bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Características químicas e sensoriais do leite de cabras Moxotó alimentadas com silagem de maniçoba
Authors: Costa Roberto Germano , Mesquita Ítala Viviane Ubaldo , Queiroga Rita de Cássia Ramos do Egypto , Medeiros Ariosvaldo Nunes de , Carvalho Francisco Fernando Ramos de , Beltrão Filho Edvaldo Mesquita
Published: April 2008

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da utilização de silagem de maniçoba (Manihot glaziovii Muell. Arg.) nas relações volumoso:concentrado 30:70; 40:60; 50:50 e 60:40% sobre a composição do leite, o perfil de ácidos graxos e as características sensoriais do leite de cabras Moxotó. Utilizaram-se oito cabras multíparas com aproximadamente 60 dias pós-parto, pesando em média 44 kg, em um delineamento quadrado latino duplo 4 × 4, com quatro tratamentos, quatro períodos e quatro animais. Cada período teve duração de 15 dias: dez de adaptação dos animais às dietas e cinco de coleta do leite. Não foi observado efeito das dietas na composição química do leite, que apresentou valores médios de proteína (3,79%), gordura (3,97 %), lactose (4,66 %), extrato seco total (13,12%), densidade (1,033) e acidez (19ºD). O fornecimento de silagem de maniçoba influenciou de forma linear crescente as concentrações de ácido mirístico (C14:0), que apresentaram valores de 6,15 a 7,85%, e de forma decrescente os teores de ácido linolênico (C18:3), cujos valores médios foram de 2,13 a 0,76% conforme aumentaram os níveis de silagem na dieta. Os resultados da ADQ (análise descritiva quantitativa) indicam que a utilização de silagem de maniçoba em dieta para cabras não confere mudanças sensoriais perceptíveis no leite. A inclusão de silagem de maniçoba na alimentação de cabras leiteiras em níveis de até 60% da dieta não altera a composição e as características sensoriais do leite.
Efeito da suplementação com cultura de levedura na fermentação ruminal de bovinos de corte
Authors: Gattass Carlos Borges Assumpção , Morais Maria da Graça , Abreu Urbano Gomes Pinto de , Franco Gumercindo Loriano , Stein Joice , Lempp Beatriz
Published: April 2008

Este trabalho foi conduzido para avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de cultura de levedura (Saccharomyces cerevisiae cepa 1026) sobre os parâmetros da fermentação ruminal de bovinos de corte. Foram utilizados dez novilhos 1/2 Red Angus 1/2 Nelore, canulados no rúmen, mantidos em baias individuais alimentados com 50% de volumoso à base de silagem de sorgo e 50% de concentrado contendo casca de soja peletizada, sorgo em grão moído, uréia e núcleo protéico mineral (%MS). Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos, que consistiram da inclusão ou não de Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1 g/100 kg PC) à dieta em duas das quatro refeições diárias. O pH, as concentrações ruminais de nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3), acetato, propionato, butirato e ácidos graxos voláteis (AGV) totais e a relação acetato:propionato não foram influenciados pela suplementação com cultura de levedura. Houve interação entre os tempos de amostragem e os tratamentos para pH e concentrações molares de acetato e propionato. O pH, as concentrações ruminais de acetato, propionato e AGV totais e a relação acetato:propionato aumentaram de forma quadrática de acordo com os tempos de coleta. Em bovinos de corte alimentados com dietas com relação volumoso:concentrado 50:50, a suplementação com cultura de levedura não influencia os parâmetros da fermentação ruminal.
Níveis de energia em suplementos múltiplos para terminação de novilhos em pastagem de capim-braquiária no período de transição águas-seca
Authors: Sales Maykel Franklin Lima , Paulino Mário Fonseca , Porto Marlos Oliveira , Valadares Filho Sebastião de Campos , Acedo Tiago Sabella , Couto Victor Rezende Moreira
Published: April 2008

Estudaram-se os efeitos de níveis de energia em suplementos múltiplos sobre o desempenho produtivo e os parâmetros nutricionais de bovinos em fase de terminação mantidos em pastagem de capim-braquiária (B. brizantha cv. Marandu) durante o período de transição águas-seca. Para avaliação do desempenho produtivo, utilizaram-se 24 novilhos mestiços, não-castrados, com 18 meses de idade e peso corporal médio inicial de 330 kg, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em quatro piquetes de 1,5 ha. Avaliaram-se quatro tratamentos: mistura mineral (MM) e suplementos formulados à base de milho e grão de soja em três níveis de fornecimento (1,0; 1,5 e 2,0 kg/dia) para permitir consumo de NDT de 0,832; 1,163 e 1,496 kg/dia, respectivamente. Houve efeito linear positivo dos níveis de energia sobre o ganho médio diário e o peso vivo final. Os parâmetros nutricionais foram avaliados em quatro novilhos mestiços não-castrados com peso médio inicial de 300 kg, fistulados no esôfago, rúmen e abomaso, alimentados com dietas semelhantes às dos animais utilizados no experimento de desempenho. Não houve efeito da suplementação sobre o consumo de matéria seca total, mas houve redução linear no consumo de forragem da pastagem (MSP). Os consumos de matéria orgânica proveniente do pasto, de FDN da dieta total e de FDN da pastagem foram afetados linear e negativamente pelos níveis de energia. Não foram encontrados efeitos dos níveis de suplementação sobre a digestibilidade total dos nutrientes, com exceção da PB, que foi influenciada de forma quadrática pelos níveis de suplementação. Ganhos de peso adicionais de 20 a 30% podem ser obtidos com quantidades crescentes de energia na fase de terminação, contudo, esses ganhos dependem da substituição do consumo de forragem pelo suplemento.
Briefing: ICE reinvents its learned society role
Authors: Steedman Scott
Published: April 2008

The Institution of Civil Engineers has completely restructured its learned society activities to strengthen its position as the leading source of expert civil engineering knowledge, for practitioners, industry and society. Vice president Scott Steedman explains.
Briefing: Continuing professional development—a duty on us all
Authors: Lloyd-Roach David , Larcombe Richard
Published: April 2008

The Institution of Civil Engineers is taking steps to ensure more members are aware of their duty to society to maintain their competence. Director of membership David Lloyd-Roach and consultant Richard Larcombe conclude that more effort is still needed.
Briefing: Where are today's Brunels?
Authors: Ling Ian
Published: April 2008

Engineers are vital to all walks of life, but few members of the public realise this. Ian Ling, president of the Society of Operations Engineers, says individuals engineers need to talk more about what they do.
Creating Heathrow's new eye in the sky
Authors: Matthews Richard
Published: April 2008

The air-traffic control tower at Heathrow, London is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the busiest two-runway airport in the world. The building of Terminal 5, which opened in March 2008, brought with it the need for an enlarged control tower built at a new location at the airfield centre. This paper describes the unique engineering issues faced by the project team in developing a design and construction method that satisfied both the strict functional requirements of an efficient air-traffic control tower while addressing the challenges of building an 87 m structure in the midst of live aircraft stands and taxiways.
Tsunami wave loading on coastal houses: a model approach
Authors: Thusyanthan Navaratnam I. , Gopal Madabhushi S. P.
Published: April 2008

The Asian tsunami of 26 December 2004 killed over 220 000 people and devastated coastal structures, including many thousands of traditional brick-built homes. This paper presents the results of model tests that compare the impact of a tsunami wave on a typical coastal house with that on a new ‘tsunami resistant’ design developed in the USA and now built in Sri Lanka. Digital images recorded during the test reveal how the tsunami wave passed through the new house design without damaging it, but severely damaged the typical coastal house. Pressure sensor results also provided further insight into tsunami wave loading, indicating that the established Japanese method significantly underestimates maximum impact load.
Lessons learned from ten investigations of waterborne gastroenteritis outbreaks, France, 1998–2006
Authors: Beaudeau Pascal , de Valk Henriette , Vaillant Véronique , Mannschott Christian , Tillier Claude , Mouly Damien , Ledrans Martine
Published: April 2008

Ten outbreaks of waterborne acute gastroenteritis (AGE) have been investigated in France since 1998. These outbreaks have affected populations of over 1,000 people, with generally high attack rates. The causal agents have been identified in six of these events. Aetiologies involved mainly noroviruses and Cryptosporidium sp. The point of entry of the contamination was located in the distribution network in five outbreaks (waste water backflows in four cases and one case of contamination induced by maintenance work) and at the water collection facilities in five other cases. Once the outbreak was detected, epidemiological and environmental investigations and crisis management followed well-established procedures. Further progress in public health surveillance will depend on more complete and rapid detection and reporting. Automated analysis of health insurance data on the reimbursement of drugs for AGE should help make detection more complete. Improved reactivity depends primarily on the operator immediately reporting incidents that indicate a possible massive contamination of the water network to health authorities – in particular complaints from the population, which are the only early-warning alerts in the case of waste water backflows.
Genetic diversity of human polyomavirus JCPyV in Southern California wastewater
Authors: Rafique Amana , Jiang Sunny C.
Published: April 2008

JC Polyomavirus (JCPyV) has the potential to be used as a viral marker for human waste contamination because at least 40% of the human population excretes this virus through its urine. In addition, each of 6 known subtypes of JCPyV is associated with a specific human ethnicity group, which has allowed for tracing of human migration. This study aims to explore the possibility of linking the genetic diversity of JCPyV with source of human waste. Primary sewage effluent from Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) sewage treatment facility was collected and examined for the presence of JCPyV using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). JCPyV was detected by nested PCR using primers specific to the conservative regulatory region in 100% of the 13 samples collected monthly over a year. Only 5 samples were amplifiable by the primers specific to the diverse intergenic region of the virus. Sequence analyses of cloned amplicons from the intergenic region indicated that JCPyV matched subtypes of European, Asian, African and African-American origins. A genotype that is unique from previously identified clinical sample is also revealed. This research suggests the diversity of JCPyV subtypes can be used as a tool to trace the source of human waste contamination.
Impacts of rainfall on the water quality of the Newport River Estuary (Eastern North Carolina, USA)
Authors: Coulliette Angela D. , Noble Rachel T.
Published: April 2008

The Newport River Estuary (NPRE), an important North Carolina (NC) shellfish harvesting area, has been experiencing alterations to the land-water interface due to increasing population and coastal development. Water quality degradation in the estuary over the last decade has led to an increase of shellfish harvesting area closures, and has been postulated to be due to non-point source contamination in the form of stormwater. Water samples were taken in the NPRE (n=179) over a range of weather conditions and all seasons from August 2004 to September 2006. Fecal coliform (FC), as estimated by E. coli (EC), and Enterococcus (ENT) concentrations (MPN per 100 ml) were examined in relation to rainfall levels and distance from land. The relationships among the fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and environmental parameters were also examined. The data revealed a significant increase in FC concentrations after measured rainfall amounts of 2.54 cm (general threshold) and 3.81 cm (management action threshold). However, higher than expected FIB concentrations existed during conditions of negligible rainfall (<0.25 cm), indicating a possible reservoir population in the sediment. Overall, stormwater runoff appears to be adversely impacting water quality in the NPRE.
Motion of spiral waves induced by local pacing
Authors: Chen Jiang-Xing , Wei Gui-Na , Li Bing-Wei , Xu Jiang-Rong
Published: April 2008

The motion of spiral waves in excitable media driven by a weak pacing around the spiral tip is investigated numerically as well as theoretically. We presented a Bifurcations diagram containing four types of the spiral motion induced by different frequencies of pacing: rigidly rotating, inward-petal meandering, resonant drift, and outward-petal meandering spiral. Simulation shows that the spiral resonantly drifts when the frequency of pacing is close to that of the spiral rotation. We also find that the speed and direction of the drift can be efficiently controlled by means of the strength and phase of the local pacing, which is consistent with analytical results based on the framework of the weak deformation approximation.
Kinetics of Rb2+ and Rb+ formation in laser-excited rubidium vapor
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: April 2008

We have studied the formation of the molecular ion Rb2+ and the atomic ion Rb+. These are created in laser excited rubidium vapor at the first resonance, 5s–5p and 5p-nl transitions. A theoretical model is applied to this interaction to explain the time evolution and the laser-power dependence of the population density of Rb+ and Rb2+. A set of rate equations which describe: the temporal variation of the population density of the excited states; the atomic ion density; and the electron density, were solved numerically under the experimental conditions of Barbier and Cheret. In their experiment the Rb concentration was 1×1013cm−3 and the laser power was taken to be 50–500 mW at vapor temperature = 450 K. The results showed that the main processes for producing Rb2+ are associative ionization and Hornbeck-Molnar ionization. The calculations have also showed that, the atomic ions Rb+ are formed through the Penning Ionization (PI) and photoionization processes. Moreover, a reasonable agreement between the experimental results and our calculations for the ion currents of the Rb+ and Rb2+ is obtained.
Effects of intermittent hypoxia different regimes on mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and glutathione-redox balance in stressed rats
Authors: Gonchar Olga
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare the influence of two regimes of intermittent hypoxia (IH) [repetitive 5 cycles of 5 min hypoxia (7% O2 or 12% O2 in N2) followed by 15 min normoxia, daily for three weeks] on oxidative stress protective systems in liver mitochondria. To estimate the effectiveness of hypoxia adaptation at the early and late preconditioning period, we exposed rats to acute 6-h immobilization at the 1st and 45th days after cessation of IH. We showed that severity of hypoxic episodes during IH might initiate different adaptive programs. Moderate hypoxia during IH prevents mitochondrial glutathione pool depletion induced by immobilization stress, maintains GSH-redox cycle via activation of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase, and increases Mn-SOD activity. Such regimen of hypoxic preconditioning caused the decrease of mitochondrial superoxide anion generation as well as of basal and stimulated in vitro lipid peroxidation and this protective effect remained for 45 days under renormoxic conditions. Hypoxic adaptation in a more severe regimen exerted beneficial effects on the mitochondrial antioxidant defense system only at its later phase.
Artifact mimicking non-sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in a patient with recent myocardial infarction
Authors: Gemici Gökmen , Kalkan Ali , Degertekin Muzaffer , Demirtas Ertan
Published: April 2008

A 78-year-old woman with a history of recent myocardial infarction was admitted to the coronary care unit because of dyspnea. The baseline ECG revealed sinus rhythm of 90 beats/min. Two hours after her admission, her body temperature raised to 38.8 degrees Celcius accompanied by shaking chills. Wide complex tachycardia runs consistent with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia synchronous with shaking chills were noticed on the monitor. Closer observation of the ECG revealed the presence of normal QRS complexes at the cycle length of baseline rhythm. It was presumed that artifact due to shaking chills was responsible for the ECG abnormalities.
Observer bias and random variation in vegetation monitoring data
Authors: Milberg Per , Bergstedt Johan , Fridman Jonas , Odell Gunnar , Westerberg Lars
Published: April 2008

Question:

Detecting species presence in vegetation and making visual assessment of abundances involve a certain amount of skill, and therefore subjectivity. We evaluated the magnitude of the error in data, and its consequences for evaluating temporal trends.

Location:

Swedish forest vegetation.

Methods:

Vegetation data were collected independently by two observers in 342 permanent 100‐m2 plots in mature boreal forests. Each plot was visited by one observer from a group of 36 and one of two quality assessment observers. The cover class of 29 taxa was recorded, and presence/absence for an additional 50.

Results:

Overall, one third of each occurrence was missed by one of the two observers, but with large differences among species. There were more missed occurrences at low abundances. Species occurring at low abundance when present tended to be frequently overlooked. Variance component analyses indicated that cover data on 5 of 17 species had a significant observer bias. Observer‐explained variance was < 10% in 15 of 17 species.

Conclusion:

The substantial number of missed occurrences suggests poor power in detecting changes based on presence/absence data. The magnitude of observer bias in cover estimates was relatively small, compared with random error, and therefore potentially analytically tractable. Data in this monitoring system could be improved by a more structured working model during field work.
Expert Systems
Authors: O′Leary Daniel E.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this chapter is to review key concepts in expert systems, across the life cycle of expert system development. As a result, we will analyze the choice of the application area for system development, gathering knowledge through so‐called knowledge acquisition, choosing a knowledge representation, building in explanation and verifying and validating the system.

In addition, we analyze a number of different applications of expert systems across a broad base of application areas, including medicine, geology and business. Further, we investigate some of the extensions to and emerging areas associated with expert systems.
Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing
Authors: Yau Stephen S. , Huang Dazhi , Gao Wei , Yin Yin
Published: April 2008

The development of wireless communication technology and portable computing devices has led to mobile and ubiquitous computing, which has many applications from intelligent environmental control and smart home appliances, to interactive workspaces, mobile patient‐care systems, context‐aware tourist guides, and smart classrooms. In this article, an overview of mobile and ubiquitous computing is presented. The current state of research is summarized as follows wireless ad hoc networks, context‐and situation‐awareness in mobile and ubiquitous computing environments, and techniques for developing mobile and ubiquitous computing software.
Formal Program Verification
Authors: Harton Heather K. , Sitaraman Murali , Krone Joan
Published: April 2008

Using formal program verification, it is possible to prove mathematically and mechanically that software behaves correctly as specified. For verification to scale up to software built from components, components must have formal specifications and the verification process must be modular. Unlike testing that can only reveal the presence of errors, formal varification can guarantee correctness.
Software Performance Evaluation
Authors: Kounev Samuel
Published: April 2008

Modern software systems are expected to satisfy increasingly stringent requirements for performance and scalability. To avoid the pitfalls of inadequate quality of service, it is important to evaluate the expected performance and scalability characteristics of systems during all phases of their lifecycle. At every stage, performance evaluation is conducted out with a specific set of goals and constraints. In this article, we present an overview of the major methods and techniques for software performance evaluation. We start by considering the different types of workload models that are typically used in performance evaluation studies. We then discuss performance measurement techniques, including platform benchmarking, application profiling, and system load testing. Following this, we survey the most common methods and techniques for performance modeling of software systems. We consider the major types of performance models used in practice and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we briefly discuss operational analysis as an alternative to queueing theoretic methods.
In the Mi(d)st Of
Authors: Preston Julieanna
Published: April 2008

It's in the air. The first thing that the term atmosphere evokes is in the air, the intangibility of air. A gaseous layer enveloping the planet, a zone where clouds move about, atmosphere is the invisible shroud around each object emanating (such is the meaning that the word has taken on over time) a sort of fragrance or warmth. Atmosphere is created by the particular subject matter or place – it is given off from it – and corresponds to it like a sort of spirit that floats around, revealing, betraying a certain essence of the place or subject matter, but remaining ever visible.

Michel Orsoni, ‘Point of view: A question of atmosphere’, 19981. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Walter Pichler's House Next to the Smithy: Atmosphere and Ground
Authors: James Paul
Published: April 2008

Approaching atmosphere from a cultural perspective, Paul James explores conceptions of ground in a work by the Austrian architect, sculptor and draughtsman Walter Pichler. Where atmosphere relates to the critical strategy of clouding, to render obscure, to resist rhetorical clarity, Pichler's House Next to the Smithy, documented in drawings and photographs, highlights a link between weather and atmosphere, and darkness and interiority. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Off the Peg: The Bespoke Interiors of Ben Kelly
Authors: Brooker Graeme , Stone Sally
Published: April 2008

Known for his unique ability to assemble disparate materials, colours and textures, interior designer Ben Kelly speaks with Graeme Brooker and Sally Stone about the ideas and intentions behind his work. His thoughts and works indicate a respect for revealing the underlying qualities of existing spaces and serving new programmatic needs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Living with Freud
Authors: Chee Lilian
Published: April 2008

Lilian Chee introduces several art installations displayed at the Freud Museum in north London. While each individually opens up further critique of Freud's practice and its cultural impact, collectively they measure the ability of objects to charge interior atmospheres with provocations of gender, modernity, ethnicity, objectivity and domesticity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An approach of segregation in modeling continuous flow tank bioleach systems
Authors: Kotsiopoulos Athanasios , Hansford Geoffrey S. , Rawatlal Randhir
Published: April 2008

Published models apply particle size to predict bioleaching reactor performance. In this study mathematical models predicting the overall reaction rate of a bioleach reactor system are developed to establish which particle parameters are necessary to describe reactor performance. Since the intrinsic leaching rate is surface area dependent, the inlet particle size and residence time are model inputs. Three models, distinguished by the incorporation of age and/or size distributions, were developed from first principles through a segregation approach. Explicit dependence on the age distribution, allows the model extension to unsteady state behavior and imperfect mixing. The models are validated against pilot plant data for pyrite‐arsenopyrite concentrates obtained from the Fairview Mine in South Africa. Simulation results indicate that only a model that considers both the particle age and size distribution is in good agreement with the data. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds on manganese and copper oxides supported on titania
Authors: Vu Van Hinh , Belkouch Jamal , Ould‐Dris Aïssa , Taouk Bechara
Published: April 2008

A series of mixed oxides supported on TiO2 (Mn1−yCuyOx/TiO2) synthesized by incipient wetness impregnation method have been characterized and tested for toluene oxidation volatile organic compounds (model). For all catalysts, the total conversion (100%) of toluene into CO2 was obtained at temperatures higher than 240°C with no catalyst deactivation. At lower temperatures, a gradual deactivation was observed. The most efficient catalyst was Mn0.5Cu0.5Ox/TiO2 (noted MnCuOx/T). Several characterization techniques, XRD, TPR, BET, and TG/DT analysis, were used to explain the catalytic performances. The results allowed attributing the higher activity of MnCuOx/T to the formation of Mn1.6Cu1.4O4 spinel phase. It has been also demonstrated that the mobility of the catalyst network oxygen is a determining parameter of the catalytic activity. The decrease of activity at a low temperature is related to the adsorption of high molecular weight carbonaceous compounds. However, the catalytic activity is easily regenerated by heating in air flow at 300°C. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Synthesis, photochromic mechanism and properties of a novel biindenylidenedione compound containing ferrocene units
Authors: Liu Juyan , Han Jie , Wei Yongheng , Yao Fei , Pang Meili , Meng Jiben
Published: April 2008

A novel biindenylidenedione compound, [2,2′‐bi‐1H‐indene]‐3,3′‐bis [(4‐oxo‐4‐ferrocenylbutanoyloxy)propyl]‐3,3′‐ dihydroxy‐1,1′‐dione was synthesized and characterized fully by 1H NMR, IR, MS and elemental analysis. The photochromic and photo‐induced radical properties were investigated by means of UV–vis and electron spin resonance spectroscopy, respectively. The results show that the title compound simultaneously exhibits photochromism in the solid state as well as generating stable free radicals under irradiation with 330 nm light. This fact provides evidence for the photochromic mechanism of this kind of compounds. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Palladaphosphacyclobutenes as catalysts in Heck and Suzuki reactions
Authors: Yan Xiaoyu , Liu Yundong , Xi Chanjuan
Published: April 2008

Heck reactions of aryl halides with various olefins and Suzuki reactions of aryl halides with phenylboronic acid catalyzed by palladaphosphacyclobutene have been investigated. The scope of the Heck reaction has been investigated in N,N‐dimethylacetamide at 140 °C using NaOAc as base. Using 0.1% molar ratio of palladaphosphacyclobuyenes, aryl bromides were converted into 1,2‐substitutedethene products in good to high yields through coupling with both vinylarenes and acrylates. Actived aryl chloride reacted with styrene to afford 1,2‐substitutedethene products in moderate yields. The scope of the Suzuki reaction has been conducted in toluene at 110 °C using Cs2CO3 as base. Using 0.1% molar ratio of palladaphosphacyclobutene, aryl bromides reacted with phenylboronic acid to afford diaryl derivatives in excellent yield. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strengthening and stiffening of ramie yarns by applying cyclic load treatment
Authors: Zhu Lu , Goda Koichi
Published: April 2008

A cyclic load treatment was developed by applying a load on ramie yarns up to a proper value and then unloading for different number of cycles under high temperature or wet state. The results of tensile tests revealed that compared to the untreated yarns, a significant increase of around 20–50% in tensile strength was obtained for the cyclic load‐treated yarns. Young's modulus of cyclic load‐treated yarns was increased drastically, one to two times higher than the initial value. The number of cycles had an influence on improving the tensile properties of ramie yarns. After the individual heat or wet treatment without cyclic load, it was found that tensile strength of treated yarns remained unchanged as the original value while Young's modulus was decreased remarkably, which implies that the introduction of cyclic load to individual heat or wet treatment plays a crucial role in strengthening and stiffening of ramie yarns. It was considered that the improved effect was correlated with the decreased microfibrillar angle and the increased orientation of amorphous region in fiber microstructure because the crystallinity and crystalline orientation of ramie yarns calculated from X‐ray diffraction diagrams showed little change after cyclic load treatment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Monitoring of South Sinai coral reefs: influence of natural and anthropogenic factors
Authors: Tilot V. , Leujak W. , Ormond R. F. G. , Ashworth J. A. , Mabrouk A.
Published: April 2008

To monitor any impacts to coral reefs related to the exponential growth of tourism in the South Sinai region of the Egyptian Red Sea, nine stations were established at key reef sites over 2002–2003. At each station coral cover was determined using a video survey method at depths of 3, 7 and 16 m, and fish abundance by underwater visual census at depths of 3 and 10 m.

Mean total coral cover (hard plus soft) ranged from 58% to 23% at 3 m, 50% to 14% at 7 m, and 52% to 13% at 16 m, and hard coral cover from 37.5% to 15.7% at 3 m, 32.8% to 7.0% at 7 m, and 17.8% to 2.2% at 16 m. Analyses confirmed differences in coral assemblage related to depth and wave exposure.

Fish abundances and assemblages also varied with depth and proximity of deep water. Also the one site subject to fishing had lower abundances of some commercial fish families and greater abundances of some herbivores.

Transects subject to greater tourist use did not segregate from those subject to less tourist use, despite evidence from other work of an effect from visitor damage to corals at some sites. This may be because visitors were more attracted to sites that had higher coral cover.

Comparison of the present data with that from past studies is difficult because of the differences in sites and method employed, but several observations suggest a moderate decline in coral cover during recent decades. Such a decline would be compatible with the recorded impact of an outbreak of crown‐of‐thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci, as well as with other evidence of accumulating damage by visitors.

Further monitoring using the same stations and consistent protocols is urgently required.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of 8,9‐epoxy brevifolin in rats, a hepatoprotective constituent isolated from Phyllanthus simplex Retz by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry method
Authors: Niu Xiaofeng , Li Weifeng , He Langchong
Published: April 2008

8,9‐Epoxy brevifolin (EBF) is a novel compound isolated from Phyllanthus simplex Retz (P. simplex) and has been demonstrated to possess a hepatoprotective effect. The purposes of the present study were to examine the in vivo pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of EBF in rats using a liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry quantitative detection method (LC‐MS/MS), with luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside being employed as an internal standard (IS). The method was validated within the concentration range 20–15 000 ng/ml, and the calibration curves were linear with correlation coefficients of >0.999. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) for EBF was 20 ng/ml. The intra‐assay accuracy and precision ranged from 98.7% to 100.2% and 2.19% to 6.25%, respectively, while the inter‐assay accuracy and precision ranged from 97.5% to 100.3% and 3.35% to 7.28%, respectively. The method was further applied to assess the pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of EBF after intravenous and oral administration in rats. The oral bioavailability of EBF was 12.46 ± 2.31%. In the tissue distribution assay, its concentration was higher in the heart (13.2 ± 0.24 µg/g) and liver (14.5 ± 0.19 µg/g) than in other tissues. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain, mind and limitations of a scientific theory of human consciousness
Authors: Gierer Alfred
Published: April 2008

In biological terms, human consciousness appears as a feature associated with the functioning of the human brain. The corresponding activities of the neural network occur strictly in accord with physical laws; however, this fact does not necessarily imply that there can be a comprehensive scientific theory of consciousness, despite all the progress in neurobiology, neuropsychology and neurocomputation. Predictions of the extent to which such a theory may become possible vary widely in the scientific community. There are basic reasons—not only practical but also epistemological—why the brain–mind relation may never be fully “decodable” by general finite procedures. In particular self‐referential features of consciousness, such as self‐representations involved in strategic thought and dispositions, may not be resolvable in all their essential aspects by brain analysis. Assuming that such limitations exist, objective analysis by the methods of natural science cannot, in principle, fully encompass subjective, mental experience. BioEssays 30:499–505, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cupiennius salei and Achaearanea tepidariorum: Spider models for investigating evolution and development
Authors: McGregor Alistair P. , Hilbrant Maarten , Pechmann Matthias , Schwager Evelyn E. , Prpic Nikola‐Michael , Damen Wim G.M.
Published: April 2008

The spiders Cupiennius salei and Achaearanea tepidariorum are firmly established laboratory models that have already contributed greatly to answering evolutionary developmental questions. Here we appraise why these animals are such useful models from phylogeny, natural history and embryogenesis to the tools available for their manipulation. We then review recent studies of axis formation, segmentation, appendage development and neurogenesis in these spiders and how this has contributed to understanding the evolution of these processes. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of comparisons of silk production between Cupiennius and Achaearanea to investigate the origins and diversification of this evolutionary innovation. We suggest that further comparisons between these two spiders and other chelicerates will prove useful for understanding the evolution of development in metazoans. BioEssays 30:487–498, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The reality and importance of founder speciation in evolution
Authors: Templeton Alan R.
Published: April 2008

A founder event occurs when a new population is established from a small number of individuals drawn from a large ancestral population. Mayr proposed that genetic drift in an isolated founder population could alter the selective forces in an epistatic system, an observation supported by recent studies. Carson argued that a period of relaxed selection could occur when a founder population is in an open ecological niche, allowing rapid population growth after the founder event. Selectable genetic variation can actually increase during this founder‐flush phase due to recombination, enhanced survival of advantageous mutations, and the conversion of non‐additive genetic variance into additive variance in an epistatic system, another empirically confirmed prediction. Templeton combined the theories of Mayr and Carson with population genetic models to predict the conditions under which founder events can contribute to speciation, and these predictions are strongly confirmed by the empirical literature. Much of the criticism of founder speciation is based upon equating founder speciation to an adaptive peak shift opposed by selection. However, Mayr, Carson and Templeton all modeled a positive interaction of selection and drift, and Templeton showed that founder speciation is incompatible with peak‐shift conditions. Although rare, founder speciation can have a disproportionate importance in adaptive innovation and radiation, and examples are given to show that “rare” does not mean “unimportant” in evolution. Founder speciation also interacts with other speciation mechanisms such that a speciation event is not a one‐dimensional process due to either selection alone or drift alone. BioEssays 30:470–479, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Keeping your vascular integrity: What can we learn from fish?
Authors: Luttun Aernout , Verhamme Peter
Published: April 2008

The cardiovascular system has the life‐providing task of delivering oxygen and any flaw in this system can be life‐threatening. This has encouraged extensive studies to elucidate the mechanisms behind cardiovascular development/homeostasis. The zebrafish has emerged as a formidable tool to speed up this quest, as illustrated in a recent issue of Nature Genetics.1 Baculovirus IAP repeat c2 (BIRC2), also termed cellular inhibitor of apoptosis (cIAP)‐1, was found to specifically prevent endothelial cells (ECs, lining the inside of vessels) from going into suicide mode (‘apoptosis’) and so preserve vessel integrity. Here, we summarize the factors determining vascular integrity and elaborate on the suitability of the zebrafish to study this phenomenon. BioEssays 30:418–422, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pygopus and the Wnt signaling pathway: A diverse set of connections
Authors: Jessen Shannon , Gu Bingnan , Dai Xing
Published: April 2008

Identification of Pygopus in Drosophila as a dedicated component of the Wg (fly homolog of mammalian Wnt) signaling cascade initiated many inquiries into the mechanism of its function. Surprisingly, the nearly exclusive role for Pygopus in Wg signal transduction in flies is not seen in mice, where Pygopus appears to have both Wnt‐related and Wnt‐independent functions. This review addresses the initial findings of Pygopus as a Wg/Wnt co‐activator in light of recent data from both fly and mammalian studies. We compare and contrast the developmental phenotypes of pygopus mutants to those characterized for known Wg/Wnt transducers and explore the data regarding a role for mammalian Pygopus 2 in tumorigenesis. We further analyze the roles of the two conserved domains of Pygopus proteins in transcription, and propose a model for the molecular mechanism of Pygopus function in both Wg/Wnt signaling and Wnt‐independent transcriptional regulation. BioEssays 30:448–456, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential effect of oxidative stress on the apoptosis of early and late passage human diploid fibroblasts: implication of heat shock protein 60
Authors: Lee Young‐Hee , Lee Jung‐Chang , Moon Hyun‐Ju , Jung Ji‐Eun , Sharma Manju , Park Byung‐Hyun , Yi Ho‐Keun , Jhee Eun‐Chung
Published: April 2008

Since an attenuated response to stress is a characteristic of senescence, a cellular senescence model was used to examine the mechanism of resistance against oxidative stress using human diploid fibroblasts (HDF). With increasing passage, the HDF showed increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Late passage HDF were resistant to the lethal effects of oxidative stress, showing less cleavage of pro‐caspase‐3 and PARP than those of early ones. Since heat shock proteins (Hsps) are not only cytoprotective but also interfere with the apoptotic cascade, the expression patterns of Hsps during cellular senescence were next examined. Oxidative stress induced a decrease in the mitochondrial Hsp60 levels with a concomitant increase in the cytosolic Hsp60 levels in the early passage HDF, but not in late ones. To show that the resistance to oxidative stress is a specific effect of Hsp60, the levels of Hsp60 were knocked down by siRNA. As expected the Hsp60 knock‐down cells were more resistant to oxidative stress. These findings show that Hsp60 is a key player in the resistance mechanism against oxidative stress and aging. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Evolution of Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes (Unstable Angina and Non‐ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction): Part l
Authors: Richard Conti C.
Published: April 2008

As I advanced through medical school at Johns Hopkins, and throughout my subsequent training, I was constantly reminded of the contributions made to medicine by our predecessors. Many of whom were at Johns Hopkins, but many were not. As I continue active involvement in the education of medical students and physicians, it seems to me we have not done a good job of relating the history of how the modern management of patients with cardiovascular disease developed to our students, house staff, and fellows. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐adjusted Charlson comorbidity score is associated with treatment decisions and clinical outcomes for patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
Authors: Koppie Theresa M. , Serio Angel M. , Vickers Andrew J. , Vora Kinjal , Dalbagni Guido , Donat S. Machele , Herr Harry W. , Bochner Bernard H.
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND.

By using the age‐adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI), the authors characterized the impact of age and comorbidity on disease progression and overall survival after radical cystectomy (RC) for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Also evaluated was whether ACCI was associated with clinicopathologic and treatment characteristics.

METHODS.

The authors evaluated 1121 patients treated by RC for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder at a single institution (1990–2004). Logistic regression was used to determine the relation between ACCI and clinical features. They evaluated the association between ACCI and overall and progression‐free survival by using multivariate survival‐time models with pathologic stage and nodal status as covariates.

RESULTS.

ACCI scores increased during the study period (P = .009). Extravesical disease was present in 43% of patients with ACCI ≤2, 49% with ACCI 3–5, and 56% with ACCI >5 (P = .051). Despite their higher prevalence of extravesical disease, patients with higher ACCI were less likely to have lymph‐node dissection (odds ratio, 0.55 and 0.35, respectively, for ACCI 3–5 and >5 vs ≤2; P = .005), and when it was performed, fewer lymph nodes were evaluated (P < .0005). Patients with higher ACCI were also less likely to have postoperative chemotherapy (odds ratio, 0.70 and 0.66, respectively, for ACCI 3–5 and >5 vs ≤2; P = .04). Higher ACCI was significantly associated with lower overall (P < .005) but not recurrence‐free (P = .17) survival after RC.

CONCLUSIONS.

Age and comorbidity among patients who underwent RC at a cancer referral hospital increased with time. Both age and comorbidity were associated with treatment selection and survival and should, therefore, be considered when comparing outcomes after RC. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Thromboprophylaxis for patients with cancer and central venous catheters
Authors: Akl Elie A. , Kamath Ganesh , Yosuico Victor , Kim Seo Young , Barba Maddalena , Sperati Francesca , Cook Deborah J. , Schünemann Holger J.
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND.

Central venous catheter (CVC) placement increases the risk of thrombosis and subsequent death in patients with cancer. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation in reducing mortality and thromboembolic events in cancer patients with a CVC.

METHODS.

The authors searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ISI the Web of Science databases. They included randomized controlled trials in patients with cancer comparing unfractionated heparin (UFH), low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH), vitamin K antagonists, fondaparinux, or ximelagatran with no intervention, placebo, or each other. The standard methods of the Cochrane Collaboration were used for the analyses.

RESULTS.

Of 3986 identified citations we included 9 randomized clinical trials, none of which evaluated fondaparinux or ximelagatran. Heparin therapy (UFH or LMWH) was associated with a trend toward a reduction in symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (relative risk (RR), 0.43; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.18–1.06), but there was no statistically significant effect on mortality (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.40–1.36), infection (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.36–2.28), major bleeding (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.10–4.78), or thrombocytopenia (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.49–1.46). The effect of warfarin on symptomatic DVT also was not statistically significant (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.30–1.27).

CONCLUSIONS.

The balance of benefits and downsides of thromboprophylaxis in cancer patients with CVC are uncertain. Clinicians together with their patients must weigh these factors carefully when making decisions regarding thromboprophylaxis. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Dynamic expression of the retinoic acid‐synthesizing enzyme retinol dehydrogenase 10 (rdh10) in the developing mouse brain and sensory organs
Authors: Romand Raymond , Kondo Takako , Cammas Laura , Hashino Eri , Dollé Pascal
Published: April 2008

Organs develop through many tissue interactions during embryogenesis, involving numerous signaling cascades and gene products. One of these signaling molecules is retinoic acid (RA), an active vitamin A derivative, which in mammalian embryos is synthesized from maternal retinol by two oxidative reactions involving alcohol/retinol dehydrogenases (ADH/RDHs) and retinaldehyde dehydrogenases (RALDHs), respectively. The activity of RALDHs is known to be crucial for RA synthesis; however, recently a retinol dehydrogenase (RDH10) has been shown to represent a new limiting factor in this synthesis. We investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of Rdh10 gene transcripts by in situ hybridization and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) during development of the brain and sensory organs. Although Rdh10 relative mRNA levels decline throughout brain development, we show a strong and lasting expression in the meninges and choroid plexuses. Rdh10 expression is also specifically seen in the striatum, a known site of retinoid signaling. In the eye, regional expression is observed both in the prospective pigmented epithelium and neural retina. In the inner ear Rdh10 expression is specific to the endolymphatic system and later the stria vascularis, both organs being involved in endolymph homeostasis. Furthermore, in the peripheral olfactory system and the vibrissae follicles, expression is present from early stages in regions where sensory receptors appear and mesenchymal/epithelial interactions take place. The distribution of Rdh10 transcripts during brain and sensory organ development is consistent with a role of this enzyme in generating region‐specific pools of retinaldehyde that will be used by the various RALDHs to refine the patterns of RA synthesis. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:879–892, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.