bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The chronic effects of fish oil with exercise on postprandial lipaemia and chylomicron homeostasis in insulin resistant viscerally obese men
Authors: Slivkoff-Clark Karin M , James Anthony P , Mamo John C L 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Visceral obesity and insulin resistance are associated with a postprandial accumulation of atherogenic chylomicron remnants that is difficult to modulate with lipid-lowering therapies. Dietary fish oil and exercise are cardioprotective interventions that can significantly modify the metabolism of TAG-rich lipoproteins. In this study, we investigated whether chronic exercise and fish oil act in combination to affect chylomicron metabolism in obese men with moderate insulin resistance.

Methods
The single blind study tested the effect of fish oil, exercise and the combined treatments on fasting and postprandial chylomicron metabolism. Twenty nine men with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to take fish oil or placebo for four weeks, before undertaking an additional 12 week walking program. At baseline and at the end of each treatment, subjects were tested for concentrations of fasting apo B48, plasma lipids and insulin. Postprandial apo B48 and TAG kinetics were also determined following ingestion of a fat enriched meal.

Results
Combining fish oil and exercise resulted in a significant reduction in the fasting apo B48 concentration, concomitant with attenuation of fasting TAG concentrations and the postprandial TAGIAUC response (p < 0.05). Fish oil by itself reduced the postprandial TAG response (p < 0.05) but not postprandial apo B48 kinetics. Individual treatments of fish oil and exercise did not correspond with improvements in fasting plasma TAG and apo B48.

Conclusion
Fish oil was shown to independently improve plasma TAG homeostasis but did not resolve hyper-chylomicronaemia. Instead, combining fish oil with chronic exercise reduced the plasma concentration of pro-atherogenic chylomicron remnants; in addition it reduced the fasting and postprandial TAG response in viscerally obese insulin resistant subjects.
Female Anopheles gambiae antennae: increased transcript accumulation of the mosquito-specific odorant-binding-protein OBP2
Authors: Hoffman Seth A , Aravind Lakshminarayanan , Velmurugan Soundarapandian 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
New interventions are required to optimally and sustainably control the Anopheles sp. mosquitoes that transmit malaria and filariasis. The mosquito olfactory system is important in host seeking (transmission) and mate finding (reproduction). Understanding olfactory function could lead to development of control strategies based on repelling parasite-carrying mosquitoes or attracting them into a fatal trap.

Findings
Our initial focus is on odorant binding proteins with differential transcript accumulation between female and male mosquitoes. We report that the odorant binding protein, OBP2 (AGAP003306), had increased expression in the antennae of female vs. male Anopheles gambiae
sensu stricto (G3 strain). The increased expression in antennae of females of this gene by quantitative RT-PCR was 4.2 to 32.3 fold in three independent biological replicates and two technical replicate experiments using A. gambiae from two different laboratories. OBP2 is a member of the vast OBP superfamily of insect odorant binding proteins and belongs to the predominantly dipteran clade that includes the Culex oviposition kairomone-binding OBP1. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that its orthologs are present across culicid mosquitoes and are likely to play a conserved role in recognizing a molecule that might be critical for female behavior.

Conclusions
OBP2 has increased mRNA transcript accumulation in the antennae of female as compared to male A. gambiae. This molecule and related molecules may play an important role in female mosquito feeding and breeding behavior. This finding may be a step toward providing a foundation for understanding mosquito olfactory requirements and developing control strategies based on reducing mosquito feeding and breeding success.
Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials for the Incidence and Risk of Treatment-Related Mortality in Patients With Cancer Treated With Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Schutz Fabio A.B. , Je Youjin , Richards Christopher J. , Choueiri Toni K. 
Published: February 2012

Purpose Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become the cornerstone in the treatment of several malignancies. These drugs have also been associated with an increase in the risk of potentially life-threatening adverse events, such as arterial thrombotic events, bleeding, congestive heart failure, and others. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis to determine the risk of fatal adverse events (FAEs) in patients with cancer treated with VEGFR TKIs. Methods MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched for articles published from January 1966 to February 2011. Eligible studies were limited to trials of US Food and Drug Administration–approved VEGFR TKIs (pazopanib, sunitinib, and sorafenib) that reported on patients with cancer with any primary tumor type, randomized design, and adequate safety profile. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the summary incidence, relative risk (RR), and 95% CIs by using random-effects or fixed-effects models on the basis of the heterogeneity of included studies. Results In all, 4,679 patients from 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, with 2,856 from sorafenib, 1,388 from sunitinib, and 435 from pazopanib trials. The incidence of FAEs related to VEGFR TKIs was 1.5% (95% CI, 0.8% to 2.4%) with an RR of 2.23 (95% CI, 1.12 to 4.44; P = .023) compared with control patients. On subgroup analysis, no difference in the rate of FAEs was found between different VEGFR TKIs or tumor types. No evidence of publication bias was observed. Conclusion In a meta-analysis of RCTs, the use of VEGFR TKIs was associated with an increased risk of FAEs compared with control patients.
Defucosylated Anti-CCR4 Monoclonal Antibody (KW-0761) for Relapsed Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma: A Multicenter Phase II Study
Authors: Ishida Takashi , Joh Tatsuro , Uike Naokuni , Yamamoto Kazuhito , Utsunomiya Atae , Yoshida Shinichiro , Saburi Yoshio , Miyamoto Toshihiro , Takemoto Shigeki , Suzushima Hitoshi , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Nosaka Kisato , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Ishitsuka Kenji , Inagaki Hiroshi , Ogura Michinori , Akinaga Shiro , Tomonaga Masao , Tobinai Kensei , Ueda Ryuzo 
Published: February 2012

Purpose Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) is usually resistant to conventional chemotherapies, and there are few other treatment options. Because CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) is expressed on tumor cells from most patients with ATL, KW-0761, a humanized anti-CCR4 monoclonal antibody, which markedly enhances antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, was evaluated in the treatment of patients with relapsed ATL. Patients and Methods A multicenter phase II study of KW-0761 for patients with relapsed, aggressive CCR4-positive ATL was conducted to evaluate efficacy, pharmacokinetic profile, and safety. The primary end point was overall response rate, and secondary end points included progression-free and overall survival from the first dose of KW-0761. Patients received intravenous infusions of KW-0761 once per week for 8 weeks at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg. Results Of 28 patients enrolled onto the study, 27 received at least one infusion of KW-0761. Objective responses were noted in 13 of 26 evaluable patients, including eight complete responses, with an overall response rate of 50% (95% CI, 30% to 70%). Median progression-free and overall survival were 5.2 and 13.7 months, respectively. The mean half-life period after the eighth infusion was 422 ± 147 hours (± standard deviation). The most common adverse events were infusion reactions (89%) and skin rashes (63%), which were manageable and reversible in all cases. Conclusion KW-0761 demonstrated clinically meaningful antitumor activity in patients with relapsed ATL, with an acceptable toxicity profile. Further investigation of KW-0761 for treatment of ATL and other T-cell neoplasms is warranted.
What Was the Programme Theory of New Labour'S Health System Reforms?
Authors: Millar Ross , Powell Martin , Dixon Anna 
Published: February 2012

Objectives To examine whether the Health System Reforms delivered the promise of being a coherent and mutually supporting reform programme; to identify the underlying programme theory of the reform programme; to reflect on whether lessons have been learned. Methods Documentary analysis mapping the implicit and explicit programme theories about how the reforms intended to achieve its goals and outcomes. Semi-structured interviews with policy-makers to further understand the programme theory. Results The Health System Reforms assumed a ‘one size fits all’ approach to policy implementation with little recognition that some contexts can be more receptive than others. There was evidence of some policy evolution and rebalancing between the reform streams as policy-makers became aware of some perverse incentives and unforeseen consequences. Later elements aimed to restore balance to the system. Conclusions The Health System Reforms do not appear to comprise a coherent and mutually supportive set of levers and incentives. They appear unbalanced with the centre of gravity favouring suppliers over commissioners. However, recent reform changes have sought to redress this imbalance to some extent, suggesting that lessons have been learned and policies have been adapted over time.
Commissioning Processes in Primary Care Trusts: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey of Health Care Commissioners in England
Authors: Sampson Fiona , O'cathain Alicia , Strong Mark , Pickin Mark , Esmonde Lisa 
Published: February 2012

Objectives To determine the extent to which primary care trusts (PCTs) in England employed processes associated with quality commissioning and to assess whether changes occurred in these processes during a policy drive to improve commissioning. Methods Telephone surveys of PCT managers leading commissioning for diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and emergency and urgent care in all 152 PCTs in both 2009 and 2010. Results The response rate was 51% (77/152) of PCTs in 2009 and 60% (91/152) in 2010. Two-thirds of commissioners had commissioned initiatives starting in the previous financial year. Over half of initiatives starting in 2008/09 had been instigated by the PCT alone. This reduced to a third in 2010, showing a shift towards partnership working. Commissioners reported that a large proportion of initiatives had been developed and shaped with the involvement of general practitioners (GPs) with direct links to the PCT and of specialist clinicians (70%), but that a lower proportion of initiatives had involvement from other GPs (40%). Patients or the public were less likely to be involved in initiatives than clinicians, but there was evidence of increasing involvement over the two years from 35% (52/149) to 51% (67/132) of initiatives. There was no evidence of changes in whether needs assessment was undertaken, how evidence was used or how initiatives were led and performance managed. Conclusions PCT commissioners reported clinical engagement in the majority of commissioning initiatives, a shift towards partnership commissioning, and increased involvement of patients and public in the development of initiatives. The new model of commissioning in England through clinical commissioning groups will need to improve on these processes if it is to demonstrate a higher quality approach to commissioning.
The influence of temperature and small organic ligands on the sorption of Eu(III) on Opalinus Clay
Authors: Schott J. , Acker M. , Barkleit A. , Brendler V. , Taut S. , Bernhard G. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe influence of temperature up to 50 ºC and small organic ligands (citrate, tartrate) on the sorption of Eu(III) on the natural clay rock Opalinus Clay (OPA) under aerobic (pCO2= 10−3.5 atm) synthetic OPA pore water conditions (pH 7.6,I= 0.4 mol L−1) was investigated. Batch sorption experiments and time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) were used to study these influencing factors on the Eu(III) sorption.Sorption isotherms and distribution coefficientsRd(15 ºC: logRd= 4.50 ± 0.05...50 ºC: logRd= 5.54 ± 0.06) at 2 × 10−9 mol L−1Eu(III) as a function of the solid-to-liquid ratio (up to 3 g L−1) and temperature were determined. A significant temperature dependency of the Eu(III) sorption was observed. With rising temperature the Eu(III) sorption increases. The surface reaction is endothermic (ΔHsorb∼ 50 kJ mol−1). Using TRLFS, a surface species with a luminescence emission lifetime of 201 ± 9 μs was identified.In the presence of tartrate or citrate the Eu(III) sorption decreases with increasing ligand concentration due to a complex formation of Eu(III) in solution, with citrate having a more pronounced influence on the sorption than tartrate. With the batch sorption experiments it can be shown that at a citrate concentration larger than 10−5 mol L−1and at a tartrate concentration larger than 10−4 mol L−1an increasing Eu(III) desorption occurs. This result is supported by TRLFS measurements, which show the correlation between the complexation of Eu(III) by citrate or tartrate in solution and the Eu(III) desorption process. Possible Eu(III) citrate or Eu(III) tartrate surface species on OPA could not be detected using TRLFS.
Early Childhood Family Intervention and Long-term Obesity Prevention Among High-risk Minority Youth
Authors: Brotman Laurie Miller , Dawson-McClure Spring , Huang Keng-Yen , Theise Rachelle , Kamboukos Dimitra , Wang Jing , Petkova Eva , Ogedegbe Gbenga 
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVES:To test the hypothesis that family intervention to promote effective parenting in early childhood affects obesity in preadolescence.METHODS:Participants were 186 minority youth at risk for behavior problems who enrolled in long-term follow-up studies after random assignment to family intervention or control condition at age 4. Follow-up Study 1 included 40 girls at familial risk for behavior problems; Follow-up Study 2 included 146 boys and girls at risk for behavior problems based on teacher ratings. Family intervention aimed to promote effective parenting and prevent behavior problems during early childhood; it did not focus on physical health. BMI and health behaviors were measured an average of 5 years after intervention in Study 1 and 3 years after intervention in Study 2.RESULTS:Youth randomized to intervention had significantly lower BMI at follow-up relative to controls (Study 1 P = .05; Study 2 P = .006). Clinical impact is evidenced by lower rates of obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile) among intervention girls and boys relative to controls (Study 2: 24% vs 54%, P = .002). There were significant intervention-control group differences on physical and sedentary activity, blood pressure, and diet.CONCLUSIONS:Two long-term follow-up studies of randomized trials show that relative to controls, youth at risk for behavior problems who received family intervention at age 4 had lower BMI and improved health behaviors as they approached adolescence. Efforts to promote effective parenting and prevent behavior problems early in life may contribute to the reduction of obesity and health disparities.
Direct Synthesis of Pure Radiative Vo2 (M) Plate Like Structures Via Hydrothermolysis at Low Temperature
Authors: Simo A. , Edomwonyi-Otu L.C. , Madjoe R. , Maaza M. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTFacile and direct synthesis of radiative VO2 (M) plate-like is reported. The snowflake material presents superstructures plate-like aggregate with an anisotropic orientation in shape governed by V2O5 and NaOH concentration giving high surface energy liable for chemical reactions with the medium. Pure crystalline VO2 (M) has been obtained with a complete hydrothermolysis of the precursor. The morphological, structural, elemental composition, crystallinity and vibrational bands of the powders were characterized by Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) and Fourier Transform-Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR) infrared spectroscopy.
Thermoelectric Properties of Silicon Nanowire Array and Spin-on Glass Composites Fabricated with CMOS-compatible Techniques
Authors: Curtin Benjamin M. , Bowers John E. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTSilicon nanowires (NWs) are promising thermoelectric materials as they offer large reductions in thermal conductivity over bulk Si without a significant decrease in the Seebeck coefficient or electrical conductivity. In this work, interference lithography was used to pattern a square lattice photoresist template over 2 cm x 2 cm Si substrates. The resulting vertical Si NW arrays were 1 μm tall with a packing density of ~15%, and the diameter of the Si NWs were 80 - 90 nm. The Si NW arrays were then embedded in spin-on glass (SOG) to form a dense composite material with a measured thermal conductivity of 1.45 W/m-K at 300 K. Devices were fabricated for cross-plane Seebeck coefficient measurements and the Si NW/SOG composite was found to have a Seebeck coefficient of roughly -284 μV/K, which is similar to bulk Si with the same doping. We also report a combined power generation of 29.3 μW from both the Si NW array and Si substrate with a temperature difference of 56 K and 50 μm x 50 μm device area.
Spontaneous Potentials in Hydrocarbon Reservoirs During Waterflooding: Application to Water-Front Monitoring
Authors: Jackson M.D.. D. , Gulamali M.Y.. Y. , Leinov E.. , Saunders J.H.. H. , Vinogradov J.. 
Published: February 2012

Summary
Spontaneous potential (SP) is routinely measured using wireline tools during reservoir characterization. However, SP signals are also generated during hydrocarbon production, in response to gradients in the water-phase pressure (relative to hydrostatic), chemical composition, and temperature. We use numerical modeling to investigate the likely magnitude of the SP in an oil reservoir during production, and suggest that measurements of SP, using electrodes permanently installed downhole, could be used to detect and monitor water encroaching on a well while it is several tens to hundreds of meters away. We simulate the SP generated during production from a single vertical well, with pressure support provided by water injection. We vary the production rate, and the temperature and salinity of the injected water, to vary the contribution of the different components of the SP signal. We also vary the values of the so-called "coupling coefficients," which relate gradients in fluid potential, salinity, and temperature to gradients in electrical potential. The values of these coupling coefficients at reservoir conditions are poorly constrained.
We find that the magnitude of the SP can be large (up to hundreds of mV) and peaks at the location of the moving water front, where there are steep gradients in water saturation and salinity. The signal decays with distance from the front, typically over several tens to hundreds of meters; consequently, the encroaching water can be detected and monitored before it arrives at the production well. Before water breakthrough, the SP at the well is dominated by the electrokinetic and electrochemical components arising from gradients in fluid potential and salinity; thermoelectric potentials only become significant after water breakthrough, because the temperature change associated with the injected water lags behind the water front. The shape of the SP signal measured along the well reflects the geometry of the encroaching waterfront. Our results suggest that SP monitoring during production, using permanently installed downhole electrodes, is a promising method to image moving water fronts. Larger signals will be obtained in low-permeability reservoirs produced at high rate, saturated with formation brine of low salinity, or with brine of a very different salinity from that injected.
Composite Resin to Yttria Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal Bonding: Comparison of Repair Methods
Authors: Cristoforides P. , Amaral R. , May L. G. , Bottino M. A. , Valandro L. F. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARY

Purpose
The purpose of the current study was to evaluate different approaches for bonding composite to the surface of yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics.

Methods
One hundred Y-TZP blocks were embedded in acrylic resin, had the free surface polished, and were randomly divided into 10 groups (n=10). The tested repair approaches included four surface treatments: tribochemical silica coating (TBS), methacryloxydecyldihidrogenphosphate (MDP)–containing primer/silane, sandblasting, and metal/zirconia primer. Alcohol cleaning was used as a “no treatment” control. Surface treatment was followed by the application (or lack thereof) of an MDP-containing resin cement liner. Subsequently, a composite resin was applied to the ceramic surface using a cylindrical mold (4-mm diameter). After aging for 60 days in water storage, including 6000 thermal cycles, the specimens were submitted to a shear test. Analysis of variance and the Tukey test were used for statistical analyses (α=0.05).

Results
Surface treatment was a statistically significant factor (F=85.42; p&lt;0.0001). The application of the MDP-containing liner had no effect on bond strength (p=0.1017). TBS was the only treatment that had a significantly positive effect on bond strength after aging.

Conclusion
Considering the evaluated approaches, TBS seems to be the best surface treatment for Y-TZP composite repairs. The use of an MDP-containing liner between the composite and Y-TZP surfaces is not effective.
Degree of Conversion of Simplified Contemporary Adhesive Systems as Influenced by Extended Air-Activated or Passive Solvent Volatilization Modes
Authors: Borges BCD , Souza-Junior EJ , Brandt WC , Loguercio AD , Montes MAJR , Puppin-Rontani RM , Sinhoreti MAC 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYThis study evaluated the effect of five methods of solvent volatilization on the degree of conversion (DC) of nine one-bottle adhesive systems using Fouriertransform infrared/attenuated total reflectance (FTIR/ATR) analysis. Nine adhesives were tested: Adper Single Bond 2 (SB), Adper Easy One (EO), One Up Bond F Plus (OUP), One Coat Bond SL (OC), XP Bond (XP), Ambar (AM), Natural Bond (NB), GO, and Stae. The adhesive systems were applied to a zinc-selenide pellet and 1) cured without solvent volatilization, 2) left undisturbed for 10 seconds before curing, 3) left undisturbed for 60 seconds before curing, 4) air-dried with an air stream for 10 seconds before curing, and 5) air-dried with an air stream for 60 seconds before curing. FTIR/ATR spectra were obtained, and the DC was calculated by comparing the aliphatic bonds/reference peaks before and after light activation for 10 seconds (FlashLite 1401). The DC means of each material were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey test (p&lt;0.05). The DC of GO and Stae adhesive systems was not affected by the five evaporation conditions. Air-drying for 60 seconds before curing yielded the highest DC for SB, EO, and OC. Extended solvent volatilization time (60 seconds) either with or without air-drying before curing provided the highest DC for AM, NB, XP, and OUP. Thus, the monomer conversion of adhesive systems was material dependent. In general, the 60-second passive or active air-drying modes to volatilize solvents before curing enhanced the degree of conversion for the one-bottle simplified adhesive systems.