bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes from a regular medication information programme for consumers with a mental illness
Authors: Tran Nga , Castle David 
Published: March 2012

Objective: To describe the development of, and outcomes from, a medication information programme facilitated by trained mental health clinicians in an area mental health service. Method: A step-wise programme entailing: (a) a consumer-led project to determine barriers faced by consumers in acquiring information about medication (Medicine Awareness Project:MAP); (b) the introduction of a weekly medication information forum (MIF) in an acute inpatient service; and (c) the development and roll-out of consumer and carer support materials in community settings. Results: The MAP survey demonstrated that consumers’ knowledge about and access to standard Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflets was poor and that they perceived a number of barriers in obtaining balanced information about their medication. Nearly half of the respondents preferred information about medications presented in both written and verbal form. Participants in the MIF sessions showed an increase in positive attitudes toward their medication following the forums. These findings brought upon the production of a tailored, consumer and carer-focused resource, which has been widely distributed throughout Australia. Conclusions: A medication information programme can provide opportunities for mental health consumers and their carers to gain knowledge of psychotropic medications. The use of written and verbal formats enhances the transfer of such information.
New individualist configurations and the social imaginary
Authors: Elliott Anthony 
Published: March 2012

The broad purpose of this article is to explore the theoretical conditions for understanding the new individualist configurations of imagination and identity in contemporary culture and critical discourse. The article begins with a sketch of recent debates in social theory on identity, individualization and new individualism, focusing on the work of Giddens, Beck, and Bauman, as well as Lemert and Elliott. The second part of the article turns to consider, in some detail, the path breaking contributions of Cornelius Castoriadis on the demise of the social imaginary in conditions of advanced capitalism or what he termed the spread of ‘generalized conformism’. Whilst making the argument that the notion of ‘generalized conformism’ is of key importance in grasping the subjective and cultural dynamics promoted by the global electronic economy, the article also underscores the limitations of Castoriadis’s psychoanalytic and political position. The third section of the article offers a pathway beyond such constraint by examining the recent social-theoretical contributions of Julia Kristeva on ‘new maladies of the soul’. Like Castoriadis, Kristeva focuses on the atrophy of imagination in contemporary times, but does so from a more complex psychoanalytic prism. The article concludes that the work of both Castoriadis and Kristeva are essential to grasping contemporary shifts in the new individualism.
Arthroscopic Delivery of Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implant
Authors: Cortese Fabrizio , McNicholas Michael , Janes Greg , Gillogly Scott , Abelow Stephen P. , Gigante Antonio , Coletti Nicolò 
Published: March 2012

Objective: To identify consensus recommendations for the arthroscopic delivery of the matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implant. Design: An invited panel was assembled on November 20 and 21, 2009 as an international advisory board in Zurich, Switzerland, to discuss and identify best practices for the arthroscopic delivery of matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation. Results: Arthroscopic matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation is suitable for patients 18 to 55 years of age who have symptomatic, contained chondral lesions of the knee with normal or corrected alignment and stability. This technical note describes consensus recommendations of the international advisory board for the technique of arthroscopic delivery of the matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implant. Conclusions: Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation can be further improved by arthroscopic delivery that does not require special instrumentation. In principle, arthroscopic versus open procedures of delivery of the matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implant are less invasive and may potentially result in less postoperative pain, less surgical site morbidity, and faster surgical recovery. Long-term studies are needed to confirm these assumptions as well as the efficacy and safety of this arthroscopic approach.
Regulation of ENaC-mediated alveolar fluid clearance by insulin via PI3K/Akt pathway in LPS-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Deng Wang , Li Chang-Yi , Tong Jin , Zhang Wei , Wang Dao-Xin 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Stimulation of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) increases Na+ transport, a driving force of alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) to keep alveolar spaces free of edema fluid that is beneficial for acute lung injury (ALI). It is well recognized that regulation of ENaC by insulin via PI3K pathway, but the mechanism of this signaling pathway to regulate AFC and ENaC in ALI remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of insulin on AFC in ALI and clarify the pathway in which insulin regulates the expression of ENaC in vitro and in vivo.

Methods
A model of ALI (LPS at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg) with non-hyperglycemia was established in Sprague-Dawley rats receiving continuous exogenous insulin by micro-osmotic pumps and wortmannin. The lungs were isolated for measurement of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), total lung water content(TLW), and AFC after ALI for 8 hours. Alveolar epithelial type II cells were pre-incubated with LY294002, Akt inhibitor and SGK1 inhibitor 30 minutes before insulin treatment for 2 hours. The expressions of α-,β-, and γ-ENaC were detected by immunocytochemistry, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting.

Results
In vivo, insulin decreased TLW, enchanced AFC, increased the expressions of α-,β-, and γ-ENaC and the level of phosphorylated Akt, attenuated lung injury and improved the survival rate in LPS-induced ALI, the effects of which were blocked by wortmannin. Amiloride, a sodium channel inhibitor, significantly reduced insulin-induced increase in AFC. In vitro, insulin increased the expressions of α-,β-, and γ-ENaC as well as the level of phosphorylated Akt but LY294002 and Akt inhibitor significantly prevented insulin-induced increase in the expression of ENaC and the level of phosphorylated Akt respectively. Immunoprecipitation studies showed that levels of Nedd4-2 binding to ENaC were decreased by insulin via PI3K/Akt pathway.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that insulin alleviated pulmonary edema and enhanced AFC by increasing the expression of ENaC that dependent upon PI3K/Akt pathway by inhibition of Nedd4-2.
Improvements of insulin resistance in ovariectomized rats by a novel phytoestrogen from Curcuma comosa Roxb
Authors: Prasannarong Mujalin , Saengsirisuwan Vitoon , Piyachaturawat Pawinee , Suksamrarn Apichart 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background

Curcuma comosa Roxb. (C. comosa) is an indigenous medicinal herb that has been used in Thailand as a dietary supplement to relieve postmenopausal symptoms. Recently, a novel phytoestrogen, (3R)-1,7-diphenyl-(4E,6E)-4,6-heptadien-3-ol or compound 049, has been isolated and no study thus far has investigated the role of C. comosa in preventing metabolic alterations occurring in estrogen-deprived state. The present study investigated the long-term effects (12 weeks) of C. comosa hexane extract and compound 049 on insulin resistance in prolonged estrogen-deprived rats.

Methods
Female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and treated with C. comosa hexane extract (125 mg, 250 mg, or 500 mg/kg body weight (BW)) and compound 049 (50 mg/kg BW) intraperitoneally three times per week for 12 weeks. Body weight, food intake, visceral fat weight, uterine weight, serum lipid profile, glucose tolerance, insulin action on skeletal muscle glucose transport activity, and GLUT-4 protein expression were determined.

Results
Prolonged ovariectomy resulted in dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose transport, as compared to SHAM. Treatment with C. comosa hexane extract and compound 049, three times per week for 12 weeks, markedly reduced serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels, improved insulin sensitivity and partially restored uterine weights in ovariectomized rats. In addition, compound 049 or high doses of C. comosa hexane extract enhanced insulin-mediated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and increased muscle GLUT-4 protein levels.

Conclusions
Treatment with C. comosa and its diarylheptanoid derivative improved glucose and lipid metabolism in estrogen-deprived rats, supporting the traditional use of this natural phytoestrogen as a strategy for relieving insulin resistance and its related metabolic defects in postmenopausal women.
Use of the integrated health interview series: trends in medical provider utilization (1972-2008)
Authors: Davern Mike , Blewett Lynn A , Lee Brian , Boudreaux Michel , King Miriam L 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe Integrated Health Interview Series (IHIS) is a public data repository that harmonizes four decades of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The NHIS is the premier source of information on the health of the U.S. population. Since 1957 the survey has collected information on health behaviors, health conditions, and health care access. The long running time series of the NHIS is a powerful tool for health research. However, efforts to fully utilize its time span are obstructed by difficult documentation, unstable variable and coding definitions, and non-ignorable sample re-designs. To overcome these hurdles the IHIS, a freely available and web-accessible resource, provides harmonized NHIS data from 1969-2010. This paper describes the challenges of working with the NHIS and how the IHIS reduces such burdens. To demonstrate one potential use of the IHIS we examine utilization patterns in the U.S. from 1972-2008.
Ingesting a pre-workout supplement containing caffeine, B-vitamins, amino acids, creatine, and beta-alanine before exercise delays fatigue while improving reaction time and muscular endurance
Authors: Spradley Brandon D , Crowley Kristy R , Tai Chih-Yin , Kendall Kristina L , Fukuda David H , Esposito Enrico N , Moon Sarah E , Moon Jordan R 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the pre-workout supplement Assault™ (MusclePharm, Denver, CO, USA) on upper and lower body muscular endurance, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, and choice reaction time in recreationally-trained males. Subjective feelings of energy, fatigue, alertness, and focus were measured to examine associations between psychological factors and human performance.

Methods
Twelve recreationally-trained males participated in a 3-week investigation (mean +/- SD, age: 28 +/- 5 y, height: 178 +/- 9 cm, weight: 79.2 +/- 15.7 kg, VO2max: 45.7 +/- 7.6 ml/kg/min). Subjects reported to the human performance laboratory on three separate occasions. All participants completed a baseline/familiarization day of testing that included a maximal graded exercise test for the determination of aerobic capacity (VO2max), one-rep maximum (1-RM) for bench and leg press to determine 75% of 1-RM, choice reaction tests, and intermittent critical velocity familiarization. Choice reaction tests included the following: single-step audio and visual, one-tower stationary protocol, two-tower lateral protocol, three-tower multi-directional protocol, and three-tower multi-directional protocol with martial arts sticks. Subjects were randomly assigned to ingest either the supplement (SUP) or the placebo (PL) during Visit 2. Subjects were provided with the cross-over treatment on the last testing visit. Testing occurred 20 min following ingestion of both treatments.

Results
Significant (p < 0.05) main effects for the SUP were observed for leg press (SUP: 13 ± 6 reps, PL: 11 ± 3 reps), perceived energy (SUP: 3.4 ± 0.9, PL: 3.1 ± 0.8), alertness (SUP: 4.0 ± 0.7, PL: 3.5 ± 0.8), focus (SUP: 4.1 ± 0.6, PL: 3.5 ± 0.8), choice reaction audio single-step (SUP: 0.92 ± 0.10 s, PL: 0.97 ± 0.11 s), choice reaction multi-direction 15 s (SUP: 1.07 ± 0.12 s, PL: 1.13 ± 0.14 s), and multi-direction for 30 s (SUP: 1.10 ± 0.11 s, PL: 1.14 ± 0.13 s).

Conclusions
Ingesting the SUP before exercise significantly improved agility choice reaction performance and lower body muscular endurance, while increasing perceived energy and reducing subjective fatigue. These findings suggest that the SUP may delay fatigue during strenuous exercise.
A synthetic biology approach to self-regulatory recombinant protein production in Escherichia coli
Authors: Dragosits Martin , Nicklas Daniel , Tagkopoulos Ilias 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Recombinant protein production is a process of great industrial interest, with products that range from pharmaceuticals to biofuels. Since high level production of recombinant protein imposes significant stress in the host organism, several methods have been developed over the years to optimize protein production. So far, these trial-and-error techniques have proved laborious and sensitive to process parameters, while there has been no attempt to address the problem by applying Synthetic Biology principles and methods, such as integration of standardized parts in novel synthetic circuits.

Results
We present a novel self-regulatory protein production system that couples the control of recombinant protein production with a stress-induced, negative feedback mechanism. The synthetic circuit allows the down-regulation of recombinant protein expression through a stress-induced promoter. We used E. coli as the host organism, since it is widely used in recombinant processes. Our results show that the introduction of the self-regulatory circuit increases the soluble/insoluble ratio of recombinant protein at the expense of total protein yield. To further elucidate the dynamics of the system, we developed a computational model that is in agreement with the observed experimental data, and provides insight on the interplay between protein solubility and yield.

Conclusion
Our work introduces the idea of a self-regulatory circuit for recombinant protein products, and paves the way for processes with reduced external control or monitoring needs. It demonstrates that the library of standard biological parts serves as a valuable resource for initial synthetic blocks that needs to be further refined to be successfully applied in practical problems of biotechnological significance. Finally, the development of a predictive model in conjunction with experimental validation facilitates a better understanding of the underlying dynamics and can be used as a guide to experimental design.
The 9th annual computational and systems neuroscience (cosyne) meeting
Authors: Grabska-Barwińska Agnieszka , Poo Cindy 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The 9th annual Computational and Systems Neuroscience meeting (Cosyne) was held 23–26 February in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cosyne meeting is the forum for exchange of experimental and theoretical/computational approaches to studying systems neuroscience.
Notch system in the linkage of innate and adaptive immunity
Authors: Ito Toshihiro , Connett Judith M , Kunkel Steven L , Matsukawa Akihiro 
Published: March 2012

AbstractReview on the role of Notch system in peripheral T cell immunity.The lung is one of the most immunologically challenged organs and can be affected by a number of pathogens, including bacteria, virus, fungi, and parasites. The development and chronicity of pulmonary infection are determined by the early innate response to the pathogenic stimuli and are regulated at multiple levels. Initial studies have indicated that the interaction of Notch and Notch ligands plays a critical role during development, and further, the Notch system is an important bridge between APCs and T cell communication circuits. APCs are essential regulators of the innate immune response. They can respond to PAMPs through PRRs, which function in the recognition of pathogenic components and play an important role in the innate and adaptive immune response. T cells are essential regulators of adaptive immune responses and infectious diseases. However, the role of the Notch system in the cross-talk between APC and T cells during pulmonary infection is still poorly understood. In the present review, we discuss recent findings that explore the mechanisms underlying the role of Notch signaling in the linkage of innate and adaptive immunity, including pulmonary infection though PPRs and Notch activation.
Fetal sex and perinatal outcomes
Authors: Aibar Laura , Puertas Alberto , Valverde Mercedes , Carrillo M. Paz , Montoya Francisco 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship of fetal sex with obstetric risk factors and perinatal outcomes.

Material and methods: Retrospective study of deliveries during 2003–2009 at a tertiary hospital based on the analysis of obstetric and neonatal risk variables according to neonatal sex.

Results: Of the 29,530 deliveries studied, the neonate was a boy in 15,038 (50.92%) and a girl in 14,492 (49.08%). The rates of gestational diabetes, prematurity, true umbilical cord knot and nuchal cord were higher for male newborns, whereas the rate of echographic diagnosis of intrauterine fetal growth retardation was higher for female newborns. Mothers of male fetuses had higher rates of cesarean delivery and instrumental vaginal delivery. The indication for ending labor due to the non-reassuring fetal heart rate was also more frequent among male newborns. This group had higher rates of acidemia, although there were no significant differences between sexes in other short-term neonatal outcomes. In all subgroups analyzed here, fetal weight was higher in male newborns.

Conclusions: Male sex is an independent risk factor for unfavorable outcomes of pregnancy and delivery.
Atomistic Simulation of Nuclear Fuels
Authors: Krack Matthias 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe experimental investigation of actinide materials like nuclear fuels is difficult and usually very costly. Therefore a reliable multi-scale modeling of these often hazardous materials starting at the atomistic level is inevitable to gain further insight into this type of materials. The development of new, more advanced simulation methods accompanied by the rapid growth of the available computational resources provided by high-performance computing facilities, allows the modeling of such materials at a new quality level. Also the recent development of the CP2K program package (http://www.cp2k.org) has been partially focused on enabling state-of-the-art simulations of actinide materials using classical potential as well as electronic structure methods. The long-term goal is to perform reliable molecular dynamics simulations for actinide materials including advanced simulation techniques like nudged elastic band or metadynamics simulations. In this work, the CP2K program package and its application to the simulation of defect migration in uranium dioxide (UO2) using the nudged elastic band method is presented.
Design of Flexible Supercapacitors Using Metal Oxide-Decorated Carbon Nanotube Sheet
Authors: Sellers Meredith C.K. , Zussblatt Niels P. , Friedl Andrew P. , Marsh Charles P. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe economical production of flexible, chemically-functionalized carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes is appealing for the manufacture of electronic textiles with integrated charge storage capability. In this paper, a commercial CNT sheet is treated with 0.02 M potassium permanganate at room temperature to accomplish in-situ deposition of manganese dioxide. The morphology, elemental oxidation states, and crystallinity of the modified CNT sheet are studied using SEM, EDX, XPS, and XRD. Manganese loading is varied from 4 to 20 weight-percent by tuning solution treatment time, and metal oxide hydration state is influenced by thermal annealing at 200 °C. Electrochemical measurements reveal that charge is stored not only via CNT-induced electrical double-layer capacitance, but also through metal oxide-mediated Faradic reactions. The MnO2-decorated CNT sheet exhibits a specific capacitance of 89.6 F/g at 1 A/g, a tenfold enhancement compared to pristine CNT sheet. Overall, this simplified processing approach holds promise for cost-effective incorporation of electrochemical capacitors into functional fabrics for energy-generation applications.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Phenol in Water Solutions Using Nanocrystalline Boron-Doped Diamond Film Anode
Authors: Lara Viera Jorge Arturo , Ram Manoj K. , Villalba Pedro , Ladanov Mikhail , Kumar Ashok 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe present paper reports the utilization of a boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond film (BDD) in electrochemical oxidization (ECO) process of organic phenol compound in 0.1 M H2SO4 water solution. The nano BDD films were synthesized by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MWPCVD), and then characterized by Raman spectroscopy and SEM before and after the electrochemical oxidation treatment. For the ECO treatment performed to the test sample solution, an observation of the first and the last voltammetric plots exhibited a qualitatively differences between the two plots where the first one represent the initial concentration and the last one the signal produced by the organic solution after treatment. UV-Vis analysis through the application of a standard calibration curve, quantitatively confirmed the composition of phenol remaining in the sample solution subdued to the ECO treatment.
Graphene in plastic packages: A low cost construction method for resistive chemical sensors
Authors: Kona Silpa , Harnett Cindy K 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe discovery of carbon nanotubes and subsequently graphene has led to an interest in carbon materials as sensing elements due to their unique properties. Graphene is a 2-dimensional material that has a large surface area (~2630 m2g-1) that can be exposed to surface adsorbates from a target gas. This enables studies on the interaction of gas molecules with the graphene surface and resulting changes in its properties, making graphene an excellent sensing element. We present our graphene based sensor with the focus on designing small, cost effective and reliable sensors with high sensitivity towards the target gas, detailing the assembly of graphene/acrylic based devices, their characterization and investigation of their performance as resistive chemical sensors
Fabrication of SrTiO3 Nanofibers for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Macaraig Lea , Chuangchote Surawut , Sagawa Takashi 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTWater-splitting to form hydrogen was examined by using strontium titanate (SrTiO3) nanofibers as photocatalysts. SrTiO3 nanofibers were fabricated by hydrothermal treatment of amorphous titanium dioxide nanofibers, which were electrospun from the mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), titanium(IV) butoxide, and acetylacetone. The hydrothermal treatment involved the reaction of amorphous TiO2 nanofiber template with strontium hydroxide octahydrate (Sr(OH)2·8H2O) for 20 hours at 120 ºC. The product was calcined to form crystalline SrTiO3 nanofibers, which were characterized via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and tested their photocatalytic activities for the water splitting. The hydrogen production with the fabricated SrTiO3 nanofibers was found to be 6.1 μmol·h-1·g-1 catalyst, which is twice that of commercially available SrTiO3 nanoparticles (3.0 μmol·h-1·g-1 catalyst).