bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated obesity care management system -implementation and research protocol
Authors: Baillargeon Jean-Patrice , Carpentier André , Donovan Denise , Fortin Martin , Grant Andrew , Simoneau-Roy Judith , St-Cyr-Tribble Denise , Xhignesse Mariane , Langlois Marie-France 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
Nearly 50% of Canadians are overweight and their number is increasing rapidly. The majority of obese subjects are treated by primary care physicians (PCPs) who often feel uncomfortable with the management of obesity. The current research proposal is aimed at the development and implementation of an innovative, integrated, interdisciplinary obesity care management system involving both primary and secondary care professionals.

Methods
We will use both action and evaluative research in order to achieve the following specific objectives. The first one is to develop and implement a preceptorship-based continuing medical education (CME) program complemented by a web site for physicians and nurses working in Family Medicine Groups (FMGs). This CME will be based on needs assessment and will be validated by one FMG using questionnaires and semi structured interviews. Also, references and teaching tools will be available for participants on the web site. Our second objective is to establish a collaborative intra and inter-regional interdisciplinary network to enable on-going expertise update and networking for FMG teams. This tool consists of a discussion forum and monthly virtual meetings of all participants. Our third objective is to evaluate the implementation of our program for its ability to train 8 FMGs per year, the access and utilization of electronic tools and the participants' satisfaction. This will be measured with questionnaires, web logging tools and group interviews. Our fourth objective is to determine the impact for the participants regarding knowledge and expertise, attitudes and perceptions, self-efficacy for the management of obesity, and changes in FMG organization for obesity management. Questionnaires and interviews will be used for this purpose. Our fifth objective is to deliver transferable knowledge for health professionals and decision-makers. Strategies and pitfalls of setting up this program will also be identified.

Conclusion
This project is relevant to health system's decision-makers who are confronted with an important increase in the prevalence of obesity. It is therefore critical to develop strategies allowing the management of obesity in the 1st line setting. Results of this research project could therefore influence health care organization in the field of obesity but also eventually for other chronic diseases.
Inhibition of Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase impairs Epstein Barr Virus lytic cycle progression
Authors: Mattiussi Stefania , Tempera Italo , Matusali Giulia , Mearini Giulia , Lenti Luisa , Fratarcangeli Silvia , Mosca Luciana , D'Erme Maria , Mattia Elena 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
Poly(ADP-ribosylation) is a post-translational modification of nuclear proteins involved in several cellular events as well as in processes that characterize the infective cycle of some viruses. In the present study, we investigated the role of poly(ADP-ribosylation) on Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) lytic cycle activation.

Results
Inhibition of PARP-1 by 3-aminobenzamide (3-ABA) during EBV induction, diminished cell damage and apoptosis in the non-productive Raji cell line while markedly reducing the release of viral particles in the productive Jijoye cells. Furthermore, incubation with 3-ABA up-regulated the levels of LMP1 and EBNA2 latent viral proteins. At the same time, it slightly affected the expression of the immediate early BZLF1 gene, but largely down-regulated the levels of the early BFRF1 protein. The modulation of the expression of both latent and lytic EBV genes appeared to be post-transcriptionally regulated.

Conclusion
Taken together the data indicate that PARP-1 plays a role in the progression of EBV lytic cycle and therefore, PARP inhibitors might represent suitable pharmacological adjuncts to control viral spread in EBV productive infection.
Harnessing naturally randomized transcription to infer regulatory relationships among genes
Authors: Chen Lin S , Emmert-Streib Frank , Storey John D 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe develop an approach utilizing randomized genotypes to rigorously infer causal regulatory relationships among genes at the transcriptional level, based on experiments in which genotyping and expression profiling are performed. This approach can be used to build transcriptional regulatory networks and to identify putative regulators of genes. We apply the method to an experiment in yeast, in which genes known to be in the same processes and functions are recovered in the resulting transcriptional regulatory network.
Identification and monitoring of effector and regulatory T cells during experimental arthritis based on differential expression of CD25 and CD134
Authors: Nolte-’t Hoen Esther N M , Boot Elmieke P J , Wagenaar-Hilbers Josée P A , van Bilsen Jolanda H M , Arkesteijn Ger J A , Storm Gert , Everse Linda A , van Eden Willem , Wauben Marca H M 
Published: October 2007

AbstractMajor problems in the analysis of CD4+ effector cell and regulatory T cell (Treg) populations in an activated immune system are caused by the facts that both cell types can express CD25 and that the discriminatory marker forkhead box p3 can only be analyzed in nonviable (permeabilized) cells. Here, we show that CD134 (OX40) can be used as a discriminatory marker combined with CD25 to isolate and characterize viable CD4+ effector cells and Tregs. Before and during adjuvant arthritis in rats, coexpression of CD134 and CD25 identified activated Tregs consistently, as these T cells proliferated poorly to disease-associated antigens and were suppressive in vitro and in vivo. Depending on the time of isolation and location, CD4+ T cell populations expressing CD134 or CD25 contained effector/memory T cells. Analysis of the function, phenotype, and amount of the CD4+ T cell subsets in different lymph node stations revealed spatiotemporal differences in effector cell and Treg compartments during experimental arthritis.
Mass Spectrometry: A Tool for Enhanced Detection of Hemoglobin Variants
Authors: Kleinert Peter , Schmid Marlis , Zurbriggen Karin , Speer Oliver , Schmugge Markus , Roschitzki Bernd , Durka Silke S , Leopold Urs , Kuster Thomas , Heizmann Claus W , Frischknecht Hannes , Troxler Heinz 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Background: More than 900 hemoglobin (Hb) variants are currently known. Common techniques used in Hb analysis are electrophoretic and chromatographic assays. In our laboratory, we routinely apply chromatographic methods. To ascertain whether Hb variants are missed with our procedures, we additionally analyzed all samples with mass spectrometry (MS).
Methods: Database evaluation was performed using all entries made in the Hb variant database HbVar, and possible Hb variants were calculated based on DNA variations. During a 5-year period, we analyzed 2105 lysates with cation-exchange HPLC (PolyCAT A column) and reversed-phase HPLC and additionally with electrospray ionization or MALDI-TOF MS. Globin chains were identified by their molecular masses.
Results: Database evaluation revealed that 43.2% of all possible Hbα- and β-chain variants were found to date (considering only single-point mutations). Currently, 68.2% of the possible charge difference variants and only 28.7% of the neutral variants are found. Among 2105 Hb samples we identified 4 samples with Hb variants that were detected only with the MS method; 2 were new Hb variants (Hb Zurich-Hottingen and Hb Zurich-Langstrasse). With cation-exchange HPLC, 1 sample was found to be a β-thalassemia and was identified by MS to be a β-variant (Hb Malay). More common variants, such as Hb C, Hb D, and Hb E, and thalassemias could not be detected with the MS method.
Conclusions: Application of MS improves the sensitivity of Hb analysis. The combination of MS with electrophoretic and chromatographic methods is optimal for the detection of Hb variants.
The behaviour of architectural forms
Authors: Murrani Sana 
Published: October 2007

Technological advancement and a new understanding of complex life processes have contributed to the development of radical decentralized thinking in architecture. Architecture is no longer regarded as a straightforward matter of design, construction and use; instead it is now seen as
an inter-disciplinary field which provokes issues of life, survival and complexity.
This article questions the behaviour of architectural forms. It proposes the creation of an active model of the fusion of biologically inspired systems and dynamic perception, which allows this behaviour
to be generated and analyzed. It then evolves this notion, considering multi-layers of complexity derived from natural phenomena and observation.
The narrative of this work is derived from the notion of conceptualizing architectural form based on a cybernetic model, arguing that architecture
needs to consider a collective dynamic space in between, the form, its environment, the user, the observer and the theorist. It approaches issues of living processes, survival and emergence, and conveys the concept of behavioural architectural form through a pre-programmed model that encapsulates
the ideas of complex systems and perception.
Eco-media: art informed by developments in ecology, media technology and environmental science
Authors: Polli Andrea 
Published: October 2007

In the twenty-first century, there has been a resurgence of ecologically conscious art among artists using new technologies. Like Eco-art, this recent movement, which might be called Eco-media, is interdisciplinary. Eco-media is heavily influenced by developments in environmental science,
in particular developments in remote imaging and other kinds of remote Earth sensing (for example, the widespread use of satellite imaging and GPS) and developments in computer modelling (for example, detailed global models of climate that not only model the physics of the Earth and solar
system, but also explore the chemistry and biology of the Earth).
This article will discuss developments in media art related to the computerized interpretation of complex data sets describing and modelling the natural world. It will explore work that has historically straddled artistic
and scientific development, specifically Marey's work in the nineteenth century in photography and motion pictures and give examples of artists who are working in the area in-between art and science today. It will also discuss connections between this work and the historical Romantic sublime
and the political dimension of this work as advocating for the preservation of the natural world, and give examples of some of the author's artworks in this area.
Fluorescence Imaging as a Non-Invasive Technology to Monitor the Performance of Glyphosate Adjuvants and Formulations
Authors: de Ruiter H. , Mack B. , van der Schoor R. , Jalink H. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Fluorescence can be used to measure and visualize the activity of herbicides that inhibit the photosynthesis. Glyphosate, although not acting primarily on the photosystems, appears to increase fluorescence of plants. We investigated whether fluorescence technology is a useful tool to both quantify and image of the performance of different adjuvants for glyphosate. A red laser beam providing equipment is used to scan black nightshade plants at a low and high light intensity. A cooled, integrating 16 bit CCD camera is used to record the fluorescence during the low level (Fo) and high level scan (Fm). The relative increase of fluorescence expressed as [(Fm—Fo)/Fm] 100 % is calculated and color images are produced. Glyphosate was applied at two suboptimal application rates of 16.9 and 33.8 g ae/ha at 200 L/ha. Both the influence of glyphosate rate and the influence of added adjuvants were obvious. The fluorescence data 30 h after treatment demonstrated that the adjuvants HM9121-A and HM9110 performed better than AMS, HM9541-A, HM9910, or HM2005-B. This observation was consistent over the next three observations (54, 78, and 102 h). The fluorescence data after 72 h correlated (R2=0.82; logarithmic regression) with the fresh weight reduction caused by the glyphosate treatments. The adjuvants HM 9121-A and HM9110 performed the best and the adjuvant HM9541-A had little effect on glyphosate performance. Both imaging and fresh weight data indicate that HM 9121-A performs somewhat better than HM9110.
Effect of Length-to-Diameter Ratio of Core Sample on Concrete Core Strength—Another Look
Authors: Arioz Omer , Ramyar Kambiz , Tuncan Mustafa , Tuncan Ahmet 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Cores with diameters of 144, 94, 69, and 46 mm and length-to-diameter (l/d) ratios of 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, and 2, were removed from beam specimens produced from eight different concrete mixtures. Compressive strength tests were conducted on a total of 1876 core specimens. Strength correction factors were determined for converting the strength of the cores with l/d ratios ranging from 1.75 to 0.75 to the strength of an equivalent standard specimen with a l/d ratio of 2. The effects of type and maximum size of aggregate and core diameter on these correction factors were examined. As it was expected, the correction factors gradually decreased with the decrease in l/d. The effect was found to be more pronounced for cores with a smaller diameter. The results also revealed that the effects of type and maximum size of the aggregate on correction factors were not significant. The proposed strength correction factors differ only slightly from those currently recommended in ASTM C 42/C 42M-04 [1] and they are very close to those proposed by Bartlett and MacGregor cited by Arioglu et al. [2–4].
Field Evaluation of Tire-Road Noise Using a New Close Proximity Method
Authors: Seung Cho Dae , Seo Youngguk , Muk Choi Tae 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
A new close proximity (NCPX) method has been proposed and applied for the tire-road noise characterization of highway traffic. The implementation of NCPX is based on a set of surface microphones that is attached to a vehicle to directly measure the tire noise. To consider a combined effect of vehicle and road factors, a comprehensive field test has been performed with seven vehicle types at nine pavement sections of the test road. Testing parameters also include a vehicle speed ranging from 50 to 120 km/h, and two driving modes are applied at each speed: coasting and steady. It is found that asphalt pavements are quieter than all concrete pavements irrespective of testing conditions. Among concrete pavements, an 18-mm longitudinally-tined surface exhibits the quietest noise level, while a random transversely-tined surface is ineffective in minimizing the tire noise. Finally, the effect of a heavy axle load on the tire/noise generation is discussed.
Functional Waning of Naturally Occurring CD4+ Regulatory T-Cells Contributes to the Onset of Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: Tritt Michael , Sgouroudis Evridiki , d'Hennezel Eva , Albanese Alexandre , Piccirillo Ciriaco A. 
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE—In this study, we asked whether a possible quantitative or qualitative deficiency in naturally occurring Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory T-cells (nTreg), which display potent inhibitory effects on T-cell functions in vitro and in vivo, may predispose to the development of type 1 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We assessed the frequency and function of Foxp3+ nTreg cells in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues in the NOD animal model of type 1 diabetes.RESULTS—We show that the cellular frequency of Foxp3+ nTreg cells in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues is stable and does not decline relative to type 1 diabetes–resistant mice. We show that thymic and peripheral CD4+CD25+ T-cells are fully functional in vivo. We also examined the functional impact of CD4+Foxp3+ nTreg cells on the development of autoimmune diabetes, and we demonstrate that nTreg cells do not affect the initial priming or expansion of antigen-specific diabetogenic T-cells but impact their differentiation in pancreatic lymph nodes. Moreover, CD4+Foxp3+ nTreg cells also regulate later events of diabetogenesis by preferentially localizing in the pancreatic environment where they suppress the accumulation and function of effector T-cells. Finally, we show that the nTreg cell functional potency and intra-pancreatic proliferative potential declines with age, in turn augmenting diabetogenic responses and disease susceptibility.CONCLUSIONS—This study demonstrates that Foxp3-expressing nTreg cells in NOD mice regulate diabetogenesis, but temporal alterations in nTreg cell function promote immune dysregulation and the onset of spontaneous autoimmunity.
Resistance to Diet-Induced Obesity and Improved Insulin Sensitivity in Mice With a Regulator of G Protein Signaling–Insensitive G184S Gnai2 Allele
Authors: Huang Xinyan , Charbeneau Raelene A. , Fu Ying , Kaur Kuljeet , Gerin Isabelle , MacDougald Ormond A. , Neubig Richard R. 
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE—Guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein)–mediated signaling plays major roles in endocrine/metabolic function. Regulators of G protein signaling (RGSs, or RGS proteins) are responsible for the subsecond turn off of G protein signaling and are inhibitors of signal transduction in vitro, but the physiological function of RGS proteins remains poorly defined in part because of functional redundancy.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We explore the role of RGS proteins and Gαi2 in the physiologic regulation of body weight and glucose homeostasis by studying genomic “knock-in” mice expressing RGS-insensitive Gαi2 with a G184S mutation that blocks RGS protein binding and GTPase acceleration.RESULTS—Homozygous Gαi2G184S knock-in mice show slightly reduced adiposity. On a high-fat diet, male Gαi2G184S mice are resistant to weight gain, have decreased body fat, and are protected from insulin resistance. This appears to be a result of increased energy expenditure. Both male and female Gαi2G184S mice on a high-fat diet also exhibit enhanced insulin sensitivity and increased glucose tolerance despite females having similar weight gain and adiposity compared with wild-type female mice.CONCLUSIONS—RGS proteins and Gαi2 signaling play important roles in the control of insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Identification of the specific RGS proteins involved might permit their consideration as potential therapeutic targets for obesity-related insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
The Role of Nitric Oxide and the Unfolded Protein Response in Cytokine-Induced β-Cell Death
Authors: Chambers Kari T. , Unverferth Julie A. , Weber Sarah M. , Wek Ronald C. , Urano Fumihiko , Corbett John A. 
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE—The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a conserved cellular response designed to alleviate damage and promote survival of cells experiencing stress; however, prolonged UPR activation can result in apoptotic cell death. The UPR, activated by cytokine-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, has been proposed to mediate β-cell death in response to cytokines. In this study, the role of UPR activation in cytokine-induced β-cell death was examined.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The effects of cytokine treatment of rat and human islets and RINm5F cells on UPR activation, NO production, and cell viability were examined using molecular and biochemical methodologies.RESULTS—UPR activation correlates with β-cell death in interleukin (IL)-1–treated rat islets. NO mediates both cytokine-induced UPR activation and β-cell death as NO synthase inhibitors attenuate each of these IL-1–stimulated events. Importantly, cytokines and tunicamycin, a classical UPR activator, induce β-cell death by different mechanisms. Cell death in response to the classical UPR activator is associated with a 2.5-fold increase in caspase-3 activity, while IL-1 fails to stimulate caspase-3 activity. In addition, cell death is enhanced by ∼35% in tunicamycin-treated cells expressing an S51A eIF2α mutant that cannot be phosphorylated or in cells lacking PERK (protein kinase regulated by RNA/endoplasmic reticulum–like kinase). In contrast, neither the absence of PERK nor the expression of the S51A eIF2α mutant affects the levels of cytokine-induced death.CONCLUSIONS—While cytokine-induced β-cell death temporally correlates with UPR activation, the lack of caspase activity and the ability of NO to attenuate caspase activity suggest that prolonged UPR activation does not mediate cytokine-induced β-cell death.
Differential Antidiabetic Efficacy of Incretin Agonists Versus DPP-4 Inhibition in High Fat–Fed Mice
Authors: Lamont Benjamin J. , Drucker Daniel J. 
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE— We examined whether chronic administration of a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist exendin-4 (Ex-4), a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist d-Ala2-GIP (DA-GIP), or a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor (DPP-4i) des-fluoro-sitagliptin produced comparable antidiabetic actions in high fat–fed mice.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— High fat–fed mice were administered twice-daily injections of Ex-4, DA-GIP, vehicle (saline), or vehicle with the addition of des-fluoro-sitagliptin (DPP-4i) in food to produce sustained inhibition of DPP-4 activity.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS— Mice treated with vehicle alone or DA-GIP exhibited progressive weight gain, whereas treatment with Ex-4 or DPP-4i prevented weight gain. Although Ex-4 improved oral glucose tolerance and insulin-to-glucose ratios after an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), DPP-4i had no significant effect after IPGTT but improved glucose excursion and insulin levels after an oral glucose tolerance test. The extent of improvement in glycemic control was more sustained with continuous DPP-4 inhibition, as evidenced by loss of glucose control evident 9 h after peptide administration and a significant reduction in A1C observed with DPP-4i but not with DA-GIP or Ex-4 therapy. DA-GIP, but not Ex-4 or DPP-4i, was associated with impairment in insulin sensitivity and increased levels of plasma leptin and resistin. Although none of the therapies increased β-cell mass, only Ex-4–treated mice exhibited increased pancreatic mRNA transcripts for Irs2, Egfr, and Gck. These findings highlight significant differences between pharmacological administration of incretin receptor agonists and potentiation of endogenous GLP-1 and GIP via DPP-4 inhibition.
Sol–Gel Modified Electrode Films
Authors: Dong Winny , Dunn Bruce 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
The sections in this article are

Introduction

Synthesis of Sol–gel Films

Sol–gel Chemistry

Film Formation

Heat Treatment of Films

Typical Heat Treatments

Further Modification of the Sol–gel Electrodes

Silica

Transition Metal Oxides

Type
I
Composites

Impregnation with Biomolecules

Type
II
Composites

Summary
Dynamin 2 mutations cause sporadic centronuclear myopathy with neonatal onset
Authors: Bitoun Marc , Bevilacqua Jorge A. , Prudhon Bernard , Maugenre Svetlana , Taratuto Ana Lia , Monges Soledad , Lubieniecki Fabiana , Cances Claude , Uro‐Coste Emmanuelle , Mayer Michèle , Fardeau Michel , Romero Norma B. , Guicheney Pascale 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe report four heterozygous dynamin 2 (DNM2) mutations in five centronuclear myopathy patients aged 1 to 15 years. They all presented with neonatal hypotonia with weak suckling. Thereafter, their phenotype progressively improved. All patients demonstrated muscle weakness prominent in the lower limbs, and most of them also presented with facial weakness, open mouth, arched palate, ptosis, and ophthalmoparesis. Electrophysiology showed only myopathic changes, and muscle biopsies showed central nuclei and type 1 fiber hypotrophy and predominance. Our results expand the phenotypic spectrum of dynamin 2–related centronuclear myopathy from the classic mild form to the more severe neonatal phenotype. Ann Neurol 2007