bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison and Evaluation of Cardiac Biomarkers in Patients with Intermittent Claudication: Results from the CAVASIC Study
Authors: Kollerits Barbara , Sturm Gisela , Lamina Claudia , Hammerer-Lercher Angelika , Rantner Barbara , Stadler Marietta , Ziera Tim , Struck Joachim , Klein-Weigel Peter , Fraedrich Gustav , Kronenberg Florian 
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUNDPlasma concentrations of the peptides midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM), midregional proatrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), and C-terminal endothelin-1 precursor fragment (CT-proET-1) are increased in various cardiovascular conditions. However, there is limited information about the association and comparative performance of these peptides in peripheral arterial disease (PAD).METHODSThe associations of MR-proADM, MR-proANP, and CT-proET-1 plasma concentrations with symptomatic PAD were investigated in the CAVASIC (Cardiovascular Disease in Intermittent Claudication) Study. Study participants were a male cohort of 238 patients with a diagnosis of intermittent claudication (IC) and 245 age- and diabetes-matched controls. Results were compared to those for N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).RESULTSEach increase of MR-proADM, MR-proANP, and CT-proET-1 by 1 SD was significantly associated with symptomatic PAD: odds ratio (OR) = 1.78 (95% CI, 1.41–2.25, P &lt; 0.001), OR = 1.32 (95% CI, 1.06–1.66, P = 0.014), and OR = 1.80 (95% CI, 1.43–2.28, P &lt; 0.001), respectively. The association remained significant for all 3 markers after additional adjustment for log C-reactive protein, serum creatinine, HDL cholesterol, and current smoking. When one adjusts for log NT-proBNP and excluding individuals with prevalent cardiovascular disease, MR-proADM and CT-proET-1 still predicted symptomatic PAD. Extended adjustment models including MR-proADM or CT-proET-1 showed significantly improved model fits compared to models including classical cardiac risk factors or NT-proBNP and led to significant reclassification (P &lt; 0.05).CONCLUSIONSThis study in a male cohort of patients with IC and age- and diabetes-matched controls indicates a significant association of high MR-proADM, MR-proANP, and CT-proET-1 concentrations with PAD. MR-proADM and CT-proET-1 provide additive information in comparison to NT-proBNP. Moreover, MR-proADM and CT-proET-1 significantly predict PAD in those patients and controls free from prevalent CVD.
Albuminuria Prevalence in First Morning Void Compared with Previous Random Urine from Adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2010
Authors: Saydah Sharon H , Pavkov Meda E , Zhang Cindy , Lacher David A , Eberhardt Mark S , Burrows Nilka Rios , Narva Andrew S , Eggers Paul W , Williams Desmond E 
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND
Albuminuria, defined as urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥30 mg/g, is a diagnostic component of chronic kidney disease (CKD). National estimates of ACR and CKD prevalence have been based on single random urine samples. Although 2 urine samples or a first morning void are known to produce different estimates of ACR, the impact of differing urine sampling schemes on nationally estimated rates of CKD is unknown.

METHODS
In 2009–2010, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants provided 2 untimed urine samples for sequential ACR measurement: an initial random urine collected in the NHANES mobile examination center and a subsequent first morning void collected at home. Rates of albuminuria were calculated in the overall population and broken down by demographics, diagnosed diabetes and hypertension status, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

RESULTS
Overall, 43.5% of adults with increased ACR (≥30 mg/g) in a random urine also had increased ACR in a first morning urine. This percentage was higher among individuals ≥50 years old (48.9%), males (53.3%), participants with diagnosed diabetes (56.3%) and hypertension (51.5%), and eGFR &lt;60 mL/min/1.72m2 (56.9%). The use of confirmed increased ACR (defined as the presence of ACR ≥30 mg/g in both samples taken within 10 days) to define CKD resulted in a lower overall prevalence (11.6%) than first morning urine (12.7%) or random spot urine only (15.2%).

CONCLUSIONS
ACR measured on random urine samples appears to overestimate the prevalence of albuminuria compared to first morning urine collections.
Role of nuclear IκBs in inflammation regulation
Authors: Chiba Tomoki , Inoko Hidetoshi , Kimura Minoru , Sato Takehito 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA wide variety of environmental cues, including inflammatory cytokines, ligands for pattern recognition receptors and endogenous danger signals, activate the inducible transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), which is a central regulator of inflammatory and immune responses. Excessive activation of NF-κB results in the development of severe diseases, such as chronic inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases and cancer. Therefore, the transcriptional activity of NF-κB is tightly regulated at multiple steps. One mechanism is mediated by the inhibitor of κB (IκB), a well-defined regulator of NF-κB that resides in the cytoplasm and prevents NF-κB from nuclear entry by sequestration. Recently, several atypical IκBs that reside in the nucleus were identified: Bcl-3, IκBζ, IκBNS and IκBη. In contrast to conventional IκBs, these atypical IκBs positively and negatively modulate NF-κB-mediated transcription. The function of atypical IκBs is independent of the prevention of NF-κB nuclear entry. Therefore, atypical IκBs are considered distinct from conventional IκBs and have been termed ‘nuclear IκBs.’ In addition to these members, our recent study indicated that IκBL, originally reported as a susceptibility gene for rheumatoid arthritis, also serves as a nuclear IκB. Biological and genetic studies strongly suggest that nuclear IκBs play important roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases via the regulation of both innate and adaptive immunity. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in our understanding of nuclear IκBs in the context of NF-κB-mediated transcriptional regulation and inflammatory responses.
Modulation of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity by phosphodiesterase isozyme inhibition in rats: a preliminary study
Authors: Ekor Martins , Odewabi Adesina O. , Kale Oluwafemi E. , Bamidele Titilayo O. , Adesanoye Omolola A. , Farombi Ebenezer O. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background: Altered regulation of nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) is present in liver cirrhosis. Several experimental studies have shown that selective modulation of NO metabolism in the liver reduces intrahepatic resistance and portal pressure in cirrhosis. This preliminary study investigated whether selective inhibition of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), which prevents the conversion of cGMP to 5′-GMP, as well as non-selective inhibition of PDE isozymes could ameliorate hepatic toxicity induced by paracetamol (PCM).

Methods: PCM (250 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to induce hepatotoxicity. Control rats received physiological saline (10 mL/kg, p.o.), while sildenafil (a selective PDE-5 inhibitor) and aminophylline (a non-selective PDE inhibitor) were administered separately at 10 mg/kg p.o. to PCM-treated rats.

Results: PCM hepatotoxicity, characterized by elevation of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, hepatic degeneration, and centrilobular necrosis, was attenuated by both PDE inhibitors. Sildenafil and aminophylline significantly (p<0.05) reduced plasma aspartate aminotransferase activity by 49.6% and 39.8%, respectively, with moderate increase in alanine aminotransferase activity by 26.1% and 20.4%, respectively, in PCM-treated rats. Decreases in total protein and albumin induced by PCM were significantly (p<0.05) prevented by 30.0% and 22.2%, respectively, following sildenafil administration, while aminophylline decreased these proteins by 14.0% and 25.9%, respectively. Sildenafil and aminophylline significantly (p<0.05) reduced lipid peroxidation by 30.7% and 19.7%, respectively, while moderately increasing glutathione (GSH) in the PCM-treated rats. Both drugs did not significantly alter the total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that pharmacological inhibition of PDE isozymes may be a useful strategy in protecting against PCM hepatic toxicity.
Multi-scale habitat use and selection of common genet Genetta genetta (Viverridae, Carnivora) in a Mediterranean environment
Authors: Camps David , Alldredge J. Richard 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
We assessed habitat use and selection of 16 radio-tracked adult common genets (Genetta genetta) using log-linear models at three different scales (plot, home range and core area) in a Mediterranean area situated in northeast Iberian Peninsula. Genets demonstrate flexibility in habitat use and select habitats using different criteria depending on the scale of analysis, although they show clear selection for habitats formed by forest areas with a tree layer and dense underbrush vegetation cover. Vegetation cover is the most important factor determining habitat selection across all scales. Selections within home range and core area are very similar, with genets showing a preference for pine forest, ravine and holm oak forest over other habitat types (crops, lowland sparse, maquis vegetation and anthropized areas). In resting sites, genets show a strong preference for ravines. Ravine was also the only habitat that is present in the home ranges and core areas of all individuals. Vegetation-associated ravines provide the most cover of all available habitats, and therefore we conclude that these habitats are selected by genets to provide the resources they need. We recommend that management should maintain vegetation cover to preserve the populations of genets.
Compression of Single-Crystal Micropillars of the ζ Intermetallic Phase in the Fe-Zn System
Authors: Inomoto Masahiro , Okamoto Norihiko L. , Inui Haruyuki 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTThe deformation behaviour of the ζ (zeta) phase in the Fe-Zn system has been investigated via room-temperature compression tests of single-crystal micropillar specimens prepared by the focused ion beam method. Trace analysis of slip lines indicates that {110} slip occurs for the specimens investigated in the present study. Although the slip direction has not been uniquely determined, comparison of Schmid factors and yield stress values suggests that the slip direction might be <1$\overline 1 $2>, which is inconsistent with the easiest slip system {110}[001] predicted on the basis of the primitive Peierls-Nabarro model.
Effects of the microstructure and minor elements on the fracture toughness of Nb-Si alloy
Authors: Okawa Takuya , Miura Seiji , Mohri Tetsuo 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTThe development of a new high temperature structural material is recently required in various fields. As one of the potential materials, Nb-Si alloys have attracted attention due to their high melting point and low density. A microstructure composed of ductile Nb matrix containing finely dispersed spherical Nb5Si3 phase is obtained by the addition of ternary elements such as Au and it is found that such microstructure is effective in improving room temperature toughness. The main purpose of the present study is evaluating fracture toughness of Nb-Si-Au alloys using small specimens and investigating the effects of the microstructure and other minor elements on the fracture toughness. Alloy ingots of Nb-15at.%Si-3at.%Au and Nb-3at.%Au are prepared by arc-melting under Ar atmosphere, followed by heat-treatments at up to 1500oC for 100 hours. Chevron notched specimens with a size of 1.0x2.0x10mm are subjected to four-point bending tests under a laser confocal microscope for in-situ observation of crack propagation, and the effect of the microstructure and minor elements such as oxygen on the evaluated fracture toughness is investigated on both the Nb/Nb5Si3 alloys and the Nb solid solution (Nbss) alloys.
Effective Refractory Metal Alloy Barrier Layer for High Temperature Microelectronic Device Application
Authors: Adedeji A.V. , Ross M.R. , Hamden N. , Pradhan A.K. , Ahyi A.C. , Isaacs-Smith T. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTThe oxidation and diffusion of Molybdenum layer sputter-deposited on 2μm CVD diamond grown on silicon substrate has been studied. The Mo layer was protected by refractory metal silicide barrier layer. The samples were annealed in air ambient at 500°C over 30 hours. The oxidation of the samples was monitored with Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS). The effect of reactive sputtering of refractory silicide target in argon-nitrogen gas mixture (5% nitrogen by flow rate) on the barrier characteristics was investigated. The sheet resistivity of the barrier layer on SiC substrates as a function of annealing time in air at 500°C is reported. The surface structure and morphology of the refractory silicide films was determined with X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
A Re-Examination of Diversification and Firm Productivity
Authors: Chang Hsihui , Fernando Guy D. , Srinivasan Dhinu , Tripathy Arindam 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
The advantages and disadvantages of diversification have been widely debated by academics, as well as business professionals, and the majority of studies suggest that diversification destroys firm value. The effect of overall diversification (without categorizing whether such diversification is related or unrelated to the business) on productivity has been investigated as well, but with similar conflicting results. In this paper, we investigate the effects of the two types of diversification on productivity. We find that related diversification enhances firm productivity, whereas unrelated diversification reduces firm productivity. We also find that the previously recorded link between diversification and firm value is partially mediated by productivity. Our paper offers further empirical evidence toward resolving the conflicting findings of prior research, and provides practitioners with additional points for consideration when engaging in firm diversification.
Paternal Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Hillman Sara , Peebles Donald M. , Williams David J. 
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE
Fathers of low–birth weight offspring are more likely to have type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life. We investigated whether paternal insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors were evident at the time that fetal growth–restricted offspring were born.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We carried out a case-control study of men who fathered pregnancies affected by fetal growth restriction, in the absence of recognized fetal disease (n = 42), compared with men who fathered normal–birth weight offspring (n = 77). All mothers were healthy, nonsmoking, and similar in age, BMI, ethnicity, and parity. Within 4 weeks of offspring birth, all fathers had measures of insulin resistance (HOMA index), blood pressure, waist circumference, endothelial function (flow-mediated dilatation), lipid profile, weight, and smoking habit. Comparison was made using multivariable logistical regression analysis.

RESULTS
Fathers of fetal growth–restricted offspring [mean (SD) 1.8th (2.2) customized birth centile] were more likely to have insulin resistance, hypertension, central adiposity, and endothelial dysfunction and to smoke cigarettes compared with fathers of normal grown offspring. After multivariable analysis, paternal insulin resistance and smoking remained different between the groups. Compared with fathers of normal grown offspring, men who fathered pregnancies affected by fetal growth restriction had an OR 7.68 (95% CI 2.63–22.40; P &lt; 0.0001) of having a 1-unit higher log HOMA-IR value and 3.39 (1.26–9.16; P = 0.016) of being a smoker.

CONCLUSIONS
Men who recently fathered growth-restricted offspring have preclinical evidence of the insulin resistance syndrome and are more likely to smoke than fathers of normal grown offspring. Paternal lifestyle may influence heritable factors important for fetal growth.
How Metformin Acts in PCOS Pregnant Women
Authors: Romualdi Daniela , De Cicco Simona , Gagliano Donatella , Busacca Matteo , Campagna Giuseppe , Lanzone Antonio , Guido Maurizio 
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE
Metformin has been reported to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes (GD) in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). However, little is known about the mechanisms of action of this drug during pregnancy. In the attempt to fill this gap, we performed a prospective longitudinal study providing a detailed examination of glucose and insulin metabolism in pregnant women with PCOS undergoing metformin therapy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We enrolled 60 women with PCOS who conceived while undergoing metformin treatment. An oral glucose tolerance test and a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp were performed at each trimester of gestation in 47 ongoing pregnancies.

RESULTS
Twenty-two of the study subjects had development of GD despite the treatment. At baseline, insulin sensitivity was comparable between women who had development of GD and women who did not. A progressive decline in this parameter occurred in all subjects, independently of the trimester of GD diagnosis. Insulin secretion was significantly higher during the first trimester in patients with an early failure of metformin treatment. Women with third trimester GD and women with no GD exhibited a significant increase in insulin output as gestation proceeded. All newborns were healthy and only one case of macrosomia was observed.

CONCLUSIONS
Women with PCOS who enter pregnancy in a condition of severe hyperinsulinemia have development of GD earlier, independently of metformin treatment. The physiologic deterioration of insulin sensitivity is not affected by the drug and does not predict the timing and severity of the glycemic imbalance. Despite the high incidence of GD observed, the drug itself or the intensive monitoring probably accounted for the good neonatal outcome.
Do Older Adults Aged 60–75 Years Benefit From Diabetes Behavioral Interventions?
Authors: Beverly Elizabeth A. , Fitzgerald Shane , Sitnikov Lilya , Ganda Om P. , Caballero A. Enrique , Weinger Katie 
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE
In this secondary analysis, we examined whether older adults with diabetes (aged 60–75 years) could benefit from self-management interventions compared with younger adults. Seventy-one community-dwelling older adults and 151 younger adults were randomized to attend a structured behavioral group, an attention control group, or one-to-one education.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We measured A1C, self-care (3-day pedometer readings, blood glucose checks, and frequency of self-care), and psychosocial factors (quality of life, diabetes distress, frustration with self-care, depression, self-efficacy, and coping styles) at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months postintervention.

RESULTS
Both older (age 67 ± 5 years, A1C 8.7 ± 0.8%, duration 20 ± 12 years, 30% type 1 diabetes, 83% white, 41% female) and younger (age 47 ± 9 years, A1C 9.2 ± 1.2%, 18 ± 12 years with diabetes, 59% type 1 diabetes, 82% white, 55% female) adults had improved A1C equally over time. Importantly, older and younger adults in the group conditions improved more and maintained improvements at 12 months (older structured behavioral group change in A1C −0.72 ± 1.4%, older control group −0.65 ± 0.9%, younger behavioral group −0.55 ± 1.2%, younger control group −0.43 ± 1.7%). Furthermore, frequency of self-care, glucose checks, depressive symptoms, quality of life, distress, frustration with self-care, self-efficacy, and emotional coping improved in older and younger participants at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that, compared with younger adults, older adults receive equal glycemic benefit from participating in self-management interventions. Moreover, older adults showed the greatest glycemic improvement in the two group conditions. Clinicians can safely recommend group diabetes interventions to community-dwelling older adults with poor glycemic control.
La Goutte d'Or, 30 juillet 1955 : une émeute au cœur de la métropole coloniale
Authors: Blanchard Emmanuel 
Published: January 2013

Résumé L’émeute urbaine est généralement analysée en lien avec l’histoire des quartiers périphériques et des grands ensembles. L’intégrer à une histoire de la « centralité immigrée » à Paris permet de mettre au jour d’autres continuités et généalogies. Ainsi, l’étude de l’émeute survenue le 30 juillet 1955 dans le quartier de la Goutte d’Or (18 e arrondissement, Paris), marqué par une très forte visibilité des « Français musulmans d’Algérie », permet de rompre avec le spatialisme des tentatives d’historisation des violences urbaines. Au croisement de plusieurs traditions de mobilisation (mouvement ouvrier, résistances populaires aux instances disciplinaires, luttes anticoloniales) s’est alors actualisé un mode d’action émeutier dont de nombreux éléments sont repérables dans des épisodes intervenus des années 1970 à nos jours. Il en ressort que, plus que les segmentations géographiques, ce sont les discours publics et les dispositifs policiers qui construisent les espaces au sein desquels l’émeute apparaît comme une réponse à la domination politique et sociale.
The Impasse of Femininity: A Paternal Heritage
Authors: Yi Mi-Kyung 
Published: January 2013

L’impasse du féminin : un héritage paternel ? Notre propos se porte sur la question du féminin. Celle-ci sera interrogée sous un triple angle : l’identité sexuelle, la filiation père-fils et enfin l’altérité. Une attention toute particulière est prêtée à la place du féminin dans le développement psychosexuel de l’enfant de sexe masculin et aux incidences que la relation père-fils peut y produire. L’examen de ce point de butée que constitue le féminin et qui, de père en fils, fait l’objet d’une répétition transgénérationnelle pourrait apporter une lumière supplémentaire sur la nature de ce que Freud appelle le « continent noir ».
L'instrumentalisation par la preuve du corps du réfugié
Authors: Pestre Élise 
Published: January 2013

Le sujet qui demande l’asile au sein d’un nouvel État doit témoigner des craintes de persécutions qu’il encoure dans son pays. Une fois réalisé l’examen minutieux de son récit, les preuves corporelles de ses allégations seront appréciées par les administrations. Les autorités porteront une attention toute particulière aux corps des requérants, dans l’objectif de valider – ou pas – leur témoignage, comme si les corps avaient le pouvoir de conserver à jamais les empreintes visibles des blessures passées. Cette quête souveraine de corps meurtris érige le soma en témoin incontournable du parcours d’asile du réfugié.