bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regular aerobic exercise training improves endothelium-dependent arterial dilation in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Xiang Guang-da , Pu Jinhui , Sun Huiling , Zhao Linshuang , Yue Ling , Hou Jie 
Published: September 2009

ObjectiveImpairment of flow-mediated endothelium-dependent arterial dilation (FMD) exists in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT). Several studies showed that exercise training can improve FMD in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, we hypothesized that exercise training can also improve FMD in subjects with sHT. The purpose of the study was to test this hypothesis.Research design and methodsWe selected 30 sedentary women with sHT and 27 sedentary healthy women with euthyroid. All individuals participated in an exercise training of 6 months. Before and after exercise training, high resolution ultrasound was used to measure FMD.ResultsAt baseline, FMD among subjects with sHT was 3.87%, which was significantly lower than that in controls (5.98%; P<0.001). After 6 months of exercise, there was a remarkable increase in FMD (31.3%) and VO2 max (36.7%; P<0.01), and significant decreases in total cholesterol (20%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL; 29%), triglycerides (TG; 47.6%), and C-reactive protein (CRP; 61.5%; P<0.05) were observed over the exercise in patients with sHT. The absolute changes in FMD showed significant correlation with changes in LDL (r=−0.596), TG (r=−0.532), and CRP (r=−0.511; P<0.01), and multiple regression analysis showed changes of LDL, TG, CRP were significant determinants of changes of FMD in sHT patients during exercise course.ConclusionRegular aerobic exercise improves FMD in sHT patients, and changes of lipids and inflammation during the exercise period may partially contribute to the improvement of endothelial function.
Ectopic Overproduction of a Sporulation-Specific Transcription Factor Induces Assembly of Prespore-Like Membranous Compartments in Vegetative Cells of Fission Yeast
Authors: Nakase Yukiko , Hirata Aiko , Shimoda Chikashi , Nakamura Taro 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Mei4 is a key sporulation-specific transcription factor in fission yeast. Ectopic expression of Mei4 in vegetative cells caused formation of nucleated membranous compartments, which shared common features with normal forespore membranes, thereby perturbing nuclear division. These results suggest why expression of development-specific transcription factors must be strictly controlled.
Two Distinct Roles for EGL-9 in the Regulation of HIF-1-Mediated Gene Expression in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Shao Zhiyong , Zhang Yi , Powell-Coffman Jo Anne 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Oxygen is critically important to metazoan life, and the EGL-9/PHD enzymes are key regulators of hypoxia (low oxygen) response. When oxygen levels are high, the EGL-9/PHD proteins hydroxylate hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) transcription factors. Once hydroxylated, HIFα subunits bind to von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligases and are degraded. Prior genetic analyses in Caenorhabditis elegans had shown that EGL-9 also acted through a vhl-1-independent pathway to inhibit HIF-1 transcriptional activity. Here, we characterize this novel EGL-9 function. We employ an array of complementary methods to inhibit EGL-9 hydroxylase activity in vivo. These include hypoxia, hydroxylase inhibitors, mutation of the proline in HIF-1 that is normally modified by EGL-9, and mutation of the EGL-9 catalytic core. Remarkably, we find that each of these treatments or mutations eliminates oxygen-dependent degradation of HIF-1 protein, but none of them abolishes EGL-9-mediated repression of HIF-1 transcriptional activity. Further, analyses of new egl-9 alleles reveal that the evolutionarily conserved EGL-9 MYND zinc finger domain does not have a major role in HIF-1 regulation. We conclude that C. elegans EGL-9 is a bifunctional protein. In addition to its well-established role as the oxygen sensor that regulates HIF-1 protein levels, EGL-9 inhibits HIF-1 transcriptional activity via a pathway that has little or no requirement for hydroxylase activity or for the EGL-9 MYND domain.
Incidence of Acute Mountain Sickness in Adolescents
Authors: Dallimore Jon , Rowbotham Emma C. 
Published: September 2009

Objective To measure the incidence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) in adolescents travelling to moderately high altitudes. Methods The study was carried out on a cohort of 63 adolescents with an average age of 15.9 years during an 8-day trip to Morocco, travelling to altitudes between 3106 m and 4167 m. The incidence of AMS was calculated using the Lake Louise questionnaire, which was completed twice daily by each participant. An episode of AMS was defined as being a score of 3 or more on the Lake Louise questionnaire in the presence of a headache. Difference in incidence between boys and girls was analyzed using 2-tailed Mann-Whitney U testing. Results The daily incidence of AMS among 52 participants with complete data was found to be between 3.8% and 42.3% and increased with increasing altitude. Girls had a statistically significant higher incidence of AMS (80%) compared with boys (55%) ( P < .01). Conclusions Acute mountain sickness may occur more commonly in female adolescents than in male adolescents. Overall, however, it appears that the incidence of AMS in adolescents is similar to that found in adults in previous studies.
Effects of Cold Environment Exposure and Cold Acclimatization on Exercise-Induced Salivary Cortisol Response
Authors: Izawa Shuhei , Kim Kijin , Akimoto Takayuki , Ahn Nayoung , Lee Hoseong , Suzuki Katsuhiko 
Published: September 2009

Objective Considering the adverse effects of exercise-induced cortisol secretion on health in athletes, it is important to determine the environmental and individual factors that contribute to the variations in exercise-induced cortisol secretion. In this study, the effects of cold environment exposure and cold acclimatization on exercise-induced salivary cortisol responses were investigated. Methods Short track skaters ( n = 11), who usually practice under cold conditions, and inline skaters ( n = 11), who usually practice under room temperature conditions, participated in a randomized crossover study. All participants cycled for 60 minutes at 65% [Formula: see text] under cold (ambient temperature: 5 ± 1°C, relative humidity 41% ± 9%) and room temperature (ambient temperature: 21 ± 1°C, relative humidity 35% ± 5%) conditions. The participants had a 120-minute bed rest recovery phase at room temperature after both exercise bouts. Cortisol levels were measured in saliva samples collected pre-exercise and postexercise at 1 minute, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes. Results Both short track and inline skaters exhibited clear cortisol responses to exercise under cold and room temperature conditions. The magnitude of the cortisol response, however, was different between skaters and conditions. The inline skaters exhibited significantly higher cortisol values under cold conditions than under room temperature conditions (7.6 nmol/L and 4.2 nmol/L, respectively). However, the short track skaters exhibited significantly higher cortisol values under cold conditions compared to room temperature conditions (8.7 nmol/L and 5.4 nmol/L, respectively). Conclusions The effects of cold environment exposure on exercise-induced cortisol response were different between skaters who usually practice under cold or room temperature conditions. These results can be interpreted as acclimatization to either cold or room temperature conditions attenuating the cortisol response, suggesting that acclimatization may be beneficial in reducing the exercise-induced cortisol response.
Into Thin Air: Extreme Ultrasound on Mt Everest
Authors: Otto Christian , Hamilton Douglas R. , Levine Benjamin D. , Hare Craig , Sargsyan Ashot E. , Altshuler Peter , Dulchavsky Scott A. 
Published: September 2009

Objective Mountaineers face a variety of health risks at altitude including pulmonary edema; portable ultrasound may be used to diagnose high altitude pulmonary edema. This report tests the functionality of electronic equipment in a hypobaric test environment and the ability of remotely guided nonexperts to use ultrasound to evaluate respiratory status on Mt Everest. Methods Two ultrasound devices and associated video equipment were tested in a cooled (4°C–5°C) hypobaric chamber to 27 000 feet (8230 m) before travel to Mt Everest. The ultrasound system was connected via satellite phone to a video streaming device and portable computer to stream video through the Internet for remote guidance of a novice user by an expert. Pulmonary interstitial fluid was quantified by the presence of “comet tail” artifacts. Results There was no notable degradation in equipment performance in cold, hypobaric conditions; ultrasound confirmation of increased comet tails was noted in the chamber despite oxygen supplementation and the very brief exposure. Two pulmonary surveys of asymptomatic participants were completed by novice operators within 25 minutes on Mt Everest. The remote expert was able to guide and identify comet tails suggestive of intermediate pulmonary interstitial fluid. Image quality was excellent. Conclusions The tested ultrasound devices functioned nominally in cold, hypobaric conditions; acute changes in lung fluid content were noted in these conditions despite normoxia. We successfully used a satellite telemedical connection with a remote expert to guide thoracic ultrasound examinations at Advanced Base Camp on Mt Everest. Coupling portable ultrasound with remote expert guidance telemedicine provides a robust diagnostic capability in austere locations.
The Impact of Footwear and Packweight on Injury and Illness Among Long-Distance Hikers
Authors: Stewart Anderson L. , Rebholz Casey M. , White Laura F. , Mitchell Patricia , Curcio Edward P. , Feldman James A. , Kahn Joseph H. 
Published: September 2009

Objective To determine the prevalence and predictors of injury and illness among long-distance hikers. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of long-distance hikers (>500 miles [805 km]) along the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trails between August and October of 2006. An 8-page survey instrument was made available to hikers at a designated station near the northern terminus of the respective trails. The survey questions were yes/no or multiple choice. Independent variables included packweight, footwear, and type and frequency of water purification. χ2 tests to compare categorical data and the Cochran-Armitage test for trend were used ( P < .05 significant). We used logistic regression to compare the variables concurrently, and significance was determined using likelihood ratio tests. Profile likelihood confidence intervals for the odds ratios are reported. Results Of the 128 hikers completing surveys that met inclusion criteria, the mean age was 33 years (range = 18–65 years), 94% walked >1500 miles (2400 km), and 70% were male. Using univariate analysis, trends were noted in the proportion of hikers reporting paresthesias and increasing packweight (35% with 10–20 pound [4.5–9 kg] packs, 50% with 21–30 pound [9.5–13.5 kg] packs, and 69% with >31 pound [14 kg] packs [ P < .002]), as well as in the proportion of hikers reporting paresthesias and increasing footwear rigidity (29% sandals, 36% running shoes, 42% hiking shoes, and 68% hiking boots [ P < .001]). In multivariate analysis compared to sandals, the odds ratio of suffering from paresthesias with running shoes was 1.57 (95% CI 0.3, 12.2), hiking shoes 1.73 (95% CI 0.3, 13.9), and hiking boots 3.9 (95% CI 0.7, 32.1) ( P = .16). Compared to 10 to 20 pound (4.5–9 kg) packs, the odds ratios of suffering from paresthesias with 21 to 30 pound (9.5–13.5 kg) packs was 1.5 (95% CI 0.6, 3.9), and for >31 pounds (14 kg) was 2.2 (CI 0.7, 7.1) ( P = .03). Adjusting for footwear and pack weight, only pack weight was significantly associated with paresthesias. Packweight and footwear were not significantly associated with other musculoskeletal injuries, such as joint sprains or chronic pain, and muscle injuries. Conclusions There is an association between packweight and the prevalence of paresthesias among long-distance hikers. The association between type of footwear and the prevalence of paresthesias is significant when analyzed independently, but loses its significance when the variables are examined together. This suggests that there is confounding between footwear and packweight.
Controversies in the Treatment of Lymphoma with Autologous Transplantation
Authors: Moskowitz Alison J. , Moskowitz Craig H. 
Published: September 2009

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Appraise the available data supporting the use of autologous stem cell transplant in follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma.Discuss the appropriate role of autologous stem cell transplant in the treatment of follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma.Outline the areas of investigation regarding mobilization, conditioning, and maintenance regimens for autologous stem cell transplant in follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma.
This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Oral Ondansetron in the Prevention of Per and Post Operative Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Rahman ML , Rahman MM , Yusuf N , Ahsan A , Kamal AHM 
Published: September 2009

A randomized single blind study was done in the Department of Anaesthesiology, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital to demonstrate the role of ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, in alleviating per and post operative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing caeserian section (CS) under subarachnoid block (SAB). For the purpose, the incidence of per and post operative nausea and vomiting were compared between matched case (n=119) and control (n=121) groups undergoing CS under SAB. Cases received 16 mg ondansetron orally one hour prior to surgery. Anti emetic prophylaxis with single dose ondansetron resulted in significant reduction of per operative and immediate post operative (2 hours) nausea and vomiting. However, at sixth post operative hour difference in nausea and vomiting between case and control groups became less significant (<0.05). Incidence of nausea and vomiting during 1st post operative hour in ondansetron group was 4.2% and 0.84% respectively in comparison to 41.3% and 19.8% in control group. During 2nd post operative hour no incidence of nausea and/or vomiting were observed among subjects receiving ondansetron whereas in control group 29.2% and 5% subjects suffered from nausea and vomiting, respectively. Overall, ondansetron 16 mg is well tolerated and easy to use. Results of the present study revealed that ondansetron can be effectively used in preventing per operative and immediate post operative nausea and vomiting. doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3294TAJ 2005; 18(1): 1-4
Carcinoma of Left Breast with Secondary Metastatic Cord Compression- A Case Report
Authors: Rahman Md L , Ali ASM Shawkat , Alam MI 
Published: September 2009

A 45-year-old female presented with weakness of lower extremities with history of simple mastectomy one year back. On myelographic examination showed complete block at mid thoracic level which is extra-dural in nature. On operation extra-dural large mass compressing the spinal cord at T5 level was detected. doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3306 TAJ 2005; 18(1): 51-52
Malrotated Gut Mimcking Gastric Out Let Obstruction in an Adolescent- A Case Report
Authors: Siddique MAB , Hannan ABMA , Haque MM , Alam I 
Published: September 2009

Most of the patients with mal-rotated gut present in neonate and infancy either with acute strangulating obstruction or with recurrent episodes of sub-acute obstruction. Here an adolescent male patient of 17 years with mal-rotated gut presented with upper abdominal pain, vomiting after meal and loss of weight mimicking gastric out let obstruction. Because of rarity of the condition at this age, we are inspired to report this case. doi: 10.3329/taj.v18i1.3307 TAJ 2005; 18(1): 53-54
Job demands and job resources in the ministry
Authors: Buys Chenell , Rothmann Sebastiaan 
Published: September 2009

The objective of this study was to investigate ministers’ job demands and job resources using a qualitative design (n = 9). Fifteen themes emerged from the interviews. A cross-sectional survey design was used to study ministers’ experiences of job demands and job resources (N = 115). A principal factor analysis with a varimax rotation resulted in eight reliable factors. These factors included as job demands: pace and amount of work and emotional demands; and as job resources: growth opportunities, instrumental support, congregational support, autonomy, social support and job significance.
Isolation and Biochemical Characterization of Amyloid Plaques and Paired Helical Filaments
Authors: Rostagno Agueda , Ghiso Jorge 
Published: September 2009

AbstractExtracellular deposits of amyloid fibrils in the form of parenchymal plaques and cerebrovascular lesions, as well as intracellular accumulation of paired‐helical filaments in the form of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in selected neuronal populations are the main neuropathologic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid fibrils composed of polymeric structures of the amyloid‐β (Aβ) concentrate at the center of senile plaques and accumulate in the walls of cerebral blood vessels, exhibiting extensive Congo red/thioflavin S staining. Intraneuronal NFT are composed of building blocks of aberrantly hyperphosphorylated species of the microtubule‐associated protein tau, which accumulate in the perinuclear cytoplasm of vulnerable neurons in the form of paired helical filaments (PHF). This unit presents a variety of protocols for the isolation, biochemical analysis, and characterization of amyloid fibrils and neurofibrillary tangles. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 44:3.33.1‐3.33.33. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Wind Turbines
Authors: Kirikera Goutham R. , Sundaresan Mannur , Nkrumah Francis , Grandhi Gangadhararao , Ali Bashir , Mullapudi Sai L. , Shanov Vesselin , Schulz Mark 
Published: September 2009

AbstractStructural health monitoring of wind turbines is necessitated by the difficulty in manually inspecting a wind turbine to assess safety and consequences of damage. Damage to a blade could dynamically unbalance the turbine, which could destroy the entire machine. Besides the huge financial loss if a turbine fails, safety is a concern for anything near the turbine. Loads on turbines are stochastic and include wind, ice, hail, gravity, tower shadowing, and gyroscopic forces. The complex loading makes it difficult to predict the exact life of the turbine. Also, since the turbines are so large, they are difficult to inspect for imperfections that occur during remote manufacturing and for damage that occurs during operation. Sensor systems for health monitoring of wind turbines must monitor large components including composite blades that can be 150‐ft long, the nacelle, which contains shafts and bearings that are on the scale of ‘shafts and bearings whose diameter is a few feet’ in diameter, a brake, generator, and the tower. The composite blades are particularly challenging to monitor for damage owing to their complex geometry and heterogeneous construction made of different materials such as fiberglass, graphite, and balsa wood. Blades may fail by overstress and fatigue and also by buckling of the cross section near the root of the blade. The sensor system on the blade must operate in a rotating frame and be extremely reliable, ideally lasting for 30 plus years. All these requirements together paint a picture of the unique challenges of health monitoring of wind turbines. This article discusses existing and potential new techniques for health monitoring of wind turbines, and especially blades.
Copolymers of Cyclopentadithiophene and Electron‐Deficient Aromatic Units Designed for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Bijleveld Johan C. , Shahid Munazza , Gilot Jan , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAlternating copolymers based on cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) and five different electron‐deficient aromatic units with reduced optical band gaps are synthesized via Suzuki coupling. All polymers show a significant photovoltaic response when mixed with a fullerene acceptor. The frontier orbital levels of the new polymers are designed to minimize energy losses by increasing the open‐circuit voltage with respect to the optical band gap, while maintaining a high coverage of the absorption with the solar spectrum. The best cells are obtained for a copolymer of CPDT and benzooxadiazole (BO) with a band gap of 1.47 eV. This cell gives a short‐circuit current of 5.4 mA cm−2, an open‐circuit voltage of 0.78 V, and a fill factor of 0.6, resulting in a power conversion efficiency of about 2.5%.
Insulator Polarization Mechanisms in Polyelectrolyte‐Gated Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Larsson Oscar , Said Elias , Berggren Magnus , Crispin Xavier 
Published: September 2009

AbstractElectrolyte‐gated organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) hold promise for robust printed electronics operating at low voltages. The polarization mechanism of thin solid electrolyte films, the gate insulator in such OFETs, is still unclear and appears to limit the transient current characteristics of the transistors. Here, the polarization response of a thin proton membrane, a poly(styrenesulfonic acid) film, is controlled by varying the relative humidity. The formation of the conducting transistor channel follows the polarization of the polyelectrolyte, such that the drain transient current characteristics versus the time are rationalized by three different polarization mechanisms: the dipolar relaxation at high frequencies, the ionic relaxation (migration) at intermediate frequencies, and the electric double‐layer formation at the polyelectrolyte interfaces at low frequencies. The electric double layers of polyelectrolyte capacitors are formed in ∼1 µs at humid conditions and an effective capacitance per area of 10 µF cm−2 is obtained at 1 MHz, thus suggesting that this class of OFETs might operate at up to 1 MHz at 1 V.
Copper‐Free Clickable Coatings
Authors: Canalle Luiz A. , van Berkel Sander S. , de Haan Laurens T. , van Hest Jan C. M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC) is extensively used for the functionalization of well‐defined polymeric materials. However, the necessity for copper, which is inherently toxic, limits the potential applications of these materials in the area of biology and biomedicine. Therefore, the first entirely copper‐free procedure for the synthesis of clickable coatings for the immobilization of functional molecules is reported. In the first step, azide‐functional coatings are prepared by thermal crosslinking of side‐chain azide‐functional polymers and dialkyne linkers. In a second step, three copper‐free click reactions (i.e., the Staudinger ligation, the dibenzocyclooctyne‐based strain‐promoted azide–alkyne [3+2] cycloaddition, and the methyl‐oxanorbornadiene‐based tandem cycloaddition−retro‐Diels−Alder (crDA) reaction) are used to functionalize the azide‐containing surfaces with fluorescent probes, allowing qualitative comparison with the traditional CuAAC.