bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of endothelial progenitor cell function in type 2 diabetes with good and poor glycemic control
Authors: Churdchomjan Worachat , Kheolamai Pakpoom , Manochantr Sirikul , Tapanadechopone Pirath , Tantrawatpan Chairat , U-pratya Yaowalak , Issaragrisil Surapol 
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in vascular repair and a decrease in the number of EPCs is observed in type 2 diabetes. However, there is no report on the change of EPCs after glycemic control. This study therefore aimed to investigate the EPC number and function in patients with good and poor glycemic control.

Methods
The number of EPCs was studied using flow cytometry by co-expression of CD34 and VEGFR2. The EPCs were cultured and characterized by the expression of UEA-I, CD34, VEGFR2, vWF and Dil-Ac-LDL engulfment, as well as the ability to form capillary-like structures. An in vitro study on the effect of hyperglycemia on the proliferation and viability of the cultured EPCs was also performed.

Results
The number of EPCs in type 2 diabetes was significantly decreased compared with healthy controls and there was an inverse correlation between the EPC numbers and plasma glucose, as well as HbA1C. The number and function of EPCs in patients with good glycemic control were recovered compared with those with poor glycemic control. When glucose was supplemented in the culture in vitro, there was a negative effect on the proliferation and viability of EPCs, in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the enhancement of apoptosis was observed.

Conclusion
There was EPC dysfunction in type 2 diabetes which might be improved by strict glycemic control. However, the circulating EPC number and proliferative function in patients with good glycemic control did not reach the level in healthy controls.
A systematic review of clinical trials of pharmacological interventions for acute ischaemic stroke (1955-2008) that were completed, but not published in full
Authors: Gibson Lorna M , Brazzelli Miriam , Thomas Brenda M , Sandercock Peter AG 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackgroundWe assessed the prevalence, and potential impact of, trials of pharmacological agents for acute stroke that were completed but not published in full. Failure to publish trial data is to be deprecated as it sets aside the altruism of participants' consent to be exposed to the risks of experimental interventions, potentially biases the assessment of the effects of therapies, and may lead to premature discontinuation of research into promising treatments.MethodsWe searched the Cochrane Stroke Group's Specialised Register of Trials in June 2008 for completed trials of pharmacological interventions for acute ischaemic stroke, and searched MEDLINE and EMBASE (January 2007 - March 2009) for references to recent full publications. We assessed trial completion status from trial reports, online trials registers and correspondence with experts.ResultsWe identified 940 trials. Of these, 125 (19.6%, 95% confidence interval 16.5-22.6) were completed but not published in full by the point prevalence date. They included 16,058 participants (16 trials had over 300 participants each) and tested 89 different interventions. Twenty-two trials with a total of 4,251 participants reported the number of deaths. In these trials, 636/4251 (15.0%) died.ConclusionsOur data suggest that, at the point prevalence date, a substantial body of evidence that was of relevance both to clinical practice in acute stroke and future research in the field was not published in full. Over 16,000 patients had given informed consent and were exposed to the risks of therapy. Responsibility for non-publication lies with investigators, but pharmaceutical companies, research ethics committees, journals and governments can all encourage the timely publication of trial data.
Analysis of a zebrafish dync1h1mutant reveals multiple functions for cytoplasmic dynein 1 during retinal photoreceptor development
Authors: Insinna Christine , Baye Lisa M , Amsterdam Adam , Besharse Joseph C , Link Brian A 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Background
Photoreceptors of the retina are highly compartmentalized cells that function as the primary sensory neurons for receiving and initiating transmission of visual information. Proper morphogenesis of photoreceptor neurons is essential for their normal function and survival. We have characterized a zebrafish mutation, cannonball, that completely disrupts photoreceptor morphogenesis.

Results
Analysis revealed a non-sense mutation in cytoplasmic dynein heavy chain 1 (dync1h1), a critical subunit in Dynein1, to underlie the cannonball phenotypes. Dynein1 is a large minus-end directed, microtubule motor protein complex that has been implicated in multiple, essential cellular processes. In photoreceptors, Dynein1 is thought to mediate post-Golgi vesicle trafficking, while Dynein2 is thought to be responsible for outer segment maintenance. Surprisingly, cannonball embryos survive until larval stages, owing to wild-type maternal protein stores. Retinal photoreceptor neurons, however, are significantly affected by loss of Dync1h1, as transmission electron microscopy and marker analyses demonstrated defects in organelle positioning and outer segment morphogenesis and suggested defects in post-Golgi vesicle trafficking. Furthermore, dosage-dependent antisense oligonucleotide knock-down of dync1h1 revealed outer segment abnormalities in the absence of overt inner segment polarity and trafficking defects. Consistent with a specific function of Dync1h1 within the outer segment, immunolocalization showed that this protein and other subunits of Dynein1 and Dynactin localized to the ciliary axoneme of the outer segment, in addition to their predicted inner segment localization. However, knock-down of Dynactin subunits suggested that this protein complex, which is known to augment many Dynein1 activities, is only essential for inner segment processes as outer segment morphogenesis was normal.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that Dynein1 is required for multiple cellular processes in photoreceptor neurons, including organelle positioning, proper outer segment morphogenesis, and potentially post-Golgi vesicle trafficking. Titrated knock-down of dync1h1 indicated that outer segment morphogenesis was affected in photoreceptors that showed normal inner segments. These observations, combined with protein localization studies, suggest that Dynein1 may have direct and essential functions in photoreceptor outer segments, in addition to inner segment functions.
Robust dynamical pattern formation from a multifunctional minimal genetic circuit
Authors: Rodrigo Guillermo , Carrera Javier , Elena Santiago F , Jaramillo Alfonso 
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background
A practical problem during the analysis of natural networks is their complexity, thus the use of synthetic circuits would allow to unveil the natural mechanisms of operation. Autocatalytic gene regulatory networks play an important role in shaping the development of multicellular organisms, whereas oscillatory circuits are used to control gene expression under variable environments such as the light-dark cycle.

Results
We propose a new mechanism to generate developmental patterns and oscillations using a minimal number of genes. For this, we design a synthetic gene circuit with an antagonistic self-regulation to study the spatio-temporal control of protein expression. Here, we show that our minimal system can behave as a biological clock or memory, and it exhibites an inherent robustness due to a quorum sensing mechanism. We analyze this property by accounting for molecular noise in an heterogeneous population. We also show how the period of the oscillations is tunable by environmental signals, and we study the bifurcations of the system by constructing different phase diagrams.

Conclusions
As this minimal circuit is based on a single transcriptional unit, it provides a new mechanism based on post-translational interactions to generate targeted spatio-temporal behavior.
Use of Myeloperoxidase for Risk Stratification in Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Reichlin Tobias , Socrates Thenral , Egli Patrick , Potocki Mihael , Breidthardt Tobias , Arenja Nisha , Meissner Julia , Noveanu Markus , Reiter Mirjam , Twerenbold Raphael , Schaub Nora , Buser Andreas , Mueller Christian 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Background: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a biomarker of inflammation and oxidative stress produced by neutrophils, monocytes, and endothelial cells. Concentrations of MPO predict mortality in patients with chronic heart failure. This study sought to investigate the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of MPO in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).
Methods: We prospectively enrolled 667 patients presenting to the emergency department with dyspnea and observed them for 1 year. MPO and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured at presentation. Two independent cardiologists adjudicated final discharge diagnoses.
Results: MPO concentrations were similar in patients with AHF (n = 377, median 139 pmol/L) and patients with noncardiac causes of dyspnea (n = 290, median 150 pmol/L, P = 0.26). The diagnostic accuracy of MPO for AHF was limited [area under the ROC curve (AUC) 0.53] and inferior to that of BNP (AUC 0.95, P &lt; 0.001). In patients with AHF, MPO concentrations above the lowest tertile (MPO &gt;99 pmol/L) were associated with significantly increased 1-year mortality (hazard ratio 1.58, P = 0.02). The combination of MPO (≤99 vs &gt;99 pmol/L) and BNP (median of ≤847 vs &gt;847 ng/L) improved the prediction of 1-year mortality (hazard ratio 2.80 for both variables increased vs both low, P &lt; 0.001). After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors in multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis, increases in MPO contributed significantly toward the prediction of 1-year mortality (hazard ratio 1.51, P = 0.045).
Conclusions: MPO is an independent predictor of 1-year mortality in AHF, is additive to BNP, and could be helpful in identifying patients with a favorable prognosis despite increased BNP concentrations.
Geometrical Evaluation and Experimental Verification to Determine Representative Volume Elements of Heterogeneous Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Kim Yongrak , Lee Junghun , Lutif Jamilla E. S. 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
This paper presents an experimental verification of geometrically defined representative volume elements (RVEs) of heterogeneous asphalt concrete mixtures before any significant damage is initiated. A typical dense-graded Superpave mixture (12.5 mm nominal maximum aggregate size) is selected as a representative roadway paving mixture and used in this study to accomplish two parallel approaches: Geometrical analysis of mixture heterogeneity using two-dimensional actual images of asphalt concrete inner structures and experimental evaluation through uniaxial tensile tests of asphalt concrete mixtures incorporated with digital image correlation (DIC) technique. To properly address the significant heterogeneity of asphalt concrete mixtures in defining the RVE, several geometrical factors such as area fraction, gradation, orientation, and the distribution of aggregate particles in asphalt concrete mixtures are considered altogether. For the uniaxial tensile test with the DIC, the mean strains and their standard deviations captured by DIC are analyzed to confirm statistical homogeneity of RVEs evaluated from the geometrical analyses. The two approaches present similar results, indicating that typical dense-graded asphalt mixtures can be characterized for their material properties with an approximate RVE size of 60 mm. Findings from this study further imply that the simple geometrical analysis can be an efficient tool to reasonably determine the RVE of asphalt mixtures and other granular composites where significant heterogeneity is involved.
Radioprotectors and Mitigators of Radiation-Induced Normal Tissue Injury
Authors: Citrin Deborah , Cotrim Ana P. , Hyodo Fuminori , Baum Bruce J. , Krishna Murali C. , Mitchell James B. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractRadiation is used in the treatment of a broad range of malignancies. Exposure of normal tissue to radiation may result in both acute and chronic toxicities that can result in an inability to deliver the intended therapy, a range of symptoms, and a decrease in quality of life. Radioprotectors are compounds that are designed to reduce the damage in normal tissues caused by radiation. These compounds are often antioxidants and must be present before or at the time of radiation for effectiveness. Other agents, termed mitigators, may be used to minimize toxicity even after radiation has been delivered. Herein, we review agents in clinical use or in development as radioprotectors and mitigators of radiation-induced normal tissue injury. Few agents are approved for clinical use, but many new compounds show promising results in preclinical testing.
Recent Advances in Combined Modality Therapy
Authors: Mierzwa Michelle L. , Nyati Mukesh K. , Morgan Meredith A. , Lawrence Theodore S. 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Combined modality therapy emerged from preclinical data showing that carefully chosen drugs could enhance the sensitivity of tumor cells to radiation while having nonoverlapping toxicities. Recent advances in molecular biology involving the identification of cellular receptors, enzymes, and pathways involved in tumor growth and immortality have resulted in the development of biologically targeted drugs. This review highlights the recent clinical data in support of newer generation cytotoxic chemotherapies and systemic targeted agents in combination with radiation therapy.
Age-Related Differences in the Frequency of Ketoacidosis at Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Hekkala Anne , Reunanen Antti , Koski Matti , Knip Mikael , Veijola Riitta ,   for the Finnish Pediatric Diabetes Register
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE
We studied the prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children in Finland.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
From 2002 to 2005, data on virtually all children &lt;15 years of age diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (n = 1,656) in Finland were collected.

RESULTS
DKA was present in 19.4% of the case subjects, and 4.3% had severe DKA. In children aged 0–4, 5–9, and 10–14 years, DKA was present in 16.5, 14.8, and 26.4%, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). Severe DKA occurred in 3.7, 3.1, and 5.9%, respectively (P = 0.048). DKA was present in 30.1% and severe DKA in 7.8% of children aged &lt;2 years.

CONCLUSION
The overall frequency of DKA in children is low in Finland at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. However, both children &lt;2 years of age and adolescents aged 10–14 years are at increased risk of DKA.
Phase-field modeling of surface diffusion
Authors: Kassner Klaus , Spatschek Robert , Gugenberger Clemens 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
In the classical description of surface diffusion, transport on a curved interface is associated with the Laplace – Beltrami operator acting on a chemical potential (difference). An early attempt to model surface diffusion via the phase-field approach goes back to Cahn, Elliott and Novick-Cohen; they use a scalar mobility approaching zero in the bulk. Similar models have been proposed first on the basis of heuristic ideas and then underpinned by asymptotic analysis. As it turns out, most of these analyses suffer from a subtle flaw, due not to a miscalculation but rather to early termination of the calculation. The asymptotic analysis provides all the equations desired for the correct sharp-interface limit. Unfortunately, it provides an additional equation, which is one restriction too many. Consequences for dynamical simulations of this kind of model are explored numerically. We construct two models based on the introduction of a tensorial mobility that approximate known sharp-interface equations without adding undesired constraints. Numerical simulations suggest superior performance of the new models in at least some situations.
Elastic interactions in phase-field crystal models: numerics and postprocessing
Authors: Bernal Francisco , Backofen Rainer , Voigt Axel 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
In this paper, numerical and implementation aspects of the phase-field crystal model with elastic interactions are addressed. This model leads to a time-dependent, sixth-order system of differential equations which yields a continuous density field, from which individual atom positions can be extracted and tracked in time. We solve the system using high-order finite elements, and reconstruct the elastic properties of the crystal from the atomic displacements with a meshless interpolation scheme. Numerical simulations are performed of benchmark experiments, which include deformation and dislocation dynamics.
Effect of surface charges on the polarization distribution in ferroelectric nanotubes
Authors: Zuo Yinan , Wang Jie , Kamlah Marc 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
The stable polarization distributions of freestanding ferroelectric nanotubes with different surface charges are investigated numerically using a phase field model based on the time-dependent Ginzburg – Landau equation. For a nanotube without surface charges, a pure vortex structure is formed as a result of the energy minimization. When the uniform surface charges are applied on the upper and lower surfaces, the out-of-plane components become nonzero. The out-of-plane components of polarizations are found to be proportional to the density of surface charge. When the density of surface charge exceeds a critical value, the in-plane components of polarizations disappear. This makes ferroelectric nanotubes experience an unusual transition from a vortex state to a single-domain state. Due to the different geometries, the critical charge density for the transition in nanotubes is larger than that of nanodots.
Application of the phase-field method in predicting gas bubble microstructure evolution in nuclear fuels
Authors: Hu Shenyang , Li Yulan , Sun Xin , Gao Fei , Devanathan Ram , Henager Charles H. , Khaleel Mohammad A. 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Fission product accumulation and gas bubble microstructure evolution in nuclear fuels strongly influence their thermo-mechanical properties such as thermal conductivity, gas release, volume swelling and cracking, and hence fuel performance. In this paper, a general phase-field model is developed to predict gas bubble formation and evolution. Important materials processes and thermodynamic properties including the generation of gas atoms and vacancies, sinks for vacancies and gas atoms, elastic interaction among defects, gas re-solution, and inhomogeneity of elasticity and diffusivity are accounted for in the model. The results demonstrate the potential applications of the phase-field method in investigating: 1) heterogeneous nucleation of gas bubbles at defects; 2) effect of elastic interaction, inhomogeneity of material properties, and gas re-solution on gas bubble microstructures; and 3) effective properties from the output of phase-field simulations such as distribution of defects, gas bubbles, and stress fields.
Phase field modelling of austenite formation from ultrafine ferrite–carbide aggregates in Fe–C
Authors: Azizi-Alizamini Hamid , Militzer Matthias 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
In this paper, austenite formation in an Fe – C system was simulated with a phase field approach. The model deals with a detailed description of morphological changes during austenite formation from ultrafine ferrite – cementite aggregates isothermally annealed in the intercritical region to form dual phase microstructures. Long-range diffusion of carbon is explicitly considered. The model is capable of resolving carbide particle sizes of about 100 nm to simulate the morphological complexity during austenite formation. Simulations were carried out in two- and three-dimensions. It was observed that morphological aspects of austenite formation depend significantly on spacing and distribution of cementite particles that provide suitable nucleation sites for austenite. This dependency can primarily be attributed to overlapping diffusion fields and curvature effects.
Les paradoxes de la Region en Allemagne, entre réseaux et territoires : la région, outil de déterritorialisation ?
Authors: Quéva Christophe 
Published: April 2010

Depuis la fin des années 1990, la région ( Region ) est devenue, en Allemagne, un outil central d’aménagement « par le bas » et de développement ( Raumentwicklung ), par opposition à la traditionnelle planification spatiale ( Raumplanung ). Mais la Region reste une entité ambiguë, entre territoires et réseaux, structures formelles et informelles. Il s’agit en fait de distinguer deux types de régions : la région d’aménagement ou de planification, et la région au sens large. Les deux premières correspondent à un même espace de planification exogène, considéré soit du point de vue du Bund ( Raumordnungsregion ), soit de celui des Länder ( Planungsregion ). La région au sens large ( Region ) désigne, quant à elle, un espace d’action local fondé sur des coopérations souvent réticulaires et informelles. Or, ce sont les relations entre ces deux entités qui font, en Allemagne, le développement régional ( Regionalentwicklung ) – on parlerait en français de « développement local ». Il se dessine ainsi une dynamique paradoxale, dans laquelle domine dans un premier temps le rejet de toute rigidité territoriale, par le choix du flou dans des coopérations thématiques et réticulaires. Par la suite, se manifeste la nécessité d’un retour au territoire, plus ou moins assumé et revendiqué par les acteurs locaux. Des exemples nationaux et régionaux (région d’aménagement de Thuringe du Sud Ouest) viennent illustrer cette réflexion.
Analyse critique d'une politique d'aménagement du territoire, les Opérations Grands Sites
Authors: Duval Mélanie , Gauchon Christophe 
Published: April 2010

Depuis le début des années 1980, le ministère de l’Environnement a initié une politique de requalification de sites classés autour desquels s’exerce une intense activité touristique. L’objectif de ces Opérations Grands Sites est d’assurer le maintien (ou la reconstitution) de la qualité des sites tout en favorisant un développement local essentiellement axé sur le tourisme. En terme de processus de patrimonialisation, ces opérations apparaissent comme des indicateurs de la géographie patrimoniale de la France telle que la perçoivent les services de l’Environnement. L’étude des critères mis en avant pour la sélection de ces « grands sites » est alors révélatrice des enjeux inhérents à la conduite/réalisation de cette politique et témoigne de difficultés opérationnelles. Mais les Opérations Grands Sites trouvent leur véritable sens lorsqu’elles sont confrontées aux autres outils de protection des paysages et de valorisation patrimoniale avec lesquels elles entrent en synergie dans toute une série de combinaisons. L’étude des Opérations Grands Sites permet ainsi de préciser les notions de sur-fréquentation, de gestion des flux touristiques et de rapport entre tourisme et patrimoine, en l’éclairant sous le jour des politiques publiques menées dans ces domaines.
Entre aménagement et environnement, la naissance avortée d'un projet aléatoire : le barrage de Chambonchard
Authors: Garnier Philippe , Rode Sylvain 
Published: April 2010

Le barrage de Chambonchard est un exemple de grand projet avorté. Il fut programmé à une période où, culturellement, ce type d’ouvrage correspondait à une vision de l’aménagement du territoire. Au moment où sa création ne suscitait pas d’opposition, le projet ne fut pas porté par un besoin clair et impérieux. Les justifications se sont multipliées, parfois en se contredisant. Lorsque l’idée de barrage est relancée par un organisme structuré et déterminé — l’EPALA —, la donne économique n’est plus la même et le regard de la société sur ce type d’aménagement est en train de changer : le projet est alors vigoureusement contesté par les écologistes. L’abandon récent, après une quasi naissance chaotique, marque probablement dans l’opinion et les politiques publiques une nouvelle lecture de l’environnement.