bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of potential oocyte transport protocols on blastocyst rates after intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the horse
Authors: Foss R. , Ortis H. , Hinrichs K.
Published: December 2013

Reasons for performing study

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used to produce foals from otherwise infertile mares and from stallions with limited sperm stores, but requires expensive equipment and is technically demanding. Methods to transport oocytes toICSIlaboratories would allow collection of oocytes by the referring veterinarian and enable greater application of this technique.

Objectives

This study was conducted to evaluate protocols that could be used to transport immature and maturing oocytes forICSI.

Study design

In vitroexperiment.

Methods

Oocytes were recovered by transvaginal ultrasound‐guided follicular aspiration either from dominant follicles 24 h after deslorelin administration (dominant stimulated follicle [DSF]), or from subordinate (immature) follicles at the same time. To mimic transport,DSFoocytes were incubated overnight under differing conditions beforeICSI; immature oocytes were placed in varying conditions overnight beforein vitromaturation, followed byICSI. The rate of blastocyst production was compared among treatments.

Results

Blastocysts were produced in all groups. Dominant stimulated follicle oocytes held in sealed tubes in pre‐equilibrated control maturation medium maintained at 37°C yielded blastocyst development equal to that obtained for control incubated oocytes (70%). Dominant stimulated follicle oocytes held similarly in a warm passive device yielded poor blastocyst development (10%). Immature oocytes held for one or 2 nights in modifiedM199 medium, or for one night in commercial embryo holding solution, in air at room temperature, yielded 35–37% blastocyst development per injected oocyte.

Conclusions

A commercially available medium can be used for shipping immature oocytes at room temperature with good resulting blastocyst rates. Better blastocyst rates per oocyte are obtained fromDSFoocytes; however, these require maintenance at 37°C and as they are already maturing at the time of collection, are more sensitive to delays. This new, practical information supporting transport of both immature andDSFoocytes forICSImay allow wider use of this procedure.
Comparative kinematic analysis of the leading and trailing forelimbs of horses cantering on a turf and a synthetic surface
Authors: Crevier‐Denoix N. , Falala S. , Holden‐Douilly L. , Camus M. , Martino J. , Ravary‐Plumioen B. , Vergari C. , Desquilbet L. , Denoix J.‐M. , Chateau H. , Pourcelot P.
Published: December 2013

Reasons for performing study

The relationship between track surface properties and limb kinematics is poorly understood. Hoof orientation within the track surface has never been quantified under training conditions. Previously described kinematic and dynamic differences between leading and trailing forelimbs at the canter poorly correlate with epidemiological data regarding injuries.

Objectives

To compare joint kinematics and hoof orientation in the leading and trailing forelimbs of horses cantering on turf and on a synthetic surface.

Study design

Noninvasive experimental study.

Methods

The right forelimb of 5 horses was equipped with markers facing the main joints while markers and a dynamometric horseshoe were placed on the hoof. The horses were filmed with 2 high‐speed cameras (1000 Hz) while cantering (30 km/h). Recordings were repeated at each lead and alternated on turf and on a synthetic surface. Joint angles and angles of the hoof and limb to the track were measured from the 2‐dimensional coordinates of the markers.

Results

Elbow, carpus and fetlock were more maximally flexed during swing and had a larger range of motion throughout the stride in the leading forelimb. Maximal carpal extension during stance was also larger on this limb, which had a more toe‐up orientation. Comparing surfaces, the limb was more oblique at landing, the range of motion of the hoof into the surface was larger, most kinematic events were delayed and fetlock and carpus extension velocities were smaller on the synthetic surface.

Conclusions

The differences between limbs were more prominent than those between surfaces and the more toe‐up orientation on the hoof of the leading forelimb suggests a different loading of that limb's joints and tendons. Differences between limbs may be important in the interpretation of lead changes in lame horses. While the synthetic surface appears to be less strenuous for the joints in the forelimbs, it was associated with changes in timing of the kinematic events of the stride.
Comparison of transverse facial venous sinus and jugular blood values in healthy and critically ill horses
Authors: Hunter B. G. , Schlipf J. W. , Cebra C.
Published: December 2013

Reasons for performing study

The transverse facial venous sinus (TFVS) can be used for blood collection in horses, but information on the validity of blood values from this site is limited.

Objectives

To determine if packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS) and blood lactate concentrations in blood drawn simultaneously from a TFVS and jugular vein of critically ill horses are correlated and determine the effect of serial TFVS sampling on the same parameters in healthy horses.

Study design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

Critically ill horses had simultaneous blood samples drawn from a TFVS and jugular vein. Blood was also drawn from the left TFVS and jugular vein from 6 healthy, adult horses q. 6 h for 24 h, then q. 24 h for 72 h. Blood was drawn from the right TFVS and jugular vein q. 24 h for 96 h. All samples were analysed for PCV, TS and blood lactate concentration. Data were analysed with 2‐way repeated measures ANOVA. Significance was set at P≤0.05.

Results

There were no significant differences in PCV, TS or blood lactate concentrations of TFVS samples compared with jugular blood in critically ill horses. Serial TFVS sampling in healthy horses had no significant effect on TS or blood lactate concentrations. Although PCV in the TFVS was significantly lower than in jugular blood on serial sampling, the difference was not considered clinically relevant.

Conclusions

Packed cell volume, TS and blood lactate concentrations were comparable between the TFVS and jugular vein.
Systemic and respiratory oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia
Authors: Crowley J. , Po E. , Celi P. , Muscatello G.
Published: December 2013

Reasons for performing study

Oxidative stress (OS) is most simply defined as an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. Oxidative stress has been suggested to play roles in various equine respiratory diseases and the significance of OS in the pathogenesis of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia is unknown.

Objectives

To measure and relate biomarkers of OS to lesions consistent with R. equi pneumonia.

Study design

Case–control study.

Methods

Various OS biomarkers were measured from blood and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples collected from 26 foals between 1 and 2 months of age (n = 12 cases and n = 14 controls) on 2 Thoroughbred farms endemically affected by R. equi pneumonia. Foals were defined as cases (positive) or controls (negative) based on ultrasonographic evidence of pulmonary abscessation (>15 mm in diameter). Haematology and biochemistry testing was also performed on blood samples collected from the foals. Comparison of biomarkers and key haematological and biochemical markers of inflammation between the groups was performed using 2 sample t tests.

Results

Derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d‐ROMs) were significantly greater in case foals than in control foals (P = 0.027) and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was higher in case foals (P = 0.014). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations in EBC were significantly greater in case foals than in control foals (P = 0.002). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in traditional measures of inflammation between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Measuring OS in both blood and EBC provided useful information in the early diagnosis of R. equi pneumonia.
Ureteropyeloscopic anatomy of the renal pelvis of the horse
Authors: Pasquel S. G. , Agnew D. , Nelson N. , Kruger J. M. , Sonea I. , Schott H. C.
Published: December 2013

Reasons for performing study

Although the equine renal pelvis and terminal recesses have been describedpost mortem, little information exists about the endoscopic appearance of these structures in the living horse for guiding ureteropyeloscopy.

Objectives

To further document the anatomy of the upper urinary collecting system, specifically the renal pelvis and terminal recesses, of the horse.

Study design

Descriptive study of cadaver material.

Methods

Kidneys were harvested from 10 horses. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed after distension of the renal pelvis with an elastomer casting material, followed by visual inspection of corrosion casts. Transurethral ureteropyeloscopy of the upper urinary tract was performed in 4 horses, followed by histological and immunohistochemical examination of the renal medulla and pelvis of 3 animals.

Results

The equine renal pelvis was confirmed to be a funnel‐shaped cavity, flattened dorsoventrally in the craniocaudal direction. Multiple papillary ducts (PDs) from the central part of the kidney open along a ∼3 cm long renal crest that protrudes into the renal pelvis, whilePDsfrom each kidney pole open into 2 long (5–10 cm), narrow terminal recesses that terminate near either end of the renal crest. Openings of the terminal recesses narrow at their junction with the renal pelvis and could be visualised during ureteropyeloscopy in all horses. Minor anatomical variation of the renal crest and terminal recess openings was observed.

Conclusions

Current endoscopic equipment can be used to visualise the renal pelvis but could not be advanced into the terminal recesses. The findings of this study will help guide future diagnostic and therapeutic ureteropyeloscopy.
Size‐structured vulnerability of the colonial cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa, to grazing by zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha)
Authors: White Jeffrey D. , Sarnelle Orlando
Published: December 2013

We quantified the vulnerability of colonies of the bloom‐forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa, to grazing by the invasive filter‐feeding zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) as a function of size in both organisms with laboratory feeding experiments.

In one experiment, size‐selectivity of 16‐ to 21‐mm mussels was assessed for a single M. aeruginosa clone across a wide size range (~5–88 μm median equivalent diameter, ED). Consumption of colonies ≥80 μm median ED (109 μm median maximum linear dimension) was undetectable, indicating a size threshold of grazing invulnerability. Smaller colonies and single cells were consumed at rates similar to a highly palatable alga (Ankistrodesmus).

In a second experiment, the size‐selectivity of three size classes of mussels (8–11, 17–20 and 25–28 mm shell length) was assessed across three size classes of M. aeruginosa (~32–75 μm median ED). There were no systematic differences in the abilities of the different mussel size classes to consume the largest colonies within this size range.

An 8‐year field survey of the M. aeruginosa population in Gull Lake, MI (U.S.A.), the source of the experimental organisms, revealed that median colony size consistently decreased during each summer, from above to below the size threshold of effective mussel feeding we identified, which suggests major within‐season shifts in the overall vulnerability of the M. aeruginosa population to mussel grazing. Variation in the size structure of M. aeruginosa may help explain highly variable effects of D. polymorpha on the dynamics of this harmful phytoplankter within and across systems.
Temperature‐Compensated Bandpass Filters in Low Temperature Co‐Fired Ceramic
Authors: Dai Steve , Hsieh Lung‐Hwa
Published: December 2013

For low temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) modules targeting radio frequency applications, a near 0 ppm/°C temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) ensures temperature stability of embedded filters. The base dielectrics of most commercial LTCC systems have a τf in the range −50 to −80 ppm/°C. By integrating co‐fireable compensating dielectrics with an opposite τf to that of the host dielectric, we demonstrated multilayer stripline (SL) bandpass filters with a τf approaching 0 ppm/°C using DuPont 951 LTCC. The effective dielectric constant of the SL in multilayer LTCC with dissimilar layered dielectrics was calculated using a variational method with transmission‐line technique.
NKG2C gene deletion in the Mexican population and lack of association to respiratory viral infections
Authors: Rangel‐Ramírez V. V. , Garcia‐Sepulveda C. A. , Escalante‐Padrón F. , Pérez‐González L. F. , Rangel‐Castilla A. , Aranda‐Romo S. , Noyola D. E.
Published: December 2013

Expansion of a natural killer (NK) cell population that expresses NKG2C has been associated with cytomegalovirus and other viral infections. It has been suggested that this cell population may play a role in infection control. Deletion of the NKG2C gene (homozygous or heterozygous) has been reported with high prevalence in European and Asian populations. However, the effect of NKG2C genotype on NK cell responses to infection remains poorly defined. We determined the prevalence of the NKG2C deletion in a Mexican population (n = 300) and in a group of patients (n = 131) to assess whether NKG2C genotype affects the incidence of symptomatic viral infections caused by influenza or respiratory syncytial virus. The frequency of the NKG2C deletion haplotype in Mexican mestizos was significantly lower (10.3%) than that reported in other populations (17.5–21.9%). No difference in the prevalence of NKG2C deletion was observed in subjects with viral infections compared with the reference population. In addition, no differences in clinical characteristics and infection outcome were observed between patients with and without the NKG2C gene deletion. Our results indicate that copy number variation in the NKG2C gene has no impact on the severity of respiratory viral infections.
Prediction of partial nephrectomy outcomes by using the diameter‐axis‐polar nephrometry score
Authors: Maeda Motohiro , Funahashi Yasuhito , Sassa Naoto , Fujita Takashi , Majima Tsuyoshi , Gotoh Momokazu
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the utility of diameter‐axis‐polar nephrometry score to evaluate partial nephrectomy outcomes.

Methods

Renal tumors of 127 patients with a functional contralateral kidney who underwent partial nephrectomy were scored using the diameter‐axis‐polar and R.E.N.A.L nephrometry scores. The mean tumor diameter was 2.9 cm (range 1.0–8.0 cm) and warm ischemic time was 27.3 min (range 12–46 min). All patients underwent 99mTc‐ mercaptoacetyltriglycine renal scintigraphy preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively to assess effective renal plasma flow. We compared nephrometry scores with estimated glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow and ischemic time.

Results

The mean serum creatinine level was 0.84 mg/dL preoperatively and 0.93 mg/dL at 6 months postoperatively. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased from 74.2 to 66.9 mL/min/1.73 m2. Effective renal plasma flow of the operated kidney decreased to 73.5% from baseline (from 157.0 to 114.3 mL/min/1.73 m2). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that diameter‐axis‐polar score had a stronger association with the percent change in estimated glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow in the treated kidney and ischemia time compared with the R.E.N.A.L score.

Conclusions

Diameter‐axis‐polar nephrometry score is a useful tool for the assessment of small renal tumors amenable to partial nephrectomy, and it better predicts postoperative functional changes and ischemic time compared with the R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score.
Subsets of human natural killer cells and their regulatory effects
Authors: Fu Binqing , Tian Zhigang , Wei Haiming
Published: December 2013

Human natural killer (NK) cells have distinct functions as NKtolerant, NKcytotoxic and NKregulatory cells and can be divided into different subsets based on the relative expression of the surface markers CD27 and CD11b. CD27+ NK cells, which are abundant cytokine producers, are numerically in the minority in human peripheral blood but constitute the large population of NK cells in cord blood, spleen, tonsil and decidua tissues. Recent data suggest that these NK cells may have immunoregulatory properties under certain conditions. In this review, we will focus on these new NK cell subsets and discuss how regulatory NK cells may serve as rheostats or sentinels in controlling inflammation and maintaining immune homeostasis in various organs.
Intratracheal exposure to Fab fragments of an allergen‐specific monoclonal antibody regulates asthmatic responses in mice
Authors: Yoshino Shin , Mizutani Nobuaki , Matsuoka Daiko , Sae‐Wong Chutha
Published: December 2013

Fab fragments (Fabs) maintain the ability to bind to specific antigens but lack effector functions due to the absence of the Fc portion. In the present study, we tested whether Fabs of an allergen‐specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) were able to regulate asthmatic responses in mice. Asthmatic responses were induced in BALB/c mice by passive sensitization with anti‐ovalbumin (OVA) polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) (day 0) and by active sensitization with OVA (days 0 and 14), followed by intratracheal (i.t.) challenge with OVA on day 1 and days 28, 29, 30 and 35. Fabs prepared by the digestion of an anti‐OVA IgG1 (O1‐10) mAb with papain were i.t. administered only once 30 min before antigenic challenge on day 1 or day 35. The results showed that i.t. administration of O1‐10 Fabs with OVA markedly suppressed the early and/or late phases of asthmatic responses caused by passive and active sensitization. Similar results were obtained when Fabs of anti‐OVA IgG2b mAb (O2B‐3) were i.t. administered. In contrast, neither i.t. injection of intact 01‐10/O2B‐3 nor systemic injection of O1‐10 Fabs suppressed the asthmatic responses. In vitro studies revealed that the capture of OVA by O1‐10 Fabs prevented the subsequent binding of intact anti‐OVA pAbs to the captured OVA. These results suggest that asthmatic responses may be down‐regulated by the i.t. exposure to Fabs of an allergen‐specific mAb via a mechanism involving the capture of allergen by Fabs in the respiratory tract before the interaction of intact antibody and allergen essential for the induction of asthmatic responses.
Role of miR‐155 in the regulation of lymphocyte immune function and disease
Authors: Seddiki Nabila , Brezar Vedran , Ruffin Nicolas , Lévy Yves , Swaminathan Sanjay
Published: December 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression within cells. One particular miRNA, miR‐155, is highly expressed within lymphocytes (both B and T cells) and mediates a number of important roles. These include shaping the transcriptome of lymphoid cells that control diverse biological functions vital in adaptive immunity. The use of mice engineered to be deficient in miR‐155, as well as the identification of endogenous targets of miR‐155 in T cells by transcriptome‐wide analysis, has helped to unravel the crucial role that this miRNA plays in fine tuning the regulation of lymphocyte subsets such as B cells, CD8+ and CD4+ T cells ranging from T helper type 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17 and regulatory T cells. In this review, we summarize what we have learned about miR‐155 in the regulation of lymphocyte responses at the cellular and molecular levels and in particular, we focus on the recent findings showing that miR‐155 shapes the balance between tolerance and immunity.
Ecological meta‐networks integrate spatial and temporal dynamics of plant–bumble bee interactions
Authors: Devoto Mariano , Bailey Sallie , Memmott Jane
Published: December 2013

Bumble bees can forage on a large number of wild plants and crops. The survival of a colony depends on the availability of suitable food resources within foraging range and throughout their forage season. We studied the spatial and temporal use of floral resources by bumble bees in a set of 30 local plant communities and used these data to model colony survival under different combinations of patch size and bumble bee flight distance. Floral resources vary spatially and temporally at the landscape level, and bumble bees track these resources across the landscape during the season. The simulation model showed that different patterns of resources availability could affect the survival and distribution of bumble bee nests across the landscape. This model can be used to generate hypotheses explaining bumble bee richness and abundance that can be tested in real landscapes. Integrating the spatial and temporal dynamics of the flower resources used by bumble bees provides a new perspective that can be used to inform bumble bee conservation, particularly in the context of their widespread decline in recent decades.
Capparis longgangensis sp. nov. (Capparaceae) from limestone areas in Guangxi, China
Authors: Huang Yu‐Song , Lu Mao‐Xin , Liu Sheng‐Yuan , Xu Wei‐Bin
Published: December 2013

A new species of Capparaceae, Capparis longgangensis X. L. Mo & X. S. Lee ex Y. S. Huang is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to C. micracantha DC., but differs from it by the following characteristics: twigs, gynophore, outer surface of sepals and persistent style densely yellow–brown pannose, leaves densely yellow–brown pannose on both surfaces when young, abaxial surface thinly yellow–brown pannose when mature, petal thinly yellow–brown pannose, fruit 5–7 mm long, ca 6 mm in diameter, apical persistent style 3–4 mm long.
Newborns with lower levels of circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are abdominally more adipose
Authors: Sanz N. , Diaz M. , López‐Bermejo A. , Sierra C. , Fernández A. , de Zegher F. , Ibáñez L.
Published: December 2013

Background

Maternal nutrition is the main source of Poly‐Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) for the fetus. PUFA may influence the accumulation of fat in early life.

Objectives & Methods

In 33 breastfed infants born appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age, we studied whether body composition (judged by absorptiometry at 2 wk and 4 mo) relates to PUFA levels (assessed by gas chromatography) in the maternal or fetal circulation at birth.

Results

Abdominal fat at 2 wk associated negatively to umbilical‐cord levels of separate PUFA (linoleic, arachidonic, eicosapentanoic and docosahexaenoic acid; all P between 0.001 and 0.015). Collectively, the assessed n‐6 PUFA on one hand and the n‐3 PUFA on the other hand associated negatively to the absolute amount of abdominal fat (in grams; P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively) and to the relative amount of abdominal fat (fraction of total fat; P = 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). No other significant associations were observed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, newborns with lower levels of circulating PUFA were found to be abdominally more adipose. The mechanisms underpinning these associations remain to be determined.
Risk of hospitalization for diabetic macrovascular complications and in‐hospital mortality with irregular physician visits using propensity score matching
Authors: Nishi Takumi , Babazono Akira , Maeda Toshiki
Published: December 2013

Aims/Introduction

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the risk of diabetic macrovascular complications and in‐hospital mortality among diabetic patients with irregular physician visits.

Materials and Methods

We carried out a health insurance‐based retrospective cohort study using claims data from diabetic patients who were newly hospitalized between April 2010 and September 2010 among beneficiaries of the Fukuoka National Health Insurance Organization. Regular visits were defined as physician visits for diabetes mellitus at least every 3 months between April 2009 and March 2010, whereas other visits or no visits were defined as irregular visits. We assigned 5,940 patients to the regular visit or the irregular visit groups using propensity score matching. We compared in‐hospital mortality and hospitalization for diabetic macrovascular complications between the two groups by multiple logistic regression models.

Results

The irregular visit group had a significantly higher risk of hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), ischemic heart diseases (IHDs) except AMI, all IHDs, all strokes and diabetic macrovascular complications than did the regular visit group. Adjusted odds ratios for AMI, IHDs except AMI, all IHDs, all strokes, and diabetic macrovascular complications were 3.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79–6.96), 1.25 (95% CI 1.02–1.54), 1.37 (95% CI 1.12–1.66), 1.29 (95% CI 1.04–1.60), and 1.28 (95% CI 1.10–1.48), respectively.

Conclusions

The present study shows that the irregular visit group had significantly higher risks of hospitalization for IHD and stroke among diabetic patients. Insurers need to motivate diabetic beneficiaries to make regular visits to physicians.
Fasting serum insulin levels and insulin resistance are associated with colorectal adenoma in Koreans
Authors: Kim Eun Hee , Kim Hong‐Kyu , Bae Sung Jin , Chang Hye‐Sook , Park Hye Won , Do Mi Young , Kim Kyung‐Jo , Jung Chang Hee , Lee Woo Je , Park Joong‐Yeol , Choe Jaewon
Published: December 2013

Aims/Introduction

Insulin has been associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, few studies have evaluated the association between insulin and colorectal adenoma. We investigated the relationship between fasting serum insulin levels or homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and colorectal adenoma.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 15,427 participants who underwent both fasting serum insulin measurement and colonoscopy for a routine health examination at Asan Medical Center from January 2007 to December 2008. Participants with a history of any cancer, previous colectomy or polypectomy, those taking antidiabetic medications, and inflammatory bowel disease, non‐specific colitis, non‐adenomatous polyps only or CRC on colonoscopic findings were excluded. Finally, 3,606 participants with histologically confirmed colorectal adenoma and 6,019 controls with no abnormal findings on colonoscopy were included. Participants were categorized into quartiles (Q) based on fasting serum insulin levels and HOMA‐IR.

Results

Fasting serum insulin and HOMA‐IR were significantly higher in participants with colorectal adenomas compared with controls. Multivariate regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, smoking habits, drinking habits and family history of CRC showed that participants with higher quartiles of fasting serum insulin levels (odd ratio [OR] 1.17 for 2nd Q, 1.19 for 3rd Q, and 1.42 for 4th Q, P < 0.05) or HOMA‐IR (OR 1.18 for 2nd Q and 1.45 for 4th Q, P < 0.05) showed significantly increased ORs of colorectal adenoma compared with the lowest quartiles.

Conclusions

These findings showed that increased serum insulin levels and insulin resistance were significantly associated with the presence of colorectal adenoma.
Sorption Kinetics, Thermodynamics and Regeneration for Lipid Feedstock Deacidification Using a Mixed‐Bed Ion‐Exchange Resin
Authors: Jamal Yousuf , Luo Guofan , Kuo Charles Hung , Rabie Ahmed , Boulanger Bryan O.
Published: December 2013

This research investigated adsorptive deacidification of lipid feedstocks using Dowex monosphere MR‐450 UPW mixed‐bed resin (Sigma‐Aldrich, St. Louis, MO). The impact of temperature, mixing and feedstock moisture content on deacidification kinetics is reported. Resin reusability and deacidification of multiple feedstocks was examined. Our results demonstrated that deacidification using the resin followed Lagergren's pseudo first‐order reaction kinetics with a rate constant of 1.352/min under the most favorable reaction conditions (50C, 0% moisture content and 550 rpm mixing rate). Gibb's free energy of the reaction increased from −2.81 kJ/mol at 298 K to −12.17 kJ/mol at 323 K, demonstrating the impact of temperature on deacidification. Resin regeneration with methanol‐based rinses resulted in at least 40% feedstock deacidification after three wash cycles. Collectively, our research results demonstrate the promise of using heterogeneous gel‐type resins for deacidification of a wide range of feedstocks and edible oils with a high percentage of free fatty acid and/or impurities.

Practical Applications

Dowex monosphere MR‐450 UPW mixed‐bed gelular ion‐exchange resin is effectively used for adsorptive deacidification of high fatty acid oils in the absence of alcohol at low reaction temperatures (<60C). The ion‐exchange resin surfaces are regenerated with solvent washing and reused for deacidification over multiple cycles.
Detection ofToxoplasma gondiiin two southernWooly spider monkeys (Brachyteles arachnoides–Geoffroy, 1806) from theRio deJaneiro primate center,Brazil
Authors: Santos S.V. , Strefezzi R.F. , Pissinatti A. , Kanamura C.T. , Takakura C.F.H. , Duarte M.I.S. , Catão‐Dias J.L.
Published: December 2013

Background

Toxoplasmosis led to the death of twoBrachyteles arachnoides,an endangered atelid.

Methods

The diagnosis was established by necropsy, histopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural changes.

Results

The analysis confirms the presence ofToxoplasma gondii.

Conclusions

This report contributes to the development of protocols for health surveillance on maintenance and conservation of southern muriquis.
Public Expenditures, Growth, and Distribution in a Mixed Regime of Education with a Status Motive
Authors: TOURNEMAINE FREDERIC , TSOUKIS CHRISTOPHER
Published: December 2013

This paper tackles the issue of growth, distribution, and the provision of public services in a growth model with human capital accumulation where heterogeneous individuals decide whether to attend a publicly funded education regime or a privately funded one. Heterogeneity of individuals is introduced via their status‐motivation which is shown to affect their choice of education. In such a framework, we obtain an inverted‐U shaped relationship between growth and the size of the public education sector. In contrast with the general wisdom, we show that a larger public education sector is compatible with both a reduction of inequalities and an increase of long‐term growth. Although we demonstrate that in a majoritarian system all individuals agree on a lower size of the public education regime than that which maximizes growth, our analysis also highlights the tension between the direct beneficiaries and nonbeneficiaries from the public regime.
Bartering Games in the Kolm Triangle
Authors: ESSEN MATT VAN
Published: December 2013

We study a public good mechanism that possesses several attractive properties. In particular, the mechanism always produces feasible allocations, induces a game where the Nash equilibria are all individually rational, and, in contrast to the voluntary contribution mechanism, supports the Lindahl allocation as a Nash equilibrium allocation. The geometric framework of the Kolm triangle is employed to illustrate the workings of the mechanism and provide intuition for the main results.
Government Opportunism in Public‐Private Partnerships
Authors: VALERO VANESSA
Published: December 2013

This paper analyzes the contracting out of public services through public‐private partnerships (PPP) subject to government opportunism. In PPP, the building of public infra‐structure and the provision of related services are procured through only one contract. On the one hand, such bundling of tasks provides incentives to invest in the infrastructure to minimize the cost of providing public services over the long term. On the other hand, it creates incentives for the government to behave opportunistically, by not respecting the terms of the long‐term contractual agreement. Contrarily, in the traditional procurement (TP), the public service provision tasks are contracted out separately. The purpose of this paper is two fold. First, we show that government commitment not to engage in opportunistic behavior is the key factor determining the cost efficiency of PPP. Second, we specify the economic determinants of government's choice between PPP and TP under government opportunism.
Absorptive Capacity in Buyer–supplier Relationships: Empirical Evidence of Its Mediating Role
Authors: Sáenz Maríá Jesús , Revilla Elena , Knoppen Desirée
Published: December 2013

Companies increasingly depend upon the knowledge of supply chain partners to deliver superior value to customers with ever shifting preferences. This transference requires absorptive capacity (AC), which allows an organization to identify external knowledge and convert it into value for the firm. Based on an approach of dynamic capabilities, AC encompasses three related learning processes: exploration, assimilation, and exploitation. Within the particular context of buyer–supplier relationships (BSR), the aim of this research is to examine AC, one of its most relevant antecedents — organizational compatibility — and its outcomes. Two samples of 153 and 199 companies, operating as key suppliers of two focal buyers, a European multinational retail chain and an American multinational spare parts distributor, respectively, constitute the empirical base of the study. Results derived from structural equation modeling and, more precisely, multi‐group confirmatory factor analysis and a formal test of mediation, strongly indicate for both samples that AC mediates between organizational compatibility on the one hand and innovation and efficiency performance on the other hand. Results also indicate that the mediating effect of AC related to innovation increases with demand uncertainty. This paper thus suggests that managers must be aware that the selection of supply chain partners based on their compatibility alone is not enough. AC is necessary to achieve sustainable performance improvement.
Evolving Functional Perspectives Within Supply Chain Management
Authors: Zacharia Zach G. , Sanders Nada R. , Fugate Brian S.
Published: December 2013

Since its introduction over three decades ago, the field of supply chain management (SCM) has undergone numerous transformations. Today it is a prevailing theme in scholarly and popular research, and numerous disparate disciplines claim its ownership. Despite the field's evolution there continues to be little agreement on the domain and unifying theory of SCM, as well as a consensus definition. The result has been a lack of clarity as to the scope of SCM, “siloed” research methodologies, and parallel research efforts. We interviewed 50 academic scholars across disciplines, as well as 20 SCM business executives, to extract commonality of opinion and discuss the future of SCM. The most important of these findings are the identification of “common ground” regarding the definition and scope of SCM, establishment of the need for interdisciplinary research, the recognition of the existence of “inner” and “outer core” functions central to SCM, and the nature of functional involvement in interdisciplinary research. In this paper we present these findings and provide a path forward based on the collective wisdom of these scholars and executives.
Buyer–Supplier Collaboration Quality in New Product Development Projects
Authors: Yan Tingting , Dooley Kevin
Published: December 2013

Previous research has found that buyer–supplier collaboration in new product development can contribute to project success. Empirical evidence is mixed, however, and the concept of buyer–supplier collaboration is under‐developed. This work develops a new construct, buyer–supplier collaboration quality, defined as the extent to which a buyer and supplier exploit shared resources while minimizing waste through interacting during project planning and execution. We use resource dependence theory to formulate interfirm and project‐level antecedents of buyer–supplier collaboration quality and argue how it affects new product development project outcomes. Data from an empirical survey of 214 buying organizations validate the measurement structure of the new construct and support its positive associations with design quality and project efficiency. We also find that goal congruence, complementary capabilities and interfirm coordination efforts increase buyer–supplier collaboration quality, while interfirm relationship‐specific investment reduces it.
The Role of the Guanxi Institution in Skill Acquisition Between Firms: A Study of Chinese Firms
Authors: Cai Shaohan , Yang Zhilin
Published: December 2013

The prevalence of personal connections in China, or guanxi, constitutes an institution that governs how people exchange favors. This study explores the effects of the guanxi institution on interfirm relational ties, information sharing, and the acquisition of skills across firms. According to social network theory, the marginal benefit of interfirm relational ties on information sharing should decrease with the strength of ties; according to information overload theory, information sharing should have an inverted U‐shaped effect on the acquisition of skills. Institutional theory further suggests that the links across these three constructs are subject to the influence of the guanxi institution. With data collected from 338 manufacturing companies, this study shows that the links differ across environments that have strong versus weak guanxi institutions. A strong guanxi institution generally promotes information sharing and skill acquisition, but it also has a dark side.
The Interplay of Relational Governance and Formal Control in Horizontal Alliances: A Social Contract Perspective
Authors: Wallenburg Carl Marcus , Schäffler Thorsten
Published: December 2013

Governance is critical to an alliance relationship as it aids in curbing opportunism and thus in achieving higher performance. While research suggests relational governance as well as formal control mechanisms as viable means to reduce opportunistic behavior in an alliance relationship, the effectiveness of the interplay of these governance forms remains an important issue. This research addresses this challenge by applying social contract theory to resolve the uncertainties surrounding whether relational governance, exercised by joint actions in the performance measurement process (PMP), can be effectively complemented by the formal control mechanisms of output and process controls. Based on a survey of 197 horizontal alliances of German logistics service providers and using structural equation modeling, we find that if formal control mechanisms are legitimized by underlying agreements, which are established through relational governance (i.e., joint actions), the two governance forms indeed complement each other. However, if no such legitimization through social contracts is present, the complementation is counterproductive. Furthermore, it is shown that opportunism in the setting of horizontal alliances is also detrimental to alliance success.
Molecular Cloning, Characterization, and Expression of Two Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 (Myd88) in Pacific Oyster, Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Du Yishuai , Zhang Linlin , Huang Baoyu , Guan Xudong , Li Li , Zhang Guofan
Published: December 2013

Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is a universal adaptor protein and plays an important role in the signal transduction of Toll/interleukin‐1 receptor (TIR/IL‐1R) family. In this study, two novel molluskan MyD88 family members (named as CgMyD88‐1 and CgMyD88‐2) were identified from the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas. The full‐length cDNA of CgMyD88‐1 was of 2453 base pairs (bp), with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1077 bp encoding 358 amino acids. The cDNA of CgMyD88‐2 consists of 1374 bp ORF encoding 457 amino acids. Both CgMyD88s contain death domain (DD) and TIR domain which are typical features of MyD88 family proteins. Three conserved boxes were also found in the two CgMyD88s which were similar to MyD88s in vertebrates. The expression level of both CgMyD88 mRNAs in selected tissues was measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Both CgMyD88 transcripts were constitutively expressed in all tested tissues. Gill and hemocytes were shown with highest expression levels while adductor muscle and gonad were with lower levels. The CgMyD88 transcripts in hemocytes after ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV‐1) challenge were also determined by qRT‐PCR. Both CgMyD88s were significantly upregulated in hemocytes after OsHV‐1 challenge and had significant differences (P < 0.05) at some time points compared with the control. Our results as previously reported suggest that MyD88‐dependent pathway exists in C. gigas, and its critical adaptor CgMyD88 plays important roles in oysters' innate immune defense against OsHV‐1 infection.
Effects of Taurine Supplementation on Growth Performance and Antioxidative Capacity of Chinese Soft‐shelled Turtles, Pelodiscus sinensis, Fed a Diet of Low Fish Meal Content
Authors: Hou Jinliang , Jia Yanju , Yang Zhencai , Li Yujuan , Cheng Fuxing , Li Dan , Ji Fangshuo
Published: December 2013

This experiment examined the effects of taurine supplementation on the growth performance and antioxidative capacity of Chinese soft‐shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, fed diets of low fish meal content. The base diet (with 0.31% taurine) consisted of low fish meal level and had an animal : plant protein ratio of 2:1. Six experimental diets were supplemented with various taurine levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.25%) for 8 wk. There were significant quadratic regression relationships between the taurine supplementation level and specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER). All taruine supplemented groups showed higher SGR and PER and lower FCR than the group fed diet without taurine supplementation. Significant quadratic regressions were also showed between the supplemented taurine level and the total superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde content, and total antioxidant capacity. The results indicate that taurine supplementation in a diet with low fish meal level can improve the growth of turtles. With comprehensive analysis on the effects of taurine supplementation on the growth performance and antioxidative capacity of turtles, the optimal taurine supplementation level was suggested to be 0.9% in the diet with an animal : plant protein ratio of 2:1.
Effect of Water Exchange and Mechanical Aeration on Grow‐out of the Amazon River Prawn in Ponds
Authors: Kimpara Janaina M. , Santos Alexandre A. O. , Valenti Wagner C.
Published: December 2013

Exchange and aeration of pond water are common practices in semi‐intensive freshwater prawn culture, but there is lack of scientifically based information on the results. We evaluated the effects of water flow through the ponds and mechanical aeration in semi‐intensive cultures of Macrobrachium amazonicum. A total of 40 juveniles/m2 were stocked for 4 mo in 12 earthen ponds. Four randomly assigned treatments were applied: no aeration + no water exchange (NN), diurnal aeration + no water exchange (DA), nocturnal aeration + no water exchange (NA), and continuous water flow (CF). Temperature, pH, total suspended solids, and soluble orthophosphate in the water column did not differ among treatments. Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in ponds with nocturnal aeration were significantly higher than in other treatments. The concentration of inorganic nitrogen was significantly higher in the CF treatment, whereas organic nitrogen was higher in treatments NN, DA, and NA. This suggests that primary production is higher in static ponds. Thermal stratification started at 0900 h, and the maximum difference between surface and bottom temperature varied from 1.5 (CF) to 2.8 C (NN). The difference between DO levels in the surface and bottom water of the ponds began to appear at 0800 h and varied from 0.50 (CF) to 5.23 mg/L (NN). Diurnal aeration and high continuous water flow were efficient in disrupting the stratification. No significant difference was found for survival, mean weight, apparent feed conversion rate, and productivity among treatments. Thus, disrupting water stratification, aerating ponds at night, or exchanging the pond water are ineffective in Amazon River prawn farming in semi‐intensive systems, at least for stocking densities lower than 40 individuals/m2. About 1000 kg of Amazon River prawn can be produced in static ponds with no aeration in approximately 4 mo. This management strategy saves water and energy and reduces production costs.
Temporal and Spatial Variability of Limnological Characteristics in Areas under the Influence of Tilapia Cages in the Chavantes Reservoir, Paranapanema River, Brazil
Authors: Ayroza Daercy Maria Monteiro Rezende , Nogueira Marcos Gomes , da Silva Ayroza Luiz Marques , Carvalho Edmir Daniel , Ferraudo Antonio Sergio , Camargo Antonio Fernando Monteiro
Published: December 2013

The influence of tilapia cages on limnological characteristics of the Chavantes Reservoir, Paranapanema River, Brazil, was investigated in March and June 2007. Principal components analysis was used to compare the transparency; dissolved oxygen; temperature; total organic nitrogen, phosphorus, and dissolved solids; chlorophyll a and electrical conductivity of fish farm 1 (239.3 m.t.), 2 (461.5 m.t.) and areas without cages, in the lacustrine and river‐reservoir transition regions. The variables differentiated the regions and areas with and without cages. In March, in the lacustrine region, there was a thermal and chemical stratification, and in the transition region, there was a temperature and oxygen reduction gradient between the surface and bottom that was also observed in June in fish farm 1. The higher transparency confirmed the increased light penetration in the lacustrine region. In the transition region, there were higher turbidity, total dissolved solid, and conductivity values that are likely related to allochthonous material flow and transport. In fish farms, lower oxygen and pH values indicate intense decomposition and respiration. The generally higher total dissolved solid and nutrient values, turbidity, and conductivity and the lower transparency in one or both fish farms indicate their contribution to eutrophication, demonstrating the need for careful monitoring.
Phytic Acid‐Induced Inhibition of Digestive Protease and α‐Amylase in Three Indian Major Carps: An in vitro Study
Authors: Khan Argha , Ghosh Koushik
Published: December 2013

Antinutritional effects of phytic acid (myoinositol hexaphosphate, IP6) on growth and digestibility in fish have been reported. However, specific effect of IP6 on the digestive enzymes in fish has not been addressed. In this study, inhibitory effect of synthetic IP6 (Phytic acid sodium salt, 90% purity) on the activity of the digestive protease and α‐amylase in rohu, Labeo rohita; catla, Catla catla; and mrigal, Cirrhinus mrigala has been investigated in vitro. Graded levels (12.5, 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 µg/mL) of IP6 were added to the reaction mixtures containing enzyme extracts and substrate solution in triplicate to detect any change in enzyme activity. Results of the experiment revealed that IP6 significantly inhibit/lower activities of the digestive enzymes in a dose‐dependent manner, as evident from the regression equations (F values significant at P < 0.001 level). Apparently, irrespective of the fish species studied IP6‐induced inhibition of α‐amylase activity was greater than protease activity. Among the three fish species studied, C. mrigala appeared to be more sensitive to IP6 for both α‐amylase and protease activity. Enzyme activity was least affected in C. catla. Results of the study might raise concern while incorporating IP6 rich plant‐derived feed ingredients in aqua feed preparation.