bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired incretin effect and fasting hyperglucagonaemia characterizing type 2 diabetic subjects are early signs of dysmetabolism in obesity
Authors: Knop F. K. , Aaboe K. , Vilsbøll T. , Vølund A. , Holst J. J. , Krarup T. , Madsbad S. 
Published: December 2011

Aims: People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are characterized by reduced incretin effect and inappropriate glucagon levels. We evaluated α and β‐cell responses to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and isoglycaemic intravenous glucose infusion (IIGI) in lean and obese persons with T2DM or normal glucose tolerance (NGT) to elucidate the impact of obesity on the incretin effect and incretin hormone and glucagon responses.Methods: Four hour 50‐g OGTT and IIGI were performed in (i) Eight obese patients with T2DM [mean body mass index (BMI): 37 (range: 35–41) kg/m2]; (ii) Eight obese subjects with NGT [BMI: 33 (35–38) kg/m2]; (iii) Eight lean patients with T2DM [BMI: 24 (22–25) kg/m2]; and (iv) Eight lean healthy subjects [BMI: 23 (20–25) kg/m2].Results: The incretin effect was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in patients with T2DM {obese: 7 ± 7% [mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM)]; lean: 29 ± 8%; p = 0.06)} and was lower in obese subjects (41 ± 4%) than in lean subjects with NGT (53 ± 4%; p < 0.05). Obese subjects with NGT were also characterized by elevated fasting plasma glucagon levels, but the inappropriate glucagon responses to OGTT found in the T2DM patients were not evident in these subjects.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that reduced incretin effect and fasting hyperglucagonaemia constitute very early steps in the pathophysiology of T2DM detectable even in obese people who despite their insulin‐resistant state have NGT.
The increased dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 activity is not counteracted by optimized glucose control in type 2 diabetes, but is lower in metformin‐treated patients
Authors: Fadini G. P. , Albiero M. , Menegazzo L. , de Kreutzenberg S. V. , Avogaro A. 
Published: December 2011

Aim: Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)‐4 in responsible for incretin degradation and some observations suggest that DPP‐4 activity is increased in type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to assess the effect of T2D and glucose control on DPP‐4 activity.Methods: In the first set (SET1) of patients, we compared plasma DPP‐4 activity between 30 T2D and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched non‐diabetic subjects. In the second set (SET2), we measured serum DPP‐4 activity in 42 T2D patients before and after a trial of glucose control achieved by add‐on basal insulin therapy (NCT00699686). Serum/plasma DPP‐4 activity was determined using chromogenic and fluorigenic substrates, as well as several positive and negative controls.Results: In SET1, plasma DPP‐4 activity was significantly higher in T2D vs. controls (32.2 ± 1.2 U/l vs. 21.2 ± 1.1 U/l, p < 10−6). From a meta‐analysis of the literature, we found that T2D is associated with a 33% increase in DPP‐4 activity compared to controls. In SET2, serum DPP‐4 activity was not lowered by intensified glucose control, despite an average haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reduction of 1.5%. In both sets of diabetic patients, the use of metformin was associated with a significantly lower DPP‐4 activity, independently of age, sex, body mass index and HbA1c.Conclusion: DPP‐4 activity is increased in T2D, but is not lowered by glucose control, suggesting that hyperglycaemia is not a direct determinant of DPP‐4 activity. However, metformin may indirectly reduce DPP‐4 activity.
Are Political Connections a Blessing or a Curse? Evidence from CEO Turnover in China
Authors: You Jiaxing , Du Guqian 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue: This paper investigates the issue of forced CEO turnover in China and summarizes the economic consequences of political connections within the framework of corporate governance.Research Findings/Insights: Using a large sample of listed firms in China from 2005 to 2008, we find that politically connected CEOs are less likely to be fired and that the sensitivity of forced turnover to firm performance is weaker for connected CEOs than for their non‐connected peers. This suggests that CEOs in a transition economy tend to use their political resources for their own good. We also find a significantly positive relationship between the political connections of retained CEOs and future firm performance only when firm profitability is below the industry median. These findings suggest that the value of political connections is contingent on a firm's operating performance, and that the benefits of political connections may outweigh their costs when firms do not meet their profitability targets.Theoretical/Academic Implications: This study is the first to examine how the political ties of CEOs relate to their forced turnover. It integrates agency theory with resource dependence theory and contributes to the ongoing debate on the role of political connections in emerging markets. It also takes a step toward reconciling the mixed evidence for the effects of political connections on firm performance by demonstrating a sharp difference between firms under different operating statuses.Practitioner/Policy Implications: This study offers insights to policy makers who are interested in improving corporate governance in transitional economies such as China, where CEOs have close connections with the government. It also provides a deep perspective for the boards in politically connected firms, allowing them to deal with the relationship between top management and the government in a healthy way.
Semantic priming increases left hemisphere theta power and intertrial phase synchrony
Authors: Salisbury Dean F. , Taylor Grantley 
Published: December 2011

AbstractInformation is stored in distributed cortical networks, but it is unclear how distributed stores are synthesized into a unified percept. Activation of local circuits in the gamma range (30 < < 80 Hz), and distributed stores in the low theta range (3–5 Hz) may underlie perceptual binding. Words have a crucial role in semantic memory. Within memory, the activation of distributed semantic stores is facilitated by conceptually related previous items, termed semantic priming. We sought to detect event‐related brain oscillations (EROs) sensitive to semantic activation and priming. Here, we show that low theta evoked power and intertrial phase locking (4–5 Hz) from 250–350 msec over left hemisphere language areas was greater to related than to unrelated words. Theta band event‐related oscillations over left hemisphere language areas may provide a brain signature for semantic activation across distributed stores being facilitated by semantic priming.
β‐Site APP‐cleaving enzyme 1 trafficking and Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis
Authors: Tan Jiangli , Evin Geneviève 
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 869–880.Abstractβ‐Site APP‐cleaving enzyme (BACE1) cleaves the amyloid precursor protein (APP) at the β‐secretase site to initiate the production of Aβ peptides. These accumulate to form toxic oligomers and the amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). An increase of BACE1 levels in the brain of AD patients has been mostly attributed to alterations of its intracellular trafficking. Golgi‐associated adaptor proteins, GGA sort BACE1 for export to the endosomal compartment, which is the major cellular site of BACE1 activity. BACE1 undergoes recycling between endosome, trans‐Golgi network (TGN), and the plasma membrane, from where it is endocytosed and either further recycled or retrieved to the endosome. Phosphorylation of Ser498 facilitates BACE1 recognition by GGA1 for retrieval to the endosome. Ubiquitination of BACE1 C‐terminal Lys501 signals GGA3 for exporting BACE1 to the lysosome for degradation. In addition, the retromer mediates the retrograde transport of BACE1 from endosome to TGN. Decreased levels of GGA proteins and increased levels of retromer‐associated sortilin have been associated with AD. Both would promote the co‐localization of BACE1 and the amyloid precursor protein in the TGN and endosomes. Decreased levels of GGA3 also impair BACE1 degradation. Further understanding of BACE1 trafficking and its regulation may offer new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Vascular Access Considerations for Therapeutic Apheresis Procedures
Authors: Okafor Chidi , Kalantarinia Kambiz 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe success of therapeutic apheresis (TA), similar to hemodialysis, depends on the integrity of the extracorporeal circuit as well as a reliable vascular access. However, unlike hemodialysis, which requires high flow of blood around 400 mL/minute through the extracorporeal circuit for effective clearance, TA is usually carried out with much lower blood flow rates (<100 ml/minute). Therefore, even peripheral venous access can be considered for TA. The main determinants of the choice of vascular access for TA is the duration of the planned treatment and, to a certain degree, the indication for its use. While peripheral venous access and temporary central venous catheters are sufficient for short‐term TA, tunnelled catheters and arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are usually used for long‐term treatments. Because of the large body of evidence in the hemodialysis literature on the advantages of AVF over tunnelled catheters and AV grafts, they should be considered as the preferred access for chronic TA as well. However, advance planning for the care of AVF after creation is of critical importance especially since many of the healthcare providers dealing with TA are less familiar with caring for AVF than nephrologists and dialysis nurses. In this article we first review the similarities and differences between HD and TA procedures. The pros and cons of different vascular access options are discussed next. Finally, we have included a list of recommendations on maintenance of AVF created for TA based on our own experience.
Work‐Related Stress May Increase the Risk of Vascular Dementia
Authors: Andel Ross , Crowe Michael , Hahn Elizabeth A. , Mortimer James A. , Pedersen Nancy L. , Fratiglioni Laura , Johansson Boo , Gatz Margaret 
Published: December 2011

ObjectivesTo examine job control, job demands, social support at work, and job strain (ratio of demands to control) in relation to risk of any dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD).DesignCohort study.SettingThe population‐based Study of Dementia in Swedish Twins.ParticipantsTwo hundred fifty‐seven people with dementia (167 AD, 46 VaD) and 9,849 without.MeasurementsDementia diagnoses were based on telephone screening for cognitive impairment followed by in‐person clinical examination. An established job exposure matrix was matched to main occupation categories to measure work characteristics.ResultsIn generalized estimating equations (adjusted for the inclusion of complete twin pairs), lower job control was associated with greater risk of any dementia (odds ratio (OR) = 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.31) and VaD specifically (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.07–1.81). Lower social support at work was associated with greater risk of dementia (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.03–1.28), AD (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.00–1.31), and VaD (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.02–1.60). Greater job strain was associated with greater risk of VaD only (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.02–1.60), especially in combination with low social support (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.11–1.64). Age, sex, and education were controlled for. Work complexity, manual work, and vascular disease did not explain the results. No differences in work‐related stress scores were observed in the 54 twin pairs discordant for dementia, although only two pairs included a twin with VaD.ConclusionWork‐related stress, including low job control and low social support at work, may increase the risk of dementia, particularly VaD. Modification to work environment, including attention to social context and provision of meaningful roles for employees, may contribute to efforts to promote cognitive health.
Assessment of Bone Density in the Posterior Maxilla Based on Hounsfield Units to Enhance the Initial Stability of Implants
Authors: Sogo Motofumi , Ikebe Kazunori , Yang Tsung‐Chieh , Wada Masahiro , Maeda Yoshinobu 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTPurpose: The poor bone quality that exists in the posterior maxilla is associated with lower initial stability and higher failure rates in implants. This study examined the bone densities of edentulous posterior maxillae by computed tomography (CT).Materials and Methods: Based on CT images, the voxel values representing implant replacement in the posterior maxillary regions of 30 patients were calculated in the range from 150 to 2,000 Hounsfield units (HU). The bone densities of these regions were categorized according to Misch's classification and compared among individuals and between sexes.Results: The average of the median individual CT values was 495 HU (95% confidence interval: 442–547 HU) and was significantly higher in males than in females. Most of the bone in the posterior maxillae was classified as D3 (350–850 HU) or D4 (150–350 HU) according to Misch's classification, comprising 50% and 32% of the entire regions, respectively.Conclusions: More than 80% of the edentulous posterior maxillae consisted of porous cortical crest or no cortical bone according to CT, although the bone densities varied markedly among individuals. More detailed assessments of bone density may be useful to enhance initial stability of implants in the posterior maxilla.
Ammonia‐oxidizing Archaea in laboratory‐scale activated sludge systems for wastewater of low‐ or high‐ammonium concentration
Authors: OISHI Ryu , HIROOKA Kayako , OTAWA Kenichi , TADA Chika , NAKAI Yutaka 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTAmmonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) is known as ammonia‐oxidizer in wastewater treatment systems. However, ammonia‐oxidizing Archaea (AOA) is found from various environments, including wastewater treatment systems. In this study, to investigate the relationships between AOA population and ammonia concentration, AOA was monitored in two laboratory‐scale reactors treating artificial wastewater of different ammonium concentrations by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis targeting ammonia monooxygenase genes. At day 60 of the operation, AOA populations dominant in each reactor differed, suggesting the importance of influent ammonia concentration in dominant AOA selection.
EFFECTS OF DRYING ON THE ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF HERBAL TEA FROM SELECTED VITEX SPECIES
Authors: CHONG K.L. , LIM Y.Y. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper focuses on the effects of three thermal drying methods (microwave‐, oven‐ and sun‐drying) and one nonthermal drying method (freeze‐drying) on the AOP of leaves of Vitex negundo and Vitex trifolia, which are consumed traditionally as herbal tea. Microwave‐drying and freeze‐drying were found to be able to maintain the AOP of the leaves but oven‐drying and sun‐drying resulted in deterioration of AOP. Microwave‐drying has the advantage of short drying time and low water activity. AOP of Vitex herbal tea leaves that are microwave‐dried and freeze‐dried were not affected by storage up to 30 days.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSTea, one of the most widely consumed beverages apart from water, has long been known for its health‐promoting benefits in terms of its antioxidant properties due to its high phenolic content. Much of such studies, however, focus on green tea (Camellia sinensis). Although V. negundo and V. trifolia have been consumed traditionally as herbal tea, understanding of its antioxidant properties remains scarce. Drying serves as a vital part of tea processing, affecting its antioxidant content and appearance which in turn affects the commercial value of the tea. This study therefore serves as an important work in providing insights into the antioxidant properties of Vitex species and the best drying method of its leaves as herbal tea for commercial purpose. In addition, this study also provides insights into the effect of different drying methods on the storage of the leaves which is of value to the tea processing industry.
Validity of suicide statistics in Europe in relation to undetermined deaths: developing the 2-20 benchmark
Authors: Värnik Peeter , Sisask Merike , Värnik Airi , Arensman Ella , Van Audenhove Chantal , van der Feltz-Cornelis Christina M , Hegerl Ulrich 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundThe suicide rate is a macro indicator of the population's psychosocial wellbeing and an evaluation criterion of the effectiveness of suicide prevention strategies. A high level of injury deaths of undetermined intent (UD) is usually discussed in connection with the validity of suicide statistics. An effort is made to develop a criterion to characterise the quality of suicide statistics.MethodsStandardised rates of suicides (X60–X84) and UD (Y10–Y34) by the International Classification of Disease version 10 as an average for the past five available years were taken from the WHO European mortality database. Rate ratios were computed by dividing rates of UD by suicide rates.ResultsThere is considerable variation in suicide and UD rates among countries. The highest overall rates of UD were registered in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, and the lowest in Greece, Spain and Italy. The EU-15 average UD rate of 1.97 and the rate ratio of 0.194 UD to suicides were combined into a ‘2-20 benchmark’, in which the primary indicator is 2.0 UD cases per 100 000 and the secondary indicator is the proportion of UD to suicides 0.20 (20%), which enables countries to be clustered according to the quality of suicide statistics. The following countries satisfied the benchmark: Greece, Norway, Spain, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Austria, Italy, Romania, Hungary, Ireland and Finland.ConclusionThis study used the developed ‘2-20 benchmark’ in Europe to assess suicide registration quality in a particular country, to compare the relative position of countries, and to set a target for those European countries that have not yet achieved the benchmark.
The impact of pedestrian countdown signals on pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Camden Andi , Buliung Ron , Rothman Linda , Macarthur Colin , Howard Andrew 
Published: December 2011

ObjectiveTo determine whether pedestrian countdown signals (PCS) reduce pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions in the city of Toronto, Canada.MethodsA quasi-experimental study design was used to evaluate the effect of PCS on the number of pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions in the city of Toronto, from January 2000 to December 2009. Each intersection acted as its own control. We compared the number of pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions per intersection-month before and after the intervention. Stratified models were used to evaluate effect modification by pedestrian age, injury severity and location (urban vs inner suburbs). Poisson regression analysis with repeated measures (generalised estimating equations) was used to estimate the RR and 95% CI.ResultsThe analysis included 9262 pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions at 1965 intersections. The RR of collisions after PCS installation was 1.014 (95% CI 0.958 to 1.073), indicating no statistically significant effect of PCS on collisions. There was no evidence to suggest effect modification between PCS and collisions by age, injury severity or location.ConclusionThe installation of PCS at 1965 signalised intersections in Toronto did not reduce the number of pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions at these intersections.
ALEXANDER QUANDLE LOWER BOUNDS FOR LINK GENERA
Authors: BENEDETTI R. , FRIGERIO R. 
Published: December 2011

Every finite field 𝔽q, q = pn, carries several Alexander quandle structures 𝕏 = (𝔽q, *). We denote by [Formula: see text] the family of these quandles, where p and n vary respectively among the odd primes and the positive integers. For every k-component oriented link L, every partition [Formula: see text] of L into [Formula: see text] sublinks, and every labeling [Formula: see text] of such a partition, the number of 𝕏-colorings of any diagram of [Formula: see text] is a well-defined invariant of [Formula: see text], of the form [Formula: see text] for some natural number [Formula: see text]. Letting 𝕏 and [Formula: see text] vary respectively in [Formula: see text] and among the labelings of [Formula: see text], we define the derived invariant [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] is such that [Formula: see text], we show that [Formula: see text], where t(L) is the tunnel number of L, generalizing a result by Ishii. If [Formula: see text] is a "boundary partition" of L and [Formula: see text] denotes the infimum among the sums of the genera of a system of disjoint Seifert surfaces for the Lj's, then we show that [Formula: see text]. We point out further properties of [Formula: see text], mostly in the case of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. By elaborating on a suitable version of a result by Inoue, we show that when L = K is a knot then [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the breadth of the Alexander polynomial of K. However, for every g ≥ 1 we exhibit examples of genus-g knots having the same Alexander polynomial but different quandle invariants [Formula: see text]. Moreover, in such examples [Formula: see text] provides sharp lower bounds for the genera of the knots. On the other hand, we show that [Formula: see text] can give better lower bounds on the genus than [Formula: see text], when L has k ≥ 2 components. We show that in order to compute [Formula: see text] it is enough to consider only colorings with respect to the constant labeling [Formula: see text]. In the case when L = K is a knot, if either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] provides a sharp lower bound for the knot genus, or if [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] can be realized by means of the proper subfamily of quandles {𝕏 = (𝔽p, *)}, where p varies among the odd primes.
Mammary Gland Selective Excision of c-Jun Identifies Its Role in mRNA Splicing
Authors: Katiyar Sanjay , Jiao Xuanmao , Addya Sankar , Ertel Adam , Covarrubias Yolanda , Rose Vanessa , Casimiro Mathew C. , Zhou Jie , Lisanti Michael P. , Nasim Talat , Fortina Paolo , Pestell Richard G. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The c-jun gene regulates cellular proliferation and apoptosis via direct regulation of cellular gene expression. Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA increases the diversity of protein functions, and alternate splicing events occur in tumors. Here, by targeting the excision of the endogenous c-jun gene within the mouse mammary epithelium, we have identified its selective role as an inhibitor of RNA splicing. Microarray-based assessment of gene expression, on laser capture microdissected c-jun−/− mammary epithelium, showed that endogenous c-jun regulates the expression of approximately 50 genes governing RNA splicing. In addition, genome-wide splicing arrays showed that endogenous c-jun regulated the alternate exon of approximately 147 genes, and 18% of these were either alternatively spliced in human tumors or involved in apoptosis. Endogenous c-jun also was shown to reduce splicing activity, which required the c-jun dimerization domain. Together, our findings suggest that c-jun directly attenuates RNA splicing efficiency, which may be of broad biologic importance as alternative splicing plays an important role in both cancer development and therapy resistance. Cancer Res; 72(4); 1023–34. ©2011 AACR.