bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micromechanical modelling of damage evolution in highly filled particulate composites – Induced effects at different scales
Authors: Dartois Sophie , Nadot-Martin Carole , Halm Damien , Dragon André , Fanget Alain , Contesse Gérald 
Published: December 2012

An unconventional multi-scale approach is investigated to model interfacial damage and subsequent effects in highly filled particulate composites such as solid propellants. The basic framework by Nadot et al. (2006 Damage modelling framework for viscoelastic particulate composites via a scale transition approach, Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics 44:553–583) is enhanced to deal with damage state and configuration evolution under any loading. Three criteria are formulated at the microscale. The first one concerns the nucleation of new defects, while the other two (for closure and re-opening) monitor the respective proportions of open and closed defects. The formulation exploits the explicit microstructure representation and the knowledge of the local displacement field as a function of local morphology around the interfaces. The multi-scale model is finally implemented through a numerical solving procedure able to deal with successive and/or simultaneous discrete damage events (nucleation/closure/re-opening of defects) depending on the loading path. Numerical illustrations are given for a three-dimensional microstructure containing 351 particles submitted to complex loading sequence involving extension, shear and contraction stages. The results show the ability of the model to estimate damage characteristics (position, orientation within the material) in addition to induced effects at both microscale and macroscale (induced anisotropy, unilateral effects and influence on local fields).
Mean Platelet Volume Associated With Aortic Distensibility, Chronic Inflammation, and Diabetes in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Şahin Durmuş Yıldıray , Gür Mustafa , Elbasan Zafer , Yıldırım Arafat , Akıllı Rabia Eker , Koyunsever Nermin Yıldız , Özaltun Betül , Gözübüyük Gökhan , Kıvrak Ali , Çaylı Murat 
Published: December 2012

We aimed to assess the effective factors on high mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). A total of 411 patients (247 males and 164 females; mean age: 61.7 ± 9.9 years) with angiographically proven CAD were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the median MPV value (MPVlow group <9.5 fL and MPVhigh group ≥9.5 fL). The SYNTAX score, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, and frequencies of diabetes and hypertension were higher in MPVhigh group compared to MPVlow group. Aortic distensibility (AD) and platelet count of patients in MPVhigh group were lower than patients in MPVlow group ( P < .05, for all). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that MPV was independently related with diabetes (β = 0.135, P = .007), hsCRP (β = 0.259, P < .001), platelet count (β = −0.144, P < .001), and AD (β = −0.425, P < .001). High MPV value is independently related to AD, as well as diabetes, hsCRP, and platelet count in patients with stable CAD.
‘Just give me the best quality of life questionnaire’: the Karnofsky scale and the history of quality of life measurements in cancer trials
Authors: Timmermann Carsten 
Published: December 2012

Objectives: To use the history of the Karnofsky Performance Scale as a case study illustrating the emergence of interest in the measurement and standardisation of quality of life; to understand the origins of current-day practices. Methods: Articles referring to the Karnofsky scale and quality of life measurements published from the 1940s to the 1990s were identified by searching databases and screening journals, and analysed using close-reading techniques. Secondary literature was consulted to understand the context in which articles were written. Results: The Karnofsky scale was devised for a different purpose than measuring quality of life: as a standardisation device that helped quantify effects of chemotherapeutic agents less easily measurable than survival time. Interest in measuring quality of life only emerged around 1970. Discussion: When quality of life measurements were increasingly widely discussed in the medical press from the late 1970s onwards, a consensus emerged that the Karnofsky scale was not a very good tool. More sophisticated approaches were developed, but Karnofsky continued to be used. I argue that the scale provided a quick and simple, approximate assessment of the ‘soft’ effects of treatment by physicians, overlapping but not identical with quality of life.
Four types of coping with COPD-induced breathlessness in daily living: a grounded theory study
Authors: Jørgensen Lene Bastrup , Dahl Ronald , Pedersen Preben Ulrich , Lomborg Kirsten 
Published: December 2012

Coping with breathlessness is a complex and multidimensional challenge for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and involves interacting physiological, cognitive, affective, and psychosocial dimensions. The aim of this study was to explore how people with moderate to most severe COPD predominantly cope with breathlessness during daily living. We chose a multi-modal grounded theory design that holds the opportunity to combine qualitative and quantitative data to capture and explain the multidimensional coping behaviour among people with COPD. The participants’ main concern in coping with breathlessness appeared to be an endless striving to economise on resources in an effort to preserve their integrity. In this integrity-preserving process, four predominant coping types emerged and were labelled: ‘Overrater’, ‘Challenger’, ‘Underrater’, and ‘Leveller’. Each coping type comprised distinctive physiological, cognitive, affective and psychosocial features constituting coping-type-specific indicators. In theory, four predominant coping types with distinct physiological, cognitive, affective and psychosocial properties are observed among people with COPD. The four coping types seem to constitute a coping trajectory. This hypothesis should be further tested in a longitudinal study.
Statin therapy and the risk for diabetes among adult women: do the benefits outweigh the risk?
Authors: Ma Yunsheng , Culver Annie , Rossouw Jacques , Olendzki Barbara , Merriam Philip , Lian Bill , Ockene Ira 
Published: December 2012

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review was to examine statin therapy and the risk for diabetes among adult women using a selective review. Recent findings: The literature contains reports of new-onset diabetes associated with statin use. While many studies do not report sex-specific results, there is evidence indicating the risk to benefit ratio may vary by gender. However, the absolute effects are not clear because women have historically been under-represented in clinical trials. Summary: A review of the literature indicates that the cardiovascular benefits of statins appear to outweigh the risk for statin-related diabetes. However, the effect may depend upon baseline diabetes risk, dose, and statin potency. Rigorous, long-term studies focused on the risks and benefits of statins in women are unavailable to sort for gender-specific differences. Until this changes, individualized attention to risk assessment, and strong prevention with lifestyle changes must prevail.
The new patent foramen ovale occluder FIGULLA in complex septal anatomy: a case series
Authors: Baglini Roberto , Baldari Duccio , Amaducci Andrea , D’Ancona Giuseppe 
Published: December 2012

Background: The appropriate treatment strategy for secondary stroke prevention in patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale (PFO) remains challenging. The aim of this study was to describe a case series of patients with PFO and complex septal anatomy who underwent percutaneous correction using a FIGULLA (Occlutech®) septal occluder (FSO). Patients: Ten consecutive patients (6 females, 4 males, mean age 41.6 ± 16.0 years, range 17–52 years; Group 1) with cryptogenetic stroke and/or transient cerebral ischemia and complex septal anatomy, as defined by intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) were compared with a group of 25 patients (10 females, 15 males, mean age 43.7 ± 12.3 years; Group 2) with usual tunnel-like PFO anatomy in whom PFO was closed by an Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO; AGA®). Results: No significant differences were noted between Group 1 and Group 2 for immediate success rate, residual intraprosthetic shunt at the end of the procedure, discharge, 1, 6 and 12 months follow up, number of attempts, procedure time, fluoroscopy time, or cardiac complication (atrial arrhythmias, device embolism). The only significant difference was shown for delivery sheath size (11 ± 2 versus 9 ± 1 F) and incidence of local hematoma (30% versus 12 %) between Group 1 and Group 2, without any clinical consequence (need of transfusion) or increase in length of stay. Conclusion: FSO shows high performance in patients with PFO and complex septal anatomy when compared with patients with PFO and uncomplicated atrial anatomy treated by ASO. Its favorable behavior is probably related to fabric features such as the total amount of metal and the presence of titanium.
FACS analysis of Stat3/5 signaling reveals sensitivity to G-CSF and IL-6 as a significant prognostic factor in pediatric AML: a Children's Oncology Group report
Authors: Redell Michele S. , Ruiz Marcos J. , Gerbing Robert B. , Alonzo Todd A. , Lange Beverly J. , Tweardy David J. , Meshinchi Soheil 
Published: December 2012

Key Points
In pediatric AML, patterns of Stat3 activation by G-CSF and IL-6 can be identified that are associated with survival. Such functional information may be useful for risk assessment and for determining which patients may benefit from alternative therapies.
Association of telomere instability with senescence of porcine cells
Authors: Ji Guangzhen , Liu Kai , Okuka Maja , Liu Na , Liu Lin 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Telomeres are essential for the maintenance of genomic stability, and telomere dysfunction leads to cellular senescence, carcinogenesis, aging, and age-related diseases in humans. Pigs have become increasingly important large animal models for preclinical tests and study of human diseases, and also may provide xeno-transplantation sources. Thus far, Southern blot analysis has been used to estimate average telomere lengths in pigs. Telomere quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (Q-FISH), however, can reveal status of individual telomeres in fewer cells, in addition to quantifying relative telomere lengths, and has been commonly used for study of telomere function of mouse and human cells. We attempted to investigate telomere characteristics of porcine cells using telomere Q-FISH method.

Results
The average telomere lengths in porcine cells measured by Q-FISH correlated with those of quantitative real-time PCR method (qPCR) or telomere restriction fragments (TRFs) by Southern blot analysis. Unexpectedly, we found that porcine cells exhibited high incidence of telomere doublets revealed by Q-FISH method, coincided with increased frequency of cellular senescence. Also, telomeres shortened during subculture of various porcine primary cell types. Interestingly, the high frequency of porcine telomere doublets and telomere loss was associated with telomere dysfunction-induced foci (TIFs). The incidence of TIFs, telomere doublets and telomere loss increased with telomere shortening and cellular senescence during subculture.

Conclusion
Q-FISH method using telomere PNA probe is particularly useful for characterization of porcine telomeres. Porcine cells exhibit high frequency of telomere instability and are susceptible to telomere damage and replicative senescence.
A genome-wide scan of selective sweeps in two broiler chicken lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Shou-Zhi , Wang Zhi-Peng , Da Yang , Wang Ning , Hu Xiao-Xiang , Zhang Yuan-Dan , Wang Yu-Xiang , Leng Li , Tang Zhi-Quan , Li Hui 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundGenomic regions controlling abdominal fatness (AF) were studied in the Northeast Agricultural University broiler line divergently selected for AF. In this study, the chicken 60KSNP chip and extended haplotype homozygosity (EHH) test were used to detect genome-wide signatures of AF.ResultsA total of 5357 and 5593 core regions were detected in the lean and fat lines, and 51 and 57 reached a significant level (P<0.01), respectively. A number of genes in the significant core regions, includingRB1,BBS7,MAOA,MAOB,EHBP1,LRP2BP,LRP1B,MYO7A,MYO9AandPRPSAP1, were detected. These genes may be important for AF deposition in chickens.ConclusionsWe provide a genome-wide map of selection signatures in the chicken genome, and make a contribution to the better understanding the mechanisms of selection for AF content in chickens. The selection for low AF in commercial breeding using this information will accelerate the breeding progress.
A role for prenylated rab acceptor 1 in vertebrate photoreceptor development
Authors: Dickison Virginia M , Richmond Angela M , Abu Irqeba Ameair , Martak Joshua G , Hoge Sean CE , Brooks Matthew J , Othman Mohammed I , Khanna Ritu , Mears Alan J , Chowdhury Adnan Y , Swaroop Anand , Ogilvie Judith Mosinger 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The rd1 mouse retina is a well-studied model of retinal degeneration where rod photoreceptors undergo cell death beginning at postnatal day (P) 10 until P21. This period coincides with photoreceptor terminal differentiation in a normal retina. We have used the rd1 retina as a model to investigate early molecular defects in developing rod photoreceptors prior to the onset of degeneration.

Results
Using a microarray approach, we performed gene profiling comparing rd1 and wild type (wt) retinas at four time points starting at P2, prior to any obvious biochemical or morphological differences, and concluding at P8, prior to the initiation of cell death. Of the 143 identified differentially expressed genes, we focused on Rab acceptor 1 (Rabac1), which codes for the protein Prenylated rab acceptor 1 (PRA1) and plays an important role in vesicular trafficking. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed reduced expression of PRA1 in rd1 retina at all time points examined. Immunohistochemical observation showed that PRA1-like immunoreactivity (LIR) co-localized with the cis-Golgi marker GM-130 in the photoreceptor as the Golgi translocated from the perikarya to the inner segment during photoreceptor differentiation in wt retinas. Diffuse PRA1-LIR, distinct from the Golgi marker, was seen in the distal inner segment of wt photoreceptors starting at P8. Both plexiform layers contained PRA1 positive punctae independent of GM-130 staining during postnatal development. In the inner retina, PRA1-LIR also colocalized with the Golgi marker in the perinuclear region of most cells. A similar pattern was seen in the rd1 mouse inner retina. However, punctate and significantly reduced PRA1-LIR was present throughout the developing rd1 inner segment, consistent with delayed photoreceptor development and abnormalities in Golgi sorting and vesicular trafficking.

Conclusions
We have identified genes that are differentially regulated in the rd1 retina at early time points, which may give insights into developmental defects that precede photoreceptor cell death. This is the first report of PRA1 expression in the retina. Our data support the hypothesis that PRA1 plays an important role in vesicular trafficking between the Golgi and cilia in differentiating and mature rod photoreceptors.
A Tourist-like MITE insertion in the upstream region of the BnFLC.A10 gene is associated with vernalization requirement in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Hou Jinna , Long Yan , Raman Harsh , Zou Xiaoxiao , Wang Jing , Dai Shutao , Xiao Qinqin , Li Cong , Fan Longjiang , Liu Bin , Meng Jinling 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) has spring and winter genotypes adapted to different growing seasons. Winter genotypes do not flower before the onset of winter, thus leading to a longer vegetative growth period that promotes the accumulation and allocation of more resources to seed production. The development of winter genotypes enabled the rapeseed to spread rapidly from southern to northern Europe and other temperate regions of the world. The molecular basis underlying the evolutionary transition from spring- to winter- type rapeseed is not known, however, and needs to be elucidated.

Results
We fine-mapped the spring environment specific quantitative trait locus (QTL) for flowering time, qFT10-4,in a doubled haploid (DH) mapping population of rapeseed derived from a cross between Tapidor (winter-type) and Ningyou7 (semi-winter) and delimited the qFT10-4 to an 80-kb region on chromosome A10 of B. napus. The BnFLC.A10 gene, an ortholog of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) in Arabidopsis, was cloned from the QTL. We identified 12 polymorphic sites between BnFLC.A10 parental alleles of the TN-DH population in the upstream region and in intron 1. Expression of both BnFLC.A10 alleles decreased during vernalization, but decreased more slowly in the winter parent Tapidor. Haplotyping and association analysis showed that one of the polymorphic sites upstream of BnFLC.A10 is strongly associated with the vernalization requirement of rapeseed (r
2
= 0.93, χ

2
= 0.50). This polymorphic site is derived from a Tourist-like miniature inverted-repeat transposable element (MITE) insertion/deletion in the upstream region of BnFLC.A10. The MITE sequence was not present in the BnFLC.A10 gene in spring-type rapeseed, nor in ancestral ‘A’ genome species B. rapa genotypes. Our results suggest that the insertion may have occurred in winter rapeseed after B. napus speciation.

Conclusions
Our findings strongly suggest that (i) BnFLC.A10 is the gene underlying qFT10-4, the QTL for phenotypic diversity of flowering time in the TN-DH population, (ii) the allelic diversity caused by MITE insertion/deletion upstream of BnFLC.A10 is one of the major causes of differentiation of winter and spring genotypes in rapeseed and (iii) winter rapeseed has evolved from spring genotypes through selection pressure at the BnFLC.A10 locus, enabling expanded cultivation of rapeseed along the route of Brassica domestication.
Thromboembolic risks of recombinant factor VIIa Use in warfarin-associated intracranial hemorrhage: a case–control study
Authors: H-Y Chou Sherry , Xuemei Cai , G Konigsberg Rachael , M Bresette Linda , V Henderson Galen , A Sorond Farzaneh , K Feske Steven 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) may be used for rapid hemostasis in life-threatening hemorrhage. In warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (wICH), FVIIa use is controversial and may carry significant thromboembolic risks. We compared incidence of baseline thromboembolic risk factors and thromboembolism rates in wICH patients treated with additional rFVIIa to those treated with standard therapy of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and vitamin K alone.

Methods
We identified 45 consecutive wICH patients treated with additional rFVIIa over 5-year period, and 34 consecutive wICH patients treated with standard therapy alone as comparison group. We compared the incidence of post-hemorrhage cardiac and extra-cardiac thromboembolic complications between two treatment groups, and used logistic regression to adjust for significant confounders such as baseline thromboembolic risk factors. We performed secondary analysis comparing the quantity of FFP transfused between two treatment cohorts.

Results
Both rFVIIa-treated and standard therapy-treated wICH patients had a high prevalence of pre-existing thromboembolic diseases including atrial fibrillation (73% vs 68%), deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) (22% vs 18%), coronary artery disease (CAD) (38% vs 32%), and abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG) (78% vs 85%). Troponin elevation following wICH was prevalent in both groups (47% vs 41%). Clinically significant myocardial infarction (MI), defined as troponin > 1.0 ng/dL, occurred in 13% of rFVIIa-treated and 6% of standard therapy-treated patients (p=0.52). Past history of CAD (p=0.0061) and baseline abnormal EKG (p=0.02) were independently associated with clinically significant MI following wICH while rFVIIa use was not. The incidences of DVT/PE (2% vs 9%; p=0.18) and ischemic stroke (2% vs 0%; p=0.38) were similar between two treatment groups. Recombinant FVIIa-treated patients had lower mean INR at 3 (p=0.0001) and 6 hours (p<0.0001) and received fewer units of FFP transfusion (3 vs 5; p=0.003).

Conclusions
Pre-existing thromboembolic risk factors as well as post-hemorrhage troponin elevation are prevalent in wICH patients. Clinically significant MI occurs in up to 13% of wICH patients. rFVIIa use was not associated with increased incidence of clinically significant MI or other venous or arterial thromboembolic events in this wICH cohort.
Influence of interpersonal violence on maternal anxiety, depression, stress and parenting morale in the early postpartum: a community based pregnancy cohort study
Authors: Malta Lise A , McDonald Sheila W , Hegadoren Kathy M , Weller Carol A , Tough Suzanne C 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Research has shown that exposure to interpersonal violence is associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Understanding the impact of interpersonal violence on mental health in the early postpartum period has important implications for parenting, child development, and delivery of health services. The objective of the present study was to determine the impact of interpersonal violence on depression, anxiety, stress, and parenting morale in the early postpartum.

Methods
Women participating in a community-based prospective cohort study (n = 1319) completed questionnaires prior to 25 weeks gestation, between 34–36 weeks gestation, and at 4 months postpartum. Women were asked about current and past abuse at the late pregnancy data collection time point. Postpartum depression, anxiety, stress, and parenting morale were assessed at 4 months postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Spielberger State Anxiety Index, the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, and the Parenting Morale Index, respectively. The relationship between interpersonal violence and postpartum psychosocial health status was examined using Chi-square analysis (p < 0.05) and multivariable logistic regression.

Results
Approximately 30% of women reported one or more experience of interpersonal violence. Sixteen percent of women reported exposure to child maltreatment, 12% reported intimate partner violence, and 12% reported other abuse. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found that a history of child maltreatment had an independent effect on depression in the postpartum, while both child maltreatment and intimate partner violence were associated with low parenting morale. Interpersonal violence did not have an independent effect on anxiety or stress in the postpartum.

Conclusion
The most robust relationships were seen for the influence of child maltreatment on postpartum depression and low parenting morale. By identifying women at risk for depression and low parenting morale, screening and treatment in the prenatal period could have far-reaching effects on postpartum mental health thus benefiting new mothers and their families in the long term.