bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thought Speed, Mood, and the Experience of Mental Motion
Authors: Pronin Emily , Jacobs Elana
Published: November 2008

This article presents a theoretical account relating thought speed to mood and psychological experience. Thought sequences that occur at a fast speed generally induce more positive affect than do those that occur slowly. Thought speed constitutes one aspect of mental motion. Another aspect involves thought variability, or the degree to which thoughts in a sequence either vary widely from or revolve closely around a theme. Thought sequences possessing more motion (occurring fast and varying widely) generally produce more positive affect than do sequences possessing little motion (occurring slowly and repetitively). When speed and variability oppose each other, such that one is low and the other is high, predictable psychological states also emerge. For example, whereas slow, repetitive thinking can prompt dejection, fast, repetitive thinking can prompt anxiety. This distinction is related to the fact that fast thinking involves greater actual and felt energy than slow thinking does. Effects of mental motion occur independent of the specific content of thought. Their consequences for mood and energy hold psychotherapeutic relevance.
Frequency and patterns of contact with domestic poultry and potential risk of H5N1 transmission to humans living in rural Cambodia
Authors: Van Kerkhove Maria D. , Ly Sowath , Holl Davun , Guitian Javier , Mangtani Punam , Ghani Azra C. , Vong Sirenda
Published: November 2008

Background  Since 2004, H5N1 outbreaks have been recurrent in domestic poultry and humans in Cambodia. To date, seven human cases (100% CFR) and 22 outbreaks in poultry have been confirmed. Household ownership of backyard poultry (FAO Sector 4 poultry production) in rural Cambodia is high. An understanding of the extent and frequency of poultry handing behaviors in these settings is necessary to assess the risk associated with different practices and to formulate sensible recommendations to mitigate this risk. We collected new data from six geographic regions to examine patterns of human contact with poultry among rural farmers in Cambodia and identify populations with the highest potential exposure to H5N1.

Methods and Findings  A cross‐sectional survey was undertaken in which 3,600 backyard poultry owners from 115 randomly selected villages in six provinces throughout Cambodia were interviewed. Using risk assessment methods, patterns of contact with poultry as surrogate measures of exposure to H5N1 were used to generate risk indices of potential H5N1 transmission to different populations in contact with poultry. Estimates of human exposure risk for each study participant (n = 3600) were obtained by multiplying each reported practice with a transmission risk‐weighting factor and summing these over all practices reported by each individual. Exposure risk estimates were then examined stratified by age and gender. Subjects reported high contact with domestic poultry (chickens and ducks) through the daily care and food preparation practices, however contact patterns varied by gender and age. Males between the ages of 26‐40 reported practices of contact with poultry that give rise to the highest H5N1 transmission risk potential, followed closely by males between the ages of 16‐25. Overall, males had a higher exposure risk potential than females across all age groups (p < 0·001).

Conclusions  Our results demonstrate that most of the population in rural Cambodia is in frequent contact with domestic poultry. About half of the population in this study carried out on a regular basis at least one of the practices considered to be high risk for the effective transmission if the bird is infected. There was however substantial variation in the frequency of different practices and thus the potential risk of transmission of H5N1 from poultry to humans is not uniform across age and gender even amongst populations living in close proximity to poultry.
Investigation of the Role of Companion Animals in the Zoonotic Transmission of Cryptosporidiosis
Authors: Smith R. P. , Chalmers R. M. , Elwin K. , Clifton‐Hadley F. A. , Mueller‐Doblies D. , Watkins J. , Paiba G. A. , Giles M.
Published: November 2008

Companion animals owned by human patients with cryptosporidiosis (cases) and those animals owned by the wider human population (controls), were studied to determine whetherCryptosporidiumwas more likely to be excreted by case animals than controls. A total of 280 recently voided faecal samples (114 case animals and 166 control animals) were collected and tested by immunomagnetic separation and immunofluorescent microscopy. A multivariable model was also created to identify pet characteristics, contacts and management factors associated withCryptosporidiuminfection in animals, using information collected by a standardized questionnaire. The model was designed to take into account the clustering of samples at the owner level and whether the sampled animal was a case or control.
Domestic Cats Constitute a Natural Reservoir of Human Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Types
Authors: Morato E. P. , Leomil L. , Beutin L. , Krause G. , Moura R. A. , Pestana de Castro A. F.
Published: November 2008

Feces of 70 diarrhoeic and 230 non‐diarrhoeic domestic cats from São Paulo, Brazil were investigated for enteropathogenic (EPEC), enterohaemorrhagic (EHEC) and enterotoxigenic (ETEC) Escherichia coli types. While ETEC and EHEC strains were not found, 15 EPEC strains were isolated from 14 cats, of which 13 were non‐diarrhoeic, and one diarrhoeic. None of 15 EPEC strains carried the bfpA gene or the EPEC adherence factor plasmid, indicating atypical EPEC types. The EPEC strains were heterogeneous with regard to intimin types, such as eae‐θ (three strains), eae‐κ (n = 3), eae‐α1 (n = 2), eae‐ι (n = 2), one eae‐α2, eae‐β1 and eae‐η each, and two were not typeable. The majority of the EPEC isolates adhered to HEp‐2 cells in a localized adherence‐like pattern and were positive for fluorescence actin staining. The EPEC strains belonged to 12 different serotypes, including O111:H25 and O125:H6, which are known to be pathogens in humans. Multi locus sequence typing revealed a close genetic similarity between the O111:H25 and O125:H6 strains from cats, dogs and humans. Our results show that domestic cats are colonized by EPEC, including serotypes previously described as human pathogens. As these EPEC strains are also isolated from humans, a cycle of mutual infection by EPEC between cats and its households cannot be ruled out, though the transmission dynamics among the reservoirs are not yet understood clearly.
Hochschild cohomology, the characteristic morphism and derived deformations
Authors: Lowen Wendy
Published: November 2008

A notion of Hochschild cohomology HH*(𝒜) of an abelian category 𝒜 was defined by Lowen and Van den Bergh (Adv. Math. 198 (2005), 172–221). They also showed the existence of a characteristic morphism χ from the Hochschild cohomology of 𝒜 into the graded centre ℨ*(Db(𝒜)) of the bounded derived category of 𝒜. An element c∈HH2(𝒜) corresponds to a first-order deformation 𝒜c of 𝒜 (Lowen and Van den Bergh, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 358 (2006), 5441–5483). The problem of deforming an object M∈Db(𝒜) to Db(𝒜c) was treated by Lowen (Comm. Algebra 33 (2005), 3195–3223). In this paper we show that the element χ(c)M∈Ext𝒜2(M,M) is precisely the obstruction to deforming M to Db(𝒜c). Hence, this paper provides a missing link between the above works. Finally we discuss some implications of these facts in the direction of a ‘derived deformation theory’.
Towards an enumerative geometry of the moduli space of twisted curves
and rth roots
Authors: Chiodo Alessandro
Published: November 2008

The enumerative geometry of rth roots of line bundles is crucial
in the theory of r-spin curves and occurs in the calculation of
Gromov–Witten invariants of orbifolds. It requires the definition of
the suitable compact moduli stack and the generalization of the standard
techniques from the theory of moduli of stable curves. In a previous paper, we
constructed a compact moduli stack by describing the notion of stability in the
context of twisted curves. In this paper, by working with stable twisted curves,
we extend Mumford’s formula for the Chern character of the Hodge
bundle to the direct image of the universal rth root in
K-theory.
(GLn+1(F), GLn(F)) is a Gelfand pair for any local field F
Authors: Aizenbud Avraham , Gourevitch Dmitry , Sayag Eitan
Published: November 2008

Let F be an arbitrary local field. Consider the standard embedding $\mathrm {GL}_n(F) \hookrightarrow \mathrm {GL}_{n+1}(F)$ and the two-sided action of GLn(F)×GLn(F) on GLn+1(F). In this paper we show that any GLn(F)×GLn(F)-invariant distribution on GLn+1(F) is invariant with respect to transposition. We show that this implies that the pair (GLn+1(F), GLn(F)) is a Gelfand pair. Namely, for any irreducible admissible representation (π,E) of GLn+1(F), $\dim Hom_{\mathrm {GL}_n(F)}(E,\mathbb {C}) \leqslant 1$. For the proof in the archimedean case, we develop several tools to study invariant distributions on smooth manifolds.
The quantitative removal of metal catalyst from multi-walled carbon nanotubes with minimal tube damage
Authors: Huber Trisha A , Kopac Michael C , Chow Catherine
Published: November 2008

A purification method for multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been developed to remove almost all (>98%) residual metal catalyst without introducing a significant amount of surface functionality. The process involves alternating mild acid oxidation and thermal oxidation in an iterative fashion with progressively higher temperatures for thermal treatment, in accordance with the increasing thermal stability. Thermogravimetric analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were employed to assess thermal stability and residual catalyst content, respectively, throughout the process. Transmission electron microscopy confirms the integrity of the nanotubes, and the degree of acid functionalization introduced by the acid oxidation is minimal, as determined by titration analysis.Key words: multi-walled carbon nanotube, purification, ICP-MS, TGA, FTIR.
Modification of the NRTL and Wilson models for the representation of phase equilibrium behavior of aqueous amino acid – electrolyte solutions
Authors: Sadeghi Rahmat
Published: November 2008

The extended NRTL and Wilson local composition models for amino acid solutions have been modified for the representation of the phase equilibrium behavior of aqueous amino acid – electrolyte solutions by considering cells with random composition for the reference Gibbs energies or enthalpies of local composition cells with a central amino acid molecule and also with a central ion. These new local composition models, which have a molecular thermodynamic framework, have been used to model the vapor–liquid and solid–liquid equilibrium behavior of amino acids and small peptides in aqueous solutions as functions of temperature, ionic strength, and amino acid compositions. The utility of the models is demonstrated with a successful representation of the activity coefficients and the solubility of several amino acids in different aqueous solutions.Key words: amino acid, NRTL, Wilson, activity coefficient, solubility, aqueous solution.
IMPLEMENTATION OF FINITE-DIFFERENCE LATTICE BOLTZMANN METHOD ON GENERAL BODY-FITTED CURVILINEAR COORDINATES
Authors: LI Q. , HE Y. L. , GAO Y. J.
Published: November 2008

A finite-difference lattice Boltzmann (LB) algorithm is described on general body-fitted coordinate systems. An alternative treatment for the implicit collision term of the Boltzmann–Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook equation is used, which completely removes the implicitness of the numerical scheme through using the characteristic of collision invariants. LB simulations are carried out for a two-dimensional supersonic viscous flow past a circular cylinder and the natural convection heat transfer in a circular enclosure with an inner hexagonal cylinder for the first time. The pressure coefficient distribution along the surface of the circular cylinder and the Nusselt number in the natural convection obtained from the simulations agree well with previous experimental measurements and/or classical computational fluid dynamics simulations. Comparisons of detailed flow patterns with other studies are also satisfactory.
ANALYSIS OF HYPERCHAOTIC COMPLEX LORENZ SYSTEMS
Authors: MAHMOUD GAMAL M. , AHMED MANSOUR E. , MAHMOUD EMAD E.
Published: November 2008

This paper introduces and analyzes new hyperchaotic complex Lorenz systems. These systems are 6-dimensional systems of real first order autonomous differential equations and their dynamics are very complicated and rich. In this study we extend the idea of adding state feedback control and introduce the complex periodic forces to generate hyperchaotic behaviors. The fractional Lyapunov dimension of the hyperchaotic attractors of these systems is calculated. Bifurcation analysis is used to demonstrate chaotic and hyperchaotic behaviors of our new systems. Dynamical systems where the main variables are complex appear in many important fields of physics and communications.
STRUCTURAL, ELECTRONIC AND PHONON PROPERTIES OF LaX COMPOUNDS (X = P, As)
Authors: UǦUR GÖKAY , UǦUR ŞULE , ERKIŞI AYTAÇ , SOYALP FETHI
Published: November 2008

The structural, electronic and phonon properties of the LaP and LaAs compounds in NaCl (B1) and CsCl (B2) structures are studied by means of density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation. The calculated lattice constants, static bulk modulus and first-order pressure derivative of the bulk modulus are reported in both B1 and B2 structures and compared with previous experimental and theoretical calculations. Band structure and density of states calculations are carried out for LaP and LaAs . Then, a linear-response approach to the density functional theory is used to derive the phonon frequencies and density of states.
Carbonic fluids in ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism: evidence from Raman spectroscopic study of fluid inclusions in granulites from the Napier Complex, East Antarctica
Authors: Tsunogae T. , Santosh M. , Dubessy J. , Osanai Y. , Owada M. , Hokada T. , Toyoshima T.
Published: November 2008

We report the first quantitative compositional data on fluid inclusions in ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) granulites from the Napier Complex of Enderby Land, East Antarctica. Fluid inclusions in various high-grade minerals such as garnet, orthopyroxene and sapphirine from three UHT localities in the Amundsen Bay area were studied in terms of petrography and microthermometry as well as laser Raman spectroscopy. Measured melting temperatures of inclusions from all the three localities indicate that the trapped fluid phase is dominantly carbonic. Raman analyses confirmed a near pure CO2composition with only minor dilutants such as N2(<6.0 mol%), CH4(<0.3 mol%), and H2O (<0.1 mol%). CH4-bearing fluid associated with sapphirine granulites suggests low oxygen fugacity (fO2) conditions for the rocks, whereas CH4was not detected from fluid inclusions in magnetite-bearing high-fO2garnet granulite. The range of CO2isochores computed from density measurements in fluid inclusions from the granulites pass through the peakP–Tconditions of the Napier metamorphism (T= 1050–1150 °C,P=9–11 kbar) indicating synmetamorphic nature of the fluids. Inclusions in garnet from Bunt Island coexist with carbonate minerals (magnesite) and graphite along with dense CO2-rich fluid, indicating probable derivation from deep-seated primary magmatic sources. The ubiquitous association of carbonic fluids in the UHT mineral assemblages suggests CO2influx during extreme crustal metamorphism of the Napier Complex. The carbonic fluid probably played an important role in transporting heat from mantle or mantle-derived magmas and in stabilizing the dry mineral assemblages.
Sapphirine+quartz association in garnet: implication for ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism at Rundvågshetta, Lützow-Holm Complex, East Antarctica
Authors: Yoshimura Yasutaka , Motoyoshi Yoichi , Miyamoto Tomoharu
Published: November 2008

We report the occurrence of sapphirine+quartz association within garnet porphyroblast in the garnet–orthopyroxene–sillimanite granulite (Grt–Opx–Sill granulite) from Rundvågshetta in the Lützow-Holm Complex, East Antarctica. The granulites in the study area show a characteristic mineral assemblage consisting of orthopyroxene+sillimanite+quartz. The presence of sapphirine and quartz inclusions within garnet in the sapphirine-bearing Grt–Opx–Sill granulite suggests that metamorphic conditions changed from the stability field of orthopyroxene+sillimanite+quartz to that of sapphirine+quartz during the garnet growth. Peak metamorphic temperature conditions of about 1000–1100 °C are obtained by ternary feldspar thermometry for these granulites. Similar temperatures were also estimated from the Al-in-orthopyroxene geothermometer. The granulites are also characterized by coarse-grained garnet, being partly surrounded by a fine-grained symplectite composed of orthopyroxene and cordierite, whereas sapphirine+cordierite symplectitic intergrowth occurs in the matrix. These textures imply that the area underwent isothermal decompression subsequent to ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism. The sapphirine-bearing Grt–Opx–Sill granulite is likely to be the restitic product of partial melting and shows signs of segregation and movement of melt.
Jasmonate Passes Muster: A Receptor and Targets for the Defense Hormone
Authors: Browse John
Published: November 2008

The oxylipin jasmonate (JA) regulates many aspects of growth, development, and environmental responses in plants, particularly defense responses against herbivores and necrotrophic pathogens. Mutants of Arabidopsis helped researchers define the biochemical pathway for synthesis of jasmonoyl-isoleucine (JA-Ile), the active form of JA hormone, and demonstrated that JA is required for plant survival of insect and pathogen attacks and for plant fertility. Transcriptional profiling led to the discovery of the JASMONATE ZIM-DOMAIN (JAZ) proteins, which are repressors of JA signaling. JA-Ile relieves repression by promoting binding of the JAZ proteins to the F-box protein CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1 (COI1) and their subsequent degradation by the ubiquitination/26S-proteasome pathway. Although we now have a much better understanding of the molecular mechanism of JA action, many questions remain. Experimental answers to these questions will expand our knowledge of oxylipin signaling in plants and animals and will also provide new tools for efforts to improve crop protection and reproductive performance.
Does arterial shear explain the magnitude of flow-mediated dilation?: a comparison between young and older humans
Authors: Thijssen Dick H. J. , Bullens Lauren M. , van Bemmel Marieke M. , Dawson Ellen A. , Hopkins Nicola , Tinken Toni M. , Black Mark A. , Hopman Maria T. E. , Cable N. Timothy , Green Daniel J.
Published: November 2008

Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) has become a commonly applied approach for the assessment of vascular function and health in humans. Recent studies emphasize the importance of normalizing the magnitude of FMD to its apparent eliciting stimulus, the postdeflation arterial shear. However, the relationship between shear stress and the magnitude of FMD may differ between groups. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the brachial FMD and four different indexes of postdeflation shear rate (SR) in healthy children ( n = 51, 10 ± 1 yr) and young ( n = 57, 27 ± 6 yr) and older ( n = 27, 58 ± 4 yr) adults. SR was calculated from deflation ( time 0) until 9 s (peak), 30 s (0–30), 60 s (0–60), or until the time-to-peak diameter in each individual (0-ttp). Edge detection and wall tracking of high resolution B-mode arterial ultrasound images were used to calculate the conduit artery diameter. In young adults, the brachial artery FMD demonstrated a significant correlation with the area under the SR curve (SRAUC) 0–30 s ( r2 = 0.12, P = 0.009), 0–60 s ( r2 = 0.14, P = 0.005), and 0-ttp ( r2 = 0.14, P = 0.005) but not for the peak SRAUC 0–9 s ( r2 = 0.04, P = 0.12). In children and older adults, the magnitude of the brachial artery FMD did not correlate with any of the four SRAUC stimuli. These findings suggest that in young subjects, postdeflation SRAUC correlates moderately with the magnitude of the FMD response. However, the relationship between FMD and postdeflation shear appears to be age dependent, with less evidence for an association in younger and older subjects. Therefore, we support presenting SRAUC stimuli but not normalizing FMD responses for the SRAUC when using this technique.
Severe Hyperbilirubinemia in a Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase-Deficient Preterm Neonate: Could Prematurity Be the Main Responsible Factor?
Authors: Costa Simonetta , De Carolis Maria Pia , De Luca Daniele , Savarese Immacolata , Romagnoli Costantino
Published: November 2008

We report on a premature infant with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and severe hyperbilirubinemia. In this patient, all known potential hemolytic agents were excluded and no findings of hemolysis were observed. The crucial role of prematurity in the pathogenesis of this type of jaundice is discussed.
Effect of Nitric Oxide on Dengue Virus Replication in Aedes aegypti and Anophelesalbimanus
Authors: Ramos-Castañeda José , González Cassandra , Jiménez Marco Antonio , Duran Josefina , Hernández-Martínez Salvador , Rodríguez Mario Henry , Lanz-Mendoza Humberto
Published: November 2008

Dengue virus (DENV) is transmitted to humans by Aedes sp. mosquitoes. Little is known about the cellular and molecular interactions between the virus and the mosquito. The identification of resistance mechanisms could provide insight for the development of control strategies based on genetic manipulation. Objective: To determine the effect of nitric oxide (NO) donors/inhibitors on DENV replication in Aedes aegypti and Anopheles albimanus. Materials and Methods:Ae. aegypti and An. albimanus were fed with a blood suspension supplemented with DENV and donors/inhibitors of NO; DENV replication was assessed by immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and qRT-PCR parallel to NO measurement by means of the Griess reaction. Results: DENV replicates at 3×106 genome copies/day/mosquito in Aedes. In comparison, no evidence of virus genome accumulation was detected when 2 mM sodium nitroprusside, a NO donor, were added to the infected blood meal. DENV did not replicate in Anopheles unless 1 mML-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester, a NO synthesis inhibitor, was added to the infected blood meal, although the absolute viral load was significantly lower than in Aedes. Conclusions: As in humans, NO participates in the control of the virus load in mosquitoes. However, other mechanisms could also be involved in virus resistance in Anopheles.
The Energetics of Protein Deposition during Growth
Authors: Thorbek Grete
Published: November 2008

Methods of determining protein and energy metabolism in farm animals and man are discussed. From experiments with growing pigs a curve for maximum nitrogen retention has been established and expressed as a quadratic function of metabolic live weight (kg0.75). From experiments with growing pigs kept on protein with low biological value and from experiments with low energy level the nitrogen retention is compared with the maximum nitrogen curve and the results are discussed in relation to human nutrition. The comparatively high cost of protein deposition found in experiments with growing farm animals is discussed.
Vergleichende Bilanzstudie über die Wertigkeit von Aminosäuren für den Menschen bei oraler und parenteraler Zufuhr
Authors: Semler P. , Jekat F.
Published: November 2008

The biological value (BV) of an amino acid mixture, according to the potato-egg principle (KE), was determined in the case of oral and parenteral input with three healthy adult volunteers in a long-term complete test of metabolic balance: KE-amino acid pattern with oral input, BV = 134.4; KE-amino acid pattern with parenteral input, BV = 131.4; egg protein (reference) with oral input, BV = 100. The long-term metabolic balance experiment with human subjects under criteria of compensated nitrogen balances was used to test nitrogen substances like whole egg protein and amino acids (under parenteral and oral input); the BV of a nitrogen substance is defined as the reciprocal value of the minimum nitrogen requirements compared with the reference protein whole egg, which is set at 100. The results confirm in principle (1) the almost identical utilization and value of identical nitrogen substances (amino acids), even with different ways of input with oral and parenteral nutrition of the human being, and (2) the ability of reproduction of the BV of the optimal potato-egg protein mixture (65% potato nitrogen + 35% egg nitrogen with oral input: BV = 137.6) by means of simulation through corresponding L-amino acids, considering the modification necessary for technical as well as physiological reasons, which concern the non-essential part of the pattern.
Homeostatic Adjustments in Zinc Digestion to Widely Varying Dietary Zinc Intake
Authors: Weigand E. , Kirchgessner M.
Published: November 2008

A 15-day Zn balance study was conducted with 36 growing rats maintained on a casein diet with 18.2 µg Zn/g from day 0 to 3. Thereafter, six rats each were given the diet with the following variates of Zn content (µg Zn/g): 5.6, 10.6, 18.2, 39, 70, 141. Zn digestion adjusted to the change in dietary Zn intake within the first 6 days via control of the extent of intestinal Zn absorption and fecal excretion of endogenous Zn. From day 9 to 15, mean apparent Zn digestion ranged from 92 to 18% and Zn absorption from 100 to 34% in an inverse relation to Zn intake. At the supply of 39 and 70 µg Zn/g of diet, fecal excretion of endogenous Zn amounted to nearly one fourth of the dietary Zn intake. Reduction of intestinal absorption became the major factor to confine Zn accretion by the body when Zn intake was in great excess above requirement. Endogenous fecal Zn excretion exhibited its greatest homeostatic response in the range of optimum Zn intake. Zn excretion via the kidneys did not partake in Zn homeostasis, except that it was a major drain of body Zn compared to the intestinal route at low Zn intakes.
Effect of Dietary Wheat Gluten on Lipid Metabolism in Growing Rats
Authors: Mokady Shoshana , Einav Pnina
Published: November 2008

The effect of dietary wheat gluten on liver and spleen lipogenesis in rats was studied in vitro and in vivo. Weanling rats were fed for 2 or 3 weeks an experimental diet containing wheat gluten as the only protein source and compared to other rats fed a casein control diet. Rats fed gluten showed enhanced in vitro lipogenesis as measured by conversion of (l-14C)-acetate into liver and spleen lipids. These results indicated that the gluten-fed rats had a significantly higher hepatic capacity than the control rats to synthesize all lipid classes. On the other hand, the in vivo study of hepatic lipogenesis showed smaller differences between the group fed gluten and that fed casein. This suggests that the accumulation of lipids in fatty livers of gluten-fed rats is mostly due to increased rate of biosynthesis and not a result of impairment in the lipids’ transport system. In the spleens of the gluten-fed groups, the enhanced in vitro lipogenesis was also found in vivo, indicating that accumulation of lipids in fatty spleens may be a result of biosynthesis only, with no other effects that can take place in vivo.
Composition and Histological Observations of Enlarged Pancreases of Chicks Adapted to Raw Soybean Meal Diets
Authors: Madar Z. , Klein M.
Published: November 2008

Chicks fed raw soybean meal (RSBM) as a sole protein source developed a significantly enlarged pancreas as compared to chicks fed heated soybean meal. No difference in DNA, RNA and protein content was observed, but the number of acinar cells was significantly higher in pancreases of chicks fed RSBM, after 14 and 28 days of feeding. Histological and ultrastructural analyses revealed that the enlargement of the pancreas resulted both from the hyperplasmic increase in the number of acinar cells and from the dilution of the acini by intercellular connective tissue and the appearance of cytopathogenetic areas.
Supplemental Dietary Carnitine and Lipid Metabolism in Exercising Rats
Authors: Askew E.W. , Dohm G.L. , Weiser P.C. , Huston R.L. , Doub, Jr. W.H.
Published: November 2008

Rats were physically trained by treadmill running and fed normal, high fat, or identical diets supplemented with 1.0% DL-carnitine. Fatty acid oxidation, stimulated by exercise and/or by a high fat diet was studied to determine if it might be further augmented by supplemental dietary carnitine. Fatty acid oxidation in vitro or in vivo was unaffected by carnitine feeding. Carnitine feeding was associated with an increase in heart and muscle palmitylcarnitine acyltransferase activity and reduced serum cholesterol in trained rats fed the high fat diet. Under the conditions of this study, supplemental dietary carnitine did not greatly alter glyceride synthesis, lipolysis, or fatty acid oxidation, which indirectly indicates that the increased demands for fatty acid oxidation resulting from exercise or from fat feeding are adequately supported by endogenous levels of carnitine.
Intervention Study in High School Students with Elevated Blood Pressures
Authors: Stern B. , Heyden S. , Miller D. , Latham G. , Klimas A. , Pilkington K.
Published: November 2008

A blood pressure-lowering effect of increased prostaglandin synthesis via polyunsaturated fatty acids has been demonstrated in animal experiments. To our knowledge, for the first time an attempt was made to lower elevated blood pressures in adolescents (age 15–18 years) through a diet enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids. This community-based dietary trial involved 30 students in the diet group and 20 students in the control group without any dietary intervention. Within 6 weeks the systolic blood pressure decreased by almost 11 mm Hg in the diet group and by 6 mm Hg in the control group. Diastolic blood pressure fell by 2 and 1 mm Hg, respectively. The effect on blood pressure was markedly different in normal weight adolescents. Systolic blood pressure in the diet group decreased by 14 mm Hg but only by 5 mm Hg in the control group. Diastolic blood pressure levels fell by 4 mm Hg in the diet group and increased by 4 mm Hg in the control group. Unfortunately, the numbers in these two comparison groups were rather small. The majority (70%) of adolescents with high blood pressure was overweight (≧20% above normal weight). However, for the small group of normal weight adolescents, the diet enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids may be suitable to reduce elevated blood pressure levels.
Ineffectiveness of Testosterone and FSH in Maintaining the Vitamin A Deficient Rat Testis
Authors: Catignani George L. , Bieri John G.
Published: November 2008

The combined administration of follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone to sexually mature male rats whose testes were in the early stages of damage from retinol deficiency did not prevent the continued degeneration of the germinal epithelium. It is concluded that the action of retinol on the testis is probably not mediated through, nor influenced by, the pituitary or steroid hormones.
Effets de l’administration de précurseurs métaboliques du propionate à des rats carencés en biotine
Authors: Cherruau B. , Mangeot M. , Demelier J.F. , Charpentier C. , Pelletier C. , Lemonnier A.
Published: November 2008

Biotin deficiency induced in the rat, with a biotin-deficient diet but with added avidin involves clinical symptoms of deficiency as well as an important drop (80%) in propionyl-CoA carboxylase activity in the liver, heart and kidneys. But major biochemical anomalies (ketoacidosis and increased urinary elimination of propionic acid), characteristic of propionic acidaemia due to propionyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency in man, are not observed in the rat. Nevertheless, abnormal urinary elimination of methylcitrate and tiglylglycine reflects an appreciable decrease in the metabolism of propionyl-CoA in these animals. The propionyl-CoA load caused by the administration of metabolic precursors of this substance, mainly L-isoleucine, does not induce important biochemical variations except for excretion of propionylglycine.
Influences of Dietary Fats on Coronary Flow Rate and Left Ventricular Work of the Isolated Rat Heart: Sunflower Seed Oil versus Lard
Authors: De Deckere E.A.M. , Hoor Ten
Published: November 2008

The influences of dietary sunflower seed oil and lard on coronary flow rate and external left ventricular work were studied in the isolated Langendorff-perfused and working rat heart. For 1, 4 or 6 weeks, rats were fed diets containing 25–50% of the total digestible energy as fat, 23% as casein and 52–27% as starch. The coronary flow rate and the maximum left ventricular work of hearts of rats fed sunflower seed oil were higher than those of hearts of rats fed lard (about 15 and 10%, respectively). The maximum left ventricular work was achieved at a left ventricular filling pressure of 10–12 mm Hg: this value was not affected by the type of dietary fat. The effect of dietary fat on coronary flow rate is already seen after 1 week of feeding, and on left ventricular work after 4 weeks of feeding. Analysis of variance shows a positive relationship between the maximum left ventricular work and the amount of sunflower seed oil. It is concluded that dietary fats affect coronary flow rate and left ventricular work in the isolated rat heart. The increase in left ventricular work may be caused by an increase in contractility.
Plasma Lipoproteins in Maturity Onset Diabetes
Authors: Mancini M. , Rivellese A. , Rubba P. , Riccardi G.
Published: November 2008

Plasma lipoprotein abnormalities in maturity onset diabetes (MOD) reflect both enhanced production and impaired removal of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Hyper-glycemia and hyperinsulinemia lead to overproduction of very-low-density lipoproteins by the liver. Fat tolerance is reduced in MOD patients: this might be due to low lipoprotein lipase activity (LLA) and/or to low incorporation of LLA-released fatty acids into adipose tissue glyceride. The finding of abnormal low-density lipoprotein composition, with relative enrichment in triglyceride, suggests remnant particle accumulation.
Dietary Fats and Platelet Function in French and Scottish Farmers
Authors: Renaud S. , Dumont E. , Godsey F. , Morazain R. , Thevenon C. , Ortchanian E.
Published: November 2008

Although the intake of saturated facts still appears to be the environmental factor most closely assosiated with coronary heart disease (CHD), this does not necessarily mean that CHD is caused essentially or solely by blood lipids, as suggested by several investigators. It seems that blood platelets rather than (or at least in addition to) blood lipids might be the intermediate link between certain environmental factors (saturated fats, hard water) and CHD, through an effect on both thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Our recent studies in French and Scottish farmers, have shown that blood platelet function is more drastically affected by saturated fats than blood lipids. In those studies, platelet function was the only blood parameter correlated on an individual basis with the intake of saturated fat and inversely related to calcium intake. Calcium is probably the cation responsible for the protective effect of hard water against CHD in various countries. The results obtained also indicate that platelet function can be improved by increasing the intake of polyunsaturated fats at the expense of saturated fats. Finally, only platelet function was different from one region of France to another and from one region of Scotland to another; this difference could be related to the reported incidence of CHD in these various regions.
Favourable Influences of Linoleic Acid on the Progression of Diabetic Micro- and Macroangiopathy
Authors: Houtsmuller A.J. , van Hal-Ferwerda J. , Zahn K.J. , Henkes H.E.
Published: November 2008

A long-term study of two diets on the progression of diabetic retinopathy was performed on 102 patients. Diet 1 was composed of carbohydrates 50 cal%, saturated fats 35 cal%, proteins 15 cal%; diet 2, of carbohydrates 45 cal%, fats 40 cal% (are third linoleic acid) and proteins 15 cal%. The linoleic acid content of diet 2 was 4 times that of diet 1. The diabetics were matched 2 by 2 according to 10 criteria and set at random on one of the two diets. During the observation period of 5 years, 3 patients of diet 1 died of a heart infarction. Of the remaining 96 patients (51 males and 44 females); of diet group 1 (linoleic acid poor), 62% of the males and 55% of the females showed retinopathy. Of diet group 2 (linoleic acid rich), 27% of the males and 32% of the females showed retinopathy (p < 0.00l). A strong inverse correlation was found between progression of retinopathy and serum cholesteryl linoleate. Of diet group 1, 11 males and 7 females showed signs of cardiac ischaemia, of diet group 2, 3 males and 2 females (p < 0.025) did so. Large differences were seen for the GTTs and corresponding insulin levels between males and females. While the females of diet group 2 improved remarkably in respect of GTTs and reactive serum insulins, a slow deterioration of both parameters was seen for diet group 1. Regarding the males, no differences between the two diet groups were seen. The improvements due to the treatment were similar. The serum lipid responses were significant for the females, diet group 2 showed the lowest levels; however, no differences were seen for the males. In most cases of both sexes, platelet aggregation was increased, no effects of linoleic acid was seen: an explanation for the contradictory facts was not given.
Serum Retinol-Binding Protein Concentration and Its Association with Components of the Uremic Metabolic Syndrome in Nondiabetic Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5
Authors: Axelsson Jonas , O’Byrne Sheila M. , Blaner William S. , Carrero Juan Jesús , Bruchfeld Annette , Heimbürger Olof , Bárány Peter , Lindholm Bengt , Stenvinkel Peter
Published: November 2008

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with insulin resistance also in the absence of overt diabetes mellitus. The liver-derived transport protein retinol-binding protein (RBP) has recently been proposed as a novel adipokine involved in the metabolism of glucose. Although RBP is elevated in type 2 diabetics with mild CKD, its role in advanced CKD is not well studied. We hypothesized that altered RBP levels in CKD could be one factor contributing to the uremic insulin resistance. Patients and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated 141 nondiabetic stage 5 CKD patients (GFR 6.8 ± 2.0 ml/min; 62% males, mean age 52 ± 11 years) close to the start of renal replacement therapy. We studied circulating RBP (RIA), retinol and metabolic markers. Body composition was also assessed using DEXA and patients were divided according to truncal fat mass above (obese) or below (lean) the sex-specific median. A fasting plasma glucose ≥6.1 mM was defined as impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Results: Serum RBP levels were significantly elevated in CKD as compared to previous reports in non-renal patients. Whereas levels of RBP did not differ between lean and obese patients without IGT, they were lower in lean CKD patients with IGT (5.9 ± 2.9 μM) than in obese CKD patients with IGT (7.0 ± 2.9 μM; p < 0.05). While RBP did not correlate with truncal or total fat mass or biomarkers of inflammation, in univariate analysis, we found weak correlations with HbA1c% (rho = 0.17; p < 0.05), fasting serum triglycerides (rho = 0.20; p < 0.001) and fasting apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 (rho = 0.29; p < 0.001). RBP also correlated negatively with ApoB (rho = –0.29; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, RBP was a significant and independent predictor of both HbA1c% and ApoA1 levels. Finally, RBP was strongly correlated with serum retinol, and calculating a retinol/RBP index further strengthened the observed correlations with HOMA-IR and HbA1c%. Conclusions: RBP is elevated in nondiabetic stage 5 CKD and correlates weakly with HbA1c and ApoA1. As RBP is thought to induce insulin resistance and directly affect lipoprotein metabolism in other disease states, these findings may support a role for RBP in contributing to the uremic metabolic syndrome, putatively by altering ApoA1 metabolism, but further studies are needed to test this hypothesis.
A Clinical and Laboratory Study of Some Metabolic and Hormonal Effects of CI-583 Na Compared with CI-440 and Indomethacin in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: De Salcedo I. , Carrington M.D. , Santos Almeida , Silva Luis
Published: November 2008

In this trial we have studied the following parameters: (1) Clinical improvement of rheumatoid arthritis, (2) changes in protein-binding of plasma cortisol, (3) changes in protein-binding of thyroid hormone, (4) changes in fibrinolytic activity of plasma, and (5) adverse reactions attributable to medication. We have studied 30 male or non pregnant female in-patients during a four week period. They were classified according to the A.R.A. criteria. From our study it seems quite probable that the anti-flogistic effects of these drugs may be due in part at least to an increased adrenocortical secretion of cortisol or to an increase of its free fraction. In most of the cases it is evidently impossible to correlate analytical and clinical effects. So, we must assume that on present grounds of our knowledge the therapeutic effects are largely independent of the results obtained.
The Fertility of Mice After Androgen Injection in Early Infancy
Authors: Peters Hannah , Nørbaek Sørensen Ivan
Published: November 2008

Androgen treatment during the critical neonatal period in themouse leads to a marked change in the evolution of the reproductive performance. Though ovulation occurs in most animals in the early mature period, 25% of the androgenized mice are sterile. The mice that prove to be fertile do not develop young after the first insemination apparently due to a faulty maternal milieu caused by a temporary incompetence of the endometrium. The total reproduction capacity is reduced by more than half. The fertility span of the androgenized mice is shortened due to the late appearance of first litters and the early onset of secondary sterility. The early failure of the uterus to support developing embryos and thereby initiating the end of reproduction suggests an early aging of the uterus.
Thyroid Function in Experimental Isoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Polleri A. , Menozzi P.G.
Published: November 2008

At a stage when histological damage detectable witha light microscope is slight, various indices of the thyroid function in rats immunized with total homologous thyroid extract are impaired, suggesting the existence of a ‘pre histological’ stage of isoimmune thyroiditis. The data indicate alterations of iodine utilization and hormone secretion, since the radioiodine fixation curve, iodinated amino-acids and iodothyronines concentrations in the thyroid, as well as proteolytic activity and protein bound iodine in serum, are significantly affected.
G-Protein–Coupled Receptors as Signaling Targets for Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Smyth Susan S. , Woulfe Donna S. , Weitz Jeffrey I. , Gachet Christian , Conley Pamela B. , Goodman Shaun G. , Roe Matthew T. , Kuliopulos Athan , Moliterno David J. , French Patricia A. , Steinhubl Steven R. , Becker Richard C.
Published: November 2008

Platelet G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) initiate and reinforce platelet activation and thrombus formation. The clinical utility of antagonists of the P2Y
12
receptor for ADP suggests that other GPCRs and their intracellular signaling pathways may represent viable targets for novel antiplatelet agents. For example, thrombin stimulation of platelets is mediated by 2 protease-activated receptors (PARs), PAR-1 and PAR-4. Signaling downstream of PAR-1 or PAR-4 activates phospholipase C and protein kinase C and causes autoamplification by production of thromboxane A
2
, release of ADP, and generation of more thrombin. In addition to ADP receptors, thrombin and thromboxane A
2
receptors and their downstream effectors—including phosphoinositol-3 kinase, Rap1b, talin, and kindlin—are promising targets for new antiplatelet agents. The mechanistic rationale and available clinical data for drugs targeting disruption of these signaling pathways are discussed. The identification and development of new agents directed against specific platelet signaling pathways may offer an advantage in preventing thrombotic events while minimizing bleeding risk.
Molecular Mechanisms of Collagen Isotype-Specific Modulation of Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype
Authors: Orr A. Wayne , Lee Monica Y. , Lemmon Julia A. , Yurdagul Arif , Gomez Maria F. , Schoppee Bortz Pamela D. , Wamhoff Brian R.
Published: November 2008

Objective—

Smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypic modulation, an important component of atherosclerosis progression, is critically regulated by the matrix, with normal components of the healthy SMC matrix limiting modulation and atherosclerosis-associated transitional matrix proteins promoting phenotypic modulation. We sought to determine how collagen IV (which comprises the healthy artery wall) and monomeric collagen I (which comprises atherosclerotic lesions) differentially affect SMC phenotype.

Methods and Results—

Plating SMCs on collagen IV resulted in elevated expression of SMC contractility proteins compared to collagen I. Concurrent with enhanced contractile gene expression, collagen IV stimulates binding of SRF to CArG boxes in the promoters of smooth muscle actin and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain. Coll IV also stimulated the expression of myocardin, a critical SRF coactivator required to drive expression of SMC specific genes. In contrast to collagen IV, collagen I stimulated enhanced expression of the inflammatory protein vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1. NF-κB and NFAT-binding sites in the VCAM-1 promoter are critical for collagen I-mediated expression of VCAM-1 promoter activity. However, only inhibitors of NFAT, not NF-κB, were able to reduce collagen I-associated VCAM expression, and collagen I but not collagen IV stimulated NFAT transcriptional activity.

Conclusion—

These results show for the first time that collagen IV and collagen I differentially affect smooth muscle phenotypic modulation through multiple pathways.
Dynamics of Prediction Errors under the Combined Effect of Initial Condition and Model Errors
Authors: Nicolis C. , Perdigao Rui A. P. , Vannitsem S.
Published: November 2008

The transient evolution of prediction errors in the short to intermediate time regime is considered under the combined effect of initial condition and model errors. Some generic features are brought out and connected with intrinsic properties. Under the assumption of small uncorrelated initial errors and of small parameter errors, the conditions of existence of a time at which the mean quadratic error reaches a minimum and of a crossover time at which the contribution of initial condition errors matches that of model errors are determined. The results are illustrated and tested on representative low-order models of atmospheric dynamics exhibiting bistability, saddle-point behavior, and chaotic behavior.