bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Blood Flow Rates in Large Microvascular Networks
Authors: FRY BRENDAN C. , LEE JACK , SMITH NICOLAS P. , SECOMB TIMOTHY W. 
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Fry BC, Lee J, Smith NP, Secomb TW. Estimation of blood flow rates in large microvascular networks. Microcirculation 19: 530–538, 2012.AbstractObjective:  Recent methods for imaging microvascular structures provide geometrical data on networks containing thousands of segments. Prediction of functional properties, such as solute transport, requires information on blood flow rates also, but experimental measurement of many individual flows is difficult. Here, a method is presented for estimating flow rates in a microvascular network based on incomplete information on the flows in the boundary segments that feed and drain the network.Methods:  With incomplete boundary data, the equations governing blood flow form an underdetermined linear system. An algorithm was developed that uses independent information about the distribution of wall shear stresses and pressures in microvessels to resolve this indeterminacy, by minimizing the deviation of pressures and wall shear stresses from target values.Results:  The algorithm was tested using previously obtained experimental flow data from four microvascular networks in the rat mesentery. With two or three prescribed boundary conditions, predicted flows showed relatively small errors in most segments and fewer than 10% incorrect flow directions on average.Conclusions:  The proposed method can be used to estimate flow rates in microvascular networks, based on incomplete boundary data, and provides a basis for deducing functional properties of microvessel networks.
Liver X Receptor Agonist Alleviated High Glucose‐Induced Endothelial Progenitor Cell Dysfunction via Inhibition of Reactive Oxygen Species and Activation of AMP‐Activated Protein Kinase
Authors: LI XIAOXIA , SONG YIMENG , HAN YINGYING , WANG DAWEI , ZHU YI 
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Li X, Song Y, Han Y, Wang D, Zhu Y. Liver X receptor agonist alleviated high glucose‐induced endothelial progenitor cell dysfunction via inhibition of reactive oxygen species and activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase. Microcirculation 19: 547–553, 2012.AbstractObjective:  Liver X receptors (LXRs) are key regulators of cholesterol homeostasis. Synthetic LXR agonists are anti‐atherogenic and anti‐inflammatory. However, the effect of LXR agonists on endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) function is largely unknown. Here, we explored the effect of the LXR agonist TO901317 (TO) on EPC biology and the underlying mechanisms.Methods:  Endothelial progenitor cells were cultured in mannitol or 30 mm glucose (high glucose) for 24 hours. For TO treatments, cells were pretreated with TO (10 μm) for 12 hours, then mannitol or high glucose was added for an additional 24 hours. EPCs function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, and phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) were analyzed.Results:  TO could restore the high glucose‐impaired adhesion and migration capacity of EPCs. High glucose impaired EPC‐mediated angiogenesis, and TO reversed the impairment. TO also alleviated ROS release induced by high glucose. Western blot analysis revealed that high glucose downregulated the phosphorylation of AMPK and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, which could be reversed with TO treatment. Furthermore, inhibiting AMPK activation by compound C could abolish the protective effects of TO on EPCs.Conclusions:  TO had a protective effect on EPCs under high glucose by inhibiting ROS release and activating AMPK.
6  Political Economy and the Routinization of Religious Movements: A View from the Eastern Woodlands
Authors: Beck Jr. Robin A. , Brown James A. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTMax Weber's concept of routinization offers a useful framework for understanding the relationship between political economy and the organization of religious movements. Here, we apply this concept to a comparison of Hopewell and Mississippian, two of the most important religious movements in the precolonial Eastern Woodlands. We focus on two archaeological contexts in particular—Mound 25 at the Hopewell site and Mound C at Etowah—to illustrate how Weber's concept allows for a more nuanced comparison than concepts associated with a more traditional neoevolutionary logic.
10  The Semiotics of Gunung Kawi: Materializing Affiliation at Ancient and Modern Balinese Temples
Authors: Schoenfelder John W. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTComprehending pure symbols generally requires arbitrary culture‐specific knowledge. Messages communicated by means of signs with nonsymbolic dimensions, such as indexical symbols and indexical icons, should thus be of particular interest to archaeologists. I demonstrate how site design and communal ritual function as multiplex sign production to materialize religious and social statements at ethnographic Balinese Hindu temples. I apply the semiotic tools thus developed to Gunung Kawi, where nine nearly identical candi (temple building) facades were carved into cliffs beside a Balinese river around the 11th century C.E. Scale‐based indices show the importance attached to the meanings of the candis, and their similarity and mutual proximity suggest that alliance (as well as inequality) was important to the builders’ construction of power. This interpretation, initially built by examining indexical and iconic meanings, is buttressed by examination of inscriptions and by comparisons to earlier Javanese and (again) later Balinese temples.
The Ethics of Health Care Reform: Impact on Emergency Medicine
Authors: Marco Catherine A. , Moskop John C. , Schears Raquel M. , Stankus Jennifer L’Hommedieu , Bookman Kelly J. , Padela Aasim I. , Baine Jennifer , Bryant Eric 
Published: April 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19: 461–468 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractThe recent enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, and the ongoing debate over reform of the U.S. health care system, raise numerous important ethical issues. This article reviews basic provisions of the ACA; examines underlying moral and policy issues in the U.S. health care reform debate; and addresses health care reform’s likely effects on access to care, emergency department (ED) crowding, and end‐of‐life care. The article concludes with several suggested actions that emergency physicians (EPs) should take to contribute to the success of health care reform in America.
The “Refrige‐a‐RAT‐or”: An Accurate, Inexpensive, and Clinically Relevant Small Animal Model of Therapeutic Hypothermia
Authors: Lagina Anthony T. , Deogracias Michael , Reed Karin , Bazzi Danielle , Chepuri Rasika , Foster Lesley , Sullivan Jonathon M. 
Published: April 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19: 402–408 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractBackground:  Physical and molecular mechanisms for the neuroprotective effect of therapeutic hypothermia are not completely understood, and new therapeutic applications incorporating hypothermia remain to be developed and tested. Clinically relevant animal models of therapeutic hypothermia are not well established or consistent.Objectives:  The objective was to develop and test an inexpensive small animal therapeutic hypothermia system that models those in widespread clinical use and verify that such a system confers neuroprotection in a rat model of global brain ischemia.Methods:  A water‐cooled extracorporeal system and attendant anesthesia/sedation protocol were developed and tested. In Stage 1, animals were instrumented for brain, temporalis, and rectal temperature monitoring, and the system was tested for its effect on temperature and hemodynamics. In Stage 2, animals were instrumented for rectal temperature only, subjected to global brain ischemia by two‐vessel occlusion and hypotension for 8 minutes, and given either sham therapy (37°C) or hypothermia (32°C) for 4 hours. Viable CA1 neurons were counted at 7 days.Results:  The system was well tolerated, provided exquisite control of animal core and brain temperatures, and conferred robust neuroprotection at 7 days. The median and interquartile ranges (IQRs) of viable neurons per 300‐μm field were 130 (IQR = 128 to 135) for sham control, 19 (IQR = 15 to 30) for untreated ischemic animals, and 101 (IQR = 94 to 113) for ischemic animals treated with hypothermia (p < 0.05 for comparison between all groups).Conclusions:  Like human protocols, this model incorporates sedation and analgesia, results in robust neuroprotection, is well tolerated, and offers exquisite temperature control. The system is noninvasive and inexpensive and offers a model that is similar to methods used in clinical practice. This system will be of interest to investigators using small animal models to examine neuroprotective mechanisms of hypothermia and translational strategies that combine hypothermia with targeted pharmacotherapy.
Dental implants from the patients perspective: Transition from tooth loss, through amputation to implants – negative and positive trajectories
Authors: Johannsen Annsofi , Westergren Albert , Johannsen Gunnar 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to explore patients' expectations on and experiences from dental implant treatment through deep‐interview technique.Material & MethodsA qualitative study design was chosen and 17 patients were interviewed by open‐ended questions. All patients in the study had a previous history of periodontal disease with, in most cases, many years of treatment. The interviews were transcribed; a coding process was used according to qualitative conventional content analysis.ResultsIn the analysis, a core category was identified as “Transition from tooth loss, to ‘Amputation’, and to implants – negative and positive trajectories”. When the patients faced the fact that it was not possible to keep the teeth any longer, a period of fear, shame and denial, which also affected their social life negatively followed. After they received their implants and the chewing ability and appearance became better, it also improved their quality of life.ConclusionTreatment with dental implants improved function, enhanced self‐esteem, social life and, thus quality of life. In clinical practice, information about dental implants and motivational strategies are needed during the period before getting dental implants. Follow‐up is important thereafter, capturing both the pros and cons with implants.
Isolation of human epidermal layers by laser capture microdissection: application to the analysis of gene expression by quantitative real‐time PCR
Authors: Percoco Giuseppe , Bénard Magalie , Ramdani Yasmina , Lati Elian , Lefeuvre Luc , Driouich Azeddine , Follet‐Gueye Marie‐Laure 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe describe, for the first time, an efficient protocol based on laser capture microdissection (LCM) for the isolation of human epidermal layers for gene expression profiling using quantitative real‐time PCR. Two areas enriched either in basal or granular layers were isolated by LCM. Skin biopsies were fixed in dry ice–cooled isopentane, cryosectioned and stained before the laser procedure. High‐quality total RNA was extracted from each microdissected sample, which allowed the analysis of the spatial distribution of mRNA transcripts from 10 innate immunity‐related genes within the epidermal layers. Using integrin alpha‐6/integrin beta‐4 and corneodesmosin/filaggrin‐2 sets as gene markers for the basal and granular layers, respectively, we showed that Toll‐like receptor 2, RNase 7, human beta‐defensin‐2 and ‐3, psoriasin and nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain 1 are upregulated in the suprabasal layer of normal human epidermis. Our protocol, which is based on the rapid isolation of epidermal layers, can be used to follow transcriptional processes in specific areas of the epidermis and is a very promising tool to use in the study of numerous aspects of dermatology.
Functional characterization of UvrD helicases from Haemophilus influenzae and Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Sharma Ruchika , Rao Desirazu N. 
Published: April 2012

Haemophilus influenzae and Helicobacter pylori are major bacterial pathogens that face high levels of genotoxic stress within their host. UvrD, a ubiquitous bacterial helicase that plays important roles in multiple DNA metabolic pathways, is essential for genome stability and might, therefore, be crucial in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis. In this study, the functional characterization of UvrD helicase from Haemophilus influenzae and Helicobacter pylori is reported. UvrD from Haemophilus influenzae (HiUvrD) and Helicobacter pylori (HpUvrD) exhibit strong single‐stranded DNA‐specific ATPase and 3′–5′ helicase activities. Mutation of highly conserved arginine (R288) in HiUvrD and glutamate (E206) in HpUvrD abrogated their activities. Both the proteins were able to bind and unwind a variety of DNA structures including duplexes with strand discontinuities and branches, three‐ and four‐way junctions that underpin their role in DNA replication, repair and recombination. HiUvrD required a minimum of 12 nucleotides, whereas HpUvrD preferred 20 or more nucleotides of 3′‐single‐stranded DNA tail for efficient unwinding of duplex DNA. Interestingly, HpUvrD was able to hydrolyze and utilize GTP for its helicase activity although not as effectively as ATP, which has not been reported to date for UvrD characterized from other organisms. HiUvrD and HpUvrD were found to exist predominantly as monomers in solution together with multimeric forms. Noticeably, deletion of distal C‐terminal 48 amino acid residues disrupted the oligomerization of HiUvrD, whereas deletion of 63 amino acids from C‐terminus of HpUvrD had no effect on its oligomerization. This study presents the characteristic features and comparative analysis of Haemophilus influenzae and Helicobacter pylori UvrD, and constitutes the basis for understanding the role of UvrD in the biology and virulence of these pathogens.Structured digital abstract
HiUvrD and HiUvrD interact by molecular sieving (View interaction)
HpUvrD and HpUvrD interact by molecular sieving (View interaction)
HiUvrD and HiUvrD interact by cross‐linking study (View interaction)
HpUvrD and HpUvrD interact by cross‐linking study (View interaction)
Der Kreislauf in großen Höhen1
Authors: Christensen E. Hohwü , Forbes W. H. 
Published: April 2012

ZusammenfassungDer Einfluß großer Höhen auf den Kreislauf in Ruhe und bei Muskelarbeit wurde untersucht. Während eines Aufenthaltes in großen Höhen wird in der Regel vorübergehend eine kompensatorische Änderung des Kreislaufes stattfinden, das Herzminutenvolumen wird vergrößert sein, nach einigen Tagen werden aber wieder in Ruhe wie bei der Arbeit die gleichen Minutenvolumen wie in Seehöhe gefunden. Die zahlreichen Arbeitsversuche berechtigen zu der Anschauung, daß in großen Höhen der begrenzende Faktor für die maximale O2‐Aufnahme für Vpn. mit gesunden Herzen nicht der Kreislauf, sondern der Atmungsapparat ist.Das Versuchsmaterial dieser Abhandlung entstammt: »The International High Altitude Expedition to Chile«, 1935. Die Expedition wurde unterstützt vom Fatigue Laboratory und Milton Fund, Harvard; Duke University; die Universität von Kopenhagen; Carlsberg‐und Rask‐Ørsted Fond, Kopenhagen; King's College, Cambridge University; the Corn Industries Research Foundation; Columbia University; the National Research Council, the Royal Society, London; the Josiah Macy Foundation and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, und von zahlreichen Institutionen in Chile.
Der Stoffwechsel bakterienfreier Tiere. III. Die Gewinnung von Meerschweinchenmilch1
Authors: Glimstedt Gösta , Moberg Harald A:son , Widmark Erik M. P. 
Published: April 2012

ZusammenfassungEs wird eine einfache Methode beschrieben, mit der Meerschweinchenmilch in gewünschten Quantitäten leicht erhalten werden kann. Mit dieser Methode ist die Laktation des Meerschweinchens verfolgt worden. Es hat sich gezeigt, daß die Milchabsonderung mit dem 3. Tage nach dem Partus ihr Maximum erreicht, um dann ziemlich schnell abzunehmen. Die Laktationsdauer war im Mittel 16,9 Tage mit einem Maximum von 23 Tagen. Bei der Sterilisation koaguliert die Meerschweinchenmilch sowohl bei 110° als bei 100° C, gleich, ob sie vom Anfang oder Ende der Laktationsperiode stammt. Versuche, Meerschweinchenmilch unter Beibehaltung ihrer fließenden Konsistenz zu sterilisieren, stoßen auf große Schwierigkeiten.
Combination of Phosphatidylinositol 3‐Kinases Pathway Inhibitor and Photodynamic Therapy in Endothelial and Tumor Cells
Authors: Fateye Babasola , Li Weihua , Wang Chenguang , Chen Bin 
Published: April 2012

AbstractTumor recurrence due to incomplete eradication of tumor cells is a major problem facing current cancer therapies. To overcome this problem, it is necessary to enhance cell killing and/or prevent cell regrowth after treatment. Because phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinases (PI3K) pathway plays an important role in stimulating cell survival and growth, we studied the feasibility of using a PI3K pathway inhibitor NVP‐BEZ235 (BEZ235) to enhance the effectiveness of vascular‐targeted photodynamic therapy (vPDT) with verteporfin. We found that BEZ235 or PDT alone significantly inhibited cell growth in both SVEC endothelial and PC‐3 prostate cancer cells, although SVEC cells appeared to be more responsive than PC‐3 cells. Autophagy was detected after both BEZ235 and verteporfin‐PDT in both cell lines. Autophagy appeared to protect cells from PDT‐induced cell death because inhibition of autophagy increased cell death. Autophagic flux assay revealed that PDT actually decreased autophagic flux especially at a high dose of verteporfin. Combination of BEZ235 and PDT caused greater inhibition of PI3K signaling pathway, leading to enhanced cell growth inhibition in both cell lines. SVEC cells exhibited a higher sensitivity towards such a combination than PC‐3 cells. Our data indicated that BEZ235 in combination with PDT provides a promising approach of enhancing therapeutic response.
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors, Congestive Heart Failure, and Sudden Death: Time for Re‐Evaluation
Authors: Varma Amit , Shah Keyur B. , Hess Michael L. 
Published: April 2012

©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.A 42‐year‐old diabetic man was admitted with systolic heart failure and pulmonary hypertension being treated with sildenafil for the previous year. With an increase in creatinine, he experienced 3 episodes of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Withdrawal of the phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor resulted in no further episodes of dysrhythmias. The basic pharmacology of PDE inhibitors is presented and the use of PDE‐3 inhibitors for the treatment of heart failure causing an increase in sudden death is also reviewed. There have been several cases of sudden death associated with sildenafil use and with its increasing use in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension and decompensated heart failure. The authors also reviewed the electrophysiologic effects of PDE‐5 inhibitors associated with their use. The crossover between PDE‐3 and PDE‐5 inhibitors is also discussed and caution is urged when contemplating the use of PDE‐5 inhibitors in patients with systolic heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.
Conservation in tropical Pacific Island countries: why most current approaches are failing
Authors: Keppel Gunnar , Morrison Clare , Watling Dick , Tuiwawa Marika V. , Rounds Isaac A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe independent island nations of the South Pacific have a rich and threatened terrestrial biota. Despite considerable investment of resources into conservation over the last three decades, biodiversity is dwindling and protected area systems remain inadequate. This lack of success is caused by important differences in cultural, economic, landownership, and social factors in developing Pacific Island countries, compared to developed nations that often fund conservation programs and plans. Despite the obvious need for capacity building and information exchange among stakeholders, little collaboration and development has eventuated. A coordinated and integrated approach, focusing conservation resources on national priorities, is essential to achieve efficient conservation. This will need to include active involvement of landowners, a good sociocultural understanding of target communities, improved collaboration between the various stakeholders, provision of sustainable alternative economic activities, and a commitment to long funding cycles for projects.
Too few data and not enough time: approaches to detecting Allee effects in threatened species
Authors: Gilroy James J. , Virzi Thomas , Boulton Rebecca L. , Lockwood Julie L. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe detection of Allee effects is critical in assessing extinction risk, but is extremely difficult when sampling small, low‐density populations. Failure to detect true Allee effects could lead to overoptimistic assessments of threat status, as well as the development of inappropriate species recovery plans. We outline a broadly applicable approach for evaluating Allee effect likelihood in analyses of sparse demographic data, explicitly acknowledging the uncertainties associated with detecting subtle Allee effects among the suite of factors that can influence demographic variability. Detailed information on the probability of Allee effects will empower conservation decision makers to balance extinction risks against the political and economic costs associated with management action. We use an illustrative case study involving demographic analyses of the endangered Cape Sable seaside sparrow, highlighting the value of information on Allee effect likelihood for the development of restoration measures within species recovery plans.
Influence of patient characteristics on survival following treatment with helical stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in stage I non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Fischer‐Valuck Benjamin W. , Durci Michael , Katz Sanford R. , Wu Hsinshun Terry , Syh Joseph , Syh Jarron , Patel Bijal , Rosen Lane R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground:  To determine the influence of patient and tumor characteristics on clinical outcomes in patients with early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with helical intensity modulated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).Methods:  From March 2005 to August 2010 a total of 62 patients with biopsy proven Stage I NSCLC underwent helical SBRT with 48 Gy in 4 fractions or 60 Gy in 5 fractions. Patient and tumor characteristics including tumor stage, age, sex, tumor histology, maximal tumor diameter, and smoking history, were evaluated in regard to local control and overall survival using Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and the Cox proportional hazard method. Treatment related toxicity in the patient subgroups was evaluated.Results:  The median follow‐up was 28 months. Total cohort local control was 93.55% and 3‐year overall survival (OS) was 53.4%. Those patients with Stage IA disease had a 3‐year OS of 64.4% versus 32.1% for Stage IB disease (P = 0.042). Tumors classified as T1a (≤20 mm) and T1b (20–30 mm) had significantly increased overall survival compared to T2 (>30 mm) tumors (P = 0.046). There was a slight survival advantage in those patients with adenocarcinoma. No correlation between age, gender or smoking history, and overall survival was found. Nine patients had radiation related toxicity, which was increasingly more common with advancing age.Conclusion:  Helical SBRT is an effective method to treat NSCLC and the most significant prognostic factors were tumor stage and size. There was no correlation between age, gender, and smoking history.