bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Glycoxidized Low-Density Lipoproteins and Low-Density Lipoproteins Isolated from Type 2 Diabetic Patients Activate Platelets via p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase
Authors: Calzada Catherine , Coulon Laurent , Halimi Déborah , Le Coquil Elodie , Pruneta-Deloche Valérie , Moulin Philippe , Ponsin Gabriel , Véricel Evelyne , Lagarde Michel 
Published: March 2007

AbstractContext: Platelet hyperactivation contributes to the increased risk for atherothrombosis in type 2 diabetes and is associated with oxidative stress. Plasma low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) are exposed to both hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, and their role in platelet activation remains to be ascertained.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of LDLs modified by both glycation and oxidation in vitro or in vivo on platelet arachidonic acid signaling cascade. The activation of platelet p38 MAPK, the stress kinase responsible for the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2, and the concentration of thromboxane B2, the stable catabolite of the proaggregatory arachidonic acid metabolite thromboxane A2, were assessed.Results: First, in vitro-glycoxidized LDLs increased the phosphorylation of platelet p38 MAPK as well as the concentration of thromboxane B2. Second, LDLs isolated from plasma of poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients stimulated both platelet p38 MAPK phosphorylation and thromboxane B2 production and possessed high levels of malondialdehyde but normal α-tocopherol concentrations. By contrast, LDLs from sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers had no activating effects on platelets.Conclusions: Our results indicate that LDLs modified by glycoxidation may play an important contributing role in platelet hyperactivation observed in type 2 diabetes via activation of p38 MAPK.
Low Dietary Sodium and Exogenous Angiotensin II Infusion Decrease Plasma Adiponectin Concentrations in Healthy Men
Authors: Lely A. Titia , Krikken Jan A. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Boomsma Frans , Dullaart Robin P. F. , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H. R. , Navis Gerjan 
Published: March 2007

AbstractContent: Adiponectin has antiinflammatory and vascular protective effects and may improve insulin sensitivity. Animal data suggest a role of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) in the regulation of adiponectin.Objective: Our objective was to investigate the role of the RAAS in regulation of adiponectin in humans in vivo. To this purpose we studied the effects of physiological (change in sodium status) and pharmacological modulation of RAAS activity (angiotensin II infusion and enalapril treatment) on plasma adiponectin.Design, Setting, and Patients: Thirty-five healthy male volunteers (aged 26 ± 9 yr) were studied after two 7-d periods: one on a low-sodium diet (LS, 50 mmol Na+ per day) and one on a high-sodium diet (HS, 200 mmol Na+ per day). At the end of each period, adiponectin was measured, and its response to angiotensin II infusion (0.3, 1, and 3 ng/kg·min all during 1 h) was determined. Additionally, all subjects received 1 wk treatment of enalapril 20 mg once daily (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition) during the HS.Main Outcome Measure: We measured plasma adiponectin concentrations during LS and HS and in response to angiotensin II infusion.Results: The suppression of the RAAS by HS elicited a significant rise in adiponectin [LS baseline, 11.9 (8.3–16.2) μg/liter; HS baseline, 14.4 (11.2–20.4) μg/liter; P &lt; 0.05]. All doses of angiotensin II elicited a profound decrease in adiponectin during both conditions [LS 3 ng/kg·min, 7.4 (6.3–8.9) μg/liter; HS 3 ng/kg·min, 8.4 (7.3–9.9) μg/liter; both P &lt; 0.001 vs. baseline]. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition induced a significant rise in adiponectin [16.6 (10.6–20.9) μg/liter, P &lt; 0.05 vs. HS].Conclusion: Physiological and pharmacological modulation of RAAS affects plasma adiponectin with lower concentrations during the high angiotensin II conditions. The therapeutic potential of RAAS blockade as a tool to correct hypoadiponectinemia should be explored further.
Dose-Response Effects of Free Fatty Acids on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism during Somatostatin Blockade of Growth Hormone and Insulin in Humans
Authors: Gormsen L. C. , Jessen N. , Gjedsted J. , Gjedde S. , Nørrelund H. , Lund S. , Christiansen J. S. , Nielsen S. , Schmitz O. , Møller N. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractContext: GH and other stress hormones stimulate lipolysis, which may result in free fatty acid (FFA)-mediated insulin resistance. However, there are also indications that FFAs in the very low physiological range have the same effect.Objective: The objective of the study was to address systematically the dose-response relations between FFAs and insulin sensitivity.Design: We therefore examined eight healthy men for 8 h (6 h basal and 2 h glucose clamp) on four occasions.Intervention: Intralipid was infused at varying rates (0, 3, 6, 12 μl·kg−1·min−1); lipolysis was blocked by acipimox; and endogenous GH, insulin, and glucagon secretion was blocked by somatostatin and subsequently replaced at fixed rates.Results: This resulted in four different FFA levels between 50 and 2000 μmol/liter, with comparable levels of insulin and counterregulatory hormones. Both in the basal state and during insulin stimulation, we saw progressively decreased glucose disposal, nonoxidative glucose disposal, and forearm muscle glucose uptake at FFA levels above 500 μmol/liter. Apart from forearm glucose uptake, the very same parameters were decreased at low FFA levels (∼50 μmol/liter). FFA rate of disposal was linearly related to the level of FFAs, whereas lipid oxidation reached a maximum at FFA levels approximately 1000 μmol/liter.Conclusion: In the presence of comparable levels of all major metabolic hormones, insulin sensitivity peaks at physiological levels of FFAs with a gradual decrease at elevated as well as suppressed FFA concentrations. These data constitute comprehensive dose-response curves for FFAs in the full physiological range from close to zero to above 2000 μmol/liter.
Reduction of Elevated Serum Retinol Binding Protein in Obese Children by Lifestyle Intervention: Association with Subclinical Inflammation
Authors: Balagopal Prabhakaran , Graham Timothy E. , Kahn Barbara B. , Altomare Astride , Funanage Vicky , George Donald 
Published: March 2007

AbstractContext: Retinol binding protein (RBP4), secreted primarily from the liver and adipose tissues, was recently proposed as a link between obesity and insulin resistance. The role of RBP4 in pediatric obesity, its relationship with subclinical inflammation, and its response to lifestyle changes are not elucidated.Objective: The objective of the study was to determine in children: 1) the status of RBP4 levels in lean vs. obese; 2) the relationship between RBP4 levels and subclinical inflammation; and 3) the effect of lifestyle-only intervention on RBP4 levels.Design, Setting, and Patients: Lean and obese children (n = 21) matched for age (&gt;14 yr to &lt; 18 yr) and maturity stage (Tanner IV) were studied at baseline and with lifestyle intervention in obese subjects only (n = 15).Intervention: Patients received 3 months of randomized and controlled physical activity-based lifestyle intervention.Main Outcome Measure: RBP4 levels in children before and after intervention and the relationship between RBP4 and subclinical inflammation were measured.Results: Higher RBP4 levels were found in the obese group vs. lean group (P = 0.005). RBP4 correlated with not only indices of obesity and insulin resistance but also inflammatory factors (r = 0.63 and 0.64 for C-reactive protein and IL-6, respectively, P &lt; 0.01). Intervention reduced RBP4 levels by approximately 30% (P = 0.001), and RBP4 reduction was correlated with the magnitude of decrease in inflammatory factors (P = 0.01).Conclusion: Alterations in serum RBP4 occur at an early age in the clinical course of obesity and appear to correlate with subclinical inflammation. Lifestyle intervention almost entirely reversed the raised RBP4 levels in obese children. Future studies should determine whether elevation of RBP4 is a direct trigger for the insulin resistance and subclinical inflammation implicated in the premature development of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Aliskiren for Renin Inhibition: A New Class of Antihypertensives
Authors: Tassell Benjamin W Van , Munger Mark A 
Published: March 2007

Objective: To review the safety, efficacy, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and drug interactions of aliskiren for the treatment of mild-to-moderate hypertension. Data Sources: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (1966'January 2007), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970'January 2007), and Cochrane database (2006) for the key words aliskiren or SPP100. References of selected articles were also reviewed. Abstract data were included only in the absence of significant published data. Study Selection And Data Extraction: Available English-language data from reviews, abstracts, and clinical trials were selected. For review of efficacy, randomized controlled trials were preferred. Data Synthesis: Aliskiren is a renin inhibitor, the first in a new class of antihypertensives. As renin catalyzes the rate-limiting step of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), renin inhibition may offer a theoretical advantage over other RAS inhibitors, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). In short-term clinical trials (≤8 wk) of subjects with mild-to-moderate hypertension, single daily doses of aliskiren 150–300 mg produced significant systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduction similar to that achieved with ACE inhibitors and ARBs, with placebo-like tolerability, without an elevation in heart rate or evidence of tolerance. Conclusions: Aliskiren appears to be a safe and effective treatment option in mild-to-moderate hypertension. Although long-term outcome data have not been published, aliskiren is a promising option for RAS inhibition.
Effect of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on the Frequency of Post-Cardiothoracic Surgery Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Coleman Craig I , Makanji Sagar , Kluger Jeffrey , White C Michael 
Published: March 2007

Background: A recent meta-analysis demonstrated that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) reduce the incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation by nearly 50%. However, the ability of ACE inhibitors or ARBs to prevent post-cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) atrial fibrillation, when used postoperatively, has yet to be evaluated. Objective: To evaluate the impact of postoperative ACE inhibitor or ARB use on the incidence of post-CTS atrial fibrillation. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of propensity score matched patients who underwent CTS at a single institution from January 2004 through December 2005. Patients who received either an ACE inhibitor or an ARB within 24 hours of surgery were propensity score matched for common predictors of post-CTS atrial fibrillation (age >70 y, preoperative digoxin use, postoperative β-blocker or amiodarone use, β-blockor intolerance, valve surgery, male sex, and history of diabetes mellitus, smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, prior cardiothoracic surgery) in a 1:1 ratio with patients who did not receive an ACE inhibitor or an ARB. Multivariate logistic regression was used to generate adjusted odds ratios to minimize the impact of baseline confounders. Results: A total of 1469 patients underwent CTS during the study evaluation period. Postoperatively, 188 received an ACE inhibitor or an ARB and were matched to 188 control patients. Mean ± SD age of matched patients was 68.1 ± 11.8 years, 66% were men, 42% underwent valve surgery, and 69% and 35% received postoperative β-blockade and amiodarone, respectively. Patients who received an ACE inhibitor or an ARB did not experience a significant reduction in post-CTS atrial fibrillation compared with control patients (adjusted OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.57 to 1.56; p = 0.83). Conclusions: In this evaluation, postoperative ACE inhibitor or ARB use was not associated with a reduction in post-CTS atrial fibrillation. A study of preoperative, longer-term ACE inhibitor and/or ARB therapy is needed to determine the benefits of that strategy.
Oligomeric Amyloid Decreases Basal Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA via Specific Downregulation of BDNF Transcripts IV and V in Differentiated Human Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Garzon Diego J. , Fahnestock Margaret 
Published: March 2007

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a senile dementia characterized by amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and synaptic and cell loss. The “amyloid cascade” hypothesis suggests that amyloid-β (Aβ), the peptide deposited as amyloid plaques, is the primary insult in AD. However, debate continues over the mechanism of Aβ toxicity and whether fibrillar or oligomeric Aβ is the active species of the peptide that ultimately causes the synaptic loss and dementia associated with AD. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is required for survival and function of cells compromised in AD. Decreased BDNF causes defects in long-term potentiation and memory and correlates with cognitive decline. We previously demonstrated that BDNF reduction occurs early in the course of AD, suggesting that decreased BDNF may promote neuronal dysfunction in AD. We also demonstrated that three of seven human BDNF transcripts are specifically downregulated in AD. What pathological feature(s) of AD leads to the decreased BDNF is unknown.In this study, we administered both fibrillar and oligomeric conformations of Aβ1–42to differentiated SH-SY5Y, a human neuroblastoma cell line, and measured both phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a regulator of BDNF transcription, and BDNF total mRNA. We found that oligomeric but not fibrillar preparations of Aβ1–42significantly decrease both phosphorylated CREB and total BDNF mRNA. Furthermore, oligomeric Aβ1–42decreases BDNF transcripts IV and V in these cells, demonstrating that Aβ1–42downregulates the major BDNF transcript decreasedin vivoin the AD brain. Thus, oligomeric Aβ1–42could compromise neuronal function, causing memory loss and cognitive dysfunction by downregulation of BDNF in AD.
Linguistic fieldwork: setting the scene
Authors: Aikhenvald Alexandra Y. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Linguistic fieldwork is the backbone of an empirically-based science of linguistics. Firsthand information on barely known minority languages is essential for our understanding of human languages, their structural properties and their genetic relationships. ‘Immersion’ fieldwork as major ‘must’ is contrasted to ‘interview’ fieldwork as a less desirable option. We aim at an open-ended documentation of each language, intended for various audiences, being both accessible and user-friendly. This introductory essay introduces a number of issues concerning linguistic fieldwork, discussed in some detail by the contributors to this issue, each a highly experienced fieldworker and a recognised authority in their fields. This is what makes the issue special.
Fieldwork on Konda, a Dravidian language
Authors: Krishnamurti Bhadriraju 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
In this paper I discuss my experience in working in the late 1950s on Konda, a previously undescribed Dravidian language from Central India, in terms of its phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax. The analysis and the collection of data involved work with texts and conversations and elicitation of paradigms. This grammar was cast in terms of basic linguistic theorty, without adhering to any of the particular formal models then in vogue, and is the most comprehensive grammar of any minority Dravidian language. It has been instrumental for our understanding of Proto-Dravidian.
Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tagging Did Not Negatively Affect the Short‐Term Feeding Behavior or Swimming Performance of Juvenile Rainbow Trout
Authors: Newby Nathalie C. , Binder Thomas R. , Stevens E. Don 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPassive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging is a commonly used procedure to identify fish. However, there is a lack of research on the short‐term effects of such tagging. The purpose of our study was to measure the short‐term effects of PIT tagging on the feeding behavior and swimming performance of juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Three experiments were conducted. The treatment groups in the first two experiments consisted of a control group and a PIT‐tagged group. In the first experiment, we timed the latency to resume feeding before and after the experimental day in fish trained to feed with a light cue. In the second experiment, we recorded the amount of food ingested before and after the experimental day in fish that had been fed to satiation every day for a week prior to the experiment. We found no significant differences between control and PIT‐tagged groups for either the latency to resume feeding (time from providing food to food intake) or the amount of food eaten. The third experiment consisted of a fixed‐velocity swimming performance test in which fish that had been tagged 40 d before the test and whose wounds had healed were compared with fish that were tagged on the day of the experiment. We found no significant differences between the fish that had healed wounds and fish that had just been tagged.
Short-Term Effects of Thrust Versus Nonthrust Mobilization/Manipulation Directed at the Thoracic Spine in Patients With Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Cleland Joshua A , Glynn Paul , Whitman Julie M , Eberhart Sarah L , MacDonald Cameron , Childs John D 
Published: March 2007

Background and Purpose
Evidence supports the use of manual physical therapy interventions directed at the thoracic spine in patients with neck pain. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of thoracic spine thrust mobilization/manipulation with that of nonthrust mobilization/manipulation in patients with a primary complaint of mechanical neck pain. The authors also sought to compare the frequencies, durations, and types of side effects between the groups.

Subjects
The subjects in this study were 60 patients who were 18 to 60 years of age and had a primary complaint of neck pain.

Methods
For all subjects, a standardized history and a physical examination were obtained. Self-report outcome measures included the Neck Disability Index (NDI), a pain diagram, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire. After the baseline evaluation, the subjects were randomly assigned to receive either thoracic spine thrust or nonthrust mobilization/manipulation. The subjects were reexamined 2 to 4 days after the initial examination, and they again completed the NDI and the NPRS, as well as the Global Rating of Change (GROC) Scale. The primary aim was examined with a 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), with intervention group (thrust versus nonthrust mobilization/manipulation) as the between-subjects variable and time (baseline and 48 hours) as the within-subject variable. Separate ANOVAs were performed for each dependent variable: disability (NDI) and pain (NPRS). For each ANOVA, the hypothesis of interest was the 2-way group × time interaction.

Results
Sixty patients with a mean age of 43.3 years (SD=12.7) (55% female) satisfied the eligibility criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Subjects who received thrust mobilization/manipulation experienced greater reductions in disability, with a between-group difference of 10% (95% confidence interval [CI]=5.3–14.7), and in pain, with a between-group difference of 2.0 (95% CI=1.4–2.7). Subjects in the thrust mobilization/manipulation group exhibited significantly higher scores on the GROC Scale at the time of follow-up. No differences in the frequencies, durations, and types of side effects existed between the groups.

Discussion and Conclusion
The results suggest that thoracic spine thrust mobilization/manipulation results in significantly greater short-term reductions in pain and disability than does thoracic nonthrust mobilization/manipulation in people with neck pain.
Multicomponent equations of state for electrolytes
Authors: Lin Yi , Thomsen Kaj , de Hemptinne Jean‐charles 
Published: March 2007

AbstractFour equations of state have been implemented and evaluated for multicomponent electrolyte solutions at 298.15 K and 1 bar. The equations contain terms accounting for short‐range and long‐range interactions in electrolyte solutions. Short range interactions are described by one of the three equations of state, Peng‐Robinson, Soave‐Redlich‐Kwong, or Cubic‐Plus‐Association (CPA). Long‐range interactions are described by either the simplified mean spherical approximation (MSA) solution of the Ornstein–Zernicke equation or the simplified Debye–Hückel term. An optional Born term is added to these electrostatic terms. The resulting electrolyte equations of state were tested by determining the optimal model parameters for the multicomponent test system consisting of H2O, Na+, H+, Ca2+, Cl−, OH−, SO42−. To describe the thermodynamics of this multicomponent system, ion specific parameters were determined. The parameters in the equations of state were fitted to experimental data consisting of apparent molar volumes, osmotic coefficients, mean ionic activity coefficients, and solid–liquid equilibrium data. The results of the parameter fitting are presented. The ability of the equations of state to reproduce the experimental data is demonstrated. The performance of the equations of state for multi component systems is compared and analyzed in view of the various short‐range and long‐range terms employed. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
An elementary introduction to the JWKB approximation
Authors: Gough D. O. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAsymptotic expansion of the second‐order linear ordinary differential equation ψ″ + k2f (z)ψ = 0, in which the real constant k is large and f = O(1), can be carried out in the manner of Liouville and Green provided f does not vanish. If f does vanish, however, at x0 say, then Liouville‐Green expansions can be carried out either side of the turning point z = z0, but it is then necessary to ascertain how to connect them. This was first accomplished by Jeffreys, by a comparison of the differential equation with Airy's equation. Soon afterwards, the situation was found to arise in quantum mechanics, and was discussed by Brillouin, Wentzel and Kramers, after whom the method was initially named. It arises throughout classical physics too, and is encountered frequently when studying waves propagating in stars. This brief introduction is aimed at clarifying the principles behind the method, and is illustrated by considering the resonant acoustic‐gravity oscillations (normal modes) of a spherical star. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Local helioseismology in the SDO HMI/AIA data analysis pipeline
Authors: Bogart R. S. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractLocal helioseismology techniques will play a principal role in the pipeline processing of data from HMI to produce standard data products suitable for scientific analysis. Many of these techniques are undergoing rapid development, and it is expected that new or enhanced algorithms and models will be contributed by members of the community. We describe the design and implementation of the data analysis environment of the SDO Joint Science Operations Center for the benefit of potential contributors and users. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)