bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insulin Stimulates Human Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis via an Indirect Mechanism Involving Endothelial-Dependent Vasodilation and Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 Signaling
Authors: Timmerman Kyle L. , Lee Jessica L. , Dreyer Hans C. , Dhanani Shaheen , Glynn Erin L. , Fry Christopher S. , Drummond Micah J. , Sheffield-Moore Melinda , Rasmussen Blake B. , Volpi Elena 
Published: May 2010

Objective: Our objective was to determine whether endothelial-dependent vasodilation is an essential mechanism by which insulin stimulates human skeletal muscle protein synthesis and anabolism.
Subjects: Subjects were healthy young adults (n = 14) aged 31 ± 2 yr.
Design: Subjects were studied at baseline and during local leg infusion of insulin alone (control, n = 7) or insulin plus the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA, n = 7) to prevent insulin-induced vasodilation.
Methods: We measured skeletal muscle protein metabolism with stable isotope tracers, blood flow with indocyanine green, capillary recruitment with contrast enhanced ultrasound, glucose metabolism with stable isotope tracers, and phosphorylation of proteins associated with insulin (Akt) and amino acid-induced mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling (mTOR, S6 kinase 1, and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1) with Western blot analysis.
Results: No basal differences between groups were detected. During insulin infusion, blood flow and capillary recruitment increased in the control (P &lt; 0.05) group only; Akt phosphorylation and glucose uptake increased in both groups (P &lt; 0.05), with no group differences; and mTORC1 signaling increased more in control (P &lt; 0.05) than in l-NMMA. Phenylalanine net balance increased (P &lt; 0.05) in both groups, but with opposite mechanisms: increased protein synthesis (basal, 0.051 ± 0.006 %/h; insulin, 0.077 ± 0.008 %/h; P &lt; 0.05) with no change in proteolysis in control and decreased proteolysis (P &lt; 0.05) with no change in synthesis (basal, 0.061 ± 0.004 %/h; insulin, 0.050 ± 0.006 %/h; P value not significant) in l-NMMA.
Conclusions: Endothelial-dependent vasodilation and the consequent increase in nutritive flow and mTORC1 signaling, rather than Akt signaling, are fundamental mechanisms by which insulin stimulates muscle protein synthesis in humans. Additionally, these data underscore that insulin modulates skeletal muscle proteolysis according to its effects on nutritive flow.
Age and the Thyrotropin Response to Hypothyroxinemia
Authors: Over Rebecca , Mannan Sonia , Nsouli-Maktabi Hala , Burman Kenneth D. , Jonklaas Jacqueline 
Published: May 2010

Context: Some studies suggest altered pituitary functioning and TSH production with aging.
Objective: Our objective was to test the hypothesis that less TSH production occurs despite comparable hypothyroxinemia with advancing age.
Design: We retrospectively studied adult outpatients of all ages with confirmed hypothyroidism and documented their TSH and free T4 concentrations.
Participants: Two populations of 112 patients were subdivided into four age groups: 1) patients newly diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism and 2) thyroid cancer patients undergoing l-T4 withdrawal in preparation for diagnostic or therapeutic radioiodine.
Main Outcome Measure: The relationship between paired free T4 and TSH concentrations and patient age was studied.
Results: With spontaneous hypothyroidism, the mean TSH concentration decreased nonsignificantly in each ascending age group with comparable free T4 (FT4) concentrations (&lt;35 yr, 69 mIU/liter; 35–49 yr, 49 mIU/liter; 50–64 yr, 43 mIU/liter; &gt;64 yr, 29 mIU/liter). With iatrogenic hypothyroidism, the mean TSH concentration decreased significantly in each ascending age group (&lt;35 yr, 156 mIU/liter; 35–49 yr, 115 mIU/liter; 50–64 yr, 74 mIU/liter; &gt;64 yr, 46 mIU/liter; P &lt; 0.001) despite similar FT4 concentrations. The relationship between the log-transformed TSH and FT4 was significantly and inversely affected by age in multivariate analyses in both spontaneous hypothyroidism (P = 0.0005) and in iatrogenic hypothyroidism (P &lt; 0.0001).
Conclusions: Age modifies the pituitary set point or response to comparably reduced free T4 concentrations, resulting in lesser serum TSH elevation in older individuals. This phenomenon occurs with both spontaneous and iatrogenic hypothyroidism. This may be an adaptive response in normal aging or a pathological alteration of pituitary function with age.
An Inspection of Railway Ballast Quality Using Ground Penetrating Radar in Finland
Authors: Silvast M , Nurmikolu A , Wiljanen B , Levomaki M 
Published: May 2010

The maintenance of heavy haul railway lines causes considerable cost and in many cases difficulties to rail traffic. Railway infrastructure management in Finland is important because in many locations the same railway lines are used by both freight and passenger trains. Along with the mixed traffic, the cold climate presents challenges in keeping the track in good condition. There is a great demand for economical and non-destructive methods that provide continuous condition information of track structure. In recent years, the ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology for structure inspection has improved to faster systems and better data quality. This article presents the main results from a research programme that was aimed to identify different GPR-based railway ballast degradation classes and to develop a preventative maintenance planning system. An extensive reference sampling and laboratory analysis has been performed to aid in developing the GPR-based classification method for qualifying the ballast fouling. Classification is made by a fouling index, which is calculated from the frequency contents of the GPR signal. This quality classification can be utilized in the planning of undercutting programmes.
A novel mutant-enriched liquidchip technology for the qualitative detection of somatic mutations in KRAS gene from both serum and tissue samples
Authors: Wu Shiyang , Zhu Zeyao , He Jiaying , Luo Xiaodi , Xu Jiasen , Ren-Heidenreich Lifen 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background: Somatic mutations in the KRAS gene have been reported to confer drug resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and some monoclonal antibodies. However, current DNA mutation detection technologies are primarily DNA sequencing-based and not high throughput, nor sensitive enough to meet clinical needs.

Methods: A mutant-enriched PCR method was designed by introducing a unique restriction enzyme site to the PCR product. This allowed the wild-type KRAS sequence to be selectively removed by restriction enzyme digestion before application to the Luminex liquidchip system.

Results: A total of 100 copies of mutant KRAS DNA fragment mixed with 1×105 copies of the wild-type KRAS DNA could be detected to achieve a sensitivity of 0.1%. This technology is currently used for clinical testing of KRAS somatic mutations for the purpose of pharmacogenomic evaluation. Serum samples from 109 patients with non-small cell lung cancer were tested and 34 mutations were detected (34/109). The formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples from 60 patients with colorectal cancer were tested and 19 mutations were detected (19/60).

Conclusions: A novel, qualitative, sensitive, reliable and high throughput liquidchip technology has been developed for detecting KRAS mutations using clinical serum and formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1103–6.
Increased serum concentrations of visfatin and its production by different joint tissues in patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Chen Wei-ping , Bao Jia-peng , Feng Jie , Hu Peng-fei , Shi Zhong-li , Wu Li-dong 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background: The goal of this study was to investigate the distribution of visfatin in paired serum and synovial fluid (SF) samples from patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and in serum from healthy controls. In addition, we wished to determine the potential sources of visfatin in joint tissue.

Methods: Twenty-three patients with OA requiring total knee arthroplasty (TKA), 17 healthy subjects and ten donors requiring amputation were included in the study. Concentrations of visfatin in serum and SF were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The concentration of visfatin was also measured in conditioned media from cultured joint tissues.

Results: We found serum visfatin concentrations to be higher in patients with OA compared to healthy controls (p<0.05), and SF-visfatin concentrations exceeded those in paired serum (p=0.004). In addition, infrapatellar fat pad and synovium were important sources of visfatin, while osteophytes released largest amounts of visfatin. Therefore, osteophytes can be considered a major source of visfatin in the knee joint in patients with OA.

Conclusions: These results suggest that visfatin may be involved in the pathophysiology of OA and may have local effects in the joint during the process of OA.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1141–5.
Effects of LY117018 (a SERM analog of raloxifene) on tumor suppressor proteins and proliferation of breast cancer cells
Authors: Dinda Sumi , Sanchez Amelita , Moudgil Virinder K. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
We have previously shown that presence of estradiol (E2) in the growth medium causes (i) proliferation of T47D breast cancer cells, (ii) elevation of p53 levels, and (iii) hyperphos-phorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRb). In the present study, we examined the expression of p53, phosphorylation state of pRb and proliferation of T47D cells in the presence of LY117018 (Courtesy of Lilly Research Laboratories), an analog of raloxifene, which is a known selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). The cells grown in charcoal-treated serum were treated with 1 nM E2 or different concentrations of LY117018 for 24 h. E2 or LY117018 treatments caused a 2- to 3-fold increase in the level of p53 and hyperphosphorylation of pRb. E2 treatment increased cell proliferation, whereas LY117018 treatment had no such effect but inhibited the E2-dependent cell proliferation. E2 and LY117018 treatments of T47D cells also caused differential effects on intracellular structures. Thus, LY117018 treatment induces changes in the level/activity of p53 and pRb and ultrastructure of T47D cells. Importantly, LY11708 inhibits estrogen-induced cell proliferation while mimicking E2 actions on p53 induction and pRb phosphorylation. The SERM also induced structural alterations in the T47D cells.
Testosterone and risk of breast cancer: appraisal of existing evidence
Authors: Traish Abdulmaged M. , Fetten Katharina , Miner Martin , Hansen Michael L. , Guay Andre 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The objective of this review was to examine data from preclinical, clinical and epidemiological studies to evaluate if testosterone (T) poses increased risk of breast cancer in women. Appraisal of the existing literature produced several lines of evidence arguing against increased breast cancer risk with T. These include: (i) Data from breast tumor cell lines treated with androgens did not corroborate the notion that T increases breast cancer risk. On the contrary, androgens appear to be protective, as they inhibit tumor cell growth. (ii) Many of the epidemiological studies claiming an association between T and breast cancer did not adjust for estrogen levels. Studies adjusted for estrogen levels reported no association between T and breast cancer. (iii) Data from clinical studies with exogenous androgen treatment of women with endocrine and sexual disorders did not show any increase in incidence of breast cancer. (iv) Women afflicted with polycystic ovary disease, who exhibit high levels of androgens do not show increased risk of breast cancer compared to the general population. (v) Female to male transsexuals, who receive supraphysiological doses of T for long time periods prior to surgical procedures, do not report increased risk of breast cancer. (vi) Finally, women with hormone responsive primary breast cancer are treated with aromatase inhibitors, which block conversion of androgens to estrogens, thus elevating androgen levels. These women do not experience increased incidence of contralateral breast cancer nor do they experience increased tumor growth. In conclusion, the evidence available strongly suggests that T does not increase breast cancer risk in women.
Spatial Deformation Measurement Using Transparent Soil
Authors: Iskander Magued , Liu Jinyuan 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
This paper addresses the need for nonintrusively measuring spatial deformation pattern inside soils. In this study, transparent soil surrogates are used in model tests instead of natural soils. Transparent soil with macrogeotechnical properties similar to those of natural soils was made of either transparent amorphous silica gels or powders and a pore fluid with a matching refractive index. An optical system consisting of a laser light, a line-generator lens, a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, a frame grabber, and a computer was developed to optically slice a transparent soil model. A distinctive speckle pattern is generated by the interaction of the laser light and transparent soil. The laser speckle images before and after deformation were used to nonintrusively measure the relative displacement field using digital image cross-correlation. Spatial displacement fields under a model footing were obtained by combining several cross-sections in MATLAB®. Test results showed that the developed optical system and transparent soil are suitable for studying soil-structural interaction problems.
Identification of Selection Signatures in Cattle Breeds Selected for Dairy Production
Authors: Stella Alessandra , Ajmone-Marsan Paolo , Lazzari Barbara , Boettcher Paul 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The genomics revolution has spurred the undertaking of HapMap studies of numerous species, allowing for population genomics to increase the understanding of how selection has created genetic differences between subspecies populations. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop an approach to detect signatures of selection in subsets of phenotypically similar breeds of livestock by comparing single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) diversity between the subset and a larger population, (2) verify this method in breeds selected for simply inherited traits, and (3) apply this method to the dairy breeds in the International Bovine HapMap (IBHM) study. The data consisted of genotypes for 32,689 SNPs of 497 animals from 19 breeds. For a given subset of breeds, the test statistic was the parametric composite log likelihood (CLL) of the differences in allelic frequencies between the subset and the IBHM for a sliding window of SNPs. The null distribution was obtained by calculating CLL for 50,000 random subsets (per chromosome) of individuals. The validity of this approach was confirmed by obtaining extremely large CLLs at the sites of causative variation for polled (BTA1) and black-coat-color (BTA18) phenotypes. Across the 30 bovine chromosomes, 699 putative selection signatures were detected. The largest CLL was on BTA6 and corresponded to KIT, which is responsible for the piebald phenotype present in four of the five dairy breeds. Potassium channel-related genes were at the site of the largest CLL on three chromosomes (BTA14, -16, and -25) whereas integrins (BTA18 and -19) and serine/arginine rich splicing factors (BTA20 and -23) each had the largest CLL on two chromosomes. On the basis of the results of this study, the application of population genomics to farm animals seems quite promising. Comparisons between breed groups have the potential to identify genomic regions influencing complex traits with no need for complex equipment and the collection of extensive phenotypic records and can contribute to the identification of candidate genes and to the understanding of the biological mechanisms controlling complex traits.
Evolution of a Distinct Genomic Domain in Drosophila: Comparative Analysis of the Dot Chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila virilis
Authors: Leung Wilson , Shaffer Christopher D , Cordonnier Taylor , Wong Jeannette , Itano Michelle S , Slawson Tempel Elizabeth E , Kellmann Elmer , Desruisseau David Michael , Cain Carolyn , Carrasquillo Robert , Chusak Tien M , Falkowska Katazyna , Grim Kelli D , Guan Rui , Honeybourne Jacquelyn , Khan Sana , Lo Louis , McGaha Rebecca , Plunkett Jevon , Richner Justin M , Richt Ryan , Sabin Leah , Shah Anita , Sharma Anushree , Singhal Sonal , Song Fine , Swope Christopher , Wilen Craig B , Buhler Jeremy , Mardis Elaine R , Elgin Sarah C R 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The distal arm of the fourth (“dot”) chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster is unusual in that it exhibits an amalgamation of heterochromatic properties (e.g., dense packaging, late replication) and euchromatic properties (e.g., gene density similar to euchromatic domains, replication during polytenization). To examine the evolution of this unusual domain, we undertook a comparative study by generating high-quality sequence data and manually curating gene models for the dot chromosome of D. virilis (Tucson strain 15010–1051.88). Our analysis shows that the dot chromosomes of D. melanogaster and D. virilis have higher repeat density, larger gene size, lower codon bias, and a higher rate of gene rearrangement compared to a reference euchromatic domain. Analysis of eight “wanderer” genes (present in a euchromatic chromosome arm in one species and on the dot chromosome in the other) shows that their characteristics are similar to other genes in the same domain, which suggests that these characteristics are features of the domain and are not required for these genes to function. Comparison of this strain of D. virilis with the strain sequenced by the Drosophila 12 Genomes Consortium (Tucson strain 15010–1051.87) indicates that most genes on the dot are under weak purifying selection. Collectively, despite the heterochromatin-like properties of this domain, genes on the dot evolve to maintain function while being responsive to changes in their local environment.
Comparison of Pain During Two Methods of Urine Collection in Preterm Infants
Authors: El-Naggar Walid , Yiu Ashley , Mohamed Adel , Shah Vibhuti , Manley Jennifer , McNamara Patrick , Taddio Anna 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND:
Suprapubic aspiration (SPA) and urine catheterization (UC) are performed frequently in preterm neonates to rule out urinary tract infection; however, a comparison of the pain caused by both procedures has not been made previously.

OBJECTIVE:
To compare pain responses in preterm infants who are undergoing urine collection by using SPA versus UC.

METHODS:
Prospective, single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2 NICUs. Preterm infants who required urine samples for microbiologic analysis were randomly assigned to undergo either SPA or UC. The infants' facial and physiologic responses were videotaped during the procedure and later scored by a research assistant who was blind to the method of urine collection. The primary outcome measure was facial-grimacing during the procedure, which was assessed by measuring the percentage of time the infants displayed brow-bulging. Secondary outcomes included changes in heart rate (beats per minute), oxygen saturation (%), and procedural success rate.

RESULTS:
Forty-eight preterm infants participated. Characteristics did not differ (P &gt; .05) between groups. The mean (SD) percent brow-bulging score was higher in the SPA group than in the UC group (67% [34] vs 42% [38]; P = .02). Heart rate and oxygen saturation did not differ (P = .50 and .74, respectively). The procedure-success rate, although lower in the SPA group, was not statistically different (60% vs 78%; P = .17).

CONCLUSIONS:
SPA was more painful than UC, as assessed by brow-bulging, and had a tendency to be associated with a higher rate of procedure failure. These findings should be taken into consideration when choosing between these 2 procedures for preterm infants who undergo urine sampling.
Integrative and Behavioral Approaches to the Treatment of Cancer-Related Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Cassileth Barrie R. , Keefe Francis J. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Integrative oncology is the synthesis of mainstream cancer care and evidence-based complementary therapies. Complementary strategies include massage therapies, acupuncture, fitness, and mind–body techniques, which take advantage of the reciprocal relationship between the mind and body. Neuropathic pain—and pain more generally—is part of a complex process involving the whole physical and psychosocial being, therefore requiring an integrative management approach. Several studies have demonstrated, for example, that social context plays an important role in the perception of pain and that a patient's coping strategies can influence the persistence of pain. In this article, we briefly describe research illustrating the promise of integrative approaches for the treatment of cancer-related neuropathic pain.
Types and Epidemiology of Cancer-Related Neuropathic Pain: The Intersection of Cancer Pain and Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Lema Mark J. , Foley Kathleen M. , Hausheer Frederick H. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Neuropathic pain—pain resulting from a lesion, damage, or dysfunction of the somatosensory nervous system—can arise through several distinct etiologies ranging from toxicity, surgery, radiation, and trauma to congenital disorders. Neuropathic pain is widely recognized as a common consequence of cancer and results from administration of several common oncology drugs. It not only impacts quality of life, but it also impacts patient outcomes because of resulting treatment delays, dose reductions, and discontinuations. We estimate that the cost of the problem in the U.S. alone is approximately $2.3 billion. Despite its widely recognized importance, there is a paucity of reliable information available regarding the incidence, prevalence of patient-and physician-reported severity, and time course of cancer-related neuropathic pain. To address this severe knowledge gap, we need new, high-quality, population-based studies of individual cancer pain syndromes and conditions. However, in order to gather this information, we also need substantial improvements in the specific classification of cancer-related neuropathic syndromes and better validated diagnostic tools that can help to elucidate the incidence, prevalence, severity, and potential economic impact of cancer-associated neuropathies.
Experimental analysis of the effects of fluid—solid coupling on the velocity of elastic waves in saturated porous media
Authors: Gajo A. , Fedel A. , Mongiovì L. 
Published: May 2010

This paper briefly reviews the characteristics of fluid—solid coupling in the dynamic behaviour of saturated porous media and describes the installation and use of piezoceramic transducers for the simultaneous measurement of longitudinal and rotational waves in triaxial samples. The comparison between longitudinal and rotational wave velocities measured in dry and watersaturated samples is described and analysed in detail. Two soils with different permeability features are investigated. The comparison shows that a reliable interpretation of rotational wave velocities of both permeable and impermeable saturated soils can be obtained if the effects of viscous and inertial couplings are taken into account using Biot's theory. The same conclusions apply to the longitudinal wave velocities of impermeable saturated soils. In contrast, the interpretation of longitudinal wave velocities of permeable saturated soils gives an elastic stiffness value which is underestimated with respect to the value obtained from dry soils. Finally, the accuracy with which the small-strain stiffness of saturated soils can be evaluated from dynamic tests is discussed.