bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of group-based exercise on cognitive performance and mood in seniors residing in intermediate care and self-care retirement facilities: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Brown A K , Liu-Ambrose T , Tate R , Lord S R 
Published: October 2008

Objective:To determine the effect of a general group-based exercise programme on cognitive performance and mood among seniors without dementia living in retirement villages.Design:Randomised controlled trial.Setting:Four intermediate care and four self-care retirement village sites in Sydney, Australia.Participants:154 seniors (19 men, 135 women; age range 62 to 95 years), who were residents of intermediate care and self-care retirement facilities.Intervention:Participants were randomised to one of three experimental groups: (1) a general group-based exercise (GE) programme composed of resistance training and balance training exercises; (2) a flexibility exercise and relaxation technique (FR) programme; or (3) no-exercise control (NEC). The intervention groups (GE and FR) participated in 1-hour exercise classes twice a week for a total period of 6 months.Main outcome measures:Using standard neuropsychological tests, we assessed cognitive performance at baseline and at 6-month re-test in three domains: (1) fluid intelligence; (2) visual, verbal and working memory; and (3) executive functioning. We also assessed mood using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).Results:The GE programme significantly improved cognitive performance of fluid intelligence compared with FR or NEC. There were also significant improvements in the positive PANAS scale within both the GE and FR groups and an indication that the two exercise programmes reduced depression in those with initially high GDS scores.Conclusions:Our GE programme significantly improved cognitive performance of fluid intelligence in seniors residing in retirement villages compared with our FR programme and the NEC group. Furthermore, both group-based exercise programmes were beneficial for certain aspects of mood within the 6-month intervention period.
Design and analysis of mismatch probes for long oligonucleotide microarrays
Authors: Deng Ye , He Zhili , Van Nostrand Joy D , Zhou Jizhong 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Nonspecific hybridization is currently a major concern with microarray technology. One of most effective approaches to estimating nonspecific hybridizations in oligonucleotide microarrays is the utilization of mismatch probes; however, this approach has not been used for longer oligonucleotide probes.

Results
Here, an oligonucleotide microarray was constructed to evaluate and optimize parameters for 50-mer mismatch probe design. A perfect match (PM) and 28 mismatch (MM) probes were designed for each of ten target genes selected from three microorganisms. The microarrays were hybridized with synthesized complementary oligonucleotide targets at different temperatures (e.g., 42, 45 and 50°C). In general, the probes with evenly distributed mismatches were more distinguishable than those with randomly distributed mismatches. MM probes with 3, 4 and 5 mismatched nucleotides were differentiated for 50-mer oligonucleotide probes hybridized at 50, 45 and 42°C, respectively. Based on the experimental data generated from this study, a modified positional dependent nearest neighbor (MPDNN) model was constructed to adjust the thermodynamic parameters of matched and mismatched dimer nucleotides in the microarray environment. The MM probes with four flexible positional mismatches were designed using the newly established MPDNN model and the experimental results demonstrated that the redesigned MM probes could yield more consistent hybridizations.

Conclusion
This study provides guidance on the design of MM probes for long oligonucleotides (e.g., 50 mers). The novel MPDNN model has improved the consistency for long MM probes, and this modeling method can potentially be used for the prediction of oligonucleotide microarray hybridizations.
Use of antenatal corticosteroids prior to preterm birth in four South East Asian countries within the SEA-ORCHID project
Authors: Pattanittum Porjai , Ewens Melissa R , Laopaiboon Malinee , Lumbiganon Pisake , McDonald Steven J , Crowther Caroline A ,   The SEA-ORCHID Study Group
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundThere is strong evidence supporting the use of antenatal corticosteroids in women at risk of preterm birth to promote fetal lung maturation and reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity. This audit aimed to assess the use of antenatal corticosteroids prior to preterm birth in the nine hospitals in four South East Asian countries participating in the South East Asia Optimising Reproductive Health in Developing Countries (SEA-ORCHID) Project.MethodWe reviewed the medical records of 9550 women (9665 infants including 111 twins and two triplets) admitted to the labour wards of nine hospitals in four South East Asian countries during 2005. For women who gave birth before 34 weeks gestation we collected information on women's demographic and pregnancy background, the type, dose and use of corticosteroids, and key birth and infant outcomes.ResultsAdministration of antenatal corticosteroids to women who gave birth before 34 weeks gestation varied widely between countries (9% to 73%) and also between hospitals within countries (0% to 86%). Antenatal corticosteroids were most commonly given when women were between 28 and 34 weeks gestation (80%). Overall 6% of women received repeat doses of corticosteroids. Dexamethasone was the only type of antenatal corticosteroid used.Women receiving antenatal corticosteroids compared with those not given antenatal corticosteroids were less likely to have had a previous pregnancy and to be booked for birth at the hospital and almost three times as likely to have a current multiple pregnancy. Exposed women were less likely to be induced and almost twice as likely to have a caesarean section, a primary postpartum haemorrhage and postpartum pyrexia.Infants exposed to antenatal corticosteroids compared with infants not exposed were less likely to die. Live born exposed infants were less likely to have Apgar scores of < 7 at five minutes and less likely to have any lung disease.ConclusionIn this survey the use of antenatal corticosteroids prior to preterm birth varied between countries and hospitals. Evaluation of the enablers and barriers to the uptake of this effective antenatal intervention at individual hospitals is needed.
Evidence for reduced lymphatic CSF absorption in the H-Tx rat hydrocephalus model
Authors: Rammling Matthias , Madan Meenu , Paul Leena , Behnam Babak , Pattisapu Jogi V 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
There is mounting evidence that spinal fluid absorption takes place not only at the arachnoid villi, but also at several extracranial sites, which might serve as a reserve mechanism for, or be primarily involved in the absorption of CSF in hydrocephalus.

Methods
We compared the nasal lymphatic pathway in congenital Hydrocephalus-Texas (H-Tx) rats in unaffected and affected hydrocephalic (HC) siblings with that of control Sprague Dawley (SD) rat pups. The animals were examined after immediate post mortem injection of Evan's blue dye into the cisterna magna at 6 and 10 days of age. The specimens were evaluated for amount of dye penetration into the nasal passages.

Results
We found more dye visualization in the olfactory regions of control SD (14/16 at P6, 14/16 at P10) and unaffected H-Tx (13/17 at P6, 13/16 at P10) compared with HC animals (0/14 at P6, 3/15 at P10). This difference was more pronounced at 10 days of age. The dye was not visualized in the cervical lymph nodes or venous channels in these acute experiments.

Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that nasal lymphatic cerebrospinal fluid absorption is reduced in the H-Tx rat hydrocephalus model.
Antibody ligation of murine Ly-6G induces neutropenia, blood flow cessation, and death via complement-dependent and independent mechanisms
Authors: Abbitt Katherine B , Cotter Matthew J , Ridger Victoria C , Crossman David C , Hellewell Paul G , Norman Keith E 
Published: October 2008

AbstractLy-6G is a member of the Ly-6 family of GPI-linked proteins, which is expressed on murine neutrophils. Antibodies against Ly-6G cause neutropenia, and fatal reactions also develop if mice are primed with TNF-α prior to antibody treatment. We have investigated the mechanisms behind these responses to Ly-6G ligation in the belief that similar mechanisms may be involved in neutropenia and respiratory disorders associated with alloantibody ligation of the related Ly-6 family member, NB1, in humans. Neutrophil adhesion, microvascular obstruction, breathing difficulties, and death initiated by anti-Ly-6G antibodies in TNF-α-primed mice were shown to be highly complement-dependent, partly mediated by CD11b, CD18, and FcγR and associated with clustering of Ly-6G. Neutrophil depletion, on the other hand, was only partly complement-dependent and was not altered by blockade of CD11b, CD18, or FcγR. Unlike other neutrophil-activating agents, Ly-6G ligation did not induce neutropenia via sequestration in the lungs. Cross-linking Ly-6G mimicked the responses seen with whole antibody in vivo and also activated murine neutrophils in vitro. Although this suggests that the responses are, in part, mediated by nonspecific properties of antibody ligation, neutrophil depletion requires an additional mechanism possibly specific to the natural function of Ly-6G.
Regulation of Megalin Expression in Cultured Proximal Tubule Cells by Angiotensin II Type 1A Receptor- and Insulin-Mediated Signaling Cross Talk
Authors: Hosojima Michihiro , Sato Hiroyoshi , Yamamoto Keiko , Kaseda Ryohei , Soma Taeko , Kobayashi Asako , Suzuki Akiyo , Kabasawa Hideyuki , Takeyama Aya , Ikuyama Kenji , Iino Noriaki , Nishiyama Akira , Thekkumkara Thomas J. , Takeda Tetsuro , Suzuki Yoshiki , Gejyo Fumitake , Saito Akihiko 
Published: October 2008

Impairment of proximal tubular endocytosis of glomerular-filtered proteins including albumin results in the development of proteinuria/albuminuria in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, the mechanisms regulating the proximal tubular function are largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of angiotensin II type 1A receptor (AT1AR)- and insulin-mediated signaling pathways in regulating the expression of megalin, a multiligand endocytic receptor in proximal tubule cells (PTCs). Opossum kidney PTC-derived OK cells that stably express rat AT1AR but are deficient in endogenous angiotensin II receptors (AT1AR-OK cells) were used for this study. Treatment of the cells with angiotensin II suppressed mRNA and protein expression of megalin at 3- and 24-h incubation time points, respectively. Cellular uptake and degradation of albumin and receptor-associated protein, megalin’s endocytic ligands were suppressed 24 h after angiotensin II treatment. The AT1AR-mediated decrease in megalin expression was partially prevented by ERK inhibitors. Insulin competed with the AT1AR-mediated ERK activation and decrease in megalin expression. Inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), a major component of insulin signaling, also suppressed megalin expression, and activation of the insulin receptor substrate (IRS)/PI3K system was prevented by angiotensin II. Collectively the AT1AR-mediated ERK signaling is involved in suppressing megalin expression in the OK cell line, and insulin competes with this pathway. Conversely, the insulin-IRS/PI3K signaling, with which angiotensin II competes, tends to stimulate megalin expression. In conclusion, there is AT1AR- and insulin-mediated competitive signaling cross talk to regulate megalin expression in cultured PTCs.Angiotensin II type 1A receptor- and insulin-mediated competitive signaling cross-talk regulates the expression of megalin, a multi-ligand endocytic receptor, in cultured proximal tubule cells.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Inhibits Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase Activation and Promotes Cell Proliferation of Primary Granulosa Cells in Culture through an Akt-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Kayampilly Pradeep P. , Menon K. M. J. 
Published: October 2008

FSH, acting through multiple signaling pathways, regulates the proliferation and growth of granulosa cells, which are critical for ovulation. The present study investigated whether AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which controls the energy balance of the cell, plays a role in FSH-mediated increase in granulosa cell proliferation. Cells isolated from immature rat ovaries were grown in serum-free, phenol red free DMEM-F12 and were treated with FSH (50 ng/ml) for 0, 5, and 15 min. Western blot analysis showed a significant reduction in AMPK activation as observed by a reduction of phosphorylation at thr 172 in response to FSH treatment at all time points tested. FSH also reduced AMPK phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner with maximum inhibition at 100 ng/ml. The chemical activator of AMPK (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside, 0.5 mm) increased the cell cycle inhibitor p27 kip expression significantly, whereas the AMPK inhibitor (compound C, 20 μm) and FSH reduced p27kip expression significantly compared with control. FSH treatment resulted in an increase in the phosphorylation of AMPK at ser 485/491 and a reduction in thr 172 phosphorylation. Inhibition of Akt phosphorylation using Akt inhibitor VIII reversed the inhibitory effect of FSH on thr 172 phosphorylation of AMPK, whereas ERK inhibitor U0126 had no effect. These results show that FSH, through an Akt-dependent pathway, phosphorylates AMPK at ser 481/495 and inhibits its activation by reducing thr 172 phosphorylation. AMPK activation by 5-amino-imidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside treatment resulted in a reduction of cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin D2 mRNA expression, whereas FSH increased the expression by 2-fold. These results suggest that FSH promotes granulosa cell proliferation by increasing cyclin D2 mRNA expression and by reducing p27 kip expression by inhibiting AMPK activation through an Akt-dependent pathway.
FSH stimulates granulosa cell proliferation by reducing cell cycle inhibitor p27 kip through AMP kinase inhibition.
Correlated patterns of tracheal compression and convective gas exchange in a carabid beetle
Authors: Socha John J. , Lee Wah-Keat , Harrison Jon F. , Waters James S. , Fezzaa Kamel , Westneat Mark W. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYRhythmic tracheal compression is a prominent feature of internal dynamics in multiple orders of insects. During compression parts of the tracheal system collapse, effecting a large change in volume, but the ultimate physiological significance of this phenomenon in gas exchange has not been determined. Possible functions of this mechanism include to convectively transport air within or out of the body, to increase the local pressure within the tracheae,or some combination thereof. To determine whether tracheal compressions are associated with excurrent gas exchange in the ground beetle Pterostichus stygicus, we used flow-through respirometry and synchrotron x-ray phase-contrast imaging to simultaneously record CO2 emission and observe morphological changes in the major tracheae. Each observed tracheal compression (which occurred at a mean frequency and duration of 15.6±4.2 min–1 and 2.5±0.8 s, respectively) was associated with a local peak in CO2 emission, with the start of each compression occurring simultaneously with the start of the rise in CO2 emission. No such pulses were observed during inter-compression periods. Most pulses occurred on top of an existing level of CO2release, indicating that at least one spiracle was open when compression began. This evidence demonstrates that tracheal compressions convectively pushed air out of the body with each stroke. The volume of CO2emitted per pulse was 14±4 nl, representing approximately 20% of the average CO2 emission volume during x-ray irradiation, and 13% prior to it. CO2 pulses with similar volume, duration and frequency were observed both prior to and after x-ray beam exposure, indicating that rhythmic tracheal compression was not a response to x-ray irradiation per se. This study suggests that intra-tracheal and trans-spiracular convection of air driven by active tracheal compression may be a major component of ventilation for many insects.
To bend a coralline: effect of joint morphology on flexibility and stress amplification in an articulated calcified seaweed
Authors: Martone Patrick T. , Denny Mark W. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYPrevious studies have demonstrated that fleshy seaweeds resist wave-induced drag forces in part by being flexible. Flexibility allows fronds to `go with the flow', reconfiguring into streamlined shapes and reducing frond area projected into flow. This paradigm extends even to articulated coralline algae, which produce calcified fronds that are flexible only because they have distinct joints (genicula). The evolution of flexibility through genicula was a major event that allowed articulated coralline algae to grow elaborate erect fronds in wave-exposed habitats. Here we describe the mechanics of genicula in the articulated coralline Calliarthron and demonstrate how segmentation affects bending performance and amplifies bending stresses within genicula. A numerical model successfully predicted deflections of articulated fronds by assuming genicula to be assemblages of cables connecting adjacent calcified segments (intergenicula). By varying the dimensions of genicula in the model, we predicted the optimal genicular morphology that maximizes flexibility while minimizing stress amplification. Morphological dimensions of genicula most prone to bending stresses (i.e. genicula near the base of fronds) match model predictions.
A Model Study of the Influence of Stress on the Thermal Conductivity of Dry Sand
Authors: Wetzel RA , Rolle KC 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
An equivalent resistor model was investigated to determine its suitability for describing the thermal conductivity of dry granular soils. The suitability of the model for incorporating the influence of stress on thermal conductivity was also examined. The parameters necessary to specify the model were determined experimentally by fitting the model to measured values of thermal conductivity from two different granular soils. Measurements were made with a thermal probe located in the center of cylindrical specimens of dry sand which were subjected to isotropic compressive stresses in a modified triaxial cell. It was found that the model provides a convenient and accurate method to determine the thermal conductivity of dry granular soils.
The Use of a Centrifuge in Geotechnical Engineering Education
Authors: Craig WH 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Geotechnical centrifuges have been seen to date principally as research machines. A role is now suggested in which centrifuges of modest size and cost can contribute usefully to the education and training of geotechnical engineers in college laboratories. One such machine, which has been used in teaching for 15 years, is described, and examples of the results of a series of simple demonstrations are shown.
Crevice Corrosion of Grade-12 Titanium
Authors: He X. , Noël J. J. , Shoesmith D. W. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
The crevice corrosion of ASTM grade-12 titanium (Ti-12; 0.8 wt  % Ni, 0.3 wt  % Mo) has been studied in neutral 0.27 mol/L NaCl at temperatures up to 120°C using a galvanic coupling technique. The results were compared to those of similar experiments conducted on ASTM grade-2 titanium (Ti-2) specimens containing various amounts of iron impurity. The microstructural properties of the Ti-12 were determined by standard metallographic techniques and transmission electron microscopy. Penetration depth profiles were determined using metallographic and image analysis techniques. The redistribution of alloying elements (Ni, Mo) and impurities (Fe), and the location of absorbed hydrogen, were determined by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) imaging. The rate and extent of crevice propagation were significantly suppressed on Ti-12 compared to Ti-2, especially at higher temperature (120°C). Up to 97 % of the total amount of crevice propagation was driven by proton reduction inside the creviced area rather than by oxygen reduction outside the crevice. SIMS imaging shows that Ni accumulates on the corroding surface, probably in the form of residual Ti2Ni particles. Proton reduction is catalyzed on these particles, leading to their hydriding and an increase in the relative area of internal cathodes compared to available anodic surface area. This self-induced “cathodic modification” effect leads to repassivation of the corroded site before extensive damage can be sustained.
The Use of the Foam Index Test to Predict AEA Dosage in Concrete Containing Fly Ash: Part I—Evaluation of the State of Practice
Authors: Harris Nathan J. , Hover Kenneth C. , Folliard Kevin J. , Ley M. Tyler 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Foam index tests can be used to predict the air-entraining admixtures dosages for concrete containing fly ash. No industry-accepted foam index test standard exists and widely different methods have been used in research and industry. Four foam index test variants were compared to determine if variations of the test method alter the results or change the decisions one makes on the basis of the test. This is Part I of a three-part series that compares existing foam index methods, identifies factors to which the tests are most sensitive, and proposes detailed guidelines for a standard test method.
Influence of Microstructure on the Mechanical Properties of Thixomolded® Magnesium Alloys
Authors: D’Errico F. , Rivolta B. , Gerosa R. , Perricone G. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Thixomolding® processes of magnesium have been highlighted in research and applications in the last decade. While in the past its use was mainly driven by consumer goods and electronic applications by Asian manufacturers (such as notebook computer cases, digital camera bodies, chain saw housings, etc.), currently Thixomolding® has been widely extended to other applications. Some examples are in automotive and sports equipment, such as automotive shift cams, bicycle saddles, fishing reels, snowboard bindings, etc. Wider applications of Thixomolding® magnesium alloys mainly depend on various advantages such as a simple and completely automatic manufacturing process, high productivity, and repeatability of the mechanical properties of parts. Moreover, due to low molding temperatures and laminar flow of the semisolid injected material, longer die life and dimensional precision are expected. In addition, complex geometry and net shape forming are possible, thus avoiding any further machining. Finally, residual porosity, which is one of the typical defects of cast parts (due to gas entrapment in turbulent flow), is avoided because of the laminar flow injection molding in tool-die. In this work, the thixomolded AZ91D and AM60B alloys have been investigated. A complete analysis has been conducted on the as-supplied material, by investigating the microstructure, tensile properties and axial fatigue (fatigue ratio R=0.1) performance. To improve mechanical characteristics, the Tx heat treatment has been performed on the thixomolded material and its effect on the microstructure has been analyzed and documented as a partial dissolution of brittle β-Mg17Al12 phase. The effect of heat treatment on mechanical properties of the material has been investigated and documented including the evaluation of a toughness index.