bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Vitamin E in Coffee Beans by HPLC Using a Micro-extraction Method
Authors: Alves R.C. , Casal S. , Oliveira M.B.P.P.
Published: May 2009

This work reports a solid—liquid micro-extraction method for vitamin E quantification in coffee beans (before and after roasting) with normal-phase HPLC/diode-array/fluorescence detection. The compounds were extracted after protein precipitation and overnight maceration (4°C) in n-hexane, in the presence of butylated hydroxytoluene, using tocol as internal standard. The extraction method precision was inferior to 5% with mean recoveries near 100%. Chromatographic resolution from co-eluting interferences was achieved within 8 min with a 75 × 3.0 mm (3 μm) silica column by using an isocratic elution with n-hexane/ 1,4-dioxane (98 : 2), at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. The diode-array detector was a valuable tool in the detection of co-eluting interferences and quantification was based on the fluorescence measurements. Only two vitamers, a- and b-tocopherol, were confirmed and quantified, being the latter generally the major compound in both arabica and robusta coffees. The present analytical method proved to be simple, sensitive, reproducible, accurate, allowing a fast quantification with low organic solvent consumption.
Reducing Sugar Production in Sweet Potatoes Heated by Electromagnetic Radiation
Authors: Sawai J. , Nakai T. , Shimizu M.
Published: May 2009

The apparent reaction rate constant needed to generate reducing sugar was determined by heating a thin slice of sweet potato using thermal conductive heating. This value was used to predict reducing sugar production in sweet potatoes cooked by electromagnetic irradiation. The generation of reducing sugar in the thin slice was not observed at temperatures <65°C or >85°C, but it increased linearly during the early stage of heating. The Arrhenius plot had a peak of approximately 83°C, allowing determination of the values for activation energy and frequency factor. Then, using the values obtained for apparent reaction rate constant, the yields of reducing sugar in sweet potatoes cooked by infrared (IR) and microwave (MW) heating were calculated and compared with experimental data. Although the calculated values exceeded the experimental values in the early stages of electromagnetic irradiative heating, the calculated amounts of reducing sugar generally agreed with the experimental values. Moreover, when the time needed to heat the sweet potato from 65°C to 85 °C was longer than approximately 8 min, the yield of reducing sugar was maximized for both MW and IR heating. These results indicated that the yield of reducing sugar did not depend on the heat transfer mechanism and that the amount of reducing sugar produced in heat-treated sweet potatoes could be predicted.
Acyl Transferase Domains of Putative Polyketide Synthase (PKS) Genes in Aspergillus and Penicillium Producers of Ochratoxin A and the Evaluation of PCR Primers to Amplify PKS Sequences in Black Aspergillus Species
Authors: Martínez Culebras P.V. , Crespo-Sempere A. , Gil J.V. , Ramón D.
Published: May 2009

Fungal polyketide synthases (PKS) are responsible for the biosynthesis of several mycotoxins and other secondary metabolites. PKS genes in ochratoxin producing species from Aspergillus and Penicillum genera have been identified using a degenerate primer pair developed for the acyl transferase (AT) domain of fungal PKSs. Sequences of AT domains were aligned and analyzed using phylogenetic methods. The AT domain sequences appeared to be specific for a particular type of fungal PKSs and were related to PKSs involved in different mycotoxin biosynthesis pathways, including ochratoxin A. We have also developed primers suitable for amplifying AT domain sequences in strains belonging to the A. niger aggregate. DNA from most of the black Aspergillus species currently recognized was tested. Primers showed general applicability and other Aspergillus species belonging to section Nigri were successfully amplified.
Does Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Have a Role in Preventing Poststernotomy Wound Complications?
Authors: Atkins Broadus Zane , Wooten Mary Kay , Kistler Jean , Hurley Kista , Hughes G. Chad , Wolfe Walter G.
Published: May 2009

Background: Sternal wound infection (SWI) remains a devastating complication after cardiac surgery, decreasing long-term and short-term survival. In treating documented SWI, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) reduces wound edema and time to definitive closure and improves peristernal blood flow after internal mammary artery (IMA) harvesting. The authors evaluated NPWT as a form of “well wound” therapy in patients at substantial risk for SWI based on existing risk stratification models. Methods: Records of 57 adult cardiac surgery patients (September 2006 to April 2008) were reviewed. After preoperative risk assessment, NPWT was instituted on the clean, closed sternotomy immediately after surgery and continued 4 days postoperatively. Adverse postoperative events, including SWI, need for readmission, and other complications, were documented. Results: Mean age was 60.4 ± 10 years, and 89.5% were male; 77.2% were obese (mean body mass index 35.3 ± 6.7), 54.4% were diabetic, and 29 (50.9%) were both obese and diabetic. Coronary artery bypass (CAB) with single IMA was performed in 50.9% of the patients followed in frequency by combined CAB/valve, non-CAB surgery, and CAB with bilateral IMA. Estimated risk for SWI was 6.1 ± 4%. All patients tolerated NPWT to completion. Thirty-day and in-hospital mortality was 1.8% and unrelated to DSWI. No treatment of SWI was required. Conclusions: In this high-risk cohort, 3 postoperative SWI cases were anticipated but may have been mitigated by NPWT. This is an easily applied and well-tolerated therapy and may stimulate more effective wound healing. Among patients with increased SWI risk, strong consideration should be given to NPWT as a form of “well wound” therapy.
Causes of Cancellations on the Day of Surgery at Two Major University Hospitals
Authors: Seim Andreas R. , Fagerhaug Tom , Ryen Sveinung M. , Curran Paige , Sæther Ola D. , Myhre Hans O. , Sandberg Warren S.
Published: May 2009

Cancellations of elective cases on the day of surgery waste valuable operating-room time. The authors studied cancellations at an American hospital and a Norwegian university hospital to test ( a) whether the quality of hospital administrative data on cancellations is sufficient for meaningful comparative analysis and ( b) whether causes of cancellations at these 2 major academic hospitals are comparable. Large retrospective cause-of-cancellation data sets were obtained from each hospital. The authors then prospectively established root causes of cancellations by on-site investigation and interviews of the hospital personnel involved. The surgical department at the Norwegian hospital cancelled 14.58% of cases in 2003 and 16.07% in 2004. The American hospital cancelled 16.52% of all cases between May 1, 2003, and April 30, 2004. Administrative data may give a rough picture of causes of cancellations. However, most findings at either of the hospitals do not translate easily to the other.
The Jupiter study, CRP screening, and aggressive statin therapy-implications for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Kones Richard
Published: May 2009

CRP levels are strong, independent predictors of cardiovascular risk and can enhance risk stratification. Jupiter enrolled 17 802 apparently healthy middle-aged men and women with CRP levels over 2.0 mg/l, and LDL less than 130 mg/dl. They were randomized to receive rosuvastatin 20 mg daily or placebo, and followed for a primary endpoint of nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, arterial revascularization, hospitalization for unstable angina, or cardiovascular death for 1.9 years. Rosuvastatin lowered CRP (37%), LDL (50%), nonfatal myocardial infarction (55%), nonfatal stroke (48%), hospitalization and revascularization (47%), all-cause mortality (20%), and benefited women and minority subgroups. Rosuvastatin was tolerated relatively well, with a small rise in physician-reported diabetes. Jupiter data suggest that patients with high levels of CRP should receive statins. Approximately 4.3% of the population satisfies Jupiter inclusion criteria. A review of the assessment of cardiovascular risk is under way at the National Institutes of Health to guide practitioners.
Expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in chronic idiopathic cough
Authors: Xie Shaoping , Macedo Patricia , Hew Mark , Nassenstein Christina , Lee Kang-Yun , Chung Kian Fan
Published: May 2009

In patients with chronic idiopathic cough, there is a chronic inflammatory response together with evidence of airway wall remodelling and an increase in airway epithelial nerves expressing TRPV-1. We hypothesised that these changes could result from an increase in growth factors such as TGFβ and neurotrophins.

We recruited 13 patients with persistent non-asthmatic cough despite specific treatment of associated primary cause(s), or without associated primary cause, and 19 normal non-coughing volunteers without cough as controls, who underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and bronchial biopsies.

There was a significant increase in the levels of TGFβ in BAL fluid, but not of nerve growth factor(NGF) and brain-derived nerve growth factor(BDNF) compared to normal volunteers. Levels of TFGβ gene and protein expression were assessed in bronchial biopsies. mRNA expression for TGFβ was observed in laser-captured airway smooth muscle and epithelial cells, and protein expression by immunohistochemistry was increased in ASM cells in chronic cough patients, associated with an increase in nuclear expression of the transcription factor, smad 2/3. Subbasement membrane thickness was significantly higher in cough patients compared to normal subjects and there was a positive correlation between TGF-β levels in BAL and basement membrane thickening.

TGFβ in the airways may be important in the airway remodelling changes observed in chronic idiopathic cough patients, that could in turn lead to activation of the cough reflex.
Extensive molecular differences between anterior- and posterior-half-sclerotomes underlie somite polarity and spinal nerve segmentation
Authors: Hughes Daniel ST , Keynes Roger J , Tannahill David
Published: May 2009

Background

The polarization of somite-derived sclerotomes into anterior and posterior halves underlies vertebral morphogenesis and spinal nerve segmentation. To characterize the full extent of molecular differences that underlie this polarity, we have undertaken a systematic comparison of gene expression between the two sclerotome halves in the mouse embryo.

Results

Several hundred genes are differentially-expressed between the two sclerotome halves, showing that a marked degree of molecular heterogeneity underpins the development of somite polarity.

Conclusion

We have identified a set of genes that warrant further investigation as regulators of somite polarity and vertebral morphogenesis, as well as repellents of spinal axon growth. Moreover the results indicate that, unlike the posterior half-sclerotome, the central region of the anterior-half-sclerotome does not contribute bone and cartilage to the vertebral column, being associated instead with the development of the segmented spinal nerves.
A Unique Rodent Model of Cardiometabolic Risk Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Shi Danni , Dyck Michael K. , Uwiera Richard R. E. , Russell Jim C. , Proctor Spencer D. , Vine Donna F.
Published: May 2009

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, oligo-/anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology and is a complex endocrine disorder that also presents with features of the metabolic syndrome, including obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. These latter symptoms form cardiometabolic risk factors predisposing individuals to the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). To date, animal models to study PCOS in the context of the metabolic syndrome and CVD risk have been lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the JCR:LA-cp rodent as an animal model of PCOS associated with the metabolic syndrome. Metabolic indices were measured at 6 and 12 wk, and reproductive parameters including ovarian morphology and estrous cyclicity were assessed at 12 wk or adulthood. At 6 wk of age, the cp/cp genotype of the JCR:LA-cp strain developed visceral obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia (hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia) compared with control animals. Serum testosterone concentrations were not significantly different between groups at 6 wk of age. However, at 12 wk, the cp/cp genotype had higher serum testosterone concentrations, compared with control animals, and presented with oligoovulation, a decreased number of corpora lutea, and an increased number of total follicles, in particular atretic and cystic follicles. The cardiometabolic risk factors in the cp/cp animals were exacerbated at 12 wk including obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. The results of this study demonstrate that the JCR:LA-cp rodent may be a useful PCOS-like model to study early mechanisms involved in the etiology of cardiometabolic risk factors in the context of both PCOS and the metabolic syndrome.
Transitional Versus Surgical Menopause in a Rodent Model: Etiology of Ovarian Hormone Loss Impacts Memory and the Acetylcholine System
Authors: Acosta Jazmin I. , Mayer Loretta , Talboom Joshua S. , Tsang Candy Wing S. , Smith Constance J. , Enders Craig K. , Bimonte-Nelson Heather A.
Published: May 2009

Clinical research suggests that type of ovarian hormone loss at menopause influences cognition. Until recently ovariectomy (OVX) has been the primary rodent model to examine effects of ovarian hormone loss on cognition. This model limits evaluations to abrupt and complete ovarian hormone loss, modeling less than 13% of women who receive surgical menopause. The majority of women do not have their ovaries surgically removed and undergo transitional hormone loss via ovarian follicular depletion. 4-Vinylcyclohexene-diepoxide (VCD) produces gradual ovarian follicular depletion in the rodent, with hormone profiles more similar to naturally menopausal women vs. OVX. We directly compared VCD and OVX models to examine whether type of hormone loss (transitional vs. surgical) impacted cognition as assessed on a maze battery as well as the cholinergic system tested via scopolamine mnemonic challenge and brain acetylcholinesterase activity. Middle-aged rats received either sham surgery, OVX surgery, VCD, or VCD then OVX to assess effects of removal of residual ovarian output after transitional menopause and follicular depletion. VCD-induced transitional menopause impaired learning of a spatial recent memory task; surgical removal of residual ovarian hormones by OVX abolished this negative effect of transitional menopause. Furthermore, transitional menopause before OVX was better for memory than an abrupt loss of hormones via OVX only. Surgical ovarian hormone loss, regardless of menopause history, increased hippocampal acetylcholinesterase activity. Circulating gonadotropin and androstenedione levels were related to cognitive competence. Collectively, findings suggest that in the rat, initiation of transitional menopause before surgical ovary removal can benefit mnemonic function and could obviate some negative cognitive consequences of surgical menopause alone.
Expression of theArftumor suppressor gene is controlled by Tgfβ2 during development
Authors: Freeman-Anderson Natalie E. , Zheng Yanbin , McCalla-Martin Amy C. , Treanor Louise M. , Zhao Yi D. , Garfin Phillip M. , He Tong-Chuan , Mary Michelle N. , Thornton J. Derek , Anderson Colleen , Gibbons Melissa , Saab Raya , Baumer Shannon H. , Cunningham John M. , Skapek Stephen X.
Published: May 2009

The Arf tumor suppressor (also known as Cdkn2a) acts as an oncogene sensor induced by `abnormal' mitogenic signals in incipient cancer cells. It also plays a crucial role in embryonic development: newborn mice lacking Arf are blind due to a pathological process resembling severe persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV), a human eye disease. The cell-intrinsic mechanism implied in the oncogene sensor model seems unlikely to explain Arf regulation during embryo development. Instead,transforming growth factor β2 (Tgfβ2) might control Arfexpression, as we show that mice lacking Tgfβ2 have primary vitreous hyperplasia similar to Arf-/- mice. Consistent with a potential linear pathway, Tgfβ2 induces Arf transcription and p19Arf expression in cultured mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs); and Tgfβ2-dependent cell cycle arrest in MEFs is maintained in an Arf-dependent manner. Using a new model in which Arfexpression can be tracked by β-galactosidase activity in ArflacZ/+ mice, we show that Tgfβ2 is required for Arf transcription in the developing vitreous as well as in the cornea and the umbilical arteries, two previously unrecognized sites of Arfexpression. Chemical and genetic strategies show that Arf promoter induction depends on Tgfβ receptor activation of Smad proteins; the induction correlates with Smad2 phosphorylation in MEFs and Arf-expressing cells in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation shows that Smads bind to genomic DNA proximal to Arf exon 1β. In summary, Tgfβ2 and p19Arf act in a linear pathway during embryonic development. We present the first evidence that p19Arfexpression can be coupled to extracellular cues in normal cells and suggest a new mechanism for Arf control in tumor cells.
Should doctors ever be professionally required to change their attitudes?
Authors: Whiting Demian
Published: May 2009

The General Medical Council instructs doctors not to allow their personal beliefs to interfere with their practice. But if attitudes can threaten to impact negatively on a doctor's practice then the question arises: should doctors ever be professionally required to change their attitudes? In this paper I suggest that doctors should be required to amend their attitudes if two conditions are met, namely: (1) the doctor has an attitude that if neglected by the doctor will (or is very likely to) compromise his or her fitness to practise; and (2) the only way in which the doctor can prevent that attitude from compromising his or her fitness to practise is by changing the attitude. I also answer three objections that might be raised against the position that I advance.
Use or ornament? Clinical ethics committees in infertility units: a qualitative study
Authors: Frith Lucy
Published: May 2009

This paper examines the role of clinical ethics committees (CECs) in infertility clinics in the UK, focusing on whether they usefully support infertility clinicians' ethical decision-making. The overall aim of the study reported here was to investigate how infertility clinicians approached and handled ethical problems in their everyday practice and this paper reports on one aspect of these data – what they thought about the use of CECs. This paper gives an overview of what arrangements there are for such committees in infertility clinics; considers why the clinicians used CECs; and examines how these committees provided a useful function in the infertility setting and contributed to making ‘good’ ethical decisions. Finally, the paper examines how the form of ethics support can be developed and strengthened, and concludes with recommendations for a particular model of CECs in infertility units – a designated CEC for each infertility unit.
Aetiology of premature ovarian failure
Authors: Vujovic Svetlana
Published: May 2009

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is the occurrence of hypergonadotropic hypoestrogenic amenorrhoea in women under the age of 40 years. POF is idiopathic in 74–90% of cases but can be familial (4–33%) or sporadic. The known causes are: genetic aberrations; autoimmune ovarian damage; iatrogenic following surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy; environmental factors (viruses, toxins, etc.); and metabolic (galactosaemia, 17 OH deficiency, etc.) Genetic aberrations could involve the X chromosome (monosomy, trisomy or translocations) or be autosomal. Genetic mechanisms include reduced gene dosage and non-specific chromosome effect impairing meiosis, decreasing the pool of primordial follicles and increasing atresia due to apoptosis or failure of follicle maturation. The genes for POF-1 are localized to Xq 21.3–Xq27 and for POF-2 to Xq13.3–21.1. The FMR1 gene is responsible for the fragile X syndrome. It occurs due to CGG expansion of more than 55 repeats at the 5′UTR (Xq 27.3), which is associated with gene silence resulting in mental retardation in males, and POF in female carriers. Autoimmune ovarian damage is caused by the alteration of T-cell subsets and T-cell-mediated injury, increase of autoantibody producing B-cells and a low number of effector supressor/cytotoxic lymphocyte and a decrease of number and activity of natural killer cells. POF can be associated with other non-endocrine and endocrine diseases. The mutations of AIRE gene are responsible for polyendocrinopathies (APS I–III). As the cause of POF is unknown in the majority of cases and the number of women with POF is increasing, the primary goal of scientific groups worldwide should be focused on the study of the aetiology of POF.
Stroke during induction of labour in a patient with carotid aneurysm and prior multiple venous thromboses
Authors: Datta Sujata , Stern Jeremy S , Williams Bode
Published: May 2009

A case of stroke during induction of labour in a pregnant patient at term anticoagulated for prior venous thrombosis is reported. The cause was a middle cerebral artery embolism, originating from a false dissecting aneurysm of the internal carotid artery. Investigations and causes of stroke in a pregnant patient are briefly outlined.
Diagnostic Strategies for Autosomal Dominant Acute Porphyrias: Retrospective Analysis of 467 Unrelated Patients Referred for Mutational Analysis of the HMBS, CPOX, or PPOX Gene
Authors: Whatley Sharon D , Mason Nicola G , Woolf Jacqueline R , Newcombe Robert G , Elder George H , Badminton Michael N
Published: May 2009

Background: Clinically indistinguishable attacks of acute porphyria occur in acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), hereditary coproporphyria (HCP), and variegate porphyria (VP). There are few evidence-based diagnostic strategies for these disorders.

Methods: The diagnostic sensitivity of mutation detection was determined by sequencing and gene-dosage analysis to search for mutations in 467 sequentially referred, unrelated patients. The diagnostic accuracy of plasma fluorescence scanning, fecal porphyrin analysis, and porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) assay was assessed in mutation-positive patients (AIP, 260 patients; VP, 152 patients; HCP, 31 patients).

Results: Sensitivities (95% CI) for mutation detection were as follows: AIP, 98.1% (95.6%–99.2%); HCP, 96.9% (84.3%–99.5%); VP, 100% (95.7%–100%). We identified 5 large deletions in the HMBS gene (hydroxymethylbilane synthase) and one in the CPOX gene (coproporphyrinogen oxidase). The plasma fluorescence scan was positive more often in VP (99% of patients) than in AIP (68%) or HCP (29%). The wavelength of the fluorescence emission peak and the fecal coproporphyrin isomer ratio had high diagnostic specificity and sensitivity for differentiating between AIP, HCP, and VP. DNA analysis followed by PBGD assay in mutation-negative patients had greater diagnostic accuracy for AIP than either test alone.

Conclusions: When PBG excretion is increased, 2 investigations (plasma fluorescence scanning, the coproporphyrin isomer ratio) are sufficient, with rare exceptions, to identify the type of acute porphyria. When the results of PBG, 5-aminolevulinate, and porphyrin analyses are within reference intervals and clinical suspicion that a past illness was caused by an acute porphyria remains high, mutation analysis of the HMBS gene followed by PBGD assay is an effective strategy for diagnosis or exclusion of AIP. .
Progesterone decreases the relaxing effect of the β3-adrenergic receptor agonist BRL 37344 in the pregnant rat myometrium
Authors: Minorics Renáta , Gáspár Róbert , Gál Adrienn , Klukovits Anna , Falkay George
Published: May 2009

Although the published results regarding the function of the β3-adrenergic receptors (β3-ARs) in the regulation of smooth muscle activity are very promising, the question of the mechanism of β3-ARs' action in the pregnant myometrium cannot be fully answered by human investigations. To assess whether it possesses an essential role in the regulation of uterine contractility in pregnant rats, as in humans, we performed functional, western blotting and molecular biology experiments on the late-pregnant rat myometrium. The influence of progesterone on the function of the β3-ARs was also investigated. We demonstrated the presence and the functional activity of the β3-ARs in the late-pregnant rat myometrium. The maximum dose-dependent uterus-relaxing effect of the selective β3-agonist BRL 37344 was recorded at the end of pregnancy in rats, similarly as in humans. The extent of its relaxing action was regarded as moderate. The expression of β3-AR protein and mRNA remained unchanged during the investigated period. The administration of progesterone had no effect on the β3-AR mRNA and protein expression or the maximum relaxation effect of BRL 37344, but shifted the dose–response curve to the right and decreased the synthesis of the second messenger, cAMP. It can be concluded that the β3-ARs play an additional role in the regulation of the contractile activity of the pregnant rat uterus. The inhibitory effect of progesterone on the functional activity of the β3-ARs may have important consequences in the case of human application if this effect is also demonstrated in pregnant human myometrial tissue.
Relocalization of STIM1 in mouse oocytes at fertilization: early involvement of store-operated calcium entry
Authors: Gómez-Fernández Carolina , Pozo-Guisado Eulalia , Gañán-Parra Miguel , Perianes Mario J , Álvarez Ignacio S , Martín-Romero Francisco Javier
Published: May 2009

Calcium waves represent one of the most important intracellular signaling events in oocytes at fertilization required for the exit from metaphase arrest and the resumption of the cell cycle. The molecular mechanism ruling this signaling has been described in terms of the contribution of intracellular calcium stores to calcium spikes. In this work, we considered the possible contribution of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) to this signaling, by studying the localization of the protein STIM1 in oocytes. STIM1 has been suggested to play a key role in the recruitment and activation of plasma membrane calcium channels, and we show here that mature mouse oocytes express this protein distributed in discrete clusters throughout their periphery in resting cells, colocalizing with the endoplasmic reticulum marker calreticulin. However, immunolocalization of the endogenous STIM1 showed considerable redistribution over larger areas or patches covering the entire periphery of the oocyte during Ca2+store depletion induced with thapsigargin or ionomycin. Furthermore, pharmacological activation of endogenous phospholipase C induced a similar pattern of redistribution of STIM1 in the oocyte. Finally, fertilization of mouse oocytes revealed a significant and rapid relocalization of STIM1, similar to that found after pharmacological Ca2+store depletion. This particular relocalization supports a role for STIM1 and SOCE in the calcium signaling during early stages of fertilization.
Inhibitory effects of adiponectin on platelet-derived growth factor-induced mesangial cell migration
Authors: Ishizawa Keisuke , Dorjsuren Narantungalag , Izawa-Ishizawa Yuki , Sugimoto Rika , Ikeda Yasumasa , Kihira Yoshitaka , Kawazoe Kazuyoshi , Tomita Shuhei , Tsuchiya Koichiro , Minakuchi Kazuo , Tamaki Toshiaki
Published: May 2009

Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, has been involved in metabolic syndrome, a known risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent studies have demonstrated that plasma adiponectin levels are elevated when kidney function declines in patients with CKD. Excessive mesangial cell (MC) turnover is one of the important features of CKD. The aim of the present study is to elucidate the effects of adiponectin on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced cell migration and intracellular signaling pathways, in cultured rat MCs (RMCs). PDGF-induced RMC migration was significantly inhibited by the pretreatment of adiponectin. Adiponectin alone had no effect on RMC migration. Big mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase 1 (BMK1), p38 MAP kinase, and Akt were activated by PDGF stimulation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in RMC. Adiponectin alone did not affect BMK1, p38 MAP kinase, and Akt phosphorylations in RMC. PDGF-induced BMK1 and p38 MAP kinase phosphorylations were significantly attenuated by the pretreatment of adiponectin in RMCs. On the other hand, the phosphorylation of Akt by PDGF was not diminished by the pretreatment of adiponectin. Adiponectin had no effects on PDGF-receptor autophosphorylation by PDGF. We also confirmed that PDGF-induced RMC migration was significantly suppressed by siBMK1 transfection or SB203580, a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor. From these findings, it is implied that the elevated plasma adiponectin levels in patients with CKD might play a compensatory role aimed at counteracting renal dysfunction related to MC disorders.
Port extension works at Vilagarcía, Spain
Authors: Pérez Freire J. D. , Marcos Moreiras B.
Published: May 2009

This paper provides an account of the enlargement works carried out at the port of Vilagarcía de Arousa, located in north-west Spain. The works involved extending the Ferrazo breakwater by 70 m, and creating a flat zone covering a surface area of 82 000 m2, by reclaiming land from the sea, extending the length of the quay up to 910 m, and equipping this zone with a roll-on roll-off ramp. The breakwater was extended with riprap and the new wharfs are caissons 42·2 m × 14·5 m × 16·0 m. The fill volume was 800 000 m3 and a total of 1 400 000 m3 of material had to be dredged. The paper provides details of the characteristics of the works, the construction process and the environmental measures that were taken, as well as the safety, operability and environmental benefits that will be experienced when the new infrastructure is in operation.
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Among Immigrants and Refugees
Authors: Truman Benedict I. , Tinker Timothy , Vaughan Elaine , Kapella Bryan K. , Brenden Marta , Woznica Celine V. , Rios Elena , Lichtveld Maureen
Published: May 2009

Some immigrants and refugees might be more vulnerable than other groups to pandemic influenza because of preexisting health and social disparities, migration history, and living conditions in the United States.

Vulnerable populations and their service providers need information to overcome limited resources, inaccessible health services, limited English proficiency and foreign language barriers, cross-cultural misunderstanding, and inexperience applying recommended guidelines. To increase the utility of guidelines, we searched the literature, synthesized relevant findings, and examined their implications for vulnerable populations and stakeholders.

Here we summarize advice from an expert panel of public health scientists and service program managers who attended a meeting convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 1 and 2, 2008, in Atlanta, Georgia.
New data on the Dromaeosauridae (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the Late Cretaceous of southern France
Authors: Chanthasit Phornphen , Buffetaut Eric
Published: May 2009

Since the first discovery of dromaeosaurid remains from the Late Cretaceous of southern France, two genera and species, Variraptor mechinorumLe Loeuff & Buffetaut, 1998, and Pyroraptor olympiusAllain & Taquet, 2000, have been erected. Their validity and possible synonymy have been debated. New remains of Dromaeosauridae from Late Campanian – Early Maastrichtian localities near Cruzy (Hérault) and Fox-Amphoux (Var) are described. A sacrum from Hérault is remarkably comparable to that of Variraptor. An ilium from Fox-Amphoux and the holotype sacrum of Variraptor mechinorum probably belong to the same individual. Shared elements between Variraptor and Pyroraptor do not show any diagnostic characters. The question of the synonymy between Variraptor and Pyroraptor is still unresolved on the basis of these new specimens. Nevertheless, the available evidence suggests that these two species may be valid. The specimens from Cruzy suggest that faunal interchange between Europe and Asia lasted longer than that between Europe and North America, and that European dromaeosaurids evolved on their own during the Late Cretaceous isolation of Europe.
Astronomical dating of two Pliocene alkaline volcanic ash layers in the Capo Rossello area (southern Sicily, Italy): implications for the beginning of the rifting in the Sicily Channel
Authors: Caruso Antonio , Censi Paolo , Aricò Pietro , Meli Carmelina , Sprovieri Mario
Published: May 2009

Two volcaniclastic ash layers (AL1 and AL2) are intercalated throughout the middle Pliocene sedimentary sequences of Punta Piccola and Capo Rossello exposed along the south coast of Sicily (Italy). Astronomical calibration of the Punta Piccola section provided an age of 2.676 Ma for the deposition of the AL1 layer. The high-resolution bio-cyclostratigraphy of the Capo Rossello section, in combination with detailed correlations with previously astronomically calibrated coeval sequences, provided an age of 2.225 Ma for the deposition of the AL2 layer.

Mineralogical, petrographical and geochemical results from the two volcaniclastic layers suggest a Na-alkaline differentiated magmatism for the volcanic source, similar to the one which formed the alkaline rocks of the island of Pantelleria (Sicily Channel). These results indicate that isolated volcanic activity and/or early differentiated magmatic events may have occurred in the area of the Sicily channel well before the well-known late Pleistocene volcanic activity.
An Application of Diffusity and Material-Balance Equations to a High Relief Pool
Authors: Juarez A. Romero , Hefferan J.
Published: May 2009

A method that combines the diffusity equation and the material-balance equation is presented to determine the overall porosity and mobility of the reservoir and water intrusion.

The procedure is based on the formulas and tables developed by A. F. van Everdingen and W. Hurst, and is applied to the Poza Rica oil field which is a high relief pool. An approach to the problem of locating the datum plane is given.

A discussion of several proposed formulas for water encroachment is included, and comparison is made between the results given by these expressions and those obtained by the unsteady radial flow theory.

Introduction

The Poza Rica field is located on the Gulf Coast of Mexico approximately 170 kilometers (110 miles) northeast of Mexico City, almost equidistant between the harbors of Tampico and Veracruz, and 35 km (22 miles) from the beach. It lies within the geological province known as the Tampico Embayment.

The discovery well was P.R. No.2, completed in 1930 at the top of the structure at a depth of 1,986 meters (6,514 ft).

The productive formation at Poza Rica is a limestone called the Tamabra. The structure is about 16 km (10 miles) long and about 5.4 km (3.4 miles) wide, and the reservoir has an average thickness of 127 m (417 ft). It has a steep northeast flank and a very gentle, almost flat southwest flank. The northwest and southeast extremities have approximately the same angle of slope as the northeast flank. The reservoir is limited along the northeast flank, northwest and southeast extremities by salt water and along the southwest flank by lack of porosity (Figure 1).
Poza Rica: Its Development, Exploitation and Near Future
Authors: Colomo J. , Barnetche A. , Hefferan J.
Published: May 2009

A description is given about the development of the Poza Rica Reservoir, production, number of wells, gas-oil ratios, pressure surveys.

A brief discussion is given on the Geology and initial conditions of the reservoir.

Future reservoir pressures for the next four years are predicted by the short-cut pressure-drop method, and comparisons are made among different projects of water and/or gas injection.

A comparison is given, too, among ultimate recoveries under different programs of exploitation.

Introduction

The Poza Rica Field of Mexico was discovered in June 1930, when Well Poza Rica No. 2 was completed at the top of the structure at a depth of 6,514ft.

The field is located 22 miles from the beach of the Gulf of Mexico and almost equidistant from the harbors Tampico and Veracruz. (Figure 1)

The field is divided at the surface into five areas, from Northwest to Southeast: Mecatepec area (Mac), Poza Rica area (PH), Petronac area (PN), Escolin area (ESC) and Presidente Aleman area (PA), as shown in Figure 2.

As new wells were drilled, the field was gradually developed, starting with the Petronac area, then with Central part, or PR area, then Mecatepec area and finally Escolin and Presidente Aleman areas. These last two were developed only since 1949 and 1950. Figures 3 and 4 show this development and correspond to the pressures surveys of years 1942 and 1949 respectively.

Another pressure survey was being undertaken during August 1951.

Figure 5 shows graphically the history of the pool.

Four main policies of exploitation may be noticed.
The Determination of Performance Curve in Five-Spot Water Flood
Authors: Hurst William
Published: May 2009

The method presented is the formation of an oil seal in a five-spot waterflood, and the development of its progress to break through into the producing well. This method is applicable to any configuration of secondary recovery in water flooding. The criterion that permits this development is the displacement of oil by water in the interstitial pore space, and referred to as the displacement factor. Illustrations for a five-spot water flood are included in this work, and a detailed analysis given. The generalization of the problem facilitates the computations to obtain a realistic portrayal for the growth of the oil seal in the path of the water flood. This is represented by the performance curve which gives the cumulative oil produced as a per cent of the recoverable oil in the formation versus the total water injected, expressed as a per cent of the total floodable void space in the reservoir, Figure 8 [illustrations and tables are shown at the rear of this preprint]. The time for fill-up for the oil seal to reach the producing well, followed by breakthrough of the water flood are also indicated by the amounts of water injected.

Introduction

The purpose for this presentation is the determination of the performance curve in a five-spot water flood. The method employed takes account of the displacement of oil by the injection of water into the interstitial pore space of the formation in forming a growing oil seal ahead of the water front intraversing the potential and stream-line distribution representative of such a water flood. Although the illustration as given here depicts a five-spot flood, the method is equally applicable to any configuration of water flood in which the displacement factor of oil by water must play a predominant role.
The Use of Models in Reservoir Engineering Studies - An Appraisal
Authors: Rose Walter , Gilchrist Ralph E.
Published: May 2009

An examination is made of the subject matter of the science of reservoir engineering. It is seen that of the several remaining unsolved aspects, the estimation of reserves and recovery presents a problem of practical importance. This problem, as well as many others encountered in the study of reservoir engineering, is of such complexity that rigorous analytical solution is not possible. In special cases approximate solutions are possible but these usually give information of only qualitative significance. The conclusion is thus made that study of these complex reservoir engineering problems by models might be an acceptable substitute procedure.

Therefore, the basic postulates of dimensional analysis are reviewed, and the theory of model construction is described. Model types are classified as physical and analog models, scaled and unscaled models, and exact and verification models. Examples of these types are given, followed by a general discussion of the application of models for the solution of reservoir problems. Reference is also made to the limitations of model work and to the practical difficulties encountered in the laboratory construction of models. Finally, a new type of model called the fluid mapper, which heretofore has not been described in the literature of reservoir engineering, is discussed both with regard to the underlying theory and with regard to possible specific applications.

The general conclusion is drawn that some of the advantages of model study have been largely overlooked by reservoir engineers. Specifically, it is concluded that model study provides the most suitable procedure for evaluation of reserve and recovery factors. It is also concluded that the fluid mapper model technique offers promise of solving certain reservoir engineering problems which heretofore have defied analytical description.
An Improved Green–Ampt Infiltration and Redistribution Method for Uneven Multistorm Series
Authors: Gowdish L. , Muñoz-Carpena R.
Published: May 2009

Robust hydrologic models require an accurate formulation of infiltration and soil water redistribution. The application of Richards' equation can provide the most accurate description of these processes but for some applications it can be computationally intensive and prone to numerical instability and convergence errors. A conceptual, physically based formulation like the Green–Ampt with Redistribution (GAR) can be an attractive alternative in many applications. Original GAR applications, however, showed significant errors in simulated surface water content for soils with high saturated hydraulic conductivity values, and an increasing surface water content deviation after subsequent redistributions during long simulations. A modified GAR method (MGAR) is proposed that provides improved infiltration and soil water redistribution predictions during uneven multistorm time series for a wide range of soils. An increased number of redistributing wetting fronts more accurately represents the naturally curvilinear soil water content profile during the redistribution phase. A redistribution coefficient decreases the surface soil water prediction during nonuniform precipitation series as a function of three variables: saturated hydraulic conductivity, redistribution number, and redistribution time for each storm event in the time series. Simulations of uneven multistorm precipitation time series using GAR and MGAR for 11 soil textural classifications were compared against Richards' equation. The MGAR markedly improved surface soil water predictions (coefficients of efficiency >0.935 and RMSE <0.011). The method also provided a good approximation of average water content for soil observation depths within the top 1 m, corresponding with the area of interest for many vadose zone modeling applications.
Hydrologic Characterization of Desert Soils with Varying Degrees of Pedogenesis: 1. Field Experiments Evaluating Plant‐Relevant Soil Water Behavior
Authors: Nimmo John R. , Perkins Kim S. , Schmidt Kevin M. , Miller David M. , Stock Jonathan D. , Singha Kamini
Published: May 2009

To assess the effect of pedogenesis on the soil moisture dynamics influencing the character and quality of ecological habitat, we conducted infiltration and redistribution experiments on three alluvial deposits in the Mojave National Preserve: (i) recently deposited active wash sediments, (ii) a soil of early Holocene age, and (iii) a highly developed soil of late Pleistocene age. At each, we ponded water in a 1‐m‐diameter infiltration ring for 2.3 h and monitored soil water content and matric pressure during and after infiltration, using probes and electrical resistivity imaging (ERI). Infiltration and downward flow rates were greater in younger material, favoring deep‐rooted species. Deep‐rooted species tend to colonize the margins of washes, where they are unaffected by sediment transport that inhibits colonization. The ERI results support important generalizations, for example that shallower than 0.5 m, infiltrated water persists longer in highly developed soil, favoring shallow‐rooted species. Soil moisture data for the two youngest soils suggested that saturation overshoot, which may have significant but unexplored hydroecologic and pedogenic effects, occurred at the horizontally advancing wetting front. Spatial heterogeneity of soil properties generally increased with pedogenic development. Evidence suggested that some early‐stage developmental processes may promote uniformity; the intermediate‐age soil appeared to have the least heterogeneity in terms of textural variation with depth, and also the least anisotropy. Lateral heterogeneity was pronounced in older soil, having a multitude of effects on the distribution and retention of soil water, and may facilitate certain water‐conserving strategies of plants over what would be possible in a laterally homogeneous soil.
Water Movement through a Shallow Vadose Zone: A Field Irrigation Experiment
Authors: Ochoa Carlos G. , Fernald Alexander G. , Guldan Steven J. , Shukla Manoj K.
Published: May 2009

Surface irrigation water percolating below the crop rooting zone is important for groundwater recharge in agricultural areas overlying shallow aquifers. The objective of this study was to characterize water movement through the shallow vadose zone following surface irrigation. Two infiltration plots were installed in each of three predominant local soil types. Plots were instrumented to measure soil water content and shallow groundwater level. Data were used to calculate water infiltration, velocity of propagation of the wetting front, water fluxes, and water level response following irrigation. Results showed a low to moderate infiltration rate (0.001–0.056 m h−1), relatively low levels of propagation of the wetting front (0.13–0.79 m h−1), water flux (0.001–0.13 m h−1), and shallow groundwater response (0.01–0.1 m) in Fruitland sandy loam and Werlog clay loam soils. In the Abiquiu‐Peralta soil, however, a higher infiltration rate (0.002–0.124 m h−1), wetting front propagation (0.28–3.75 m h−1), water flux (0.007–0.925 m h−1), and water level response (0.01–0.14 m) were observed. Results from this study helped to improve our understanding of the surface water and shallow groundwater interactions in an irrigated valley in northern New Mexico. The field data set obtained in this study can benefit future model characterization and contribute to extrapolating local results to larger spatial areas.