bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WldS Enhances Insulin Transcription and Secretion via a SIRT1-Dependent Pathway and Improves Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Wu Jingxia , Zhang Fang , Yan Menghong , Wu Dongmei , Yu Qiujing , Zhang Yi , Zhou Ben , McBurney Michael W. , Zhai Qiwei 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE
WldS (Wallerian degeneration slow), a fusion protein from a spontaneous mutation containing full-length nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 1, has NAD biosynthesis activity and protects axon from degeneration robustly. NAD biosynthesis is also implicated in insulin secretion in β-cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of WldS on β-cells and glucose homeostasis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Using the WldS mice, we measured the expression of WldS in pancreas and analyzed the effect of WldS on glucose homeostasis. The direct effect of WldS on insulin transcription and secretion and the related mechanisms was measured in isolated islets or β-cell lines. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), an NAD-dependent protein deacetylase, is involved in insulin secretion. Thus, WldS mice with SIRT1 deficiency were generated to study whether the SIRT1-dependent pathway is involved.

RESULTS
WldS is highly expressed in the pancreas and improves glucose homeostasis. WldS mice are resistant to high-fat diet–induced glucose intolerance and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia. WldS increases insulin transcription dependent on its NAD biosynthesis activity and enhances insulin secretion. SIRT1 is required for the improved insulin transcription, secretion, and resistance to STZ-induced hyperglycemia caused by WldS. Moreover, WldS associates with SIRT1 and increases NAD levels in the pancreas, causing the enhanced SIRT1 activity to downregulate uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) expression and upregulate ATP levels.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrate that WldS combines an insulinotropic effect with protection against β-cell failure and suggest that enhancing NAD biosynthesis in β-cells to increase SIRT1 activity could be a potential therapeutic approach for diabetes.
Prolonged Caloric Restriction in Obese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Decreases Plasma CETP and Increases Apolipoprotein AI Levels Without Improving the Cholesterol Efflux Properties of HDL
Authors: Wang Yanan , Snel Marieke , Jonker Jacqueline T. , Hammer Sebastiaan , Lamb Hildo J. , de Roos Albert , Meinders A. Edo , Pijl Hanno , Romijn Johannes A. , Smit Johannes W.A. , Jazet Ingrid M. , Rensen Patrick C.N. 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE
Using a mouse model for human-like lipoprotein metabolism, we observed previously that reduction of the hepatic triglyceride (TG) content resulted in a decrease in plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and an increase in HDL levels. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of prolonged caloric restriction in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, resulting in a major reduction in hepatic TG content, on plasma CETP and HDL levels.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We studied 27 obese (BMI: 37.2 ± 0.9 kg/m2) insulin-dependent patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (14 men and 13 women, aged 55 ± 2 years) who received a 16-week very low calorie diet (VLCD). At baseline and after a 16-week VLCD, plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and CETP were measured. Furthermore, functionality of HDL with respect to inducing cholesterol efflux from human monocyte cells (THP-1) was determined.

RESULTS
A 16-week VLCD markedly decreased plasma CETP concentration (−18%; P &lt; 0.01) and increased plasma apolipoprotein (apo)AI levels (+16%; P &lt; 0.05), without significantly affecting plasma HDL-cholesterol and HDL-phospholipids. Although a VLCD results in HDL that is less lipidated, the functionality of HDL with respect to inducing cholesterol efflux in vitro was unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS
The marked decrease in hepatic TG content induced by a 16-week VLCD is accompanied by a decrease in plasma CETP concentration and an increase in apoAI levels, without improving the cholesterol efflux properties of HDL in vitro.
Effects of MK-0941, a Novel Glucokinase Activator, on Glycemic Control in Insulin-Treated Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Meininger Gary E. , Scott Russell , Alba Maria , Shentu Yue , Luo Edmund , Amin Himal , Davies Michael J. , Kaufman Keith D. , Goldstein Barry J. 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of MK-0941, a glucokinase activator (GKA), when added to stable-dose insulin glargine in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In this double-blind study, 587 patients taking stable-dose insulin glargine (±metformin ≥1,500 mg/day) were randomized (1:1:1:1:1) to MK-0941 10, 20, 30, or 40 mg or matching placebo t.i.d. before meals (a.c.). This study included an initial 14-week, dose-ranging phase followed by a 40-week treatment phase during which patients were to be uptitrated as tolerated to 40 mg (or placebo) t.i.d. a.c. The primary efficacy end point was change from baseline in A1C at Week 14.

RESULTS
At Week 14, A1C and 2-h postmeal glucose (PMG) improved significantly versus placebo with all MK-0941 doses. Maximal placebo-adjusted least squares mean changes from baseline in A1C (baseline A1C 9.0%) and 2-h PMG were −0.8% and −37 mg/dL (−2 mmol/L), respectively. No significant effects on fasting plasma glucose were observed at any dose versus placebo. By 30 weeks, the initial glycemic responses noted at 14 weeks were not sustained. MK-0941 at one or more doses was associated with significant increases in the incidence of hypoglycemia, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, and proportion of patients meeting criteria for predefined limits of change for increased diastolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS
In patients receiving stable-dose insulin glargine, the GKA MK-0941 led to improvements in glycemic control that were not sustained. MK-0941 was associated with an increased incidence of hypoglycemia and elevations in triglycerides and blood pressure.
Influence of endurance exercise on serum concentrations of iron and acute phase proteins in racing sled dogs
Authors: Kenyon Christine L. , Basaraba Randall J. , Bohn Andrea A. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Objective—To determine effects of long-distance racing exercise on iron status in endurance racing sled dogs, with or without anemia.
Design—Prospective cohort study.
Animals—114 dogs that participated in the 2007 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race (59 and 55 dogs that did or did not complete the race, respectively).
Procedures—Stored serum samples obtained from 85 endurance-racing sled dogs that were expected to participate in the race were used to establish study reference intervals and prerace group values for iron-related variables. Blood samples collected from 114 study dogs before (ie, baseline) and after participation in the race were used to determine PCV and serum total protein concentrations before and after racing and assess iron-related variables after racing.
Results—Mean values for PCV and serum total protein concentration were decreased after racing, compared with baseline values in the same dogs. Mean serum iron concentration was low, and mean serum ceruloplasmin and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were high in dogs after racing, compared with prerace group values. Mean serum ferritin concentration was high in dogs that did not complete the race, compared with the prerace group value and that of dogs that finished the race; 4 of 113 (3.5%) study dogs had low ferritin concentrations (< 73 ng/mL) after racing, suggestive of possible iron deficiency.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Decreased PCV and serum total protein concentrations were consistently detected, whereas iron deficiency appeared to be uncommon, in study dogs after race participation. High serum concentrations of ceruloplasmin and CRP after racing suggested that changes indicative of iron deficiency may be masked by inflammation. Alternatively, changes in serum iron and CRP concentrations may reflect a physiologic response.
Clinical and diagnostic imaging findings in dogs with zygomatic sialadenitis: 11 cases (1990–2009)
Authors: Cannon Matthew S. , Paglia Danielle , Zwingenberger Allison L. , Boroffka Susanne A. E. B. , Hollingsworth Steven R. , Wisner Erik R. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Objective—To describe clinical and diagnostic imaging features of zygomatic sialadenitis in dogs.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—11 dogs with zygomatic sialadenitis and 20 control dogs without evidence of retrobulbar disease.
Procedures—Medical records were searched for dogs with zygomatic sialadenitis that underwent some combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasonography. Signalment, clinical signs, results of clinicopathologic tests, cytologic and histologic diagnosis, treatment, qualitative disease features, and disease course were recorded. Images obtained via MRI or CT were analyzed for pre- and postcontrast signal intensity or density, respectively; zygomatic salivary gland area was determined. Results were compared with those of control dogs that underwent the same imaging procedures (n = 10/method). Ultrasonographic images of affected dogs were assessed qualitatively.
Results—Most (9/11) affected dogs were medium- or large-breed males (mean age, 8 years) with unilateral disease. Affected dogs had clinical signs of retrobulbar disease and cytologic or histologic evidence of zygomatic sialadenitis. Sialoceles were detected in 7 affected glands. Compared with values for control dogs, MRI findings in affected dogs (n = 7) included gland enlargement, T1-weighted hypointensity, T2-weighted hyperintensity, and increased contrast enhancement; CT features in affected dogs (2) included gland enlargement and hypodensity on unenhanced images. Retrobulbar masses were identified via ultrasonography in 9 of 10 orbits examined, and zygomatic salivary gland origin was detected in 4.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Visualization of anatomic structures for diagnosis of zygomatic sialadenitis and evaluation of adjacent structures was excellent via MRI and CT Ultrasonography was less definitive but useful for sample collection.
Phase shift analysis of the 6He+208Pb and the 6He+197Au systems
Authors: Bayrak Orhan , Boztosun Ismail 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
We present the elastic scattering of the 6He+208Pb and the 6He+197Au systems at the laboratory energy of E
lab=27 MeV within the framework of the McIntyre parametrization, and systematically investigate χ
2/N analysis of both systems to obtain an excellent agreement between the theoretical results and the experimental data. We find large diffusivity parameters indicating long range absorption mechanisms. We also show that both systems lack both the nuclear and the Coulomb rainbow scattering for obtained S-matrix parameters.
Development and validation of a low-cost mobile robotics testbed
Authors: Johnson Michael , Hayes Martin 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
This paper considers the design, construction and validation of a low-cost experimental robotic testbed, which allows for the localisation and tracking of multiple robotic agents in real time. The testbed system is suitable for research and education in a range of different mobile robotic applications, for validating theoretical as well as practical research work in the field of digital control, mobile robotics, graphical programming and video tracking systems. It provides a reconfigurable floor space for mobile robotic agents to operate within, while tracking the position of multiple agents in real-time using the overhead vision system. The overall system provides a highly cost-effective solution to the topical problem of providing students with practical robotics experience within severe budget constraints. Several problems encountered in the design and development of the mobile robotic testbed and associated tracking system, such as radial lens distortion and the selection of robot identifier templates are clearly addressed. The testbed performance is quantified and several experiments involving LEGO Mindstorm NXT and Merlin System MiaBot robots are discussed.
Brief review on PE method application to propagation channel modeling in sea environment
Authors: Sirkova Irina 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
This work provides an introduction to one of the most widely used advanced methods for wave propagation modeling, the Parabolic Equation (PE) method, with emphasis on its application to tropospheric radio propagation in coastal and maritime regions. The assumptions of the derivation, the advantages and drawbacks of the PE, the numerical methods for solving it, and the boundary and initial conditions for its application to the tropospheric propagation problem are briefly discussed. More details are given for the split-step Fourier-transform (SSF) solution of the PE. The environmental input to the PE, the methods for tropospheric refractivity profiling, their accuracy, limitations, and the average refractivity modeling are also summarized. The reported results illustrate the application of finite element (FE) based and SSF-based solutions of the PE for one of the most difficult to treat propagation mechanisms, yet of great significance for the performance of radars and communications links working in coastal and maritime zones — the tropospheric ducting mechanism. Recent achievements, some unresolved issues and ongoing developments related to further improvements of the PE method application to the propagation channel modeling in sea environment are highlighted.
What are Specialist Mental Health Clinician Attitudes to Guideline Recommendations for the Treatment of Depression in Young People?
Authors: Hetrick Sarah E. , Simmons Magenta , Thompson Andrew , Parker Alexandra G. 
Published: October 2011

Objectives: We sought to examine potential barriers to the use of evidence-based guidelines for youth depression in a tertiary specialist mental health service, as part of an initiative to implement evidence based practice within the service. Methods: This was a qualitative study adopting a social constructionist perspective using focus groups. The focus groups, conducted with all clinicians (medical and allied health), were audiotaped, transcribed and thematic analysis was undertaken. Clinicians were asked about the barriers to implementing four key recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Results: Barriers existed at (i) the individual clinician level; (ii) the clinical level in terms of the presentation of young people; and (iii) the service level. The key individual clinician level barrier was a stated belief that the guidelines were not relevant to the young people presenting to the service, with little evidence to guide practice. Related, the main barrier with regard to the clinical presentation was the severity and complexity of this presentation, often making the delivery of interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) difficult. At the service level, a lack of integration with primary and secondary level care meant sequencing interventions according to guideline recommendations was difficult. Conclusions: There is a clear imperative to develop the evidence base to ensure that effective treatments for young people aged up to 25 years with severe and complex disorders that include comorbid conditions, suicide risk and psychosocial difficulties are investigated and disseminated. Furthermore, this work has highlighted the need for greater investment in models of care that ensure integration between existing primary and secondary care and enhanced specialist early intervention mental health services for young people.
Natural history and surgical management of incidentally discovered low-grade gliomas
Authors: Potts Matthew B. , Smith Justin S. , Molinaro Annette M. , Berger Mitchel S. 
Published: October 2011

Object
Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are rarely diagnosed as an incidental, asymptomatic finding, and it is not known how the early surgical management of these tumors might affect outcome. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients with incidental and symptomatic LGGs and determine any prognostic factors associated with those outcomes.

Methods
All patients treated by the lead author for an LGG incidentally discovered between 1999 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. “Incidental” was defined as a finding on imaging that was obtained for a reason not attributable to the glioma, such as trauma or headache. Primary outcomes included overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), and malignant PFS. Patients with incidental LGGs were compared with a previously reported cohort of patients with symptomatic gliomas.

Results
Thirty-five patients with incidental LGGs were identified. The most common reasons for head imaging were headache not associated with mass effect (31.4%) and trauma (20%). Patients with incidental lesions had significantly lower preoperative tumor volumes than those with symptomatic lesions (20.2 vs 53.9 cm3, p < 0.001), were less likely to have tumors in eloquent locations (14.3% vs 61.9%, p < 0.001), and had a higher prevalence of females (57.1% vs 36%, p = 0.02). In addition, patients with incidental lesions were also more likely to undergo gross-total resection (60% vs 31.5%, p = 0.001) and had improved overall survival on Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.039, Mantel-Cox test). Progression and malignant progression rates did not differ between the 2 groups. Univariate analysis identified pre- and postoperative volumes as well as the use of motor or language mapping as significant prognostic factors for PFS.

Conclusions
In this retrospective cohort of surgically managed LGGs, incidentally discovered lesions were associated with improved patient survival as compared with symptomatic LGGs, with acceptable surgical risks.
Motor cortex disinhibition in normal-pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Chistyakov Andrei V. , Hafner Hava , Sinai Alon , Kaplan Boris , Zaaroor Menashe 
Published: October 2011

Object
Previous studies have shown a close association between frontal lobe dysfunction and gait disturbance in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). A possible mechanism linking these impairments could be a modulation of corticospinal excitability. The aim of this study was 2-fold: 1) to determine whether iNPH affects corticospinal excitability; and 2) to evaluate changes in corticospinal excitability following ventricular shunt placement in relation to clinical outcome.

Methods
Twenty-three patients with iNPH were examined using single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation of the leg motor area before and 1 month after ventricular shunt surgery. The parameters of corticospinal excitability assessed were the resting motor threshold (rMT), motor evoked potential/M-wave area ratio, central motor conduction time, intracortical facilitation, and short intracortical inhibition (SICI). The results were compared with those obtained in 8 age-matched, healthy volunteers, 19 younger healthy volunteers, and 9 age-matched patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Results
Significant reduction of the SICI associated with a decrease of the rMT was observed in patients with iNPH at baseline evaluation. Ventricular shunt placement resulted in significant enhancement of the SICI and increase of the rMT in patients who markedly improved, but not in those who failed to improve.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that iNPH affects corticospinal excitability, causing disinhibition of the motor cortex. Recovery of corticospinal excitability following ventricular shunt placement is correlated with clinical improvement. These findings support the view that reduced control of motor output, rather than impairment of central motor conduction, is responsible for gait disturbances in patients with iNPH.
Factors associated with typhoid relapse in the era of multiple drug resistant strains
Authors: Ahmad Kaashif Aqeeb , Khan Liaqat Hayat , Roshan Bakht , Bhutta Zulfiqar Ahmed 
Published: October 2011

Introduction: Typhoid has an estimated global burden of greater than 27 million cases per annum with a clinical relapse rate of 5% to 20%. Despite the large relapse burden, the factors associated with relapse are largely unknown. Methodology: We have followed a protocol for the diagnosis and management of pediatric typhoid since 1988. We report factors associated with relapse of culture-proven enteric fever in 1,650 children presenting to the Aga Khan University Medical Center, Karachi, Pakistan, over a 15-year period. Results: In those infected with multiple drug resistant (MDR) strains, factors associated with subsequent relapse include constipation at presentation and presentation within 14 days of fever onset. Diarrhoea in those children infected with drug sensitive strains had an association with decreased subsequent relapse, as was quinolone therapy. Conclusions: Multiple clinical factors at presentation are associated with subsequent typhoid fever relapse. These factors may be postulated to be associated with subsequent relapse due to alterations in the reticuloendothelial system organism load. These data will be valuable in developing algorithms for clinical follow-up in children infected with MDR enteric fever.
Etude exploratoire des effets de l'imagerie mentale issue de la présentation des produits sur un site marchand : proposition d'un modèle conceptuel de recherche
Authors: Lao Aurély 
Published: October 2011

Résumé De quelle manière l’imagerie mentale issue de la présentation d’un produit sur un site marchand influence-t-elle le consommateur ? Cette recherche qualitative a tenté de répondre à ce questionnement, à l’aide d’une analyse de contenu issue d’entretiens semi-directifs. Les résultats de cette étude permettent d’appuyer la littérature sur la relation entre les images, les mots, l’imagerie mentale et la mémorisation dans un contexte de commerce électronique français. Ce travail de recherche permet également de développer une nouvelle perspective théorique, notamment la relation d’influence de l’imagerie mentale sur le comportement du consommateur en termes d’impulsion et d’intention d’achat.
Des arrangements autour de l’agriculture en périurbain : du lotissement agricole au projet de territoire
Authors: Poulot Monique 
Published: October 2011

Cet article envisage une relecture critique de la figure de « pas de deux agriculture-ville » (Monteventi et al., 2008) dans les dernières décennies autour de la métropole parisienne. Trois figures de relations se dégagent non pas dans un déroulement diachronique simple, mais avec moult chevauchements, retours en arrière et infléchissements. Toutes trois sont caractérisées par une invention pléthorique d’outils, sans cesse réinvestis, notamment des zonages, d’intention ou d’intervention, à l’efficacité incertaine. Parallèlement, de nouveaux acteurs apparaissent, des associations de nouveaux résidents aux nouveaux réseaux d’agriculteurs en périurbain, et appellent de nouvelles formes de gouvernance. Le lotissement agricole caractérise la première phase ; le parc de campagne la seconde ; le programme agriurbain représente le troisième temps et marque l’avènement d’une nouvelle modalité de l’espace, l’agriurbain en lieu et place des deux modalités anciennes, l’urbain et le rural.