bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic Hyperinsulinemia Does Not Increase the Production Rate of High-Density Lipoprotein Apolipoprotein AI
Authors: Duvillard Laurence , Florentin Emmanuel , Pont Frédéric , Petit Jean-Michel , Baillot-Rudoni Sabine , Penfornis Alfred , Vergès Bruno 
Published: August 2013

Objective—
In vitro studies showed that insulin stimulates the production of apolipoprotein AI (apoAI). Thus, we hypothesized that chronic hyperinsulinemia could contribute to the increase in the production of high-density lipoprotein apoAI that is observed in metabolic syndrome.

Approach and Results—

We performed an in vivo kinetic study with stable isotope in 7 patients with insulinoma who showed hyperinsulinemia but no insulin resistance, 8 patients with insulin resistance, and 16 controls. Insulinemia was 3.1× (
P
<0.01) higher in patients with insulinoma or insulin resistance than in controls in the fasting state and, respectively, 3.5× and 2.6× (
P
<0.05) higher in the fed state. The high-density lipoprotein apoAI pool size was smaller in patients with insulin resistance than in controls (49.3±5.4 versus 59.6±7.7 mg·kg
−1
;
P
<0.01), whereas both the high-density lipoprotein apoAI fractional catabolic rate and the high-density lipoprotein apoAI production rate were higher (0.30±0.07 versus 0.20±0.04 pool·d
−1
;
P
<0.0001 and 14.6±1.5 versus 11.5±1.9 mg·kg
−1
·d
−1
;
P
<0.01, respectively). In contrast, no significant difference was observed for these parameters between patients with insulinoma and controls. In patients with insulinoma, the apoAI pool size tended to be greater than in patients with insulin resistance (56.3±8.6 versus 49.3±5.4 mg·kg
−1
;
P
=0.078), whereas both the apoAI fractional catabolic rate and the production rate were lower (0.20±0.06 versus 0.30±0.07 pool·d
−1
;
P
<0.01 and 11.1±1.6 versus 14.6±1.5 mg·kg
−1
·d
−1
;
P
<0.01, respectively). The apoAI fractional catabolic rate was the only variable associated with the apoAI production rate in multivariate analysis and explained 80% of its variance.

Conclusions—
Chronic endogenous hyperinsulinemia does not induce any increase in the apoAI production rate, which seems to be more dependent on the apoAI fractional catabolic rate.
Molecular Imaging Reveals Rapid Reduction of Endothelial Activation in Early Atherosclerosis With Apocynin Independent of Antioxidative Properties
Authors: Khanicheh Elham , Qi Yue , Xie Aris , Mitterhuber Martina , Xu Lifen , Mochizuki Michika , Daali Youssef , Jaquet Vincent , Krause Karl-Heinz , Ruggeri Zaverio M. , Kuster Gabriela M. , Lindner Jonathan R. , Kaufmann Beat A. 
Published: August 2013

Objective—
Antioxidative drugs continue to be developed for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Apocynin is an nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase inhibitor with anti-inflammatory properties. We used contrast-enhanced ultrasound molecular imaging to assess whether short-term apocynin therapy in atherosclerosis reduces vascular oxidative stress and endothelial activation

Approach and Results—

Genetically modified mice with early atherosclerosis were studied at baseline and after 7 days of therapy with apocynin (4 mg/kg per day IP) or saline. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound molecular imaging of the aorta was performed with microbubbles targeted to vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1; MB
V
), to platelet glycoprotein Ibα (MB
Pl
), and control microbubbles (MB
Ctr
). Aortic vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 was measured using Western blot. Aortic reactive oxygen species generation was measured using a lucigenin assay. Hydroethidine oxidation was used to assess aortic superoxide generation. Baseline signal for MB
V
(1.3±0.3 AU) and MB
Pl
(1.5±0.5 AU) was higher than for MB
Ctr
(0.5±0.2 AU;
P
<0.01). In saline-treated animals, signal did not significantly change for any microbubble agent, whereas short-term apocynin significantly (
P
<0.05) reduced vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and platelet signal (MB
V
: 0.3±0.1; MB
Pl
: 0.4±0.1; MB
Ctr
: 0.3±0.2 AU;
P
=0.6 between agents). Apocynin reduced aortic vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 expression by 50% (
P
<0.05). However, apocynin therapy did not reduce reactive oxygen species content, superoxide generation, or macrophage content.

Conclusions—
Short-term treatment with apocynin in atherosclerosis reduces endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression. This change in endothelial phenotype can be detected by molecular imaging before any measurable decrease in macrophage content and is not associated with a detectable change in oxidative burden.
Profiling of Atherosclerotic Lesions by Gene and Tissue Microarrays Reveals PCSK6 as a Novel Protease in Unstable Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Perisic Ljubica , Hedin Erika , Razuvaev Anton , Lengquist Mariette , Osterholm Cecilia , Folkersen Lasse , Gillgren Peter , Paulsson-Berne Gabrielle , Ponten Fredrik , Odeberg Jacob , Hedin Ulf 
Published: August 2013

Objective—
Carotid plaque instability is a major cause of ischemic stroke, but detailed knowledge about underlying molecular pathways is still lacking. Here, we evaluated large-scale transcriptomic and protein expression profiling in a biobank of carotid endarterectomies followed by characterization of identified candidates, as a platform for discovery of novel proteins differentially regulated in unstable carotid lesions.

Approach and Results—

Genes highly upregulated in symptomatic versus asymptomatic plaques were selected from Affymetrix microarray analyses (n=127 plaques), and tissue microarrays constructed from 34 lesions were assayed for 21 corresponding proteins by immunohistochemistry. Quantification of stainings demonstrated differential expression of CD36, CD137, and DOCK7 (
P
<0.05) in unstable versus stable lesions and the most significant upregulation of a proprotein convertase, PCSK6 (
P
<0.0001). Increased expression of PCSK6 in symptomatic lesions was verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (n=233), and the protein was localized to smooth muscle α-actin positive cells and extracellular matrix of the fibrous cap by immunohistochemistry. PCSK6 expression positively correlated to genes associated with inflammation, matrix degradation, and mitogens in microarrays. Stimulation of human carotid smooth muscle cells in vitro with cytokines caused rapid induction of PCSK6 mRNA.

Conclusions—
Using a combination of transcriptomic and tissue microarray profiling, we demonstrate a novel approach to identify proteins differentially expressed in unstable carotid atherosclerosis. The proprotein convertase PCSK6 was detected at increased levels in the fibrous cap of symptomatic carotid plaques, possibly associated with key processes in plaque rupture such as inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of PCSK6 in atherosclerosis.
Restriction of Calpain3 Expression to the Skeletal Muscle Prevents Cardiac Toxicity and Corrects Pathology in a Murine Model of Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Roudaut Carinne , Le Roy Florence , Suel Laurence , Poupiot Jérôme , Charton Karine , Bartoli Marc , Richard Isabelle 
Published: August 2013

Background—

Genetic defects in calpain3 (
CAPN3
) lead to limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A, a disease of the skeletal muscle that affects predominantly the proximal limb muscles. We previously demonstrated the potential of adeno-associated virus–mediated transfer of the
CAPN3
gene to correct the pathological signs in a murine model for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A after intramuscular and locoregional administrations.

Methods and Results—

Here, we showed that intravenous injection of calpain3-expressing vector in mice can induce mortality in a dose-dependent manner. An anatomopathological investigation revealed large areas of fibrosis in the heart that we related to unregulated proteolytic activity of calpain3. To circumvent this toxicity, we developed new adeno-associated virus vectors with skeletal muscle–restricted expression by using new muscle-specific promoters that include the
CAPN3
promoter itself and by introducing a target sequence of the cardiac-specific microRNA-208a in the cassette. Our results show that
CAPN3
transgene expression can be successfully suppressed in the cardiac tissue, preventing the cardiac toxicity, whereas expression of the transgene in skeletal muscle reverts the pathological signs of calpain3 deficiency.

Conclusions—
The molecular strategies used in this study may be useful for any gene transfer strategy with potential toxicity in the heart.
A Relational Approach to the Study of Religious Survival Units
Authors: Reeh Niels 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The article departs from the finding that religious texts and actors relate to other religions as for instance The Old Testament relates to Canaanites, the New Testament to Jews, Pagans etc. A consequence of this inter-relatedness of religion is that religion can be studied as a relational phenomenon and that religions are engaged in a more or less intense struggle against other competing religions. Further, using John Searle’s notion of collective subjectivity, the article posits that religions are in fact an example of such collective subjectivity (Searle 1995). In this perspective, a religion can be defined and studied as the result of complex set of dynamic relations, where a central tenet of a religion is that it relates to the significant religious other. As such religion is not a stable phenomenon but embedded in a dynamic historical process, which can explain the difficulties scholars have had in defining religion.
Developments in the CSU-RAMS Aerosol Model: Emissions, Nucleation, Regeneration, Deposition, and Radiation
Authors: Saleeby Stephen M. , van den Heever Susan C. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe Colorado State University (CSU) Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) has undergone development focused on improving the treatment of aerosols in the microphysics model, with the goal of examining the impacts of aerosol characteristics, scavenging, and regeneration processes, among others, on precipitation processes in clouds ranging from stratocumulus to deep convection and mixed-phase orographic clouds. Improvements in the representation of aerosols allow for more comprehensive studies of aerosol effects on cloud systems across scales. In RAMS there are now sub- and supermicrometer modes of sulfate, mineral dust, sea salt, and regenerated aerosol. All aerosol species can compete for cloud droplet nucleation, and they are regenerated via hydrometeor evaporation. A newly applied heterogeneous ice nuclei parameterization accounts for deposition nucleation and condensation and immersion freezing of aerosols greater than 0.5-μm diameter. There are also schemes for trimodal sea salt emissions and bimodal dust lofting that are functions of wind speed and surface properties. Aerosol wet and dry deposition accounts for collection by falling hydrometeors as well as gravitational settling of aerosols on water, soil, and vegetation. Aerosol radiative effects are parameterized via the Mie theory. An examination of the simulated impact of aerosol characteristics, sources, and sinks reveals mixed sensitivity among cloud types. For example, reduced aerosol solubility has little impact on deep convection since supersaturations are large and nearly all accumulation-mode aerosols activate. In contrast, reduced solubility results in reduced aerosol activation in precipitating stratocumulus. This leads to lower cloud droplet concentration, larger droplet size, and more efficient warm rain processes.
Correction of Radar QPE Errors Associated with Low and Partially Observed Brightband Layers
Authors: Qi Youcun , Zhang Jian 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe melting of aggregated snow/crystals often results in an enhancement of the reflectivity observed by weather radars, and this is commonly referenced as the bright band (BB). The locally high reflectivity often causes overestimation in radar quantitative precipitation estimates (QPE) if no appropriate correction is applied. When the melting layer is high, a complete BB layer profile (including top, peak, and bottom) can be observed by the ground radar, and a vertical profile of reflectivity (VPR) correction can be made to reduce the BB impact. When a melting layer is near the ground and the bottom part of the bright band cannot be observed by the ground radar, a VPR correction cannot be made directly from the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) radar observations. This paper presents a new VPR correction method under this situation. From high-resolution precipitation profiler data, an empirical relationship between BB peak and BB bottom is developed. The empirical relationship is combined with the apparent BB peak observed by volume scan radars and the BB bottom is found. Radar QPEs are then corrected based on the estimated BB bottom. The new method was tested on 13 radars during seven low brightband events over different areas in the United States. It is shown to be effective in reducing the radar QPE overestimation under low brightband situations.
Intensification of Hurricane Sandy (2012) through Extratropical Warm Core Seclusion
Authors: Galarneau Thomas J. , Davis Christopher A. , Shapiro Melvyn A. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractHurricane Sandy's landfall along the New Jersey shoreline at 2330 UTC 29 October 2012 produced a catastrophic storm surge stretching from New Jersey to Rhode Island that contributed to damage in excess of $50 billion—the sixth costliest U.S. tropical cyclone on record since 1900—and directly caused 72 fatalities. Hurricane Sandy's life cycle was marked by two upper-level trough interactions while it moved northward over the western North Atlantic on 26–29 October. During the second trough interaction on 29 October, Sandy turned northwestward and intensified as cold continental air encircled the warm core vortex and Sandy acquired characteristics of a warm seclusion. The aim of this study is to determine the dynamical processes that contributed to Sandy's secondary peak in intensity during its warm seclusion phase using high-resolution numerical simulations. The modeling results show that intensification occurred in response to shallow low-level convergence below 850 hPa that was consistent with the Sawyer–Eliassen solution for the secondary circulation that accompanied the increased baroclinicity in the radial direction. Additionally, cyclonic vertical vorticity generated by tilting of horizontal vorticity along an axis of frontogenesis northwest of Sandy was axisymmetrized. The axis of frontogenesis was anchored to the Gulf Stream in a region of near-surface differential diabatic heating. The unusual northwestward track of Sandy allowed the cyclonic vorticity over the Gulf Stream to form ahead of the main vortex and be readily axisymmetrized. The underlying dynamics driving intensification were nontropical in origin, and supported the reclassification of Sandy as extratropical prior to landfall.
Evaluation of gadolinium-EOB-DTPA uptake after portal vein embolization: value of an increased flip angle
Authors: Geisel Dominik , Lüdemann Lutz , Wagner Clemens , Stelter Lars , Grieser Christian , Malinowski Maciej , Stockmann Martin , Seehofer Daniel , Hamm Bernd , Gebauer Bernhard , Denecke Timm 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundThe optimal sequence for Gd-EOB-DTPA uptake measurement in the liver with the purpose of liver function measurement is still not defined.PurposeTo prospectively evaluate the effect of an increased flip angle (FA) of a T1-weighted fat-saturated 3D sequence for the measurement of hepatocyte uptake of Gd-EOB-DTPA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after right portal vein embolization (PVE).Material and MethodsTen patients who received a PVE prior to an extended hemihepatectomy were examined 14 days after PVE using Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI of the liver using the standard FA of 10° and the increased FA of 30°.ResultsRelative enhancement of the right liver lobe (RLL) was 0.52 ± 0.12 for 10° and 1.41 ± 0.39 for 30°. Relative enhancement of the left liver lobe (LLL) was 0.58 ± 0.11 for 10° and 2.05 ± 0.61 for 30°. Relative enhancement of the RLL was significantly higher for 30° than for 10° ( P = 0.009) and significantly higher in the 30° than in the 10° sequences ( P = 0.005) for the LLL.ConclusionA flip angle of 30° increases the contrast between liver partitions with and without portal venous embolization. Thereby, the sensitivity for differences in uptake intensity is increased. This could be of value for a more exact determination of differences in regional liver function and, consequently, the estimation of the future remnant liver function.
N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide and weaning outcome in postoperative patients with pulmonary complications
Authors: Ma Gang , Liao Wei , Qiu Junke , Su Quanguan , Fang Yi , Gu Baochun 
Published: August 2013

Objective To evaluate the relationship between plasma N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and weaning outcomes, and the ability of NT-proBNP level to predict weaning success, in cancer patients with pulmonary complications undergoing noncardiac major surgeries. Methods Patients who were mechanically ventilated following postoperative respiratory failure were enrolled. NT-proBNP levels at the end of a 2-h spontaneous breathing trial were measured. Weaning was considered a success in patients who completed the trial and maintained spontaneous breathing following extubation for >48 h. Results Out of 29 patients, 22 patients weaned successfully but weaning failed in 7 patients. Plasma NT-proBNP was significantly higher in the weaning failure group than in the weaning success group. For predicting weaning success, the optimal NT-proBNP threshold value at the end of the spontaneous breathing trial was <448 ng/l (receiver operating characteristic analysis; sensitivity 68.18%, specificity 85.71%, positive predictive value 93.7% and negative predictive value 46.2%). Conclusion Measuring NT-proBNP at the end of a spontaneous breathing trial may assist in predicting weaning success, as a noninvasive, quantitative and repeatable indicator of cardiac stress in patients with postsurgical respiratory failure.
Effects of administration of subtoxic doses of acetaminophen on liver and blood levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 in rats
Authors: Ozdemir Durgul , Aksu Ilkay , Baykara Basak , Ates Mehmet , Sisman Ali Riza , Kiray Muge , Buyuk Arzu , Uysal Nazan 
Published: August 2013

Acetaminophen (APAP) is widely used in the treatment of pain. Toxic doses of APAP cause acute liver failure, but therapeutic doses are believed to be safe. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of administration of subtoxic doses of APAP on liver and blood levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in rats. Low dose (100 mg/kg) and high dose (250 mg/kg) of APAP were intraperitoneally injected into Wistar albino rats. Following administration of therapeutic doses of APAP, there were no significant changes in serum transaminases and liver glutathione levels. Both doses of APAP induced a decrease in liver and blood levels of IGF-1 when compared with the controls. There was no significant difference in liver IGF-1 levels between the high-dose and low-dose APAP groups; however, there was a significant difference in blood IGF-1 levels between both the groups. The histological examination showed that low dose of APAP induced mild degree of structural change, while high dose of APAP induced severe structural damage. In conclusion, these results suggest that blood IGF-1 levels may have a value in predicting hepatic damage resulting from therapeutic doses of APAP.
Effects of longer heavy vehicles on traffic congestion
Authors: Morrison Graeme , Roebuck Richard L , Cebon David 
Published: August 2013

Two-lane, “microscopic” (vehicle-by-vehicle) simulations of motorway traffic are developed using existing models and validated using measured data from the M25 motorway. An energy consumption model is also built in, which takes the logged trajectories of simulated vehicles as drive-cycles. The simulations are used to investigate the effects on motorway congestion and fuel consumption if “longer and/or heavier vehicles” (LHVs) were to be permitted in the UK. Baseline scenarios are simulated with traffic composed of cars, light goods vehicles and standard heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). A proportion of conventional articulated HGVs is then replaced by a smaller number of LHVs carrying the same total payload mass and volume. Four LHV configurations are investigated: an 18.75 m, 46 t longer semi-trailer (LST); 25.25 m, 50 t and 60 t B-doubles and a 34 m, 82 t A-double. Metrics for congestion, freight fleet energy consumption and car energy consumption are defined for comparing the scenarios. Finally, variation of take-up level and LHV engine power for the LST and A-double are investigated. It is concluded that: (a) LHVs should reduce congestion particularly in dense traffic, however, a low mean proportion of freight traffic on UK roads and low take-up levels will limit this effect to be almost negligible; (b) LHVs can significantly improve the energy efficiency of freight fleets, giving up to a 23% reduction in fleet energy consumption at high take-up levels; (c) the small reduction in congestion caused by LHVs could improve the fuel consumption of other road users by up to 3% in dense traffic, however in free-flowing traffic an opposite effect occurs due to higher vehicle speeds and aerodynamic losses; and (d) underpowered LHVs have potential to generate severe congestion, however current manufacturers’ recommendations appear suitable.
Host range and in vitro lysis of Listeria monocytogenes seafood isolates by bacteriophages
Authors: Arachchi Geevika J Ganegama , Cruz Cristina D , Dias-Wanigasekera Beatrice M , McIntyre Lynn , Billington Craig , Hudson Andrew , Flint Steve H , Mutukumira Anthony N 
Published: August 2013

Listeria-infecting bacteriophages (listeriaphages) can be used to control Listeria monocytogenes in the food industry. However, the sensitivity of many of seafood-borne Listeria strains to phages has not been reported. This research investigated the host ranges of three listeriaphages (FWLLm1, FWLLm3 and FWLLm5) by the formation of lytic zones and plaques on host lawns and in vitro lysis kinetics of listeriaphage FWLLm3. The study also predicted the phage titres required to lyse host cells. The host ranges of the phages were determined using 50 L. monocytogenes strains, of which 48 were isolated from the seafood industry and two from clinical cases. Of the 50 strains, 36 were tested at 25 and 30 ℃ and the remainder (14) at 15 and 25 ℃. Based on the formation of either discrete plaques or lytic zones (host kill zones), the host ranges of FWLLm1, FWLLm3 and FWLLm5 were about 87%, 81% and 87%, respectively, at 25 ℃. Six L. monocytogenes strains from the seafood environment were insensitive to all three phages, while the other seafood strains (42) were phage-sensitive. The adsorption rate constant ( k value) of listeriaphage FWLLm3 was between 1.2 × 10−9 and 1.6 × 10−9 ml/min across four host strains in tryptic soy broth at 25 ℃. The cultures (at 3–4 log colony-forming unit (CFU/ml) were completely lysed (<1 log CFU/ml) when cultures were infected with FWLLm3 at > 8.7 log phage-forming units (PFU/ml) for 30 min. Re-growth of phage-infected cultures was not detected after 24 h. The effective empirical phage titre was similar to the calculated titre using a kinetic model. Results indicate the potential use of the three phages for controlling L. monocytogenes strains in seafood processing environments.