bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A general gas reservoir and gathering system simulator
Authors: Puchyr Peter J.
Published: July 2010

This paper describes the development of a combined gas gathering system andreservoir simulator. The simulator solves the reservoir and gathering systemequations in sequence on each iteration, with the well equations acting as theboundary condition for each stage.

The surface equations are a fully implicit set, collectively called thesurface model, capable of handling multiple terminals and looped lines.Boundary conditions for the surface model can be either rate or pressure, andcan be specified either at the terminal level or at the battery level. Aninnovative feature of the surface model is the ability to model operatingconditions in addition to the deliverability condition. This is made possibleby modelling controllers, which cause the problem to degenerate into a numberof smaller problems, each of which must be solved separately.

The three dimensional single phase reservoir model is also fully implicit, as is the well model. A significant feature of the well model is the cross-flowcapability in multilayer completions.

The simulator was originally developed for modelling the Suffield gas fieldin full detail. Suffield is the largest gas field in Canada operated by onecompany. The simulator needed to be capable of handling over 4000 wellsproducing from three horizons. Although the simulator was developed for aspecific application, it is completely general, and is applicable to any gasfield.

Introduction

For design and analysis purposes, the importance of simultaneouslysimulating the reservoir and gathering system performance has been recognizedfor some time. This type of model was pioneered by Dempsey et al., andsubsequent developments emphasized the surface system simulation (e.g. Berardand Eliason, Agbi). The surface system in Dempsey et al., is restrictedto a tree type of structure (i.e. only one terminal point; loops are notallowed) and the explicit solution technique employed on the gathering systemsuffered poor stability. Subsequent developments introduced implicit techniquesfor the gathering system, but reduced the reservoir model to material balanceor tank type models, eliminating the ability to see transient and interferenceeffects in the reservoir. Because of the areal extent and the number of wellsin Suffield, it is important to be able to resolve such effects. This modelcontains a fully implicit three dimensional single phase reservoir model, plusa fully implicit efficient gathering system model.
Slurry Phase Reactor Technology for DME Direct Synthesis
Authors: Yagi Hiroshi , Ohno Yotaro , Inoue Norio , Okuyama Keiichi , Aoki Seiji
Published: July 2010

Dimethyl ether (DME) is an innovative clean fuel that can be used in various ways in many different sectors including household, transportation, power generation, etc. In order to use DME as a fuel, it must be produced in a highly efficient manner. As part of fundamental research, a new efficient catalyst and slurry phase process for DME synthesis were developed. After testing was carried out at a pilot plant (5 tons/day), the demonstration plant (100 tons/day) project was implemented from 2002 to 2006. The conversion of DME in the slurry phase reactor is dominated by W/F (W: Charged catalyst weight, F: Gas flow rate in the reactor), regardless of reactor scale (1 kg/day  100 tons/day). The gas hold up was measured by increasing the velocity of the gas up to 40 cm/s. Within this range, gas hold up increased smoothly without any sudden change of fluid phenomena or any negative effect on the chemical reaction. There is no clear dependence of the gas hold up on the reactor diameter. The mixing diffusion coefficient in the slurry phase and the heat transfer coefficient from slurry to heat exchanger tubes were determined. Based on these data, a process simulator has been developed that predicts that commercial scale production of 3,000 tons/day can be realized by a single reactor 7m in diameter and 50m high.
Existence of Competitive Equilibrium in Unbounded Exchange Economies with Satiation: A Note
Authors: Sato Norihisa
Published: July 2010

In this note, we extend the result of Sato (2010) to economies with unbounded-from-below choice sets: we prove the existence of a competitive equilibrium (to be exact, a quasi-equilibrium) by assuming boundary satiation introduced in Sato (2010) and the strong compactness of the individually rational utility set introduced in Martins-da-Rocha and Monteiro (2009). As a result, we obtain a new equilibrium existence theorem that can be applied to the case in which choice sets are unbounded from below and satiation occurs only inside the set of individually rational feasible choices. We also investigate the relationships between boundary satiation and some other conditions concerning satiation provided in the literature.
Decreased IRS Signaling Impairs β-Cell Cycle Progression and Survival in Transgenic Mice Overexpressing S6K in β-Cells
Authors: Elghazi Lynda , Balcazar Norman , Blandino-Rosano Manuel , Cras-Méneur Corentin , Fatrai Szabolcs , Gould Aaron P. , Chi Maggie M. , Moley Kelle H. , Bernal-Mizrachi Ernesto
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the S6K arm of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling in regulation of β-cell mass and function. Additionally, we aimed to delineate the importance of in vivo S6K activation in the regulation of insulin signaling and the extent to which alteration of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) signaling modulates β-cell mass and function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The current experiments describe the phenotype of transgenic mice overexpressing a constitutively active form of S6K under the control of the rat insulin promoter.

RESULTS

Activation of S6K signaling in these mice improved insulin secretion in the absence of changes in β-cell mass. The lack of β-cell mass expansion resulted from decreased G1-S progression and increased apoptosis. This phenotype was associated with increased p16 and p27 and decreased Cdk2 levels. The changes in cell cycle were accompanied by diminished survival signals because of impaired IRS/Akt signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

This work defines the importance of S6K in regulation of β-cell cycle, cell size, function, and survival. These experiments also demonstrate that in vivo downregulation of IRS signaling by TORC1/S6K induces β-cell insulin resistance, and that this mechanism could explain some of the abnormalities that ultimately result in β-cell failure and diabetes in conditions of nutrient overload.
Gαo Represses Insulin Secretion by Reducing Vesicular Docking in Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Zhao Aizhen , Ohara-Imaizumi Mica , Brissova Marcella , Benninger Richard K.P. , Xu Yanwen , Hao Yuhan , Abramowitz Joel , Boulay Guylain , Powers Alvin C. , Piston David , Jiang Meisheng , Nagamatsu Shinya , Birnbaumer Lutz , Gu Guoqiang
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

Pertussis toxin uncoupling–based studies have shown that Gαi and Gαo can inhibit insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells. Yet it is unclear whether Gαi and Gαo operate through identical mechanisms and how these G-protein–mediated signals inhibit insulin secretion in vivo. Our objective is to examine whether/how Gαo regulates islet development and insulin secretion in β-cells.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Immunoassays were used to analyze the Gαo expression in mouse pancreatic cells. Gαo was specifically inactivated in pancreatic progenitor cells by pancreatic cell–specific gene deletion. Hormone expression and insulin secretion in response to different stimuli were assayed in vivo and in vitro. Electron microscope and total internal reflection fluorescence–based assays were used to evaluate how Gαo regulates insulin vesicle docking and secretion in response to glucose stimulation.

RESULTS

Islet cells differentiate properly in Gαo−/− mutant mice. Gαo inactivation significantly enhances insulin secretion both in vivo and in isolation. Gαo nullizygous β-cells contain an increased number of insulin granules docked on the cell plasma membrane, although the total number of vesicles per β-cell remains unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Gαo is not required for endocrine islet cell differentiation, but it regulates the number of insulin vesicles docked on the β-cell membrane.
Kinetics of Contraction-Induced GLUT4 Translocation in Skeletal Muscle Fibers From Living Mice
Authors: Lauritzen Hans P.M.M. , Galbo Henrik , Toyoda Taro , Goodyear Laurie J.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

Exercise is an important strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This is due in part to an increase in glucose transport that occurs in the working skeletal muscles. Glucose transport is regulated by GLUT4 translocation in muscle, but the molecular machinery mediating this process is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to 1) use a novel imaging system to elucidate the kinetics of contraction-induced GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle and 2) determine the function of AMP-activated protein kinase α2 (AMPKα2) in this process.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Confocal imaging was used to visualize GLUT4-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in transfected quadriceps muscle fibers in living mice subjected to contractions or the AMPK-activator AICAR.

RESULTS

Contraction increased GLUT4-EGFP translocation from intracellular vesicle depots to both the sarcolemma and t-tubules with similar kinetics, although translocation was greater with contractions elicited by higher voltage. Re-internalization of GLUT4 did not begin until 10 min after contractions ceased and was not complete until 130 min after contractions. AICAR increased GLUT4-EGFP translocation to both sarcolemma and t-tubules with similar kinetics. Ablation of AMPKα2 activity in AMPKα2 inactive transgenic mice did not change GLUT4-EGFP′s basal localization, contraction-stimulated intracellular GLUT4-EGFP vesicle depletion, translocation, or re-internalization, but diminished AICAR-induced translocation.

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed a novel imaging system to study contraction-stimulated GLUT4 translocation in living mice. Contractions increase GLUT4 translocation to the sarcolemma and t-tubules with similar kinetics and do not require AMPKα2 activity.
Apicomplexan parasites of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in northeastern Poland
Authors: Karbowiak Grzegorz , Majláthová Viktória , Hapunik Joanna , Pet’ko Branislav , Wita Irena
Published: July 2010

Molecular detection of apicomplexan parasites in splenic samples of red foxes collected from northeastern Poland was conducted by PCR amplification of a fragment of the 18S rRNA spanning the V4 gene region of Apicomplexa. Positive PCR products were further analysed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing to identify species. One hundred and eleven red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were acquired from 15 localities in the Mazovian Province and 27 foxes were acquired from the Mazurian Lakeland. Apicomplexan 18S rDNA was detected in 15.9% of 138 fox spleens examined. Three apicomplexan species were identified: Hepatozoon canis was detected in 11.6% of the spleen samples, Toxoplasma gondii was detected in 3.6% of the spleen samples and a Babesia sp. was sequenced from 1 sample (0.7%). This data represent the first record of H. canis, T. gondii and a B. sp. from naturally infected red foxes in Poland. Infected foxes may act as sylvatic reservoirs of these apicomplexan parasites as well as serving as a source of infection for arthropod definitive hosts and vectors.
A new locality and host for Pseudione crenulata G.O. Sars, 1898 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Bopyridae) in the Mediterranean
Authors: Castriota Luca , Falautano Manuela , Vivona Pietro , Andaloro Franco
Published: July 2010

The first record of Pseudione crenulata in the branchial chamber of Munida intermedia is reported from the southern Tyrrhenian Sea, with notes on accessory males and female morphology. The effects of this parasite on host pleopod morphology are reported. Pseudione crenulata has previously been recorded from M. tenuimana and M. rugosa, both in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Unequal Effect of Adequate Yearly Progress
Authors: Brown Abigail B. , Clift Jack W.
Published: July 2010

The authors report insights, based on annual site visits to elementary and middle schools in three states from 2004 to 2006, into the incentive effect of the No Child Left Behind Act’s requirement that increasing percentages of students make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in every public school. They develop a framework, drawing on the physics concept of an attractor basin, to relate to theoretical literatures in economics and psychology the experiences that teachers, principals, and parents are having with the law. The authors anticipate—and find evidence of—very different incentive effects of the AYP requirements on schools of different initial achievement levels.
Bone Marrow Examinations: Findings from Four Year Retrospective Single Centre Review
Authors: Rahman M Mizanur , Khan MA , Afrose Salma , Ara Tasmin , Islam Sirajul , Biswas Akhil Ranjan
Published: July 2010

Background: Bone marrow examination is used for diagnosis of both haematological and non-haematologicaldiseases.Materials and methods: In this retrospective study data from the registry of department of haematolgoy, Dhakamedical college was analyzed. Total 2340 bone marrow was reported for the period of 2006-2009.Results: The most prevalent disease is acute leukaemia (1022, 43.67%) followed by non-specific reactive andnormal marrow (495, 21.15%).Conclusion: The study indicates that the indication for bone marrow is not optimum which is related with patient’spoor economic condition and physicians’ limited exposure to haematology. Sole reliability on Rowmanwsky stain is themajor limitations of the bone marrow reports. Optimization of indication, reporting and further supplementaryinvestigation is needed for further improvement.Keywords: Bone Marrow Examination; Laboratory Techniques and Procedures; BangladeshDOI: 10.3329/jom.v11i2.5451J MEDICINE 2010; 11 : 115-118
Experience of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital
Authors: Islam Quazi Tarikul , Kahhar Azizul , Arif Syed Mohammad , Ahasan HAM Nazmul , Siddiqui Md Mahmudur Rahman , Mahbub Md Shahriar , Kabir Ahmedul , Arif Khan Mohammad , Kibria Golam , Saha Narayan Chandra
Published: July 2010

Introduction: Bangladesh recorded the first case of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection on 18thJune 2009. This report describes the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of both the indoor and outdoorpatients reporting in Flu Ward and Flu Corner of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on highly suspected 833 registered outdoor (flu corner) and 28indoor patients admitted in Flu ward of Dhaka Medical College Hospital during the study period of August 2009 toNovember 2009. A suspected case was defined as an influenza-like illness and either a history of travel to a countrywhere infection had been reported in the previous 7 days or an epidemiologic link to a person with confirmed orsuspected infection in the previous 7 days. A confirmed case was defined by a positive real-time reverse-transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay.Results: Most of the patients were in between 20 to 30 years age group. Indoor patients presented with mostly fever(92.85%), rhinorrhea (71.42%), shortness of breathe (89.28%) and cough (64.28%). Maximum duration of feverin indoor patients was 4 days. RT-PCR from throat swab sample for H1N1 tested positive in 9 (32.14%) indoorpatients. Out of the 833 outdoor patients 596(71.54%) patients had fever, 585(70.22%) had cough, 410(49.21%)had rhinorrhea and 314(37.69%) had sore throat. Only 2(7.14%) admitted patients died of flu.Conclusion: Despite widespread infection mortality rate is quite low. Prompt implementation and adherence tonational guidelines on 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) should be encouraged.Keywords: Pandemic influenza A (H1N1); Dhaka Medical College Hospital; Bangladesh.DOI: 10.3329/jom.v11i2.5452J MEDICINE 2010; 11 : 119-123
Violence Against Doctors
Authors: Khan Mohammad Ashik Imran , Ahasan HAM Nazmul , Mahbub Md Shahriar , Alam Md Billal , Miah Md Titu , Gupta Ratan Das
Published: July 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jom.v11i2.5465J MEDICINE 2010; 11 : 167-169
Painful Shoulder
Authors: Mahbub Md Shahriar , Khan Mohammad Ashik Imran , Ahasan HAM Nazmul
Published: July 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jom.v11i2.5479J MEDICINE 2010; 11 : 213
BMJ Award News
Authors: Editor The
Published: July 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jom.v11i2.5481J MEDICINE 2010; 11 : 215
Access to Healthcare Interpreter Services: Where Are We and Where Do We Need to Go?
Authors: Bischoff Alexander , Hudelson Patricia
Published: July 2010

Due to international migration, health care professionals in Switzerland increasingly encounter language barriers in communication with their patients. In order to examine health professionals’ attitudes and practices related to healthcare interpreting, we sent a self-administered questionnaire to heads of medical and nursing departments in public healthcare services in the canton of Basel-Stadt (N = 205, response rate 56%). Strategies used to communicate with foreign-language speaking patients differed, depending on the patient’s language. While nearly half of respondents relied on patients’ relatives to translate for Albanian, Tamil, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Portuguese and Turkish, a third did so for Spanish, and a fourth did so for Arabic. Eleven percent relied on professional interpreters for Spanish and 31% did so for Tamil and Arabic. Variations in strategies used appear to mainly reflect the availability of bilingual staff members for the different languages. Future efforts should focus on sensitizing health professionals to the problems associated with use of ad hoc interpreters, as well as facilitating access to professional interpreters.
Perinatal Bisphenol A Exposure in C57B6/129svj Male Mice: Potential Altered Cytokine/Chemokine Production in Adulthood
Authors: Holladay Steven D. , Xiao Shuo , Diao Honglu , Barber Jamie , Nagy Tomas , Ye Xiaoqin , Gogal Robert M.
Published: July 2010

Pregnant mice (n = 3) were exposed to BPA by intraperitoneal injection, from gestation day 9.5 until end of lactation. Male offspring were evaluated for cytokine production at 20 wk-of-age. One pregnant control mouse produced no males, precluding statistical analysis. However, recurring shifts in cytokines were suggested in the adult BPA offspring. Serum showed a numeric increase in 16 of 21 basal cytokine levels. ConA-stimulated splenocytes showed a numeric increase in 17 of 21 cytokines, and LPS-stimulated splenocytes an increase in 18 of 21 cytokines. The cytokine profile was one of TH1 up-regulation more than TH2, and with skewing toward TH17 responses.
Polyurethane Membranes Modified with Isopropyl Myristate as a Potential Candidate for Encapsulating Electronic Implants: A Study of Biocompatibility and Water Permeability
Authors: Roohpour Nima , Wasikiewicz Jaroslaw M. , Moshaverinia Alireza , Paul Deepen , Grahn Mike F. , Rehman Ihtesham U. , Vadgama Pankaj
Published: July 2010

Medical polyurethanes have shown good bio-stability and mechanical properties and have been used as coating for implantable medical devices. However, despite their excellent properties, they are relatively permeable to liquid water and water vapour which is a drawback for electronic implant encapsulation. In this study polyether polyurethanes with different soft segment molecular weights were modified by incorporating isopropyl myristate (IPM), as a hydrophobic modifying agent, and the effect of IPM on water resistant and biocompatibility of membranes were investigated. IPM changed the surface properties of the polyurethane film and reduced its surface energy. Polyurethane films were found to be stable with IPM concentrations of 1–5 wt% based upon their chemistry; however it leached out in BSA at higher concentrations. Though, low concentrations of IPM reduced both liquid water and water vapour permeability; at higher IPM content liquid permeability did not improved significantly. In general, the polyurethane materials showed much lower water permeability compared with currently used silicone packaging material for electronic implants. In addition, cytotoxicity assessment of IPM containing polyurethanes showed no evidence of cytotoxcity up to 5 wt% IPM.
Cell Adhesion Molecules Regulate Fibrotic Process via Th1/Th2/Th17 Cell Balance in a Bleomycin-Induced Scleroderma Model
Authors: Yoshizaki Ayumi , Yanaba Koichi , Iwata Yohei , Komura Kazuhiro , Ogawa Asako , Akiyama Yuichiro , Muroi Eiji , Hara Toshihide , Ogawa Fumihide , Takenaka Motoi , Shimizu Kazuhiro , Hasegawa Minoru , Fujimoto Manabu , Tedder Thomas F. , Sato Shinichi
Published: July 2010

Mice s.c. injected with bleomycin, an experimental model for human systemic sclerosis, develop skin and lung fibrosis, which is mediated by inflammatory cell infiltration. This process is highly regulated by multiple adhesion molecules and does not require Ag sensitization. To assess the role of adhesion molecules in this pathogenetic process, bleomycin-induced fibrosis was examined in mice lacking adhesion molecules. L-selectin and/or ICAM-1 deficiency inhibited skin and lung fibrosis with decreased Th2 and Th17 cytokines and increased Th1 cytokines. In contrast, P-selectin deficiency, E-selectin deficiency with or without P-selectin blockade, or P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1) deficiency augmented the fibrosis in parallel with increased Th2 and Th17 cytokines and decreased Th1 cytokines. Furthermore, loss of L-selectin and/or ICAM-1 reduced Th2 and Th17 cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, whereas loss of P-selectin, E-selectin, or PSGL-1 reduced Th1 cell numbers. Moreover, Th1 cells exhibited higher PSGL-1 expression and lower expression of LFA-1, a ligand for ICAM-1, whereas Th2 and Th17 cells showed higher LFA-1 and lower PSGL-1 expression. This study suggests that L-selectin and ICAM-1 regulate Th2 and Th17 cell accumulation into the skin and lung, leading to the development of fibrosis, and that P-selectin, E-selectin, and PSGL-1 regulate Th1 cell infiltration, resulting in the inhibition of fibrosis.
Increased CD4+ T Cell Levels during IL-7 Administration of Antiretroviral Therapy-Treated Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Macaques Are Not Dependent on Strong Proliferative Responses
Authors: Leone Amanda , Rohankhedkar Mukta , Okoye Afam , Legasse Alfred , Axthelm Michael K. , Villinger Francois , Piatak Michael , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Assouline Brigitte , Morre Michel , Picker Louis J. , Sodora Donald L.
Published: July 2010

CD4+ T cell depletion is a fundamental component of HIV infection and AIDS pathogenesis and is not always reversed following antiretroviral therapy (ART). In this study, the SIV-infected rhesus macaque model was used to assess recombinant simian IL-7 in its glycosylated form (rsIL-7gly) to enhance regeneration of CD4+ T cells, particularly the crucial central memory compartment, after ART. We assessed the impact of rsIL-7gly administration as single injections and as a cluster of three doses. Irrespective of the dosing strategy used, the rsIL-7gly administration transiently increased proliferation of both central memory and naive cells, in both CD4+ and CD8+ subsets, without increasing SIV levels in the blood. Administration of rsIL-7gly at intervals of 4–6 wk maximized the proliferative response to therapy but resulted in only transient increases in peripheral blood T cell counts. Although more frequent rsIL-7gly “clustered” dosing (three times weekly with 2 wk of rest and then repeat) induced only an initial proliferative burst by CD4+ T cells, this dosing strategy resulted in sustained increases in peripheral blood CD4+ T cell counts. The clustered rsIL-7gly treatment regimen was shown to increase the half-life of a BrdU label among memory T cells in the blood when compared with that of macaques treated with ART alone, which is consistent with enhanced cell survival. These results indicate that dosing intervals have a major impact on the response to rsIL-7gly in SIV-positive ART-treated rhesus macaques and that optimum dosing strategies may be ones that induce CD4+ T cell proliferation initially and provide increased CD4+ T cell survival.
Stromal Cell-Derived CXCL12 and CCL8 Cooperate To Support Increased Development of Regulatory Dendritic Cells Following Leishmania Infection
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Anh Thu , Liu Hao , Juaréz Julius , Aziz Naveed , Kaye Paul M. , Svensson Mattias
Published: July 2010

In the immune system, stromal cells provide specialized niches that control hematopoiesis by coordinating the production of chemokines, adhesion molecules, and growth factors. Stromal cells also have anti-inflammatory effects, including support for the differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors into dendritic cells (DCs) with immune regulatory properties. Together, these observations suggest that the alterations in hematopoiesis commonly seen in infectious disease models, such as experimental visceral leishmaniasis in mice, might result from altered stromal cell function. We report in this study that the stromal cell-derived chemokines CXCL12 and CCL8 cooperate to attract hematopoietic progenitors with the potential to differentiate into regulatory DCs. We also show that infection of murine bone marrow stromal cells by Leishmania donovani enhanced their capacity to support the development of regulatory DCs, as well as their capacity to produce CCL8. Likewise, in experimental visceral leishmaniasis, CCL8 production was induced in splenic stromal cells, leading to an enhanced capacity to attract hematopoietic progenitor cells. Thus, intracellular parasitism of stromal cells modifies their capacity to recruit and support hematopoietic progenitor differentiation into regulatory DCs, and aberrant expression of CCL8 by diseased stromal tissue may be involved in the switch from resolving to persistent infection.
Regulation of Th1 and Th17 Cell Differentiation and Amelioration of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Natural Product Compound Berberine
Authors: Qin Xia , Guo Bingshi T. , Wan Bing , Fang Lei , Lu Limin , Wu Lili , Zang Ying Qin , Zhang Jingwu Z.
Published: July 2010

Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from plants, is widely used as an anti-inflammatory remedy in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we showed that BBR was efficacious in the amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) through novel regulatory mechanisms involving pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells. BBR inhibited differentiation of Th17 cells and, to a lesser degree, Th1 cells through direct actions on the JAK/STAT pathway, whereas it had no effect on the relative number of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. In addition, BBR indirectly influenced Th17 and Th1 cell functions through its effect on the expression and function of costimulatory molecules and the production of IL-6, which was attributable to the inhibition of NF-κB activity in CD11b+ APCs. BBR treatment completely abolished the encephalitogenicity of MOG35–55-reactive Th17 cells in an adoptive transfer EAE model, and the same treatment significantly inhibited the ability of MOG35–55-reactive Th1 cells to induce EAE. This study provides new evidence that natural compounds, such as BBR, are of great value in the search for novel anti-inflammatory agents and therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases.
A Critical Role for IFN Regulatory Factor 1 in NKT Cell-Mediated Liver Injury Induced by α-Galactosylceramide
Authors: Cao Zongxian , Dhupar Rajeev , Cai Changchun , Li Peiyuan , Billiar Timothy R. , Geller David A.
Published: July 2010

NKT cells are remarkably abundant in mouse liver. Compelling experimental evidence has suggested that NKT cells are involved in the pathogenesis of many liver diseases. Activation of NKT cells with α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) causes liver injury through mechanisms that are not well understood. We undertook studies to characterize the key pathways involved in α-GalCer–induced liver injury. We found that expression of the transcription factor IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) in mouse liver was dramatically upregulated by α-GalCer treatment. Neutralization of either TNF-α or IFN-γ inhibited α-GalCer–mediated IRF-1 upregulation. α-GalCer–induced liver injury was significantly suppressed in IRF-1 knockout mice or in wild-type C56BL/6 mice that received a microRNA specifically targeting IRF-1. In contrast, overexpression of IRF-1 greatly potentiated α-GalCer–induced liver injury. α-GalCer injection also induced a marked increase in hepatic inducible NO synthase expression in C56BL/6 mice, but not in IRF-1 knockout mice. Inducible NO synthase knockout mice exhibited significantly reduced liver injury following α-GalCer treatment. Finally, we demonstrated that both NKT cells and hepatocytes expressed IRF-1 in response to α-GalCer. However, it appeared that the hepatocyte-derived IRF-1 was mainly responsible for α-GalCer–induced liver injury, based on the observation that inhibition of IRF-1 by RNA interference did not affect α-GalCer–induced NKT cell activation. Our findings revealed a novel mechanism of NKT cell-mediated liver injury in mice, which has implications in the development of human liver diseases.
Uncovering Indicators of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health from the 39-Item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire
Authors: Nilsson Maria H. , Westergren Albert , Carlsson Gunilla , Hagell Peter
Published: July 2010

The 39-item Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ-39) is the most widely used patient-reported rating scale in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, recent studies have questioned its validity and it is unclear what scores represent. This study explored the possibility of regrouping PDQ-39 items into scales representing the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) components of Body Functions and Structures (BF), Activities and Participation (AP), and Environmental (E) factors. An iterative process using Rasch analysis produced five new items sets, two each for the BF and AP components and one representing E. Four of these were found to represent clinically meaningful variables: Emotional Impairment (BF), Gross Motor Disability (AP), Fine Motor Disability (AP), and Socioattitudinal Environment (E) with acceptable reliability (0.73–0.96) and fit to the Rasch model (total item-trait chi-square, 8.28–33.2;P>.05). These new ICF-based scales offer a means to reanalyze PDQ-39 data from an ICF perspective and to study its health components using a widely available health status questionnaire for people with PD.
Does breed affect nursing and reproductive behaviour in beef cattle?
Authors: Álvarez-Rodríguez J. , Palacio J. , Casasús I. , Sanz A.
Published: July 2010

This experiment was designed to assess the role of genetic differences in nursing behaviour and the resumption of post-partum ovarian cyclicity of beef cows with different types of calf management. Twenty-four multiparous winter-calving cows, 12 Parda de Montaña (PA) and 12 Pirenaica (PI), were randomly assigned to once-daily restricted nursing during 30 min (RESTR) or ad libitum nursing (ADLIB). Cow-calf behaviour was recorded at weeks 3, 8 and 13 of lactation. Results were compared within suckling system. Twice-weekly blood samples were drawn throughout lactation to analyse progesterone as an indicator of ovulation. Within each type of calf management, both breeds nursed their calves for a similar amount of time (23.0 and 57.2 min in PA vs. 25.9 and 59.0 min in PI, when nursing once daily or ad libitum, respectively; P > 0.10). Furthermore, ovarian cyclicity was initiated at a similar time after calving between breeds (70 vs. 73 d in PA and PI, respectively), although it was shorter in RESTR than in ADLIB (54 vs. 89 d; P < 0.001). Key words: Beef cattle, calf management, restricted nursing, post-partum anoestrus
Pasture productivity, cattle productivity and metabolic status following fertilization of a grassland with liquid hog manure: A three-year study
Authors: Wilson C. , Undi M. , Tenuta M. , Wittenberg K M , Flaten D. , Krause D O , Entz M H , Holley R. , Ominski K H
Published: July 2010

Forage yield and quality, cattle and pasture productivity, and enteric methane (CH4) emissions were determined from grass pastures receiving liquid hog manure. Three treatments were evaluated: grass pastures receiving no manure (Control), grass pastures receiving liquid hog manure applied as a single application of 142 ± 20 kg available N ha-1 in the spring (Single) or a split application of 70 ± 6 kg available N ha-1 in both the spring and autumn (Split). Each treatment was represented by two paddocks. The study was carried out over three grazing seasons, from 2004 to 2006, with each grazing season divided into three, 28-d periods. Growing steers (338 ± 32 kg) were introduced into pastures in early summer (May-June) of each year. Standing biomass, measured using quadrats, averaged 1.2, 2.6, and 2.0 ± 0.44 t dry matter (DM) ha-1 for Control, Split and Single pastures, respectively, and was not influenced (P = 0.13) by liquid hog manure application. Liquid hog manure application caused a shift in pasture grasses resulting in a predominance of quackgrass [Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski]. Nutrient profiles of forage samples collected by hand plucking showed no treatment response for forage gross energy (GE; P = 0.18) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF; P = 0.19), but forage crude protein (CP) (P = 0.027) as well as ash (P = 0.002), K (P = 0.001), P (P = 0.001), and Mg (P = 0.001) concentrations increased with manure application. Liquid hog manure application did not influence dry matter intake (DMI) (P = 0.56), GE intake (P = 0.58), and NDF intake (P = 0.79) of grass forages. Higher CP intake of steers on Split and Single pastures resulted in higher (P = 0.001) serum urea N (5.7 and 5.9 ± 0.42 mmol L-1, respectively) compared with steers grazing Control pastures, 2.5 ± 0.42 mmol L-1. Enteric CH4 emissions (L d-1) tended to be lower (P = 0.09) in cattle grazing the Split pasture treatment. Though application of liquid hog manure did not improve individual animal gains, pasture carrying capacity increased (P = 0.001) from 89 to 324 grazing days ha-1 and liveweight gain increased (P = 0.001) from 100 to 329 kg ha-1 in Control and manured pastures, respectively. Application of liquid hog manure to grasslands generated significant benefits through improved forage quality and pasture productivity measured as carrying capacity and liveweight gain. Split liquid hog manure application may have a further benefit in terms of improved carrying capacity and lower enteric CH4 emissions. Key words: Liquid hog manure, enteric methane, beef cattle, carrying capacity, serum urea nitrogen
Molecular cloning of the duck MyoG and MRF4 genes coding region sequence and their differential expression patterns in the breast and leg muscle during fetal development
Authors: Liu H -H. , Wang J -W. , Han C -C. , Jia J. , Si J -M. , Huang K -L. , Li L. , Xu F.
Published: July 2010

The MyoG and MRF4 genes encode for transcription factors that play key roles in muscle formation during embryonic and fetal development. Due to the unique functions of these two genes, they have a specific expression pattern in the same muscle tissues. In order to investigate the different developmental expression patterns of the two genes, the coding region sequences of duck MyoG and MRF4 were cloned and their mRNA expression patterns in the duck breast and leg muscles were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The duck MyoG and MRF4 both have a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) domain with high homology to several other species. In addition, there is a low homology region at the carboxy-terminus of these two proteins. The mRNA expression of MyoG reaches a peak at embryonic day 14 (E14d) in both the breast muscle and the leg muscle of duck. The peak mRNA expression of MRF4 appears at E14d in the breast muscle and at E18d in the leg muscle. The expression patterns of MyoG and MRF4 were different between the breast muscle and the leg muscle of duck. In the fetal duck, the leg muscle develops earlier than the breast muscle, which may better accommodate the newborn duck to a new environment postnatally.Key words: Duck, MyoG and MRF4, expression pattern, fetal development
Effect of the bacterial or fungal origin of exogenous xylanases supplemented to a wheat-based diet on performance of broiler chickens and nutrient digestibility of the diet
Authors: Vandeplas S. , Dauphin R D , Thonart P. , Théwis A. , Beckers Y.
Published: July 2010

Two identical experiments were carried out to study the effects of four xylanases from bacterial or fungal origin supplemented to a wheat-based diet, on growth performance of broiler chickens and nutrient digestibilities. Experimental treatments consisted of a control basal diet containing 600 g kg-1 wheat (C), and the basal diet supplemented with 0.1 g kg-1 Grindazyme G from Aspergillus niger (G), 0.1 g kg-1 Belfeed B1100MP from Bacillus subtilis (B), 0.1 g kg-1 Roxazyme G from Trichoderma viride (R), or 0.0125 g kg-1 of a xylanase from Aspergillus aculeatus (A). Each experimental diet was given to four groups of six chickens each. Growth performance and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded weekly, from 7 to 21 d of age. In the second experiment, a digestion balance trial was performed from 27 to 31 d of age to evaluate the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) and the digestibilities of nitrogen, crude fat, starch and crude fibre. From 7 to 21 d of age, xylanase supplementation led to increased final body weight and daily weight gain, by 3.7 and 4.5 % (P < 0.05), respectively, without significant difference according to the xylanase origin. Xylanase supplementation significantly increased the AMEn (+2.6 %), and the digestibilities of crude fibre (+58.9 %) and nitrogen (+1.6 %). Increase in AMEn as well as in crude fat and starch digestibilities were significantly different according to the xylanase, but were not dependent on fungal or bacterial origin. In conclusion, the microbial origin of xylanases supplemented to wheat-based diets influenced neither the performance of broiler chickens nor the improvement in nutrient digestibilities.Key words: Broiler, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, wheat, xylanase
Evaluation of NRC (2000) model energy requirement and DMI equation accuracy and precision for wintering beef cows in western Canada
Authors: Block H C , Bourne J L , Lardner H A , McKinnon J J
Published: July 2010

Three years of winter feeding trials using 90 Angus cows (15 pens of six cows) fed typical western Canadian wintering diets formulated to stage of pregnancy were used to evaluate National Research Council (NRC 2000) energy requirement and dry matter intake (DMI) equation accuracy and precision. Data collection included pen DMI, individual cow weights, body condition scores, calving dates and weights, and daily environmental temperature. Diet energy density was estimated from nutrient analysis of composited weekly feed samples. Equation evaluations compared observed and predicted DMI and conceptus corrected average daily gain (ADG) for the second and third trimesters using regression, means comparison, concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and total deviation index (TDI) methods. Across all 3 yr, second trimester DMI was over-predicted (P < 0.01) with low precision (CCC = 0.24, TDI90 = n/a) using actual environmental conditions, but not (P = 0.34) when assuming thermal neutral (TN) conditions, although precision remained low (CCC = 0.25, TDI90 = 1.91 kg d-1). Third trimester DMI over the 3 yr was also over-predicted (P < 0.01) with low precision (CCC = 0.12, TDI90 = 1.57 kg d-1) using actual environmental conditions, but was largely under-predicted (P < 0.01) with lower precision (CCC = -0.01, TDI90 = 2.34 kg d-1) when assuming TN conditions. Across all 3 yr, second trimester ADG was largely under-predicted (P < 0.01) with low precision (CCC = 0.50, TDI90 = 0.58 kg) using actual environmental conditions, but over-predicted (P < 0.01) with similar precision (CCC = 0.51, TDI90 = 0.50 kg) when assuming TN conditions. Third trimester ADG predictions using actual environmental conditions were inaccurate (P < 0.01) with low precision (CCC = 0.20, TDI90 = 0.38 kg) using actual conditions and lower precision (CCC = -0.01, TDI90 = n/a) when assuming TN conditions where ADG was over-predicted (P < 0.01). These results indicate a lack of accuracy and precision with the current NRC (2000) model energy requirement and DMI equations that was not addressed by assuming TN conditions. Future research should be targeted at alternate DMI equations and refinements to maintenance and gain requirements.Key words: NRC evaluation, nutrient requirements, wintering beef cows
Feeding flaxseed enhances deposition of omega-3 fatty acids in broiler meat portions in different manner
Authors: Jia W. , Rogiewicz A. , Bruce H L , Slominski B A
Published: July 2010

Feeding a diet containing 12% flaxseed for 36 d significantly increased the n-3 fatty acid deposition in broiler meat. Based on this study, consuming 100 g of such fatty acid-enriched breast meat, whole leg or wing, a total of 0.2, 1.6 and 2.0 g of n-3 fatty acids, including 10.4, 20.3 and 25.3 mg of docosahexaenoic acid, respectively, would be provided by each portion, which offers consumers an alternative to enhance their daily n-3 fatty acid intake.Key words: Flaxseed, n-3 fatty acid, broiler chicken
Acetic acid for weed control in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Ivany J A
Published: July 2010

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are produced in all Canadian provinces, and interest has increased in the use of non-synthetic chemicals and organic techniques to provide weed control. Acetic acid has been suggested as a chemical that could potentially provide weed control in potato production. We examined glacial acetic acid and Ecoclear (30% acetic acid, 1.0% naptha solvent and 1.0% trimethyl benzene) for effectiveness in controlling weeds in potatoes when applied in a 30-cm-wide band over the potato row as well as their effect on potato yield components in three experiments repeated over 2 yr. The effects of time of application and volume of application were also examined. Glacial acetic acid at 10% concentration did not injure potato foliage, but at 20 and 30% concentration it injured emerged potato foliage. A concentration of 20% acetic acid was needed to provide acceptable weed control levels of lambs-quarters, corn spurry and wild buckwheat. Marketable yield was reduced by 20 and 30% acetic acid to below the standard herbicide treatment. Sequential applications of acetic acid at concentrations of 10, 20 or 30%, applied 7-10 d apart, caused slightly greater injury and yield was 10 to 15% less than in the single application. Ecoclear applied to emerged weeds and before potato emergence did not injure potato foliage, but when applied post-emergence it caused severe, but short lived, potato injury. Ecoclear gave greater than 80% control of lambs-quarters, corn spurry and wild radish. Potato marketable yield was comparable with that achieved with a herbicide and was reduced only in one year by Ecoclear applied post-emergence. Weed control was 18% or less when Ecoclear was applied at 200 L ha-1, 54 to 74% when applied at 400 L ha-1 and 91 to 95% when applied at 800 L ha-1 volume of application. Key words: Potato, acetic acid, EcoClear, weed control, application time, application volume
Adjuvant comparison for postemergence weed control in corn
Authors: Soltani N. , Shropshire C. , Sikkema P H
Published: July 2010

Six field trials were conducted over a 2-yr period (2004 and 2005) at Exeter and Ridgetown, ON, Canada, to evaluate the effect of postemergence application of rimsulfuron plus dicamba plus S-metolachlor/benoxacor, nicosulfuron/rimsulfuron plus dicamba/diflufenzopyr and nicosulfuron plus dicamba/diflufenzopyr with and without Agral 90® or Liberate® non-ionic surfactants on weed control and yield of corn. There was no difference between Agral 90® and Liberate® adjuvant in respect to control of velvetleaf, common ragweed, common lambsquarters and green foxtail. All herbicide treatments provided significantly higher yield than the untreated control. There was also no difference between Agral 90® and Liberate® in respect to corn yield when added to rimsulfuron plus dicamba plus S-metolachlor/benoxacor, nicosulfuron/rimsulfuron plus dicamba/diflufenzopyr and nicosulfuron plus dicamba/diflufenzopyr. Based on these results, Liberate® can be used as an alternative non-ionic surfactant for Agral 90® with the herbicides evaluated.Key words: Agral 90®, benoxacor, dicamba, diflufenzopyr, Liberate®, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, S-metolachlor, Zea mays L.
Yield, water use, and protein content of spring wheat grown after six years of alfalfa, crested wheatgrass, or spring wheat in semiarid southwestern Saskatchewan
Authors: Cutforth H W , Jefferson P G , Campbell C A , Ljunggren R H
Published: July 2010

In the semiarid prairie of western Canada, there is renewed interest for including short durations (≤3 yr) of perennial forage in rotations with annual crops. However, there are producers who want to grow longer durations (≥4 yr) of perennial forages in rotational systems. Therefore, we assessed spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield, grain protein, and water use efficiency following 6 yr of either crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.], or alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), or wheat, and then 1 yr of fallow. Yield, water use, and water use efficiency were significantly lower in the first year of spring wheat production (2000) when the prior crop was crested wheatgrass or alfalfa than when it was wheat. In the second year (2001), which was a near record drought year, wheat yield and water use were significantly lower when the prior crop was alfalfa than when it was grass or wheat. From 2002 to 2005, there were no consistent differences in water use, water use efficiency, or yield of wheat due to the prior perennial crop. Wheat grain protein concentration was significantly higher following alfalfa compared with following crested wheatgrass or continuous spring wheat from 2000 to 2005. This effect was attributed to the higher N-supplying power of the soil following alfalfa. Soil water content below the rooting depth of most annual crops (≥120 cm depth) was reduced by the prior alfalfa crop, and there was no evidence from 2000 to 2005 that soil water recharge was occurring below the 150-cm depth. Key words: Semiarid prairie, alfalfa, grass, spring wheat, yield, protein, water use
Suitability of legume cover crop-winter wheat intercrops on the semi-arid Canadian Prairies
Authors: Blackshaw R E , Molnar L J , Moyer J R
Published: July 2010

Farmers on the Canadian prairies are interested in including legume cover crops in their cropping systems to reduce fertilizer inputs and improve farm sustainability. A field study was conducted to determine the merits of establishing alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) or Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum L.) cover crops in fall or in spring with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Spring-planted legumes emerged well within the winter wheat crop, but their growth was limited under these semi-arid conditions. Fall-planted red clover had low plant densities following winter in two of three experiments and fall-planted winter pea reduced winter wheat yield by 23 to 37% compared with the no cover crop control. In contrast, fall-planted alfalfa exhibited good winterhardiness, provided some weed suppression without reducing winter wheat yield, caused only a slight reduction in soil water content, and contributed an extra 18 to 20 kg ha-1 of available soil N at the time of seeding the following spring crop. Additionally, fall-planted alfalfa increased the yield of succeeding canola (Brassica napus L.) in unfertilized plots in two of three experiments. Further research is warranted to better understand the agronomic and economic benefits of alfalfa-winter wheat intercrops under a wider range of environmental conditions.Key words: Cover crops, intercropping, relay crops, soil nitrogen, soil conservation