , van den Akker Erica L. T. 
Published: December 2013

Context:
Pathologically increased cortisol exposure induces obesity, but it is not known whether relatively high cortisol within the physiological range is related to childhood obesity.

Objective:
The aim of the study was to compare hair cortisol concentrations between obese and normal-weight children.

Design:
We performed an observational case-control study.

Participants:
Twenty obese children (body mass index-SD score [BMI-SDS] &gt; 2.3) and 20 age- and sex-matched normal-weight children (BMI-SDS &lt; 1.1) aged 8–12 years were recruited.

Main Outcome Measures:
Scalp hair samples from the posterior vertex were collected, and hair cortisol concentrations were measured using ELISA. Body weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. From the obese children, additional data on blood pressure and blood lipid concentrations were collected.

Results:
In both groups, five boys and 15 girls were included; their mean age was 10.8 ± 1.3 vs 10.8 ± 1.2 years (obese vs normal weight; not significant). Body weight, BMI, BMI-SDS, and waist circumference were higher in the obese children compared with the normal-weight children (69.8 ± 17.2 vs 35.5 ± 7.2 kg; 29.6 ± 4.9 vs 16.4 ± 1.6 kg/m2; 3.4 ± 0.5 vs −0.2 ± 0.8 SDS; 94 ± 13 vs 62 ± 6 cm; P &lt; .001 all). Hair cortisol concentration was higher in obese than normal-weight children (median [interquartile range], 25 [17, 32] vs 17 [13, 21] pg/mg; P &lt; .05).

Conclusions:
Hair cortisol concentration, a measure for long-term cortisol exposure, was higher in obese children than normal-weight children. This suggests long-term activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in obese children and may provide a novel target for treatment of obesity in children.
Transcriptional Repression of Estrogen Receptor α Signaling by SENP2 in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Nait Achour Thiziri , Sentis Stéphanie , Teyssier Catherine , Philippat Amandine , Lucas Annick , Corbo Laura , Cavaillès Vincent , Jalaguier Stéphan 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Estrogen receptors (ERs) are ligand-activated transcription factors involved in many physiological and pathological processes, including breast cancer. Their activity is fine-tuned by posttranslational modifications, notably sumoylation. In the present study, we investigated the role of the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) protease, SUMO1/sentrin/suppressor of Mif 2-specific peptidase 2 (SENP2), in the regulation of ERα activity. We first found SENP2 to significantly repress estradiol-induced transcriptional activity in breast cancer cells (MCF7 and T47D). This effect was observed with a reporter plasmid and on endogenous genes such as TFF1 and CTSD, which were shown to recruit SENP2 in chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments. Using glutathione S-transferase pull-down, coimmunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays, SENP2 was found to interact with ERα and this interaction to be mediated by the amino-terminal region of the protease and the hinge region of the receptor. Interestingly, we demonstrated that ERα repression by SENP2 is independent of its SUMO protease activity and requires a transcriptional repressive domain located in the amino-terminal end of the protease. Using small interfering RNA assays, we evidenced that this domain recruits the histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), to be fully active. Furthermore, using both overexpression and knockdown strategies, we showed that SENP2 robustly represses estrogen-dependent and independent proliferation of MCF7 cells. We provided evidence that this effect requires both the proteolytic and transcriptional activities of SENP2. Altogether, our study unravels a new property for a SUMO protease and identifies SENP2 as a classical transcription coregulator.
Design and Synthesis of 24-Fluorinated Bafilomycin Analogue as an NMR Probe with Potent Inhibitory Activity to Vacuolar-type ATPase
Authors: Shibata Hajime , Tsuchikawa Hiroshi , Matsumori Nobuaki , Murata Michio , Usui Takeo 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
A fluorine-labeled bafilomycin analogue was designed and convergently synthesized from three segments via the Stille coupling, macrolactonization, and diastereoselective aldol reaction. The V-ATPase inhibitory activity of the analogue was comparable to that of the natural product, indicating its utility as a potential molecular probe for investigating the inhibition mechanism of bafilomycin by NMR.
Turn-and-Earn Incentives with a Product Line
Authors: Cohen-Vernik Dinah A. , Purohit Devavrat 
Published: December 2013

When manufacturers do not have sufficient capacity to meet demand and cannot increase prices, they have to determine other methods to allocate goods among retailers. A common allocation mechanism is based on a retailer's sales history: a retailer that has ordered larger quantities in the past should get a greater allocation than a retailer that has historically ordered smaller quantities. This mechanism, known as a turn-and-earn allocation rule, is commonly used in many industries such as automobiles, microprocessors, video game consoles, etc. The existing literature has considered the effect of turn-and-earn allocation rules when a manufacturer sells a single product. However, when we consider a product line, it is not clear whether the manufacturer is better off basing its allocation on the sales history of the entire product line or solely on the sales history of the product in short supply. In particular, a shortage of one product can lead retailers and consumers to move toward other products in the line. This, in turn, can have an effect on the manufacturer's optimal allocation mechanism. We examine this issue by developing a model of a supplier selling two substitutable goods through two retailers. Within this setup, we introduce a general turn-and-earn allocation rule that allows the entire sales history to influence allocation levels. Counter to previous work, we show that certain turn-and-earn rules not only help the manufacturer but can also help the retailer and increase total supply chain profits. This paper was accepted by Martin Lariviere, operations management.
Entrepreneurial Exits and Innovation
Authors: Aggarwal Vikas A. , Hsu David H. 
Published: December 2013

We examine how initial public offerings (IPOs) and acquisitions affect entrepreneurial innovation as measured by patent counts and forward patent citations. We construct a firm-year panel data set of all venture capital-backed biotechnology firms founded between 1980 and 2000, tracked yearly through 2006. We address the possibility of unobserved self-selection into exit mode by using coarsened exact matching, and in two additional ways: (1) comparing firms that filed for an IPO (or announced a merger) with those not completing the transaction for reasons unrelated to innovation, and (2) using an instrumental variables approach. We find that innovation quality is highest under private ownership and lowest under public ownership, with acquisition intermediate between the two. Together with a set of within-exit mode analyses, these results are consistent with the proposition that information confidentiality mechanisms shape innovation outcomes. The results are not explained by inventor-level turnover following exit events or by firms' preexit window dressing behavior. This paper was accepted by Lee Fleming, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Antipsychotic property of solvent-partitioned fractions of Lonchocarpus cyanescens leaf extract in mice
Authors: Arowona Ismot T. , Sonibare Mubo A. , Umukoro Solomon 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background: This study was carried out to evaluate the antipsychotic property of solvent-partitioned fractions of the leaf extract of Lonchocarpus cyanescens (LC), a reputable medicinal plant used in folk medicine for the treatment of mental illnesses in Nigeria.

Methods: The n-hexane fraction, ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), and aqueous ethanol fraction (AEF) of LC were tested for antipsychotic property based on the antagonism of stereotypy induced by apomorphine (APO). Antagonism of hyperactivity and lethality in aggregated mice induced by amphetamine (AMPH) were further employed for screening the antipsychotic effect of the fractions. EAF was tested for catalepsy utilising the horizontal plane paradigm. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was used to screen EAF for the presence of secondary metabolites.

Results: AEF (100–400 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) suppressed stereotypy induced by APO (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [IP]) in comparison with control, suggesting antipsychotic activity. However, EAF (200 mg/kg, IP) was most potent in inhibiting the stereotypic effect of APO. EAF was also the most active in antagonising AMPH-induced hyperactivity and in protecting against death caused by AMPH in grouped mice. However, in contrast to haloperidol, EAF did not produce cataleptic behaviour in the horizontal plane paradigm. The TLC analysis revealed that EAF contains several compounds, with some of them having R
f values similar to that of haloperidol, which suggests the presence of active substances with the same chemical structural identity.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that EAF contains the major active constituent(s) mediating the antipsychotic property of LC and further support its use for the management of psychosis in traditional medicine.
Homocysteine metabolism in different human cells
Authors: Kurz Katharina , Frick Barbara , Fürhapter Christina , Weiss Günter , Wirleitner Barbara , Sepp Norbert , Fuchs Dietmar 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The effects of cytokine and mitogen stimulation on homocysteine (HCY) metabolism in different cells were investigated: in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC), T lymphocytes, mature and immature dendritic cells, and myelomonocytic (THP-1) and monocytic cell lines (U-937). Furthermore, the influence of supplementation of cells with folate acid, methionine and the combination of both on HCY metabolism was investigated. Unstimulated HDMEC and dendritic cells only produced very little amounts of HCY, and stimulation did not change HCY formation significantly either. However, higher HCY concentrations were detected in HDMEC and dendritic cells under supplementation with methionine and slightly less under supplementation with folate. Proliferating T lymphocytes showed an increase in HCY production on stimulation with increasing doses of mitogens; proliferative activity was associated with HCY formation. THP-1 and U-937 cells produced significantly more HCY than endothelial cells; U-937 cells produced most HCY, which was mainly due to their high proliferation rate. Stimulation of both cell lines with lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ, respectively, showed a significant effect on HCY production of cells; in THP-1 cells, stimulation with IFN-γ and lipopolysaccharide induced neopterin formation. Methionine supplementation strongly increased and folate supplementation slightly decreased HCY formation in both cell lines. Thus, inflammation may play a role in moderate hyperhomocysteinemia.
Experimental and finite element studies on buckling of skew plates under uniaxial compression
Authors: Venkateshappa Srinivasa Chikkol , Jayadevappa Suresh Yalaburgi , Puttiah Prema Kumar Wooday 
Published: December 2013

AbstractExperimental studies were made on isotropic skew plates made of aluminum 7075-T6 and laminated composite skew plates under uniaxial compression with unloaded edges completely free and one loaded edge restrained completely and the other loaded edge restrained except translationally in the direction of loading. Experimental values of the buckling load have been determined using five different methods. The buckling load has also been determined using CQUAD8 finite element of MSC/NASTRAN. Comparison is made between the various experimental values of buckling load and the finite element solution. The effects of the skew angle and the aspect ratio on the critical buckling load of isotropic skew plates made of aluminum 7075-T6 have been studied. The effects of the skew angle, aspect ratio, and the laminate stacking sequence on the critical buckling load of laminated composite skew plates have also been studied. The critical buckling load is found to increase with the increase in the skew angle and decrease with the increase in aspect ratio. Method IV yields the highest value for critical buckling load and Method III the lowest value for critical buckling load. Among the various experimental values, the one given by Method IV is closest to the finite element solution, and the discrepancy between them is less than about 5% in the case of isotropic skew plates and about 10–15% in the case of laminated composite skew plates.
Effect of Fly Ash on Cement Admixture for a Low Plasticity Marine Soil
Authors: Bushra I. , Robinson Retnamony G. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe deep cement mixing (DCM) method is one of the popular methods of ground-improvement techniques for enhancing the bearing capacity and reducing settlements of thick deposits of soft clay with high water content. High cement content, of the order of 10 % to 25 %, are often used in practice. To reduce the requirement of cement, an attempt is made in the present study to replace the cement partially with fly ash, as a fly ash–cement composite. Different percentages of Class F fly ash (10 %, 20 %, and 30 %) to Ennore marine clay with different proportions of cement (10 %, 15 %, and 20 %) were added and tested. The optimum clay water content at which maximum strength is achieved was determined for various mixes based on unconfined compressive strength tests. A detailed study showed that addition of 20 % Class F fly ash is effective in all combinations. The behavior of the composite under one-dimensional consolidation was also tested.
The Atomic Metron – a Basis for Synthesis of Metal Sub-Nanometer Particles with a Discrete Number of Atoms
Authors: Love Oksana , Kidwell David A. , Epshteyn Albert 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTFew techniques are available to systematically synthesize and characterize metal particles below 1nm in size. We build nanoparticles in an atomically defined manner through the use of a high-fidelity molecular container we call an atomic metron, which is used to select and count the metallic ions that will make up the resultant nanoparticle. After a defined number of ions are selected, the metron may be spatially isolated and the metallic ions reduced to an isolated nanoparticle. Each step in the process is characterized via analytical methods. AFM is used to demonstrate the formation of sub-nanometer particles. The counting of atoms, isolation, and formation of nanoparticles, shows high potential for easy synthesis of sub-nanometer particles with fine control over the number of atoms in each particle.
Mechanisms overview of Thermocompression Process for Copper Metal Bonding
Authors: Gondcharton Paul , Baudin Floriane , Benaissa Lamine , Imbert Bruno 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTWafer level metal bonding involving copper material is widely used to achieve 3D functional integration of ICs and ensure effective packaging sealing for various applications. In this paper we focus on thermocompression bonding technology where temperature and pressure are used in parallel to assist the bonding process. More specifically a broad range of conditions was explored and interesting results were observed and are reported. Indeed, despite a relatively high roughness, the presence of a native oxide and the lack of surface preparation, there still exists a process window where wafer level bonding is allowed. In these conditions, limiting the bonding mechanisms to basic copper diffusion is no longer satisfactory. In this study, a specific scenario inspired by both wafer bonding and metal welding state of the art is put forward. Accordingly, pure copper diffusion through the bonding interface is lined with plastic deformation and metallic oxide fracture. In addition, polycrystalline film deformation due to thermomechanical stress is highlighted and grain growth and voiding formation are observed and confirmed.
Self-biased Dual-phase Energy Harvesting System
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Bhalla Amar , Priya Shashank 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, we report the design and fabrication of a dual-phase energy harvester which can synchronously harvest both mechanical and magnetic energy in the absence of DC magnetic field. The harvester consists of a magnetostrictive cantilever beam and a magnetostrictive/ piezoelectric (M/P) self-biased laminate composite structure. This structure allows us to utilize piezoelectric and self-biased magnetoelectric effect simultaneously. By combining these mechanisms together, a sum effect for harvesting both magnetic and vibration energy was realized under DC magnetic field free condition. The bilayer structure provides a simplified geometry that can be easily incorporated into MEMS devices. We demonstrate a hybrid synthesis method for fabrication of complex three-dimensional thin films using a cost-effective and mask-less aerosol jet deposition process. The combination of the hybrid aerosol jet process with dual phase harvester design provides the opportunity to fabricate small scale power sources required for structural health monitoring applications.
Wide Bandwidth Piezoelectric MEMS Energy Harvesting
Authors: Xu Ruize , Kim Sang-Gook 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTPiezoelectric Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) has been proven to be an attractive technology for harvesting small energy from the ambient vibration. Recent advancements in piezoelectric materials and harvester structural design, individually or in combination, have improved MEMS energy harvesters to achieve high enough power density, compactness and ultra wide bandwidth, bringing us closer towards battery-less autonomous sensors systems and networks in near future. Among the breakthroughs, non-linear resonating beam for wide bandwidth resonance is the key development to enable robust operation of MEMS energy harvesters over the unpredictable and uncontrollable frequency spectra of ambient vibration. We expect that a coin size harvester will be able to harvest about 100μW continuous power at below 100 Hz and less than 0.5 g input vibration and at reasonable cost.