bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alterations in transcriptional responses associated with vascular aging
Authors: Zhan Yumei , Yuan Lei , Oettgen Peter 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Vascular aging is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease that can occur in the absence of other traditional risk factors. Inflammation is a hallmark of vascular aging that ultimately leads to structural changes in the vessel wall including an increase in medial thickness and perivascular fibrosis. Several classes of transcription factors have been identified that participate in the regulation of cellular responses associated with vascular aging. Nuclear factor (NF)-κB is the prototypic example of a transcriptional activator in the setting of inflammation, being activated in response to multiple inflammatory mediators including pro-inflammatory cytokines and bacterial endotoxin. In contrast, the activation of the nuclear hormone receptor and transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) results in its translocation from the cell surface to the nucleus where it exerts anti-inflammatory effects. Vascular aging is also associated with endothelial dysfunction. One important repair mechanism for improving endothelial function is the recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). In the setting of aging the number of EPCs diminishes which has been linked to a decrease in the activity and/or expression of the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1 alpha. A change in the balance of the activity of pro-inflammatory transcription factors versus those that inhibit inflammation likely contributes to the process of vascular aging. The purpose of this review is to summarize our current knowledge of these age-related changes in transcriptional responses, and to discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting some of these factors.
Proteomic and network analysis characterize stage-specific metabolism in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Roberts Seth B , Robichaux Jennifer L , Chavali Arvind K , Manque Patricio A , Lee Vladimir , Lara Ana M , Papin Jason A , Buck Gregory A 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background

Trypanosoma cruzi is a Kinetoplastid parasite of humans and is the cause of Chagas disease, a potentially lethal condition affecting the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of the human host. Constraint-based modeling has emerged in the last decade as a useful approach to integrating genomic and other high-throughput data sets with more traditional, experimental data acquired through decades of research and published in the literature.

Results
We present a validated, constraint-based model of the core metabolism of Trypanosoma cruzi strain CL Brener. The model includes four compartments (extracellular space, cytosol, mitochondrion, glycosome), 51 transport reactions, and 93 metabolic reactions covering carbohydrate, amino acid, and energy metabolism. In addition, we make use of several replicate high-throughput proteomic data sets to specifically examine metabolism of the morphological form of T. cruzi in the insect gut (epimastigote stage).

Conclusion
This work demonstrates the utility of constraint-based models for integrating various sources of data (e.g., genomics, primary biochemical literature, proteomics) to generate testable hypotheses. This model represents an approach for the systematic study of T. cruzi metabolism under a wide range of conditions and perturbations, and should eventually aid in the identification of urgently needed novel chemotherapeutic targets.
Enhanced synaptic long-term potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex of adult wild mice as compared with that in laboratory mice
Authors: Zhao Ming-Gao , Toyoda Hiroki , Wang Yu-Kun , Zhuo Min 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Activation of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is important for learning, memory and persistent pain. Genetic enhancement of NMDA receptor function by overexpressing NR2B subunit significantly enhances hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), behavioral learning as well as persistent pain. Recent studies found that NMDA NR2B subunits can undergo long-term upregulation in the brain under certain conditions including peripheral injury and environmental enrichment. Considering the fact that laboratory grown animals live in an artificial comfort environment, we wondered if NMDA receptor functions and its related LTP would differ in animals living in a natural wild environment. In this report we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from both laboratory wild-type mice and wild mice from a natural environment. We found that LTP was significantly enhanced in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of the wild mice as compared with that of laboratory mice. In parallel, NMDA receptor NR2B/total NMDA receptor mediated EPSC ratio was significantly increased in slices of wild mice. Our findings provide the first evidence that NMDA NR2B receptors play an important role in experience-dependent synaptic potentiation within the ACC in wild mice as previously reported in laboratory mice.
Different properties of ACPA and IgM-RF derived from a large dataset: further evidence of two distinct autoantibody systems
Authors: Ursum Jennie , Bos Wouter H , van de Stadt Rob J , Dijkmans Ben AC , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to examine seroconversion and the relationship with age and inflammation of autoantibodies in a large group of patients attending an outpatient rheumatology clinic.

Methods
Levels of antibodies to citrullinated proteins/peptides (ACPAs) and IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF) were determined in 22,427 samples collected from 18,658 patients. The diagnosis was derived from a diagnosis registration system. The degree of seroconversion in repeated samples and the correlation of levels with age and inflammatory markers were determined for ACPA and IgM-RF in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and non-RA patients.

Results
Seventy-one percent of RA patients (n = 1,524) were ACPA-positive and 53% were IgM-RF-positive; in non-RA patients (n = 2,245), the corresponding values were 2% and 4%, respectively. In patients with at least two samples (n = 3,769), ACPA status was more stable than IgM-RF status in RA patients. ACPA- or IgM-RF-negative non-RA patients seldom became positive. ACPA positivity was unrelated to age in both RA and non-RA patients. IgM-RF positivity was unrelated to age in RA patients; however, it increased with age in non-RA patients. The correlation between autoantibody levels and inflammatory markers was low in general and was somewhat higher for IgM-RF than for ACPA.

Conclusions
ACPA status is more stable in time and with increasing age than IgM-RF status, further establishing its role as a disease-specific marker. ACPA and IgM-RF levels are only moderately correlated with markers of inflammation.
Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) stimulates neutrophil effector functions
Authors: Osterloh Anke , Geisinger Frank , Piédavent Melanie , Fleischer Bernhard , Brattig Norbert , Breloer Minka 
Published: May 2009

AbstractHSP60 functions as a chemoattractant and activator of neutrophil granulocytes.Neutrophil granulocytes belong to the first cells that enter sites of infection, where they eliminate infiltrating pathogens via phagocytosis and the release of antimicrobial mediators. Hence, recruitment of neutrophils and activation of neutrophil microbicidal functions are crucial steps in the early containment of infection. In this study, we show that hHSP60 binds to murine and human PMN strongly and specifically. We demonstrate that HSP60 serves as a chemoattractant and modulates neutrophil functions. Human PMN were incubated with HSP60 alone or prior to stimulation with fMLP or PMA acetate. We observed that HSP60, although not inducing neutrophil release of ROS and degranulation itself, strongly enhanced the production of reactive oxygen induced by PMA and the release of primary granule enzymes induced by both secondary stimuli. This sensitization of PMN was HSP60-specific. Moreover, PMN that had been preincubated with HSP60 exhibited a marked increase in the uptake of opsonized Escherichia coli in the absence of additional stimuli. Taken together, our results show for the first time that HSP60 modulates antimicrobial effector functions of neutrophil granulocytes. In this way and in agreement with its function as an endogenous danger signal, HSP60, which is released by damaged tissue, may promote early innate defense mechanisms against invading pathogens.
Measuring the mechanical properties of human skin in vivo using digital image correlation and finite element modelling
Authors: Evans S L , Holt C A 
Published: May 2009

The mechanical properties of the skin are important in many applications, but are not well understood. This paper presents a method for measuring the mechanical properties of human skin in vivo using digital image correlation, with a finite element model that was used to optimize the material properties to obtain the best match with the model data. The skin was modelled as an Ogden hyperelastic membrane, with a tension field wrinkling model and an initial stretch identified as an additional material parameter, and the boundary conditions were the measured load and the displacements around the edge of the region of interest. Fast, reliable convergence was obtained using a Hager–Zhang non-linear conjugate gradient solver. A stochastic optimization procedure was used to identify the material parameters. Good estimates of the material parameters could be obtained from the displacement field at a single time point. Typical material parameters were μ = 10 Pa, α = 26, and an initial strain of 0.2. These parameters were not unique; the stochastic optimization procedure gave good global convergence and an indication of the overall uncertainty in the identification of the results. It is argued that the use of the DIC technique, which generates very large amounts of data, also gave a clearer picture of the overall uncertainty.
Revisiting single-point incremental forming and formability/failure diagrams by means of finite elements and experimentation
Authors: Silva M B , Skjoedt M , Bay N , Martins P A F 
Published: May 2009

In a previously published work, the current authors presented an analytical framework, built upon the combined utilization of membrane analysis and ductile damage mechanics, that is capable of modelling the fundamentals of single-point incremental forming (SPIF) of metallic sheets. The analytical framework accounts for the influence of major process parameters and their mutual interaction to be studied both qualitatively and quantitatively. It enables the conclusion to be drawn that the probable mode of material failure in SPIF is consistent with stretching, rather than shearing being the governing mode of deformation. The study of the morphology of the cracks combined with the experimentally observed suppression of neck formation enabled the authors to conclude that traditional forming limit curves are inapplicable for describing failure. Instead, fracture forming limit curves should be employed to evaluate the overall formability of the process. The aim of this paper is twofold: (a) to compare the mechanics of deformation of SPIF, namely the distribution of stresses and strains derived from the analytical framework with numerical estimates provided by finite element modelling; and (b) to compare the forming limits determined by the analytical framework with experimental values. It is shown that agreement between analytical, finite element, and experimental results is good, implying that the previously proposed analytical framework can be utilized to explain the mechanics of deformation and the forming limits of SPIF.
Development and Testing of a Laboratory Spray Table Methodology to Bioassay Simulated Levels of Aerial Spray Drift
Authors: Fritz Bradley K. , Hoffmann W. Clint , Parker Chris , López Juan D. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
The objective of this work was to develop a repeatable methodology for bioassaying simulated levels of aerially applied glyphosate at deposition levels ranging from 1/3 to 1/100 of labeled rate at droplet sizes of 100 μm in a spray table environment. These drift deposition levels are consistent with downwind drift measurements out to 200 m seen in previous field studies focusing on quantitative drift assessment. Additionally, full rate applications were included for comparative purposes. The deposition levels were obtained by varying nozzle traverse speed and plant location under the nozzle. Ten replications were conducted at each targeted rate applying glyphosate to container grown-plant samples. Deposition was measured on Mylar cards through fluorometric analysis. Plant health measures [height and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)] were taken at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after treatment. An equal number of nontreated control plants were analyzed alongside treated plants. Deposition and plant health data were used to generate dose-response relationships. Dose-response curves relating change in plant height and change in measured NDVI values corresponding to deposition levels were generated. This methodology is one that can be implemented across a wide variety of plant and pesticide combinations. Collected data from this and future studies will be tested under field conditions and ultimately be included in application decision support systems that integrate spray drift modeling results with established dose-response relationships.
Long-term hormone replacement therapy preserves bone mineral density in Turner syndrome
Authors: Cleemann Line , Hjerrild Britta E , Lauridsen Anna L , Heickendorff Lene , Christiansen Jens S , Mosekilde Leif , Gravholt Claus H 
Published: May 2009

ContextReduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased risk of fractures are present in many women with Turner syndrome (TS).ObjectiveExamine longitudinal changes in BMD in TS and relate changes to biochemical parameters.DesignProspective, pragmatic, and observational study. Examinations at baseline and follow-up (5.9±0.7 years).SettingTertiary hospital.ParticipantsFifty-four women with TS (43.0±9.95 years).InterventionsHormone replacement therapy (HRT) and calcium and vitamin D supplementation.Main outcome measuresBMD (g/cm2) measured at lumbar spine, hip, and the non-dominant forearm. Bone formation and resorption markers, sex hormones, IGF1, and maximal oxygen uptake.ResultsAt follow-up, forearm BMD, radius ultradistal BMD, and hip BMD remained unchanged, radius 1/3 BMD declined (0.601±0.059 vs 0.592±0.059, P=0.03), while spine BMD increased (0.972±0.139 vs 1.010±0.144, P<0.0005). Bone formation markers did not change over time in TS. Bone resorption markers decreased over time in TS. Testosterone, IGF1, and maximal oxygen uptake was significantly reduced in TS.ConclusionLongitudinal changes in BMD in TS were slight. BMD can be maintained at most sites in well-informed women with TS, being encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including HRT and intake of calcium and vitamin D.
Predictors of access to pituitary tumor resection in the United States, 1988–2005
Authors: Mukherjee Debraj , Zaidi Hasan A , Kosztowski Thomas , Chaichana Kaisorn L , Salvatori Roberto , Chang David C , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo 
Published: May 2009

ObjectiveSurgery remains a common form of treatment for sellar and parasellar tumors involving the pituitary gland and adjacent structures. Studies have suggested that pituitary surgery procedures performed at high-volume centers are associated with less adverse outcomes, yet it remains unclear which types of patients are more likely to be admitted to such centers. We set out to determine which factors most influenced admission to these high-volume centers.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample over an 18-year period was linked to socioeconomic and environmental data contained within the Area Resource File. Only patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery in the United States, >18-years-old were included. The primary outcome was admission to a high-volume (>25 pituitary surgeries/year) hospital.ResultsOverall, patients' odds of admission to a high-volume center increased over an 18-year time period. However, African–Americans (odds ratio, OR=0.46), Hispanics (OR=0.28), and Asians (OR=0.49) experienced declining odds of admission over time. Patients from high-income brackets (OR=1.53) and from areas with higher neurosurgeon density (OR=1.61) were more likely to be admitted to high-volume centers. Conversely, patients coming from counties with higher poverty (OR=0.92) were less likely to be admitted to high-volume centers.ConclusionRacial and socioeconomic factors play a significant role in the admission of patients to high-volume pituitary surgery centers. This study demonstrates potential key policy areas for meaningful intervention to help ease disparities in access to quality care for surgical pituitary disease.
An immunologically anomalous but considerably bioactive GH produced by a novel GH1 mutation (p.D116E)
Authors: Dateki Sumito , Hizukuri Kazuko , Tanaka Toshiaki , Katsumata Noriyuki , Katavetin Paravee , Ogata Tsutomu 
Published: May 2009

ContexAlthough GH values measured by an immunoassay usually reflect GH bioactivities, discrepancy exists between immunoactivity and bioactivity in a rare condition known as ‘bioinactive GH’.ObjectiveTo report an immunologically anomalous but considerably bioactive GH.MethodsWe performed mutational and functional analyses of GH1 in a 7-year-old Japanese boy with short stature (−3.0 s.d.) in whom serum GH values measured with a Tosoh immunoassay kit were all undetectable in three provocation tests, whereas urine GH value measured with a Hitachi immunoassay kit was within the normal range. Serum IGF-1 was at a low-normal range, and IGF-binding protein-3 was below the normal range.ResultsMutation analysis showed a missense GH produced by a novel GH1 mutation (p.D116E) of paternal origin and a frameshift mutation (p.Q68fsX106) of maternal origin. Genotype–phenotype correlations in this family and in vitro functional studies indicated that the p.D116E-GH was immeasurable with the Tosoh kit but was measurable, though maybe not precise, with a Daiichi kit, and had a reduced in vivo bioactivity. The p.Q68fsX106 yielded no GH protein.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the p.D116E affects the GH epitope primarily recognized by the Tosoh kit but not by the Hitachi or the Daiichi kits, thereby producing an immunologically anomalous but considerably bioactive GH. The presence of such a hormone discordant for immunoactivity and bioactivity should be kept in mind, to allow for an appropriate assessment of endocrine data.
Assessment of Trout Passage through Culverts in a Large Montana Drainage during Summer Low Flow
Authors: Burford D. Drake , McMahon Thomas E. , Cahoon Joel E. , Blank Matthew 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
We used a combination of methods to assess the degree of fish passage restriction from road culverts during summer low flow for westslope cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi and brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis across a large drainage basin. The FishXing fish passage model classified 41 of 45 (91%) culverts as barriers to upstream passage for 152-mm westslope cutthroat trout. Population sampling upstream and downstream of 23 culverts revealed little differences in westslope cutthroat trout or brook trout above and below culverts, although density declined upstream when culvert slopes exceeded 4.5% and outlet drops exceeded 20 cm. A passage experiment with marked trout at 12 culverts showed that the proportion of upstream movement averaged 2.45 times lower through culverts (mean, 0.37) than through natural stream reaches (mean, 0.63; χ2 = 26.2, P &lt; 0.001). Outlet drop was the most important factor affecting passage success; probability of passage was low for small trout (&lt;100 mm fork length) at outlet drops greater than 15 cm and for large trout (&gt;100 mm) at outlet drops greater than 21 cm. Agreement between FishXing model predictions and observed upstream passage through test culverts was low overall (17%, n = 12); the model tended to overestimate the number of impassable culverts, underscoring a need for further field testing to refine the model. Overall, the high degree of upstream movement observed in our study for juvenile and adult westslope cutthroat trout and brook trout during the summer indicates that culvert passage is an important management consideration for stream salmonids during this period.
Walleye and Muskellunge Movement in the Manitowish Chain of Lakes, Vilas County, Wisconsin
Authors: Weeks Jordan G. , Hansen Michael J. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
We quantified within-year and between-year movement of walleyes Sander vitreus and muskellunge Esox masquinongy in the Manitowish Chain of 10 interconnected lakes in Vilas County, Wisconsin. Beginning in May 2004, we marked 7,427 walleyes (55–2,720 fish/lake) and 491 muskellunge (24–99 fish/lake) with T-bar anchor tags and marked 33 walleyes and 36 muskellunge with radio tags. Tags were recaptured and recovered through October 2005 via fyke-netting, electrofishing, angling, and spearing. Anchor tag loss averaged 2.9% for walleyes and 2.1% for muskellunge. Of 1,752 anchor-tagged walleyes (19–555 fish/lake), 81% (54–90% per lake) were recovered in the same lake in which they were tagged. Of the 95 muskellunge tagged (1–18 fish/lake), 53% (0–100% per lake) were recovered in the same lake in which they were tagged. For radio-tagged fish, 82% (27 of 33 fish) of walleyes and 50% (18 of 36 fish) of muskellunge were recovered in the same lake in which they were tagged. Of 1,153 anchor tag returns for walleyes (8–326 fish/tag group and 6–340 fish/lake) and 57 anchor-tag returns for muskellunge (1–17 fish/tag group and 1–12 fish/lake), 76% of walleyes (37–98% per lake) and 45% of muskellunge (0–100% per lake) were found in the same lake in spring 2004 and spring 2005. Our results indicate that most walleyes remained in the same lake during the year of tagging and between years, whereas half of all muskellunge did not remain in the same lake during the tagging year or between years. We recommend that walleye angling and spearing fisheries be managed for individual lakes and that muskellunge fisheries be managed for the entire chain of lakes.
Access to Care and the Incidence of End-Stage Renal Disease Due to Diabetes
Authors: Ward Michael M. 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVE
Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with an increased risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to diabetes. Because ESRD is a preventable complication of diabetes, the association with SES may be related to limited access to treatment.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In this population-based ecological study, I examined the association between the incidence of ESRD attributed to diabetes and the proportion of hospitalizations with no insurance, Medicaid, or managed care insurance; residence in a primary care provider shortage area or rural area; and rate of hospitalizations for hyperglycemic complications, by ZIP code in California in 2001–2004.

RESULTS
The incidence of ESRD attributed to diabetes was higher in ZIP codes with higher proportions of hospitalizations with no insurance (r = 0.45; P &lt; 0.0001) or Medicaid (r = 0.69; P &lt; 0.0001) and in ZIP codes with higher rates of hospitalizations for hyperglycemic complications (r = 0.27; P &lt; 0.0001). The incidence was lower in ZIP codes with higher proportions of hospitalizations with managed care insurance (r = −0.37; P &lt; 0.0001) and was lower in primary care provider shortage areas and rural locations. In contrast, there were only weak associations between measures of access to care and the incidence of ESRD attributed to polycystic kidney disease, a condition that is not treatable.

CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of ESRD attributed to diabetes is strongly associated with area-based measures of access to care, suggesting that access to treatment partly mediates the association between SES and the incidence of ESRD.