bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of a New Rheometer for Concrete
Authors: Laskar Aminul Islam , Talukdar Sudip 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A new concrete rheometer has been presented including its concept, actual design, working principle, calibration, and repeatability. Resistance offered by vertical wall of cylindrical container to concrete has been taken into consideration to represent actual flow condition of concrete during shearing. An expression for total shear stress has been derived whereby shear stress versus torque and overall shear strain rate versus rotational frequency relationships have been established for the given geometry of the rheometer. A magneto-rheological fluid has been tested with the present rheometer and the results have been compared with the test results obtained by HAAKE RS1 rheometer to validate the present analytical approach. Repeatability tests were conducted with different concrete mixes and results were found to be reasonable.
Some Investigations for Establishing Suitability of Watson’s Strength-Porosity Model for Concrete
Authors: Das B. B. , Singh D. N. , Pandey S. P. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Micro-structural characteristics of concrete were determined with the help of a helium gas pycnometer and a mercury intrusion porosimeter. Details of the methodology adopted for these studies are presented in this technical note. Results in the form of ratio of solids to the pore volume were plotted with respect to the compressive strength of concrete and suitability of Watson’s strength-porosity model for concrete was evaluated. In addition to this, based on the study attempts have been made to recommend the value of parameters for concrete that appear in Watson’s strength-porosity model, which otherwise is applicable to hydrated portland cement pastes only.
Interactions between Cage-Cultured Hybrid Tilapia and a Marine Monogenean, Neobenedenia melleni, in Jamaica
Authors: Robinson Ralph D , O'Connor Nicola P G , Steele R Dunbar 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Interactions between caged hybrid tilapia Oreochromis aureus × O. mossambicus and Neobenedenia melleni, a marine monogenean, were examined in coastal waters off Jamaica. Tilapia fingerlings were maintained in mesh cages (30 fish per 0.75 m3) from September 2004 to August 2005. Infection prevalence and mean intensity were recorded every 4–5 weeks after freshwater dipping of infected fish and physical dislodgement of the parasites. Surviving fish were returned to a seawater cage, allowing reinfection with N. melleni. The prevalence of infection initially peaked (89.3%; n = 28) at 12 weeks' exposure and fell to 14.3% (n = 7) in week 20; by week 29, all 5 of the fish that had survived were infected. The mean intensity of infection followed a similar profile, peaking at 12 weeks' exposure, dipping in week 20, and rising thereafter (Pearson r = 0.841; P = 0.002). Differential blood cell counts showed no significant differences between infected and uninfected fish, nor was there evidence of a humoral response in a radial diffusion assay. However, mucus from caged fish that had been exposed for 9–15 weeks killed approximately 100% of the N. melleni in 3 h. Maricultured red tilapia are highly susceptible to infection with N. melleni and appear to develop temporary, largely innate resistance to the parasite.
Efficacy of Chloramine-T to Control Mortality in Freshwater-Reared Salmonids Diagnosed with Bacterial Gill Disease
Authors: Bowker James D , Carty Daniel G , Telles Larry , David Bob , Oviedo David 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Bacterial gill disease (BGD), caused by Flavobacterium branchiophilum and other species of yellow-pigmented, filamentous bacteria, is a common and potentially catastrophic disease of hatchery (freshwater)-reared fish. Chloramine-T (Chl-T) is a biocide proven effective for controlling mortality in freshwater-reared fish diagnosed with BGD. However, Chl-T is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for such use. To generate data in support of a U.S. approval, we evaluated the effectiveness of Chl-T (administered at 12 mg/L of static bath water for 60 min/d on three alternate days) to control mortality caused by BGD in freshwater-reared chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta, Apache trout O. gilae apache, and rainbow trout O. mykiss. For each species, the mean percent total mortality in Chl-T-treated tanks (N = 3) was significantly less than that in control tanks (N = 3): Chum salmon = 8.9% versus 99.7%, Apache trout = 39.2% versus 97.9%, and rainbow trout = 5.7% versus 25.8%. Because the Chl-T treatment regimen was efficacious for each species, we conclude that our findings support the approval of Chl-T for use in the USA to control mortality in freshwater-reared salmonids diagnosed with BGD.
Immuno-PET: A Navigator in Monoclonal Antibody Development and Applications
Authors: van Dongen Guus A.M.S. , Visser Gerard W.M. , Lub-de Hooge Marjolijn N. , de Vries Elisabeth G. , Perk Lars R. 
Published: December 2007

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the technical advances that have led to recent rapid developments in monoclonal antibody imaging techniques.List the monoclonal antibodies that are currently available for cancer imaging and cancer therapy.Identify potential roles for immuno-PET in cancer staging and treatment selection.
Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com
Elderly Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy Benefit from First-Cycle Pegfilgrastim
Authors: Balducci Lodovico , Al-Halawani Hafez , Charu Veena , Tam Jennifer , Shahin Seta , Dreiling Lyndah , Ershler William B. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background.
There is a misconception that elderly cancer patients cannot tolerate standard doses of chemotherapy because of the frequency and severity of myelosuppressive complications. The reactive use of colony-stimulating factors (i.e., in response to severe neutropenia) commonly observed in this setting contributes to the frequency and severity of these complications. This study evaluated the incidence of febrile neutropenia and related events in elderly cancer patients receiving pegfilgrastim beginning with cycle 1 (proactive) in comparison with pegfilgrastim initiated after cycle 1 at the physician's discretion (reactive).

Methods.
Patients (≥65 years of age) with either solid tumors or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were randomly assigned to receive pegfilgrastim either proactively or reactively. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients experiencing febrile neutropenia.

Results.
There were 852 patients enrolled (median age, 72 years). Proactive pegfilgrastim use resulted in a significantly lower incidence of febrile neutropenia for both solid tumor and NHL patients compared with reactive use. Proactive pegfilgrastim use also led to fewer hospitalizations resulting from neutropenia and febrile neutropenia by approximately 50%. Antibiotic use was lower for solid tumor patients receiving proactive pegfilgrastim and equivalent in the two NHL groups.

Conclusions.
This is the largest, randomized, prospective trial evaluating growth factor support in typical elderly cancer patients. Proactive pegfilgrastim use effectively produced a lower incidence of febrile neutropenia and related events in elderly patients with either solid tumors or NHL receiving an array of mild to moderately neutropenic chemotherapy regimens. Pegfilgrastim should be used proactively in elderly cancer patients to support the optimal delivery of standard chemotherapy.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Role of the North American GI Steering Committee Hepatobiliary Task Force and the Advent of Effective Drug Therapy
Authors: O'Neil Bert H. , Venook Alan P. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a disease that requires multidisciplinary management. There has been no widely accepted standard for systemic therapy for this disease until recently. This article briefly discusses the management of earlier stage HCC, then focuses on newer agents with promise, particularly sorafenib, a drug that appears to be the new standard of care for advanced disease.
Fertility Preservation: Successful Transplantation of Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissue in a Young Patient Previously Treated for Hodgkin's Disease
Authors: Demeestere Isabelle , Simon Philippe , Emiliani Serena , Delbaere Anne , Englert Yvon 
Published: December 2007

Learning ObjectivesAfter completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss recent advances in the use of cryopreserved ovarian tissue to restore fertility.Explain the main aspects of the procedure for transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue.Discuss the options to preserve fertility of young patients with a high risk for premature ovarian failure after cancer therapy.Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com
Ediacaran biota on Bonavista Peninsula, Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Hofmann H. J. , O'Brien S. J. , King A. F. 
Published: December 2007

Newly found fossils in the Conception and St. John's groups of the Bonavista Peninsula considerably extend the known geographic distribution of the Ediacaran fossils in Newfoundland. They occur in deepwater sediments and are preserved as epireliefs, forming census populations underneath volcanic ash layers throughout a more than 1 km thick turbiditic sequence. the exposed fossiliferous units comprise the Mistaken Point, Trepassey, Fermeuse, and Renews Head formations. the remains are tectonically deformed, with long axes of elliptical discs aligned parallel to cleavage strike; shortening of originally circular bedding surface features is on the order of 30-50% (averaging ~35%).The assemblage includesAspidella, Blackbrookia, Bradgatia, Charnia, Charniodiscus, Fractofusus, Hiemalora, andIvesheadia.These occur throughout the succession, withAspidellabeing the most common genus, followed byCharniaandCharniodiscus.Four new taxa are described, with candelabra-like fossils with aHiemalora-like base referred toPrimocandelabrum hiemaloranumn. gen. and sp., bush-like fossils toParviscopa bonavistensisn. gen. and sp., ladder-like fossils toHadryniscala avalonican. gen. and sp., and string-like fossils with basal disc toHadrynichorde catalinensisn. gen. and sp. the remains also include dubiofossils. The stratigraphic ranges of some taxa on the Bonavista Peninsula are longer than previously reported from the Avalon Peninsula, withFractofususspindles present in the Trepassey Formation,Bradgatia, Charnia, Charniodiscus, andIvesheadiareaching as high as the Fermeuse Formation, andAspidellaextending into the middle of the Renews Head Formation. the spindles in the Trepassey Formation are comparable to those found mainly in the stratigraphically older Briscal Formation on the Avalon Peninsula.
A Polymorphism in the Zinc Transporter GeneSLC30A8Confers Resistance Against Posttransplantation Diabetes Mellitus in Renal Allograft Recipients
Authors: Kang Eun Seok , Kim Myoung Soo , Kim Yu Seun , Kim Chul Hoon , Han Seung Jin , Chun Sung Wan , Hur Kyu Yeon , Nam Chung Mo , Ahn Chul Woo , Cha Bong Soo , Kim Soon Il , Lee Hyun Chul 
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE—Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a major metabolic complication in renal transplant recipients, and insulin secretory defects play an important role in the pathogenesis of PTDM. The R325W (rs13266634) nonsynonymous polymorphism in the islet-specific zinc transporter protein gene, SLC30A8, has been reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes and possibly with a defect in insulin secretion. This study investigated the association between genetic variations in the SLC30A8 gene and PTDM in renal allograft recipients.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 624 unrelated renal allograft recipients without previously diagnosed diabetes were enrolled. Rs13266634 was genotyped in the cohort, which consisted of 174 posttransplantation diabetic patients and 450 non-posttransplantation diabetic subjects. The genotyping of the SLC30A8 polymorphism was performed using real-time PCR.RESULTS—The prevalence of PTDM was 33.8% in patients carrying the R/R genotype, 26.8% in patients with the R/W genotype, and 19.8% in patients with the W/W genotype. There was a strong association between the number of W-alleles and PTDM risk reduction (P for trend = 0.007). Patients with at least one T-allele showed a decreased risk of PTDM compared with those with the R/R genotype (R/W, risk ratio [RR] 0.78, P = 0.126; W/W, RR 0.52, P = 0.007). The effect of the SLC30A8 genotype remained significant after adjustments for age, sex, body weight gain, and type of immunosuppressant (R/W, hazard ratio [HR] 0.77, P = 0.114; W/W, HR 0.58, P = 0.026).CONCLUSIONS—These data provide evidence that the SLC30A8 rs13266634 gene variation is associated with protection from the development of PTDM in renal allograft recipients.
Evidence of Interaction Between PPARG2 and HNF4A Contributing to Variation in Insulin Sensitivity in Mexican Americans
Authors: Black Mary Helen , Fingerlin Tasha E. , Allayee Hooman , Zhang Weiming , Xiang Anny H. , Trigo Enrique , Hartiala Jaana , Lehtinen Allison B. , Haffner Steven M. , Bergman Richard N. , McEachin Richard C. , Kjos Siri L. , Lawrence Jean M. , Buchanan Thomas A. , Watanabe Richard M. 
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE—We hypothesized that interaction between PPARG2 Pro12Ala and variants in the promoter region of HNF4A are associated with type 2 diabetes–related quantitative traits in Mexican-American families of a proband with previous gestational diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The BetaGene project genotyped PPARG2 Pro12Ala and nine HNF4A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 473 individuals in 89 families. Members of the proband generation had fasting glucose &lt;126 mg/dl and were phenotyped by oral and intravenous glucose tolerance tests.
RESULTS—Neither PPARG2 Pro12Ala nor any of the nine HNF4A SNPs were independently associated with type 2 diabetes–related quantitative traits. However, the interaction between PPARG2 Pro12Ala and HNF4A rs2144908 was significantly associated with both insulin sensitivity (SI) (Bonferroni P = 0.0006) and 2-h insulin (Bonferroni P = 0.039). Subjects with at least one PPARG2 Ala allele and homozygous for the HNF4A rs2144908 A allele had 40% higher SI compared with individuals with at least one G allele. SI did not vary by rs2144908 genotype among PPARG2 Pro/Pro. The interaction result for SI was replicated by the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Family Study (P = 0.018) in their San Antonio sample (n = 484) where subjects with at least one PPARG2 Ala allele and homozygous for the HNF4A rs2144908 A allele had a 29% higher SI compared with individuals with at least one G allele. However, the interaction was not replicated in their San Luis Valley sample (n = 496; P = 0.401).
CONCLUSIONS—Together, these results suggest that variation in PPARG2 and HNF4A may interact to regulate insulin sensitivity in Mexican Americans at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Identification and Replication of a Novel Obesity Locus on Chromosome 1q24 in Isolated Populations of Cilento
Authors: Ciullo Marina , Nutile Teresa , Dalmasso Cyril , Sorice Rossella , Bellenguez Céline , Colonna Vincenza , Persico Maria Graziella , Bourgain Catherine 
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE—Obesity is a complex trait with a variety of genetic susceptibility variants. Several loci linked to obesity and/or obesity-related traits have been identified, and relatively few regions have been replicated. Studying isolated populations can be a useful approach to identify rare variants that will not be detected with whole-genome association studies in large populations.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Random individuals were sampled from Campora, an isolated village of the Cilento area in South Italy, phenotyped for BMI, and genotyped using a dense microsatellite marker map. An efficient pedigree-breaking strategy was applied to perform genome-wide linkage analyses of both BMI and obesity. Significance was assessed with ad hoc simulations for the two traits and with an original local false discovery rate approach to quantitative trait linkage analysis for BMI. A genealogy-corrected association test was performed for a single nucleotide polymorphism located in one of the linkage regions. A replication study was conducted in the neighboring village of Gioi.
RESULTS—A new locus on chr1q24 significantly linked to BMI was identified in Campora. Linkage at the same locus is suggested with obesity. Three additional loci linked to BMI were also detected, including the locus including the INSIG2 gene region. No evidence of association between the rs7566605 variant and BMI or obesity was found. In Gioi, the linkage on chr1q24 was replicated with both BMI and obesity.
CONCLUSIONS—Overall, our results confirm that successful linkage studies can be accomplished in these populations both to replicate known linkages and to identify novel quantitative trait linkages.
Association ofCDKAL1, IGF2BP2, CDKN2A/B, HHEX,SLC30A8,andKCNJ11With Susceptibility to Type 2 Diabetes in a Japanese Population
Authors: Omori Shintaro , Tanaka Yasushi , Takahashi Atsushi , Hirose Hiroshi , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Kaku Kohei , Kawamori Ryuzo , Nakamura Yusuke , Maeda Shiro 
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE—Recently, several genes have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes by genome-wide association studies in white populations. To further investigate the involvement of these polymorphisms in conferring susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, we examined the association of 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 11 candidate loci with type 2 diabetes in a Japanese population.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We analyzed 14 SNPs (rs4402960 in IGF2BP2, rs10811661 in CDKN2A/B, rs1111875 and rs7923837 in HHEX, rs13266634 in SLC30A8, rs1113132 and rs11037909 in EXT2, rs9939609 and rs8050136 in FTO, rs7756992 in CDKAL1, rs1801282 in PPARG Pro12Ara, rs5219 in KCNJ11 Glu23Lys, rs7480010 in LOC387761, and rs9300039 in Ch11) in 1,630 Japanese subjects with type 2 diabetes and in 1,064 control subjects by using an invader assay or a TaqMan assay.RESULTS—Among the 11 loci examined, 6 were significantly associated with type 2 diabetes in our population by a logistic regression analysis, similar to previously reported results (rs4402960, P = 0.00009; rs10811661, P = 0.0024; rs5219, P = 0.0034; rs1111875, P = 0.0064; rs13266634, P = 0.0073; rs7756992, P = 0.0363). In this population, the remaining five loci were not significantly associated with type 2 diabetes. In addition, we identified significant association of the SNPs in FTO gene with BMI in the control subjects.CONCLUSIONS—We have identified 6 of the 11 loci that were identified by genome-wide association studies in white populations, and these loci are considered strong candidates for type 2 diabetes susceptibility across different ethnicities.
Obestatin Promotes Survival of Pancreatic β-Cells and Human Islets and Induces Expression of Genes Involved in the Regulation of β-Cell Mass and Function
Authors: Granata Riccarda , Settanni Fabio , Gallo Davide , Trovato Letizia , Biancone Luigi , Cantaluppi Vincenzo , Nano Rita , Annunziata Marta , Campiglia Pietro , Arnoletti Elisa , Ghè Corrado , Volante Marco , Papotti Mauro , Muccioli Giampiero , Ghigo Ezio 
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE—Obestatin is a newly discovered peptide encoded by the ghrelin gene whose biological functions are poorly understood. We investigated obestatin effect on survival of β-cells and human pancreatic islets and the underlying signaling pathways.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—β-Cells and human islets were used to assess obestatin effect on cell proliferation, survival, apoptosis, intracellular signaling, and gene expression.
RESULTS—Obestatin showed specific binding on HIT-T15 and INS-1E β-cells, bound to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), and recognized ghrelin binding sites. Obestatin exerted proliferative, survival, and antiapoptotic effects under serum-deprived conditions and interferon-γ/tumor necrosis factor-α/interleukin-1β treatment, particularly at pharmacological concentrations. Ghrelin receptor antagonist [D-Lys3]-growth hormone releasing peptide-6 and anti-ghrelin antibody prevented obestatin-induced survival in β-cells and human islets. β-Cells and islet cells released obestatin, and addition of anti-obestatin antibody reduced their viability. Obestatin increased β-cell cAMP and activated extracellular signal–related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase)/Akt; its antiapoptotic effect was blocked by inhibition of adenylyl cyclase/cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA), PI 3-kinase/Akt, and ERK1/2 signaling. Moreover, obestatin upregulated GLP-1R mRNA and insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) expression and phosphorylation. The GLP-1R antagonist exendin-(9-39) reduced obestatin effect on β-cell survival. In human islets, obestatin, whose immunoreactivity colocalized with that of ghrelin, promoted cell survival and blocked cytokine-induced apoptosis through cAMP increase and involvement of adenylyl cyclase/cAMP/PKA signaling. Moreover, obestatin 1) induced PI 3-kinase/Akt, ERK1/2, and also cAMP response element–binding protein phosphorylation; 2) stimulated insulin secretion and gene expression; and 3) upregulated GLP-1R, IRS-2, pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1, and glucokinase mRNA.
CONCLUSIONS—These results indicate that obestatin promotes β-cell and human islet cell survival and stimulates the expression of main regulatory β-cell genes, identifying a new role for this peptide within the endocrine pancreas.
PPARGC1A Variation Associated With DNA Damage, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Lai Chao-Qiang , Tucker Katherine L. , Parnell Laurence D. , Adiconis Xian , García-Bailo Bibiana , Griffith John , Meydani Mohsen , Ordovás José M. 
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE—Individuals with type 2 diabetes exhibit higher DNA damage and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, mechanisms underlying the association between DNA damage and development of type 2 diabetes and CVD are not understood. We sought to link peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 α (PPARGC1A), a master transcriptional regulator of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and cellular energy metabolism, with DNA damage, type 2 diabetes, and CVD.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We measured DNA damage as urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentration and examined the relationship between nine PPARGC1A genetic variants, DNA damage, type 2 diabetes, and self-reported CVD in 959 participants of the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study.
RESULTS—With respect to urinary 8-OHdG, PPARGC1A variants showed significant association, and PPARGC1A haplotypes exhibited significant association after correction for multiple testing. Two independent PPARGC1A variants associated significantly with type 2 diabetes (odds ratios [ORs] 1.35 and 2.46; P = 0.045 and &lt;0.001). Carriers of minor alleles of two other PPARGC1A variants, both in strong linkage disequilibrium and associated with lower DNA damage, showed lower prevalence of CVD (ORs 0.53 and 0.65; P = 0.030 and 0.175). Moreover, we found that physical activity correlated negatively with DNA damage.
CONCLUSIONS—It is plausible that low physical activity combined with risk haplotyes contribute to the high prevalence of type 2 diabetes in this population. We propose that PPARGC1A influences development of type 2 diabetes and CVD via DNA damage. Increasing physical activity, which induces PPARGC1A expression, is a potential strategy to slow DNA damage, thereby decreasing the risk of CVD for individuals with type 2 diabetes.