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Eggs provide several nutrients that have been linked to neurological function. Phospholipids, which comprise 30% of lipids in egg yolk, modulate neurotransmitter receptors and have been shown to lower reaction time in healthy adults(1). Eggs are also high in choline (340mg per egg), a building block for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory, learning and attention(2). Finally, eggs contain the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (25mg per egg), which has roles in neurological function including neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and myelination(3). The impact of whole egg consumption on cognition has not been widely explored. This systematic review aimed to consolidate studies that investigated frequency of egg consumption or egg-supplemented diets on cognitive function. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and involved a search of five databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, CINAHL Plus, SCOPUS, and PsychInfo) from inception until April 2023. Included studies examined the link between whole chicken egg consumption and brain function, including cognitive decline, memory, risk-taking, reaction-time, decision-making, and executive function, in healthy adults (aged>16 y). All studies underwent risk of bias assessment. Twelve studies were included in the review. Four were prospective cohort studies, 4 were retrospective, 3 cross-sectional and 1 was a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Participant numbers, with the exception of the RCT, ranged between 178-9028 and were aged between 42-97 years. Duration of prospective studies varied from 2-5 years. Egg intake was measured via food frequency questionnaires (n = 8), 24-hr diet recalls (n = 2), a 4-day food record (n = 1) and a 7-day food record (n = 1). The RCT provided 2 DHA-fortified eggs/day compared to 2 whole eggs/day for 8 weeks. The primary outcome across 9 studies was cognitive decline, followed by memory (n = 7), reaction-time (n = 2), attention (n = 2), and executive function (n = 1). For outcome measures, studies used 9 different validated task-oriented tools (including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment n = 3, and California Verbal Learning Test n = 2), or 4 self-completed questionnaires. Several studies found no significant associations between egg consumption and cognitive decline (n = 4) or memory (n = 2). Conversely, 5 studies reported significant inverse associations between egg consumption and rates of cognitive decline. The RCT found that reaction-times were faster on both whole eggs and DHA-eggs after 8 weeks (p>0.05 between groups). Although conflicting results were found, more studies showed a greater frequency of habitual egg consumption to be associated with reduced cognitive decline. However, the variety of outcome measures across studies make direct comparisons challenging, preventing definitive conclusions about the impact of eggs on cognitive health. This review highlights the need for future RCTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eggs are highly digestible, nutrient-rich and are a valuable source of protein and choline, thereby promoting a range of health benefits. Several studies have found an association between protein intake and gastrointestinal microbial diversity(1), while bacterial fermentation of undigested protein in the large bowel can produce short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, positively influencing host metabolic health, gut integrity and immune function(2). On the other hand, dietary choline stimulates gastrointestinal bacterial production of trimethylamine and the prothrombotic compound trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO)(3). Despite these established links, limited studies have explored the effects of whole egg intake on indices of gastrointestinal health. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesise research that has investigated the impact of egg-supplemented diets or egg consumption on markers of gastrointestinal health including microbiome, function and symptoms. This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Five databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, CINAHL Plus, SCOPUS, and PsychInfo), and reference lists of relevant papers, were searched from inception until April 2023. Studies were included if they examined the link between whole chicken egg consumption and gastrointestinal health in healthy adults (aged>16). Indices of gastrointestinal health were defined as any outcomes related to gastrointestinal factors, including symptoms, microbiome, inflammation, colonic fermentation and TMAO. Reviews and case studies were excluded. All studies underwent risk of bias assessment. Overall, 548 studies were identified and 19 studies were included after screening. Eight of these were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 8 cross-sectional and 3 prospective cohort studies. Participants ranged in number between 20-32,166 and in age between 18–84 years. Study periods varied between 3–14 weeks for RCTs and 6 months–12.5 years for prospective cohort studies. RCTs examined intakes between 1–4 eggs/day, with the majority examining 3 eggs/day (n = 6). The primary outcome across 15 articles was TMAO levels, with most reporting no significant associations (n = 13). Five studies examined inflammation with inconsistent findings ranging from no alterations (in TNF-α, IL-8, CRP), increases (in anti-inflammatory marker LTB5, TNF-α), and decreases (in IL-6, CRP). Lastly, 7 studies explored alterations in microbiome. Two RCTs and 2 cross-sectional trials reported no alterations in microbial diversity in response to eggs. Meanwhile, 2 cross-sectional and 1 prospective study linked specific bacteria to consistent egg intake. Eggs were associated with species that produce butyrate (E.rectale, F.prausnitzii, M.smithii, and R.bromii), and protect against metabolic syndrome (A.muciniphila). This systematic review found that egg consumption did not increase levels of the undesirable biomarker TMAO and were associated with butyrate-producing bacteria. Evidence regarding the effect of egg intake on inflammation was inconsistent. This review revealed the general lack of available research investigating whole eggs and gastrointestinal health. Future carefully designed RCTs are required to improve understanding of how eggs may influence the gastrointestinal microbiome and colonic fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary therapies have revolutionised treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, response rates to the diet with the highest evidence of efficacy (the low FODMAP diet) remain at 50-75%, suggesting other potential drivers of symptom onset. A low food chemical elimination-rechallenge diet targeting bioactive food chemicals (including salicylates, amines, glutamate and other additives), is commonly applied in Australia in patients exhibiting both gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms. One key food chemical, salicylate, has been shown to elicit symptoms in IBS patients with aspirin-sensitivity(1), and 77% of IBS patients have reported amine-rich foods trigger symptoms(2). However, data supporting the full low chemical diet is scant, and safety concerns exist due to its restrictive nature potentially causing nutritional deficiencies and disordered eating. This cross-sectional survey aimed to evaluate the frequency of co-existing extra-intestinal symptoms, as well as explore patient perceptions and use of the low chemical diet in those with IBS and healthy controls. Participants with IBS (IBS-Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) >75), and healthy controls (not meeting Rome IV and IBS-SSS ≤75) were recruited via online advertisement. Validated questionnaires were used to assess gastrointestinal symptoms (IBS-SSS), extraintestinal symptoms (extended PHQ-12), nutrient (Comprehensive Nutritional Assessment Tool) and food additive intake (IBD-Food additive questionnaire). Additional questionnaires assessed use of dietary therapies with specific focus on food chemicals. Data was analysed using independent samples t-test and chi-square test. 204 IBS (Total IBS-SSS, 277 ± 79) and 22 healthy controls (36 ± 28, p <0.01) completed the study. IBS participants were more likely to report extra-intestinal symptoms including headaches (p <0.01), migraines (p = 0.03), fatigue (p <0.01), difficulty sleeping (p = 0.03), rhinitis (p = 0.02), urticaria (p = 0.04) and mood disturbance (p <0.01). IBS participants were more likely to report at least one food chemical as a trigger for gastrointestinal (38% vs 13%, p = 0.03) and/or extra-intestinal (30% vs 9%, p = 0.04) symptoms. In the IBS group, the most common suspected dietary triggers for gastrointestinal symptoms were salicylates (19%) followed by MSG (17%) and artificial colours (14%); while for extra-intestinal symptoms, MSG (15%) was most common, followed by amines (14%), and sulphites (12%). There was no significant difference in consumption of ultra-processed, additive containing foods. Twenty-one (10%) IBS participants were following a low chemical diet, with dietary advice provided by a dietitian (n = 13), general practitioner (n = 6), gastroenterologist (n = 6), naturopath (n = 3), family/friend (n = 4) and/or the diet was self-initiated (n = 7). Fourteen of the 21 (67%) reported following both a low food chemical and low FODMAP diet. Patients with IBS are more likely to report extra-intestinal symptoms compared to healthy controls. Despite limited evidence, a low food chemical diet is utilised to manage both gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms. Of concern, many respondents following a low food chemical diet reported also following a low FODMAP diet, which may have implications for nutritional adequacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of reproducibility of animal experimental results between laboratories, particularly in studies investigating the microbiota, has raised concern among the scientific community. Factors such as environment, stress and sex have been identified as contributors, whereas dietary composition has received less attention. This study firstly evaluated the use of commercially available rodent diets across research institutions, with 28 different diets reported by 45 survey respondents. Secondly, highly variable ingredient, FODMAP (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols) and gluten content was found between different commercially available rodent diets. Finally, 40 mice were randomized to four groups, each receiving a different commercially available rodent diet, and the dietary impact on cecal microbiota, short- and branched-chain fatty acid profiles was evaluated. The gut microbiota composition differed significantly between diets and sexes, with significantly different clusters in β-diversity. Total BCFA were highest (p = 0.01) and SCFA were lowest (p = 0.03) in mice fed a diet lower in FODMAPs and gluten. These results suggest that nutritional composition of commercially available rodent diets impact gut microbiota profiles and fermentation patterns, with major implications for the reproducibility of results across laboratories. However, further studies are required to elucidate the specific dietary factors driving these changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid manufacturing (RM) is an emerging technology that is set to revolutionize how products are manufactured. Past research has centred on processes, materials and costing, neglecting the vital issue of how the implementation of this new technology will affect the skills of workers. This work aims to evaluate how the skills of professionals working in the field of prosthetics are likely to be affected by the introduction of RM. Currently a highly skilled, manual process, this paper explores the hypothesis that the manufacture of prosthetic sockets would change fundamentally with the introduction of RM technology. This was evaluated through the use of the job characteristics model, which assesses the skills change and job satisfaction implications of applying new technology to traditional manufacturing processes. Conclusions showed that RM would have a significant impact on job roles in the prosthetics industry. Analysis found a positive outlook for the prosthetist, with the new technology increasing computer-based skills, and traditional prosthetic skills continuing to be used. The prosthetic technician bears the major impact, deskilled by the loss of many of the craft skills. However, the new role may appeal to the younger generation, and lowered skill requirements may help increase prosthetics services worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents work on the development of a build-time estimator for rapid manufacturing. A time estimator is required to develop a comprehensive costing tool for rapid manufacturing. An empirical method was used to estimate build times using both simulated and actual builds for a laser sintering machine. The estimator presented herein is based upon object geometry and, therefore, the fundamental data driving the model are obtainable from current three-dimensional computer-aided design models. The aim is to define a model describing the build times for a laser sintering machine either for single or multiple objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-Photon Polymerization (MPP) is a technique used to fabricate complex micro-scale 3D structures using ultra-short laser pulses. Typically, MPP is used to manufacture micron-scale components in photopolymer materials. However, the development of micron scale processes that can produce components from multiple materials within a single manufacturing step would be advantageous. This would allow the inclusion of particles that are manipulated and embedded within structures with sub-micron feature sizes. To achieve this, an MPP system was combined with an optical trapping (OT) setup in order to independently manipulate microparticles in the x, y and z planes. Particles were transported into the fabrication site using the OT and encapsulated using the MPP laser. Here it is shown that combining the OT capabilities with an additive manufacturing technique enables the production of complex multi-material artifacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response, in the frequency domain, of half-integral spin I>1 nuclei in anisotropic systems to the quadrupolar echo (QE) pulse sequence (π/2)x-τ-(π/2)y is investigated, with particular emphasis on the effects of quadrupolar relaxation. Using a state multipole formalism, we derive the frequency spectra produced by one- or two-dimensional Fourier transformation. Powder samples as well as uniformly and partially oriented samples are considered. The 2D QE experiment produces, in the F1 dimension (Fourier transformation with respect to τ), spectra which provide information about the static quadrupole coupling even if only the central line in the QE spectrum (obtained by Fourier transformation of the induction signal after the echo) is detected. For partially oriented and (incompletely dephased) powder samples, the F1 spectra allow the motional spectral densities to be determined with little or no effect of the inhomogeneous quadrupole coupling, which severely complicates the analysis of conventional (single-pulse) and QE spectra. For completely dephased powder samples (large splittings), the last of the multiple spin echoes gives rise to a triplet QE spectrum (for any I≥3/2), the satellite decay in which yields a transverse relaxation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The low FODMAP (fermentable, oligo‐, di‐, mono‐saccharides and polyols) diet is an effective strategy to improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. However, combining the low FODMAP diet with another dietary restriction such as vegetarianism/veganism is challenging. Greater knowledge about the FODMAP composition of plant‐based foods and food processing practices common to vegetarian/vegan eating patterns would assist in the implementation of the diet in this patient population. The present study aimed to quantify the FODMAP content of plant‐based foods common in vegetarian/vegan diets and to investigate whether food processing can impact FODMAP levels. Methods: Total FODMAP content was quantified in 35 foods, including fructose‐in‐excess‐of‐glucose, lactose, sorbitol, mannitol, galacto‐oligosaccharide and total fructan, using high‐performance‐liquid‐chromatography and enzymatic assays. The effects of cooking, sprouting, pickling, fermentation, activation and canning on FODMAP content were assessed. The Monash University criteria to classify foods as low FODMAP was used. Results: Of the 35 foods, 20 were classified as low FODMAP, including canned coconut milk (0.24 g serve–1), dulse (0.02 serve–1), nutritional yeast (0.01 serve–1), soy cheese (0.03 serve–1), tempeh (0.26 serve–1), wheat gluten (0.13 serve–1) and wheat grass (0.05 serve–1). No FODMAPs were detected in agar‐agar, egg replacer, vegan egg yolk, kelp noodles and spirulina. Food processing techniques that produced the greatest reduction in FODMAP content included pickling and canning. Conclusions: The present study provides a greater FODMAP composition knowledge of plant‐based foods that can now be applied to the dietetic management of vegetarians/vegans requiring a low FODMAP diet. Food processing lowered the FODMAP content of foods, thereby increasing options for patients following a low FODMAP diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Functional gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) and quiescent inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD) cause significant morbidity and a reduction in quality of life. Multiple dietary therapies are now available to treat these symptoms, but supporting evidence for many is limited. In addition to a further need for studies demonstrating efficacy and mechanism of action of dietary therapies, the risk of nutritional inadequacy, alterations to the microbiome and changes in quality of life are key concerns requiring elucidation. Identifying predictors of response to dietary therapy is an important goal as management could be tailored to the individual to target specific dietary components, and thereby reduce the level of dietary restriction necessary. Purpose This review discusses the available dietary therapies to treat symptoms in patients with IBS and patients with quiescent IBD suffering from IBS symptoms, with the aim to understand where current dietary evidence lies and how to move forward in dietary research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developments in additive manufacturing technology are serving to expand the potential applications. Critical developments are required in the supporting areas of measurement and in process inspection to achieve this. CM247LC is a nickel superalloy that is of interest for use in aerospace and civil power plants. However, it is difficult to process via selective laser melting (SLM) as it suffers fromcracking during rapid cooling and solidification. This limits the viability of CM247LC parts created using SLM. To quantify part integrity, spatially resolved acoustic spectroscopy (SRAS) has been identified as a viable non-destructive evaluation technique. In this study, a combination of opticalmicroscopy and SRAS was used to identify and classify the surface defects present in SLM-produced parts. By analysing the datasets and scan trajectories, it is possible to correlate morphological information with process parameters. Image processing was used to quantify porosity and cracking for bulk density measurement. Analysis of surface acoustic wave data showed that an error in manufacture in the form of an overscan occurred. Comparing areas affected by overscan with a bulk material, a change in defect density from1.17% in the bulk material to 5.32% in the overscan regions was observed, highlighting the need to reduce overscan areas in manufacture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In healthy individuals, the absorption of fructose in excess of glucose in solution is enhanced by the addition of glucose. The present study aimed to assess the effects of glucose addition to fructose or fructans on absorption patterns and genesis of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with functional bowel disorders. Methods Randomised, blinded, cross-over studies were performed in healthy subjects and functional bowel disorder patients with fructose malabsorption. The area-under-the-curve ( AUC) was determined for breath hydrogen and symptom responses to: (i) six sugar solutions (fructose in solution) (glucose; sucrose; fructose; fructose + glucose; fructan; fructan + glucose) and (ii) whole foods (fructose in foods) containing fructose in excess of glucose given with and without additional glucose. Intake of fermentable short chain carbohydrates ( FODMAPs; fermentable, oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols) was controlled. Results For the fructose in solution study, in 26 patients with functional bowel disorders, breath hydrogen was reduced after glucose was added to fructose compared to fructose alone [mean (SD) AUC 92 (107) versus 859 (980) ppm 4 h-1, respectively; P = 0.034). Glucose had no effect on breath hydrogen response to fructans ( P = 1.000). The six healthy controls showed breath hydrogen patterns similar to those with functional bowel disorders. No differences in symptoms were experienced with the addition of glucose, except more nausea when glucose was added to fructose ( P = 0.049). In the fructose in foods study, glucose addition to whole foods containing fructose in excess of glucose in nine patients with functional bowel disorders and nine healthy controls had no significant effect on breath hydrogen production or symptom response. Conclusions The absence of a favourable response on symptoms does not support the concomitant intake of glucose with foods high in either fructose or fructans in patients with functional bowel disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels have been shown to be protective against cardiovascular disease. However, the association of specific lipoprotein classes and ischemic stroke has not been well defined, particularly in higher-risk minority populations.Objective: To evaluate the association between HDL-C and ischemic stroke in an elderly, racially or ethnically diverse population.Design: Population-based, incident case-control study conducted July 1993 through June 1997.Setting: A multiethnic community in northern Manhattan, New York, NY.Participants: Cases (n = 539) of first ischemic stroke (67% aged >/=65 years; 55% women; 53% Hispanic, 28% black, and 19% white) were enrolled and matched by age, sex, and race or ethnicity to stroke-free community residents (controls; n = 905).Main Outcome Measure: Independent association of fasting HDL-C levels, determined at enrollment, with ischemic stroke, including atherosclerotic and nonatherosclerotic ischemic stroke subtypes.Results: After risk factor adjustment, a protective effect was observed for HDL-C levels of at least 35 mg/dL (0.91 mmol/L) (odds ratio [OR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.72). A dose-response relationship was observed (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47-0.90 and OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.21-0.46) for HDL-C levels of 35 to 49 mg/dL (0.91-1.28 mmol/L) and at least 50 mg/dL (1.29 mmol/L), respectively. The protective effect of a higher HDL-C level was significant among participants aged 75 years or older (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27-0.94), was more potent for the atherosclerotic stroke subtype (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.08-0.50), and was present in all 3 racial or ethnic groups studied.Conclusions: Increased HDL-C levels are associated with reduced risk of ischemic stroke in the elderly and among different racial or ethnic groups. These data add to the evidence relating lipids to stroke and support HDL-C as an important modifiable stroke risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant weight savings in parts can be made through the use of additive manufacture (AM), a process which enables the construction of more complex geometries, such as functionally graded lattices, than can be achieved conventionally. The existing framework describing the mechanical properties of lattices places strong emphasis on one property, the relative density of the repeating cells, but there are other properties to consider if lattices are to be used effectively. In this work, we explore the effects of cell size and number of cells, attempting to construct more complete models for the mechanical performance of lattices. This was achieved by examining the modulus and ultimate tensile strength of latticed tensile specimens with a range of unit cell sizes and fixed relative density. Understanding how these mechanical properties depend upon the lattice design variables is crucial for the development of design tools, such as finite element methods, that deliver the best performance from AM latticed parts. We observed significant reductions in modulus and strength with increasing cell size, and these reductions cannot be explained by increasing strut porosity as has previously been suggested. We obtained power law relationships for the mechanical properties of the latticed specimens as a function of cell size, which are similar in form to the existing laws for the relative density dependence. These can be used to predict the properties of latticed column structures comprised of body-centred-cubic (BCC) cells, and may also be adapted for other part geometries. In addition, we propose a novel way to analyse the tensile modulus data, which considers a relative lattice cell size rather than an absolute size. This may lead to more general models for the mechanical properties of lattice structures, applicable to parts of varying size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti–6Al–4V parts made by the additive manufacturing (AM) technique selective laser melting (SLM) generally show poor ductility due to their fine martensitic microstructure. This study was designed to assess whether a more suitable microstructure can be obtained when long laser/material interaction times are used. As-fabricated components with an α + β microstructure were produced and characterized with various microscopy techniques. The microstructural evolution was discussed in relation to the build platform temperature, the cyclic reheating, and the thermal stresses that developed during the process. The hardness of the samples was also evaluated and discussed. The hardness varied in relation to the different microstructure morphologies observed in the samples and different partitioning of the alloying elements. This study indicates a methodology through SLM to obtain Ti–6Al–4V with an as-deposited α + β microstructure which is more desirable than that the typical fully martensitic microstructure typically obtained after SLM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The biological basis for sex differences in brain function and disease susceptibility is poorly understood. Examining the role of gonadal hormones in brain sexual differentiation may provide important information about sex differences in neural health and development. Permanent masculinization of brain structure, function, and disease is induced by testosterone prenatally in males, but the possible mediation of these effects by long-term changes in the epigenome is poorly understood. Methods: We investigated the organizational effects of testosterone on the DNA methylome and transcriptome in two sexually dimorphic forebrain regions--the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis/preoptic area and the striatum. To study the contribution of testosterone to both the establishment and persistence of sex differences in DNA methylation, we performed genomewide surveys in male, female, and female mice given testosterone on the day of birth. Methylation was assessed during the perinatal window for testosterone's organizational effects and in adulthood. Results: The short-term effect of testosterone exposure was relatively modest. However, in adult animals the number of genes whose methylation was altered had increased by 20-fold. Furthermore, we found that in adulthood, methylation at a substantial number of sexually dimorphic CpG sites was masculinized in response to neonatal testosterone exposure. Consistent with this, testosterone's effect on gene expression in the striatum was more apparent in adulthood. Conclusion: Taken together, our data imply that the organizational effects of testosterone on the brain methylome and transcriptome are dramatic and late-emerging. Our findings offer important insights into the long-term molecular effects of early-life hormonal exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Klinefelter syndrome (KS), caused by XXY karyotype, is characterized by low testosterone, infertility, cognitive deficits, and increased prevalence of health problems including obesity and diabetes. It has been difficult to separate direct genetic effects from hormonal effects in human studies or in mouse models of KS because low testosterone levels are confounded with sex chromosome complement. Methods: In this study, we present the Sex Chromosome Trisomy (SCT) mouse model that produces XXY, XYY, XY, and XX mice in the same litters, each genotype with either testes or ovaries. The independence of sex chromosome complement and gonadal type allows for improved recognition of sex chromosome effects that are not dependent on levels of gonadal hormones. All mice were gonadectomized and treated with testosterone for 3 weeks. Body weight, body composition, and motor function were measured. Results: Before hormonal manipulation, XXY mice of both sexes had significantly greater body weight and relative fat mass compared to XY mice. After gonadectomy and testosterone replacement, XXY mice (both sexes) still had significantly greater body weight and relative fat mass, but less relative lean mass compared to XY mice. Liver, gonadal fat pad, and inguinal fat pad weights were also higher in XXY mice, independent of gonadal sex. In several of these measures, XX mice also differed from XY mice, and gonadal males and females differed significantly on almost every metabolic measure. The sex chromosome effects (except for testis size) were also seen in gonadally female mice before and after ovariectomy and testosterone treatment, indicating that they do not reflect group differences in levels of testicular secretions. XYY mice were similar to XY mice on body weight and metabolic variables but performed worse on motor tasks compared to other groups. Conclusions: We find that the new SCT mouse model for XXY and XYY recapitulates features found in humans with these aneuploidies. We illustrate that this model has significant promise for unveiling the role of genetic effects compared to hormonal effects in these syndromes, because many phenotypes are different in XXY vs. XY gonadal female mice which have never been exposed to testicular secretions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term additive manufacturing (AM) describes a collection of production techniques enabling the layer-by-layer manufacture of components using digital data and raw material as inputs. The AM technology variant most frequently used in the production of end use parts is laser sintering (LS).It has been suggested that efficient usage of the energy inputs is one of the advantages of the technology. This paper presents a comparative assessment of the electricity consumptions of two major polymeric LS platforms: the Sinterstation HiQ + HS from 3D Systems and the EOSINT P 390 from EOS GmbH. The energy inputs to a build consisting of two prosthetic parts were recorded during power-monitoring experiments conducted on both platforms. This paper injects clarity into the ongoing research on the AM energy consumption by applying a novel classification system; it is argued that the AM energy usage can be divided into the job-dependent, time-dependent, geometry-dependent, and Z-height-dependent energy consumption values. The recorded mean real power consumption conforms to the values that have been reported for similar platforms. The measured energy consumption rates are higher than reported elsewhere. It is also shown that the purely time-dependent energy consumption is the main energy drain. Furthermore, the presentation of results in the context of previous literature highlights the caveats attached to summary metrics of the AM input usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Columbia University Informatics for Diabetes Education and Telemedicine (IDEATel) Project is a four-year demonstration project funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services with the overall goals of evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of telemedicine in the management of older patients with diabetes. The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial and is being conducted by a state-wide consortium in New York. Eligibility requires that participants have diabetes, are Medicare beneficiaries, and reside in federally designated medically underserved areas. A total of 1,500 participants will be randomized, half in New York City and half in other areas of the state. Intervention participants receive a home telemedicine unit that provides synchronous videoconferencing with a project-based nurse, electronic transmission of home fingerstick glucose and blood pressure data, and Web access to a project Web site. End points include glycosylated hemoglobin, blood pressure, and lipid levels; patient satisfaction; health care service utilization; and costs. The project is intended to provide data to help inform regulatory and reimbursement policies for electronically delivered health care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Accumulating evidence suggests that hyperandrogenemia may be a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) in women. The present study was carried out to test the hypothesis that hyperandrogenemia is associated with type 2 diabetes in women and thus may contribute to the increased risk of CHD in women with type 2 diabetes.Research Design and Methods: Sex hormones, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and risk factors for CHD were measured in 20 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes and in 29 control subjects. All of the diabetic and control subjects were Hispanic women aged >55 years who were not taking hormone replacement therapy lipid-lowering drugs, or insulin and who were otherwise randomly chosen from a cohort of stroke-free subjects from the Northern Manhattan Stroke StudyResults: Mean age, BMI, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and smoking were not significantly different between cases and control subjects, but waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was significantly higher in the diabetic subjects (P = 0.01). The mean levels of free testosterone (FT) (P = 0.01), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (P<0.04), and estradiol (P = 0.01) (controlled for WHR) were significantly higher in the diabetic subjects; with the statistical outliers removed, the testosterone (P = 0.05) and androstenedione (P = 0.002) levels (controlled for WHR) were also significantly higher in the diabetic subjects. The mean levels of estrone, cortisol, and SHBG were not significantly different. The results were similar in the 10 diabetic subjects treated with diet only Significant positive correlations (controlled for age and BMI) were observed between FT or testosterone and cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure.Conclusions: Postmenopausal Hispanic women with type 2 diabetes had both hyperandrogenemia and hyperestrogenemia, and testosterone or FT correlated positively with risk factors for CHD. Hyperandrogenemia may be a link between diabetes and CHD in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al4.5Zn1.5Mg and Al5Mg were reacted in water-vapor saturated air (WVSA) at 120°C and tensile tested. After an initial loss of ductility with exposure time, probably caused by hydrogen embrittlement of the grain boundaries, between 15 hours and 25 hours exposure the mechanical properties of Al4.5Zn1.5Mg improved, this effect being due both to a reduced corrosion activity of the grain boundaries in producing embrittling hydrogen at the external surface and to grain boundary MgZn precipitates acting as hydrogen traps. After 25 hours exposure water was shown to penetrate the grain boundaries, and a layered corrosion product identified as the aluminum hydroxides boehmite and diaspore was formed. This resulted in a marked fall of ductility. Re-solution heat treatment and reaging partially recovered the mechanical properties of Al4.5Zn1.5Mg if the exposure time was less than 50 hours, and would not recover properties for longer exposure times. Small additions (0.1 pct) of iron and nickel to Al4.5Zn1.5Mg lessened the grain boundaries' sensitivity to corrosive attack whereas the addition of 0.1 pct copper did not. Also, the former two additions did not cause the relative ductility increase during 15 to 25 hours exposure in WVSA at 120°C shown by Al4.5Zn1.5Mg. It is proposed that these elements alter the magnesium segregation levels at the grain boundaries which in turn affects their electrochemical attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on a study on deposit demands and the pricing of demand deposits. Review of the analysis; Discussion on the critical rate of interest; Discussion on inelasticity and price changes.