bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short‐term effects of metformin in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Eriksson A. , Attvall S. , Bonnier M. , Eriksson J. W. , Rosander B. , Karlsson F. A. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Although metformin is widely used in the management of type 2 diabetes, its mechanism(s) of action is not fully known, and there have been remarkably few reports on short‐term effects of the drug. Here, we examined the early effects on glucose and lipid metabolism and on certain adipose tissue and inflammatory markers during treatment for 28 days.Methods:  Twenty‐one patients were randomized to metformin (n = 16) or placebo (n = 5) and studied at baseline, 1, 2 and 4 weeks with blood sampling and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT). The active group received 500 mg metformin daily in the first week, 500 mg twice daily during week 2 and 1000 mg twice daily during weeks 3 and 4.Results:  After 7 days of treatment, a reduced area under curve (AUC) for glucose at OGTT with no change in AUC for insulin levels was observed compared to baseline. Insulin sensitivity, as derived from the OGTT by Gutt’s index, was increased. Reductions in fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol appeared after 14 days, and reductions in triglycerides, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) and leptin after 28 days of treatment. There were no changes in body weight, adiponectin or C‐reactive protein. Compared with placebo, the changes between day 0 and day 28 differed significantly with regard to AUC for glucose at OGTT and Gutt’s index, and showed strong trends for PAI‐1 and leptin.Conclusions:  The data demonstrate that in type 2 diabetes, metformin rapidly affects glucose handling without changing the concentrations of insulin. Reductions in PAI‐1 and leptin levels indicate that the early effects of metformin involve also the adipose tissue.
Visfatin expression is hormonally regulated by metabolic and sex hormones in 3T3‐L1 pre‐adipocytes and adipocytes
Authors: MacLaren R. , Cui W. , Cianflone K. 
Published: August 2006

Aim:  The novel adipokine visfatin has ‘insulin‐mimicking’ effects and is increased in models of diet‐induced obesity, but factors that regulate visfatin have not been fully elucidated.Methods:  In order to determine visfatin regulation in adipocyte development and metabolism, as well as in pathophysiological conditions related to metabolic syndrome, endogenous visfatin expression was measured in 3T3‐L1 pre‐adipocytes and adipocytes using real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (real‐time RT‐PCR).Results:  A marked increase in visfatin expression was observed during differentiation, with a 2.2‐fold increase between preconfluent and 2‐day confluent cells even before differentiation was initiated. A further 4.1‐fold increase was induced from day 0 to day 9 of differentiation (overall ninefold). Overnight incubation with dexamethasone (10−8 to 10−2 M) increased visfatin expression in both pre‐adipocytes (1.5‐ to 3.3‐fold, p < 0.05) and adipocytes (1.9‐fold, p < 0.01). All other treatments decreased visfatin expression. In pre‐adipocytes, visfatin expression decreased by 23% at a concentration of 1 μM insulin, 15% at 1–15 nM T3, 15% at 10 nM–1 μM progesterone, 33–44% at 10 nM–1 μM testosterone, 50% with palmitate and 30% with oleate (p < 0.05 for all). In adipocytes, insulin had a much greater effect, decreasing visfatin by 77% at 100 nM (p < 0.01), whereas oleate and sex hormones did not affect visfatin expression. However, tumor necrosis factor α, which had no effect on pre‐adipocytes, significantly decreased visfatin in adipocytes by 26% at 10 ng/ml (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the thiazolidinedione (TZD) rosiglitizone also decreased visfatin by 28% at a concentration of 1 μM (p < 0.01).Conclusion:  In summary, while the mechanism of visfatin action remains to be elucidated, the clear effects of multiple hormones on visfatin expression support a physiological role.
Isosteviol reduces plasma glucose levels in the intravenous glucose tolerance test in Zucker diabetic fatty rats
Authors: Ma J. , Ma Z. , Wang J. , Milne R. W. , Xu D. , Davey A. K. , Evans A. M. 
Published: August 2006

Aim:  The aim of this study was to test the effect of isosteviol on blood glucose and insulin levels during the intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) in Wistar and Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats.Methods:  ZDF rats were divided into a control and three isosteviol treatment (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg) groups. Wistar rats were divided into a control group and an isosteviol treatment group (10 mg/kg). The rats were fasted for 12 h prior to infusion of isosteviol and glucose (1.0 g/kg). Blood samples were taken at 0, 5, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after the injection of glucose. Glucose concentrations were determined by the glucose oxidase method, and plasma insulin was analysed by radioimmunoassay. The area under the curve (AUC) of the net change in plasma glucose concentration was used to compare the isosteviol treatment and control groups.Results:  In ZDF rats, isosteviol at 5 and 10 mg/kg caused a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the AUC of glucose during the IVGTT. However, isosteviol did not increase plasma insulin concentrations in ZDF rats. In Wistar rats, isosteviol did not significantly affect plasma glucose or insulin levels during the IVGTT.Conclusion:  Isosteviol exerts an antihyperglycaemic effect during IVGTT in ZDF rats but not in Wistar rats. Isosteviol has no significant effect on plasma insulin concentrations. The glucose‐lowering effect of isosteviol may be due to changes in the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin.
Effect of pioglitazone in combination with insulin therapy on glycaemic control, insulin dose requirement and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes previously poorly controlled with combination therapy
Authors: Berhanu P. , Perez A. , Yu S. 
Published: August 2006

Aim:  The aim of this randomized placebo‐controlled study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pioglitazone administered alone or in combination with metformin in reducing insulin dosage requirements for improved glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes previously poorly controlled with combination therapy.Methods:  In this multicentre, double‐blind study, 222 patients with haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)>8.0% at screening treated with combination therapy initially were given titrated insulin therapy (to fasting plasma glucose <140 mg/dl) and then were randomly assigned to 20‐week treatment with pioglitazone or placebo in combination with insulin, with or without concurrent metformin therapy. More than 98% of patients were taking metformin prior to and during the study.Results:  Pioglitazone significantly reduced (p < 0.05) insulin dose requirements 2 weeks after treatment initiation. At study end relative to baseline, pioglitazone reduced daily insulin dosages by 12.0 units (p < 0.001), a 21.5% (12.0/55.8 units at baseline) group mean average reduction. Relative to placebo, pioglitazone reduced daily insulin dosages by 12.7 units [95% confidence interval [CI]: −17.5, −8.0], while improving mean HbA1c levels [adjusted mean HbA1c change: pioglitazone, −1.6% vs. placebo, −1.4% (not statistically different)]. Pioglitazone also significantly increased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels [adjusted mean difference: +4.5 (95% CI: 2.6–6.5) mg/dl], decreased triglyceride levels [−43.9 (−69.2, −18.6) mg/dl], shifted low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) particle concentrations from small [pattern B, −13.6% (−17.7%, −9.5%)] to large [pattern A, +15.1% (10.8%, 19.5%)] and increased mean LDL particle size [+3.8 (2.6, 4.9) Å]. More pioglitazone‐treated patients experienced oedema (9.0 vs. 4.5%) and weight gain (9.1 vs. 2.7%) than placebo patients.Conclusions:  Pioglitazone in combination with insulin therapy improved glycaemic control, reduced insulin dose requirements and improved lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes previously poorly controlled with combination therapy.
Why Some Firms Train Apprentices and Many Others Do Not
Authors: Wolter Stefan C. , Schweri Jürg , Mühlemann Samuel 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
The latest study investigating the cost-benefit ratio of apprenticeship training for Swiss companies has shown that most apprentices offset the cost of their training during their apprenticeship on the basis of the productive contribution of the work they perform. Given this outcome, it is worth investigating why so many firms choose not to train apprentices. Maximum-likelihood selection models were used to estimate the net cost of training for firms without an apprenticeship programme. The models show, firstly, that non-training firms would incur significantly higher net cost during the apprenticeship period if they would switch to a training policy and, secondly, that this less favourable cost-benefit ratio is determined less by cost than by absence of benefit. For the apprenticeship system as such the results indicate that, as long as training regulations and the market situation permit a cost-effective training of apprentices, companies do not need specific labour market regulations or institutions to offer training posts. In this respect, the Swiss findings might be of interest for the ongoing German discussion about the expected repercussions of a more general labour market deregulation on the apprenticeship training system.
Skill Loss, Ranking of Job Applicants and the Dynamics of Unemployment
Authors: Eriksson Stefan 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis paper investigates the consequences of skill loss as a result of unemployment in an efficiency wage model with turnover costs and on-the-job search. Firms are unable to differentiate wages and therefore prefer to hire employed searchers or unemployed workers who have not lost human capital. It is shown that if some fundamental factor in the economy changes, this will result in a lengthy adjustment process with substantial long-run unemployment effects. Moreover, the model is capable of generating persistence, but the amount depends on the duration of the shock itself.
Effectiveness versus Efficiency: Growth-Accelerating Policies in a Model of Growth without Scale Effects
Authors: Büttner Bettina 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Recent R&D growth models without strong scale effects imply that long-run growth rates depend only on parameters that are usually taken to be exogenous. However, integrating human capital accumulation into models of this type, Arnold (2002) demonstrates that subsidizing education accelerates growth. The present paper addresses welfare issues in Arnold’s model. The main theoretical finding of the paper is that a system of subsidies that implements the optimal balanced growth path as a decentralized equilibrium includes zero subsidies to education, while R&D activity should be either subsidized or taxed. To shed further light on the latter result, the model is calibrated and it turns out that along the balanced growth path, the decentralized economy underinvests in R&D, i.e. R&D activities should be subsidized.
Basal cell carcinoma arising over facial port wine stain: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Lapidoth M , Ad‐El D , David M , Alcalay J , Azaria R 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  A growing number of reports point to a possible connection between basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and port wine stain (PWS). Researchers suggest that either the elevated temperature induced by the increased dermal vasculature or an oncogenic factor produced by the ectatic vessels makes the overlying epidermis more susceptible to ultraviolet or ionizing radiation.Objective  To check the prevalence of BCC in patients with PWS at a large national vascular amomalies centre.Methods  The study group included 68 patients, 44 women and 24 men, with facial PWSs. Detailed data were collected on background features, past treatments and past exposure to radiation, and a comprehensive physical examination was performed. Biopsy samples were taken from suspect lesions for histological study.Results  Four patients (5.9%) were found to have histologically proven BCC, 3 nodular and one multifocal. All had been exposed to radiation during childhood. Treatment consisted of excision; there was one recurrence.Conclusion  Although the co‐occurrence of BCC and PWS is probably related to radiation treatment in childhood, these findings should alert physicians to regularly examine PWSs for cancerous changes, especially in patients at risk.
Genetic studies in variegate porphyria in Spain. Identification of gene mutations and family study for carrier detection
Authors: Lecha M , Badenas C , Puig S , Orfila J , Milà M , To‐Figueras J , Muñoz C , Mercader P , Herrero C 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjectives  First, to establish the mutations of the protoporphyrinogen‐oxidase (PPOX) gene in four Spanish patients with variegate porphyria (VP). Second, study of carrier status detection in the families, including a four‐generation Balearic family. Third, evaluation of the results of carrier detection screening methods.Design  Blood samples of four patients and of 139 members belonging to four families, including four generations of a Balearic family were processed for mutation analysis of the 13 exons of PPOX gene. Biochemical studies were performed together (blood and faecal porphyrin analysis) and plasma fluorescence scanning for 626 nm peak emission detection. A questionnaire regarding clinical manifestations was submitted to all family members studied.Results  Single strand conformational analysis (SSCP) of DNA allowed the detection of the following mutations: W224R, 746delT: exon 7, 1077–1082insC: exon 10, and IVS6+2T→A. Mutation was present in 19 of the 139 members of the families studied. Clinical manifestations or biochemical alterations were checked in the carriers detected and found as not relevant or not present. Only 11 members of the 19 mutation‐bearing individuals showed plasma fluorescence PV peak positivity.Conclusion  Demonstration of gene mutation is the most reliable means of detecting carriers in studies of variegate porphyria families. DNA analysis is the most sensitive carrier detection method and also allows transmission behaviour of the genetic defect to be established in successive generations of the affected families.
Elastin changes during chronological and photo‐ageing: the important role of lysozyme
Authors: Seite S , Zucchi H , Septier D , Igondjo‐Tchen S , Senni K , Godeau G 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  Cutaneous ageing, as a result of combined chronological and photo‐ageing in sun‐exposed areas, is accompanied by major modifications of the elastic fibres.Aim  We aimed to investigate qualitative and quantitative changes of dermal elastin fibres during cutaneous chronological and photo‐ageing and the involvement of lysozyme in these processes.Methods  Morphological, age‐related changes and variations in the relative elastin content in sun‐protected (buttock) and sun‐exposed (forearm and face) skin of healthy volunteers were studied (145 samples). The deposition of lysozyme in elastin fibres was studied using light and immuno‐electron microscopy and taking into consideration the relative efficacy of different UV wavebands (UVA or SSR (solar simulated radiation)). Our studies also included the proteolytic degradation of elastin by human leucocyte elastase (HLE) in situ.Results  Our results indicate a reduction of elastin content with age in sun‐protected and sun‐exposed skin, associated for the latter with high elastin content, resulting in elastosis. Total UVA (320–400 nm), and in particular long wave UVA (UVA‐1, 340–400 nm), induces lysozyme deposition in elastin fibres to a higher extent than solar simulated radiation (SSR, 280–400 nm). Immuno‐electron microscopy revealed lysozyme association with the electron‐dense granular amorphous elastin structures, corresponding to a basophilic degeneration induced by sun exposure. Lysozyme has no elastolytic activity in situ; however, its binding to elastin limits elastin degradation by human leucocyte elastase (HLE). In addition, a direct inhibitory effect of lysozyme on HLE was observed.Conclusion  Our data suggest that lysozyme prevents elastin degradation by HLE after binding to the damaged parts of the elastin network and by direct lysozyme–HLE interaction, which reduces HLE proteolytic activity. These observations contribute to a better understanding of the chronological and photo‐induced changes of the dermal elastic network.
Recommendations for the use of etanercept in psoriasis: a European dermatology expert group consensus
Authors: Boehncke W‐H , Brasie RA , Barker J , Chimenti S , Daudén E , De Rie M , Dubertret L , Giannetti A , Katsambas A , Kragballe K , Naeyaert JM , Ortonne J‐P , Peyrí J , Prinz JC , Saurat J‐H , Strohal R , Van De Kerkhof P , Sterry W 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder that has a significant impact on quality of life and, particularly in moderate to severe cases, adversely affects the patient's overall health and well‐being. Biological treatments, such as etanercept, are being widely adopted across Europe for treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis due to favourable safety and efficacy profiles. The increase in usage, combined with a growing body of clinical evidence, has identified a need to clarify the best use of etanercept within its current treatment label.Objective  To prepare a series of recommendations agreed by an expert group of dermatologists, relating to the most effective use of etanercept for psoriasis in Europe, within the product license.Methods  An expert panel of dermatologists from across Europe completed a Delphi survey to address the current use of etanercept in psoriasis in Europe. In June 2005 the results were presented to the expert panel at their nominal group meeting, and a consensus was agreed.Results  It was recommended that, where possible, patients are initiated on the 50 mg twice‐weekly (BIW) dose. Etanercept should be given until remission is achieved (maximum 24 weeks) and retreatment should be initiated according to the physician's judgement. Before commencing treatment, contraindications, such as infection or previous malignancy (within 5 years), should be ruled out.Conclusions  The consensus presented herein provides valuable clarification of use of etanercept according to the label, which may have wider implications relating to the use of all biological therapies in psoriasis.
CXOU J121538.2+361921 in the galaxy NGC 4214: a double neutron star in the making?
Authors: Dewi J. D. M. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
CXOU J121538.2+361921 is the brightest X-ray source in the galaxy NGC 4214, with an X-ray luminosity of up to 0.7 × 1039 erg s−1. The observed periodicity of 3.62 h, derived from eclipse timing, is interpreted as the orbital period of the system. It has been suggested that the system is a low-mass helium star with a lower-mass compact companion. If this idea is correct, then CXOU J121538.2+361921 will evolve into a double neutron star, a binary consisting of a radio pulsar and another neutron star. In this study we investigate this possibility further. We find that the X-ray luminosity is consistent with super-Eddington accretion in a helium star-neutron star binary. The binary is in a state of mass transfer which is initiated when the helium-star donor is at the helium shell burning stage. A donor star with a current mass in the range of around 2.2–3.6 M⊙ is required to explain the observed orbital period. Helium stars in this mass range are massive enough to collapse in a supernova explosion, making CXOU J121538.2+361921 the immediate progenitor of a double neutron star.
The X-ray afterglow flat segment in short GRB 051221A: Energy injection from a millisecond magnetar?
Authors: Fan Yi-Zhong , Xu Dong 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
The flat segment, lasting ∼104 s, in the X-ray afterglow of GRB 051221A represents the first clear case of strong energy injection in the external shock of a short gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglow. In this work, we show that a millisecond pulsar with a dipole magnetic field ∼1014 Gauss could well account for that energy injection. The good quality X-ray flat segment thus suggests that the central engine of this short burst may be a millisecond magnetar.
Computational Fracture Mechanics Analysis of Truck Tire
Durability
Authors: Zhong X. Allan 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
A three-dimensional fracture mechanics model is formulated to study fatigue crack growth and durability in tires. The application of this model in a radial medium truck tire reveals fracture characteristics of belt edge cracks and helps to explain mechanical and material changes in the tire subject to indoor accelerated durability tests. Along with a proprietary fatigue crack growth law, a fracture mechanics based durability analysis methodology is developed and successfully applied to rank durability of tires with different constructions or different rubber materials.
Cohesive Modeling of Quasi-Static Fracture in Functionally Graded Materials
Authors: Kandula Soma Sekhar V. , Abanto-Bueno Jorge , Lambros John , Geubelle Philippe H. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractA spatially varying cohesive failure model is used to simulate quasi-static fracture in functionally graded polymers. A key aspect of this paper is that all mechanical properties and cohesive parameters entering the analysis are derived experimentally from full-scale fracture tests allowing for a fit of only the shape of the cohesive law to experimental data. The paper also summarizes the semi-implicit implementation of the cohesive model into a cohesive-volumetric finite element framework used to predict the quasi-static crack initiation and subsequent propagation in the presence of material gradients.
The Effect of Molecular Mass Distribution on Time-Dependent Behavior
of Polyamides
Authors: Emri I. , von Bernstorff B. S. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
In this paper we show that the time-dependent properties of polyamides may be significantly modified by altering the “initial kinetics” of the material through the modification of the molecular mass distribution. In our investigations we have used polyamide 6 (PA6) as a testing material. We have shown that the molecular weight distribution determines the time scale of material structure formation and, hence, its time-dependent properties. The melting temperature of the bimodal molecular mass distribution of polyamide 6 material is shifted for about 30°C towards higher temperatures in comparison to the conventional monomodal molecular mass distribution of PA6. Modification of the molecular mass distribution also improves the time and temperature dependence of the mechanical properties of PA6. It seems that understanding the effect of the molecular weight distribution on the process of material structure formation may well become a new approach in development of new generation polymeric materials.
Measurement of Biaxial
Stress States in Silicon Using Micro-Raman
Spectroscopy
Authors: Gustafson Peter
A. , Harris Stephen
J. , O’Neill Ann E. , Waas Anthony M. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Micro-Raman spectroscopy is used to determine the multiaxial stress state in silicon wafers using a strategy proposed by Narayanan, et al. (J. Appl. Phys. 82, 2595–2602 (1997)) Previously, this strategy was validated when silicon was subjected to uniaxial stress in the laboratory frame (Harris, et al. J. Appl. Phys. 96, 7195–7201 (2004)). In the present work, silicon wafers have been analyzed that were subjected to biaxial stress states in the laboratory frame. The predicted curves for the initially degenerate F2g peaks were found to fall within the variability of the measured curves. Stress ratios were found to be predictable. Stress magnitudes were also found to be predictable, but are subject to uncertainty greater than 25%. To perform these tests, an apparatus has been developed which can provide controlled ratios of biaxial stress in a simple and compact test geometry. This fixture was used under a microscope, enabling in situ measurement of biaxial stress states.