bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatores ambientais e estimativa de herdabilidade para o intervalo desmame-cio de fêmeas suínas
Authors: Cavalcante Neto Aderbal , Lui Jeffrey Frederico , Sarmento José Lindenberg Rocha , Ribeiro Norma , Monteiro José Mauro Costa , Tonhati Humberto
Published: December 2008

Este trabalho foi realizado com os objetivos de avaliar a influência de fatores ambientais e estimar a herdabilidade para a característica intervalo desmame-cio (IDC) de fêmeas suínas. Para isso, utilizaram-se 1.032 observações de 347 porcas Dalland (C-40), pertencentes a dois rebanhos. No modelo, incluíram-se como aleatórios os efeitos do pai e da mãe da porca e, como fixos, os efeitos do ano de parto, do rebanho e da estação de parição, bem como as co-variáveis idade da porca ao parto, tamanho da leitegada ao nascer e período de lactação. As estimativas dos componentes de variância e do parâmetro genético foram obtidas utilizando-se o aplicativo MTDFREML, que emprega a metodologia da máxima verossimilhança restrita livre de derivadas. A média foi de 5,3 dias, com um coeficiente de variação de 71,44%. O período de lactação teve influência linear sobre o IDC. Do mesmo modo, a regressão quadrática do IDC em relação à idade da porca ao parto foi significativa. O pai e a mãe foram importantes fontes de variação no intervalo desmame-cio, que, provavelmente pelo fato de acontecer tardiamente na vida do animal, não foi influenciado pelo rebanho, pelo ano e pela estação. A estimativa de herdabilidade para o primeiro intervalo desmame-cio foi de 0,11, o que indica que esta característica não apresentaria ganho genético satisfatório como resposta à seleção individual.
Perfil bioquímico e nutricional do ácido glutâmico e da vitamina K no soro e no fígado de frangos de corte de 1 a 21 dias de idade
Authors: Minafra Cibele Silva , Moraes George Henrique Kling de , Rodrigues Ana Cláudia Peres , Silva Fernanda Alvares da , Stringhini José Henrique , Rezende Cíntia Silva Minafra e
Published: December 2008

Foram investigados os efeitos nutricionais de dois níveis de ácido L-glutâmico (L-Glu) combinados a quatro níveis de vitamina K (vit. K) no soro e no fígado de pintos de corte machos, Hubbard, de 1 dia de idade, criados em baterias aquecidas recebendo dieta básica purificada suplementada com 6,25 e 12,5% de ácido glutâmico combinados a 0,02; 0,2; 2,0 e 20,0 mg de vit. K/kg. Duzentas e cinqüenta e seis aves foram distribuídas em esquema fatorial 2 × 4, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições de oito aves. As concentrações de cálcio e a fosfatase alcalina (FA) no soro não diferiram aos 7, 14 e 21 dias de idade. Os níveis séricos de fósforo diferiram aos 21 dias de idade e foram maiores com 12,5% de ácido glutâmico. O peso de fígado foi maior nas aves alimentadas com a dieta com 6,25% de ácido glutâmico e 12,5% de ácido glutâmico + 0,02 mg vit. K/kg. Os níveis séricos de proteínas totais mantiveram-se muito abaixo do normal. As concentrações da enzima glutamato-piruvato transaminase (GPT) foram elevadas nas aves alimentadas com ácido glutâmico e vit. K nos níveis avaliados. A enzima alanina aminotransferase foi encontrada em concentração muito superior aos níveis considerados normais para aves alimentadas com dietas contendo ácido glutâmico e vitamina K nos níveis avaliados. Os níveis de vit. K estudados não afetaram a absorção de cálcio e fósforo e da enzima fosfatase alcalina nem o metabolismo do tecido ósseo. O nível de nitrogênio não-específico (ácido glutâmico) de 6,25% das dietas alterou o metabolismo do tecido ósseo, como resultado da maior concentração de fosfatase alcalina no soro das aves.
Relações metionina mais cistina digestível: lisina digestível em dietas suplementadas com ractopamina para suínos em terminação
Authors: Pena Sérgio de Miranda , Lopes Darci Clementino , Rostagno Horacio Santiago , Silva Francisco Carlos de Oliveira , Donzele Juarez Lopes
Published: December 2008

O experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar a relação metionina+cistina digestível:lisina digestível (met+cis:lis) para suínos machos castrados, selecionados geneticamente para deposição de carne magra na carcaça, sob suplementação com ractopamina (RAC) na fase de terminação. Foram utilizados 64 suínos com peso inicial de 84,68 ± 1,34 kg, distribuídos em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro dietas com relações de 0,54; 0,58; 0,62 e 0,66 de met+cis:lis suplementadas com RAC, oito repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental, durante um período de 28 dias. As relações met+cis:lis não influenciaram o consumo de ração, o ganho de peso diário, a conversão alimentar, a espessura de toucinho, a quantidade de carne magra, o peso da carcaça, a porcentagem de carne magra e o rendimento de carcaça dos suínos. As relações met+cis:lis influenciaram de forma quadrática as concentrações de colesterol total no lombo e de forma linear as concentrações de colesterol no toucinho. O menor teor de colesterol total foi observado nos suínos alimentados com a dieta com relação 0,66 met+cis:lis. Em suínos de 85 a 109 kg sob suplementação com ractopamina, a relação 0,54 met+cis:lis atende às exigências para melhor desempenho e melhores características de carcaça, enquanto, para menores níveis de colesterol no lombo e no toucinho, a relação é de 0,66 met+cis:lis.
Substituição de milho por sorgo triturado ou extrusado em dietas para eqüinos
Authors: Gobesso Alexandre Augusto de Oliveira , D'Auria Eliana , Prezotto Lígia Dias , Rennó Francisco Palma
Published: December 2008

Avaliou-se a substituição de milho triturado ou extrusado por sorgo triturado ou extrusado no concentrado utilizado em dietas para eqüinos. Utilizaram-se quatro éguas com peso médio de 450 kg e 24 meses de idade, sem raça definida, em um delineamento experimental quadrado latino 4 × 4, em esquema fatorial. Avaliaram-se a digestibilidade aparente total da dieta e dos nutrientes e o perfil metabólico dos animais considerando os valores plasmáticos de glicose e insulina pós-ingestão das dietas. As dietas contendo milho e sorgo extrusado proporcionaram coeficientes de digestibilidade total da matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) maiores que os obtidos com dietas contendo estes ingredientes triturados. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente total do amido foram semelhantes entre as dietas. A resposta glicêmica e insulinêmica foi maior quando fornecidas as dietas extrusadas, logo, o processamento provocou alterações no metabolismo dos eqüinos. A total substituição do milho pelo sorgo em dietas para eqüinos é possível, uma vez que os coeficientes de digestibilidade dos nutrientes e os níveis plasmáticos de glicose e insulina não diferiram entre as formas de processamento do sorgo testadas. A forma de processamento do milho e do sorgo por extrusão aumenta os coeficientes de digestibilidade do amido e melhora o potencial energético da dieta.
Características de carcaça de ovelhas de descarte das raças Ideal e Texel terminadas em dois sistemas de alimentação
Authors: Pelegrini Luis Fernando Vilani de , Pires Cleber Cassol , Galvani Diego Barcelos , Bolzan Anderson Michel Soares , Silva Guilherme Coradini Fontoura da
Published: December 2008

Avaliaram-se as características de carcaça de ovelhas de descarte das raças Ideal e Texel terminadas em dois sistemas de alimentação. Utilizaram-se 20 ovelhas (10 da raça Ideal e 10 da raça Texel) aleatoriamente distribuídas de acordo com o grupo genético em dois manejos alimentares (confinamento e pastagem cultivada). Os abates foram realizados quando os animais atingiram 3,5 pontos de condição corporal. Os pesos de carcaça quente (PCQ) e de carcaça fria (PCF) e os rendimentos de carcaça quente (RCQ) e de carcaça fria (RCF) das ovelhas Texel foram maiores que os das ovelhas Ideal: 27,85 e 19,04 kg; 27,08 e 18,43 kg; 47,25 e 45,20% e 45,95 e 43,72%, respectivamente. O peso dos cortes perna, paleta, pescoço e costela e os pesos de músculos, ossos e gordura da perna dos animais da raça Texel foram superiores aos obtidos na raça Ideal. Quando avaliadas em porcentagem do peso corporal, no entanto, essas características não diferiram entre as duas raças. O manejo alimentar não influenciou as características de carcaça de ovelhas de descarte. Ovelhas Texel apresentam cortes maiores que os de ovelhas Ideal.
Desempenho e digestibilidade de nutrientes em ovinos alimentados com rações contendo farelo de babaçu
Authors: Xenofonte Antônio Robson Bezerra , Carvalho Francisco Fernando Ramos de , Batista Ângela Maria Vieira , Medeiros Geovergue Rodrigues de , Andrade Rafael de Paula Xavier de
Published: December 2008

Com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho, o consumo voluntário e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, foram utilizados 24 ovinos sem raça definida (SRD), machos não-castrados, com peso inicial de 20 ± 3,25 kg e 4,6 ± 0,8 meses de idade. Os animais foram mantidos em confinamento e alimentados com dietas com farelo de babaçu (0, 10, 20 e 30%) em substituição ao feno de capim-colonião. As dietas, isoprotéicas e isoenergéticas, foram fornecidas em forma de ração completa. Utilizou-se um delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições. O consumo de matéria seca foi influenciado pela inclusão do farelo de babaçu na dieta e apresentou redução de 302 g/dia a cada 10% de participação de farelo de babaçu. A ingestão dos nutrientes e o desempenho foram restringidos pela diminuição do consumo de matéria seca. A inclusão do farelo de babaçu reduziu linearmente o ganho de peso dos animais. A digestibilidade dos nutrientes foi influenciada pelos níveis de farelo de babaçu, mas esse aumento está associado às reduções na ingestão de matéria seca. O farelo de babaçu, ao ser utilizado como alternativa de alimento para cordeiros em crescimento, compromete o consumo de alimentos e o ganho de peso dos animais.
Avaliação sistêmica da introdução de tecnologias na pecuária de gado de corte do Pantanal por meio de modelos de análise envoltória de dados (DEA)
Authors: Abreu Urbano Gomes Pinto de , Gomes Eliane Gonçalves , Lopes Paulo Sávio , Torres Robledo de Almeida , Santos Heleno do Nascimento
Published: December 2008

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar, por meio de diferentes modelos de Análise Envoltória de Dados (DEA), a eficiência da introdução e adaptação de tecnologias no sistema de produção de cria extensiva do Pantanal. Utilizaram-se dados econômicos registrados durante oito anos (1995 a 2002). Duas metodologias de escolha das variáveis foram utilizadas para a realização da análise DEA: a primeira é uma variante do método multicritério de seleção de variáveis, que combina os objetivos conflitantes de melhor ordenação das unidades de decisão e maior eficiência média, e a segunda inclui técnicas de estatística multivariada. Nos dois modelos resultantes (com seis inputs e um output; e com três inputs e um output, respectivamente), foram analisados os resultados de eficiência em relação às fronteiras DEA clássica e invertida, além do valor do índice composto que agrega ambos os resultados. O melhor modelo, avaliado pela análise de tendência linear, foi o obtido com a variante proposta do método multicritério de seleção de variáveis, cujo índice composto resultou em estimativas significativas dos coeficientes de regressão (0,0455) e de determinação (0,70).
The analytical prediction of the buckling loads of fully and partially embedded piles
Authors: Heelis M. E. , Pavlović M. N. , West R. P.
Published: December 2008

A non-dimensional solution to the problem of the stability of a beam–column embedded in a Winkler foundation is presented. The beam–column may be supported by any combination of end-bearing and skin friction that develops along the embedded column length. This formal analytical solution is compared with previous analyses of the problem, and the differences between the solutions are discussed. Tests on real structures (both model and full-scale piles) reported in the current literature are also compared with the proposed analytical solution. It is shown that the approach presented here is more general, and overcomes many of the restrictive assumptions inherent in the earlier work.
Displacement and strain paths during plane-strain model pile installation in sand
Authors: White D. J. , Bolton M. D.
Published: December 2008

The underlying mechanisms governing the behaviour of displacement piles in sand are not well understood, leading to unreliability in design methods. A series of plane-strain calibration chamber tests has been conducted in order to quantify the penetration mechanism around the pile tip, and the response of the interface layer adjacent to the shaft during further penetration. A series of eight tests is reported, examining the influence of soil type, initial state, pile breadth and the use of a driving shoe. A novel image-based deformation measurement technique has been used to observe the displacement and strain paths, which are found to be relatively independent of soil type. The measured strain paths are similar to predictions made by the strain path method, and contrast sharply with assumptions implicit in cavity expansion solutions. An interface zone adjacent to the pile shaft comprising fine broken soil particles was observed to contract while shearing along the pile–soil interface. This mechanism offers an explanation for the degradation of shaft friction at a given soil horizon with increased pile penetration (‘friction fatigue’), and a subsequent recovery of capacity over time (‘set-up’).
Dynamic behaviour of pile foundations in layered soil medium using cone frustums
Authors: Jaya K. P. , Prasad A. M.
Published: December 2008

An analytical method using a cone model is developed to evaluate the impedance functions of pile foundations in a layered soil medium. The dynamic behaviour of piles depends on the nature of the interaction between the piles and the surrounding soil. The soil–pile interaction effect modifies the stiffness of the piles and generates damping through energy radiation to infinity. This modified complex stiffness is called the impedance function. A physical model called a cone frustum is developed to represent the layered soil medium. It is capable of incorporating the complexity of layered soil media and the complicated behaviour of propagating waves. The analytical tool is developed based on wave propagation principles.
Effects of stress ratio on small-strain stiffness during triaxial shearing
Authors: Hoque E. , Tatsuoka F.
Published: December 2008

A comprehensive series of triaxial tests were performed on granular materials to study the stress-dependence characteristics of small-strain stiffness (i.e. the quasi-elastic Young's modulus). The tests were performed on large prismatic specimens measuring both axial and lateral strains locally. The small-strain stiffness at a given stress state was measured from the stress–strain response obtained by applying very small-amplitude cyclic normal stresses, in which the single-amplitude major principal strain was less than 0·002%. The stress state of a given specimen was varied along various stress paths comprising both ‘small shear’ and ‘large shear’ stresses in both triaxial compression (TC) and triaxial extension (TE) stress space while applying very small stress cycles. At small shear levels (defined as the principal stress ratio within the range between 0·5 and 2·0), small-strain stiffness defined for a given direction was a function of the principal stress in that direction. The unique relationship did not hold at larger shear stress levels when the major-to-minor principal stress ratio was approaching around 3 to 4. In the latter case, both quasi-elastic Young's moduli, defined for both major and minor principal strains, during TC and TE experienced a decrease due to damage to the initial fabric that was triggered by a high rate of plastic straining as well as creep deformation.
Soil structure of a highly weathered old alluvium
Authors: Zhang G. , Germaine J. T. , Whittle A. J. , Ladd C. C.
Published: December 2008

The old alluvium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is an early Pleistocene deposit that has undergone substantial post-depositional weathering in a tropical climate. Preliminary geotechnical laboratory testing found that the soil exhibits some unusual index and consolidation properties compared with stereotypical sedimentary soils. For instance, both the swelling index and the coefficient of consolidation are greatly affected by the maximum past stress applied to the soil. In order to understand its unusual behaviour, a variety of experiments were performed to characterise its composition and microstructure. Direct observations of the microstructure used environmental scanning electron microscopy, and indirect examinations included slaking, cation exchange capacity, selective chemical dissolution, particle size analyses and Atterberg limits. The results clearly indicate that the weathered deposit possesses a complex microstructure. The intact material consists of a stiff network of aggregates interconnected by Fe oxides. These relatively large and stiff aggregates actually comprise groups of clay platelets, which in turn contain kaolinite and smectite particles, arranged in a parallel configuration, that are coated and connected by Fe oxides. Based on the results, a conceptual microstructure model was developed that links the unusual macroscopic engineering properties to the particle-level phenomena.
Phase relations for decomposable soils
Authors: McDougall J. R. , Pyrah I. C.
Published: December 2008

Expressions describing the phase composition and interphase relations for a decomposable soil are derived by distinguishing between inert and decomposable fractions. A relationship between void volume changes and decomposition of the solid fraction, effectively a constitutive relationship, is derived and described by a single parameter. Key patterns of volumetric response to decomposition are highlighted. The decomposition-induced void change parameter is shown to be capable of interpreting the sometimes episodic process of volumetric strain in a decomposable soil-like material.
Factor Analysis and Psychometric Properties of the Mother–Adolescent Sexual Communication (MASC) Instrument for Sexual Risk Behavior
Authors: Cox Mary Foster , Fasolino Tracy K. , Tavakoli Abbas S.
Published: December 2008

Sexual risk behavior is a public health problem among adolescents living at or below poverty level. Approximately 1 million pregnancies and 3 million cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are reported yearly. Parenting plays a significant role in adolescent behavior, with mother–adolescent sexual communication correlated with absent or delayed sexual behavior. This study developed an instrument examining constructs of mother–adolescent communication, the Mother–Adolescent Sexual Communication (MASC) instrument. A convenience sample of 99 mothers of middle school children completed the self-administered questionnaires. The original 34-item MASC was reduced to 18 items. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the 18-item scale, which resulted in four factors explaining 84.63% of the total variance. Internal consistency analysis produced Cronbach alpha coefficients of .87, .90, .82, and .71 for the four factors, respectively. Convergent validity via hypothesis testing was supported by significant correlations with several subscales of the Parent–Child Relationship Questionnaire (PCRQ) with MASC factors, that is, content and style factors with warmth, personal relationships and disciplinary warmth subscales of the PCRQ, the context factor with personal relationships, and the timing factor with warmth. In light of these findings, the psychometric characteristics and multidimensional perspective of the MASC instrument show evidence of usefulness for measuring and advancing knowledge of mother and adolescent sexual communication techniques.
Various Physical Stress Factors on Rat Sperm Motility, Integrity of Acrosome, and Plasma Membrane
Authors: Varisli Omer , Uguz Cevdet , Agca Cansu , Agca Yuksel
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT:The objective of this study was to determine the effects of various physical interventions such as centrifugation regimes, Percoll gradient separation, and repeated pipetting on various viability parameters of epididymal sperm of Fischer 344 (F‐344) and Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rat strains. Three experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, sperm motility and acrosomal and membrane integrity were compared after exposing sperm samples to 200, 400, 600, and 800 ×gcentrifugal forces for 5, 10, or 15 minutes. In experiment 2, sperm motility and acrosomal and membrane integrity were compared after passing them through a Percoll separation using centrifugal forces of 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 ×gfor either 15 or 30 minutes. In experiment 3, the effect of repeated pipetting (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 times) on motility and membrane integrity of rat sperm was compared with that on mouse, ram, bull, and boar sperm. The results revealed that both F‐344 and SD rat sperm motility and membrane integrity were significantly affected by centrifugation (P< .05). The acrosomal integrity of SD rat sperm was affected after using 800 ×gcentrifugation force for 10 or 15 minutes (P< .05), whereas F‐344 rat sperm acrosomal integrity was not affected by any centrifugation regimes (P> .05). Sperm from SD rats also had higher motility and membrane integrity loss than did sperm from F‐344 rats after centrifugation and pipetting (P< .05). Percoll gradient separation did not cause significant motility loss or acrosomal damage to either F‐344 or SD sperm (P> .05). Repeated pipetting had a dramatic adverse effect on both rat and mouse sperm motility (P< .05) as compared with sperm from bull, boar, and ram, which were not affected at all (P> .05). These data suggest that rat sperm have unique properties that need to be considered during centrifugation, Percoll gradient separation, and pipetting procedures.
Adjudin Targeting Rabbit Germ Cell Adhesion as a Male Contraceptive: A Pharmacokinetics Study
Authors: Hu Guo‐Xin , Hu Lu‐Feng , Yang Dai‐Zheng , Li Jun‐Wei , Chen Guo‐Rong , Chen Bing‐Bing , Mruk Dolores D. , Bonanomi Michele , Silvestrini Bruno , Cheng C. Yan , Ge Ren‐Shan
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT: Adjudin (1‐(2,4‐dichlorobenzyl)‐1H‐indazole‐3‐carbohydrazide; formerly called AF‐2364) has been shown to inhibit spermatogenesis by disrupting anchoring junctions at the Sertoligerm cell interface. This, in turn, leads to germ cell loss from the seminiferous epithelium, and transient infertility. Adjudin's efficacyin inhibiting spermatogenesis, the recovery of spermatogenesis after cessation of the drug, and side effects were examined in adult male Japanese rabbits. The pharmacokinetics profiles of adjudin in rabbits after oral administration and after intravenous injection were compared. Rabbits received 25 mg/kg adjudin once weekly for 4 consecutive weeks either by intravenous injection or by gavage. Vehicle‐treated rabbits were used as controls. At 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 weeks after treatment, testes were removed for microscopic examination to assess the status of spermatogenesis. Four weeks after intravenous cessation of adjudin, the recovery of spermatogenesis also was monitored. Blood was withdrawn after first administration to measure plasma concentrations of adjudin by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Four weeks after intravenous treatment, examination of testis sections showed rapid exfoliation of elongated/elongating spermatids and the presence of large multinucleated cells; more than 95% of germ cells were absent from the seminiferous epithelium. Intravenous treatment showed a more severe disturbance of spermatogenesis compared with gavage treatment, which was correlated with bioavailability of the drug. The areas under the curve for intravenous injection and gavage were 20.11 ± 1.90 and 2.23 ± 0.45 mg·h·L−1, respectively. These results illustrate the potential of adjudin as a male contraceptive, and the efficacy is associated with the bioavailability of the drug.
Genetic Analysis in Patients With Kallmann Syndrome: Coexistence of Mutations in Prokineticin Receptor 2 and KAL1
Authors: Canto P. , Munguía P. , Söderlund D. , Castro J. J. , Méndez J. P.
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT: Kallmann syndrome (KS) is characterized by the association of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia or hyposmia. To date, 4 different genes have been identified as responsible for the presence of KS; however, in many cases no mutations have been found in any of these genes. Herein, we report the molecular findings regarding the analysis of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), prokineticin receptor 2 (PROKR2), and prokineticin (PROK2) in patients with KS. Twenty‐four patients with KS were studied in whom mutations in KAL1 had been investigated previously. Polymerase chain reaction products from FGFR1, PROKR2, and PROK2 were sequenced and mutations were sought in the open reading frame of the 3 genes. Two patients presented a heterozygous T‐to‐G transversion in exon 2 (c.518T>G) of the PROKR2, which results in a leucine‐to‐arginine substitution at codon 173. Our results strengthen the hypothesis of possible digenic inheritance in some patients with KS. Likewise, our data extend previous reports demonstrating that PROKR2 plays a role in the etiology of this syndrome.
Treatment of Palpable Varicocele in Infertile Men: A Meta‐analysis to Define the Best Technique
Authors: Çayan Selahittin , Shavakhabov Shavkat , Kadioğlu Ateş
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT: To date, there have been no randomized, controlled, prospective clinical studies that compare various techniques to describe the best method for the treatment of varicocele in infertile men. This meta‐analysis aims to address the best treatment modality for palpable varicocele in infertile men. A MEDLINE search was performed for articles published between January 1980 and April 2008, and we analyzed 36 studies reporting postoperative spontaneous pregnancy rates and/or complication rates after varicocele repair using various techniques in infertile men with palpable unilateral or bilateral varicocele. Spontaneous pregnancy rates and postoperative complications such as hydrocele formation, recurrence, or persistence were compared among the techniques. In addition, interventional failure with radiologic embolization and reported complications with the laparoscopic approach were reviewed. Overall spontaneous pregnancy rates were 37.69% in the Palomo technique series, 41.97% in the microsurgical varicocelectomy techniques, 30.07% in the laparoscopic varicocelectomy techniques, 33.2% in the radiologic embolization, and 36% in the macroscopic inguinal (Ivanissevich) varicocelectomy series, revealing significant differences among the techniques (P = .001). Overall recurrence rates were 14.97% in the Palomo technique series, 1.05% in the microsurgical varicocelectomy techniques, 4.3% in the laparoscopic varicocelectomy techniques, 12.7% in the radiologic embolization, and 2.63% in the macroscopic inguinal (Ivanissevich) or subinguinal varicocelectomy series, revealing significant difference among the techniques (P = .001). Overall hydrocele formation rates were 8.24% in the Palomo technique series, 0.44% in the microsurgical varicocelectomy techniques, 2.84% in the laparoscopic varicocelectomy, and 7.3% in the macroscopic inguinal (Ivanissevich) or subinguinal varicocelectomy series, revealing significant difference among the techniques (P = .001). We conclude that the microsurgical varicocelectomy technique has higher spontaneous pregnancy rates and lower postoperative recurrence and hydrocele formation than conventional varicocelectomy techniques in infertile men. However, prospective, randomized, and comparative studies with large number of patients are needed to compare the efficacy of microsurgical varicocelectomy with that of other treatment modalities in infertile men with varicocele.
Performance evaluation of elitist-mutated multi-objective particle swarm optimization for integrated water resources management
Authors: Reddy M. Janga , Kumar D. Nagesh
Published: December 2008

Optimal allocation of water resources for various stakeholders often involves considerable complexity with several conflicting goals, which often leads to multi-objective optimization. In aid of effective decision-making to the water managers, apart from developing effective multi-objective mathematical models, there is a greater necessity of providing efficient Pareto optimal solutions to the real world problems. This study proposes a swarm-intelligence-based multi-objective technique, namely the elitist-mutated multi-objective particle swarm optimization technique (EM-MOPSO), for arriving at efficient Pareto optimal solutions to the multi-objective water resource management problems. The EM-MOPSO technique is applied to a case study of the multi-objective reservoir operation problem. The model performance is evaluated by comparing with results of a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) model, and it is found that the EM-MOPSO method results in better performance. The developed method can be used as an effective aid for multi-objective decision-making in integrated water resource management.
Hydrothermal systems generation scheduling using cultural algorithm
Authors: Yuan Xiaohui , Nie Hao , Yuan Yanbin , Su Anjun , Wang Liang
Published: December 2008

This paper proposes an enhanced cultural algorithm to solve the short-term generation scheduling of hydrothermal systems problem, in which differential evolution is embedded into a cultural algorithm and applies two knowledge sources to influence the variation operator of differential evolution and couples with simple selection criteria based on feasibility rules and heuristic search strategies to handle constraints in the cultural algorithm effectively. A test hydrothermal system is used to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. Results are compared with those of other optimization methods reported in the literature. It is shown that the proposed method is capable of yielding higher quality solutions.
Genome-Wide and Mla Locus-Specific Characterisation of Latvian Barley Varieties
Authors: Kokina Agnese , Rostoks Nils
Published: December 2008

Genome-Wide and Mla Locus-Specific Characterisation of Latvian Barley Varieties

Genetic diversity in locally adapted germplasm forms the basis for crop improvement through breeding. While single loci have been routinely used for studies of genetic diversity, the highthroughput genotyping platforms that have recently become available for large genome crop plants offer an unbiased view on genetic diversity on a genome-wide scale. We assessed genetic diversity in Latvian barley varieties and some progenitors using DArT markers and studied the extent of linkage disequilibrium in Latvian germplasm. Further, genetic diversity at three loci flanking the barley powdery mildew Mla locus conferring race-specific resistance was studied in Latvian barley germplasm. The Mla locus encompasses several closely related resistance gene homologues with a complex evolutionary history, which complicates the design of molecular markers for different Mla genes. We observed significant linkage disequilibrium between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the three loci, 206i20_T7, ABC15612, and 538P8, flanking the Mla locus. SNP haplotypes were largely in agreement with known phenotypic data and, thus, may be potentially diagnostic for Mla resistance genes in hybrids.
Influence of Climatic Factors on the Annual Radial Growth of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Western Latvia
Authors: Zunde Māris , Briede Agrita , Elferts Didzis
Published: December 2008

Influence of Climatic Factors on the Annual Radial Growth of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Western Latvia

Dendroclimatological research has been perfomed in Latvia after a break of about 25 years. The growth pattern of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in six districts of western Latvia is analysed in relation to climatic factors (monthly and seasonal mean air temperature and precipitation). Applying various statistical techniques, it was observed that in this area the growth of pine on mineral soils with normal moisture conditions has been affected most significantly by the mean air temperature during the period from the second half of January to the first half of April of the same year. Thus, the period when mean air temperature is the most significant influence is similar across an area at least from Lithuania (inclusive) to southern Scandinavia, while further north it is mean summer air temperature that gradually becomes the determining factor in the radial growth of pine. Also the quality of the dendrochronological signal in tree-ring chronologies of pine growing in the environmental conditions of Latvia was determined and signature years during the 20th century were identified, when the majority of pines throughout the territory of the Baltic States exhibit a similar change in annual radial growth.
Special Devices for Regional Anaesthesia
Authors: Vasiļevskis Edgars , Miščuks Aleksejs , Vanags Indulis
Published: December 2008

Special Devices for Regional Anaesthesia

The rapid growth of regional anaesthesia in the last 20 years has resulted in an increasing number of technical devices. Technical resources play a very considerable role in modern regional anaesthesia and they are being introduced to facilitate the quality performance of this type of anaesthesia. The task of this survey is to summarise the most important technical devices currently utilised for regional anaesthesia and to provide a review of the history of their introduction. Technical devices for performing regional anaesthesia could be divided in seven groups: 1) neurostimulation and simple needles and catheters; 2) neurostimulator with transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS); 3) ultrasonograph with a device to fix the probe; 4) devices for injection of local anaesthetics, such as perfusors, patient controlled analgesia systems and elastomeric infusion systems; 5) arm, leg and instruments supports; 6) regional anaesthesia injection monitor and data register devices, and 7) catheter fastenings and auxiliary materials. It is recommended that all of the apparatus applied should be classified to make it easier to acquire more immediate and understanding, and be easy to add this knowledge to the overall checklist before starting anaesthesia. The history of the introduction of technical equipment shows how much time was necessary for the development of modern regional anaesthesia methods.
Effects of Epidural Anaesthesia on Intraoperative Core Temperature Changes in Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Rimaitis Kestutis , Pavalkis Dainius , Pundzius Juozas
Published: December 2008

Effects of Epidural Anaesthesia on Intraoperative Core Temperature Changes in Colorectal Cancer Surgery

The purpose of our study was to compare two different methods of anaesthesia in colorectal cancer surgery with respect to the level of intra-operative heat loss and to evaluate its influence on surgical outcome. One hundred patients scheduled to undergo elective colorectal cancer surgery were randomised to receive general anaesthesia (GEN group) or combined general and epidural anaesthesia (GEN + EA group), with 50 patients in each group. Induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia were performed the same way in both groups. Core temperature in lower 1/3 of oesophagus was measured every five minutes after induction of anaesthesia till the end of the surgery. All postoperative complications were registered. There were no significant differences between both groups in respect to patient characteristics and operations carried out. Core temperature decreased during surgery from 36.5 ± 0.4 °C to 36.0 ± 0.5 °C in the GEN group, compared to 36.3 ± 0.4 °C to 35.7 ± 0.6 °C in GEN + EA group. Moreover, heat loss in the GEN + EA group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in the GEN group. Surgical complications occurred in four (8%) patients in GEN group and eleven (22%) in the GEN + EA group (P = 0.09). Our study showed that heating of intravenous infusion fluids is not enough to protect from heat loss intraoperatively. Oesophageal core temperature decreased in all patients, but heat loss was greater in the combined general and epidural anaesthesia group. It seems likely that mild hypothermia is an important risk factor in the development of postoperative surgical complications.
Neuromidin Attenuates Neuropathic Pain in the Streptozocin-Induced Diabetes Model in Rats
Authors: Kluša Vija , Rumaks Juris , Karajeva Ñina
Published: December 2008

Neuromidin Attenuates Neuropathic Pain in the Streptozocin-Induced Diabetes Model in Rats

Diabetic neuropathy, which affects all peripheral nerves and may cause dramatic pain, is one of the most severe pathologies associated with hyperglycaemia, damage in the blood vessels, and inflammation in nerves. Anticonvulsants and antidepressants are still the most commonly used options to manage diabetic neuropathy. However, to improve clinical benefit in the treatment of diabetic neuropathies, as well as to minimize side effects, search for a new type of drugs to protect/treat neuropathic pain is still important. The aim of this study was to investigate neuromidin (ipidacrine, amiridin, NIK-247), an anticholinesterase drug of tetrahydroaminoacridine series, in the streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic neuropathic pain model in rats. Neuromidin was administered per os at daily doses 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg for ten days. The dynamics in the development of hyperalgesia (pain threshold) was measured by algesimeter for five weeks. The data obtained show that neuromidin considerably protects the development of peripheral neuropathic pain caused by STZ. The most active dose was the lowest—0.3 mg/kg. Neuromidin did not affect STZ-hyperglycemia, nor the weight gain in animal groups. Neuromidin per se at the doses 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg showed a short-term analgesic activity. The cholinergic mechanism of neuromidin may be considered as essential in attenuating of diabetic neuropathic pain; other mechanisms remain to be elucidated.
New Perspective on Exploration Prospect Analysis: A Case Study on the Central Luconia Carbonates, Sarawak, East Malaysia
Authors: Wan Embong Wan Mohd Zaizuri , Mohamad Hamdan Bin , Mansor Nor Kartini Suriati
Published: December 2008

More than 70% of major gas discoveries in Malaysia are found within carbonate reservoirs of the Central Luconia Province, offshore Sarawak. The carbonates occur in the form of platforms and pinnacles of Middle to Late Miocene age encased in a coastal to shallow marine clastic succession. Despite the considerable historic success, current exploration activity in the region is relatively low and 3D seismic coverage is limited to the producing fields.

During the 3rd Production Sharing Contract Round in 1995, less than 30% of the identified carbonate structures had been drilled and this situation has only slightly changed over subsequent years.

Many of the remaining carbonate structures (mostly pinnacles and some platforms) were downgraded in the past due to perceived exploration risks such as:Many Pinnacles believed to be too small to contain significant reservesStructures believed to be severely overpressured, and therefore capable of holding only short gas columnsStructures believed to contain high CO2 and H2S contaminationStructures believed to have thief beds in the overburden rendering leakage very likely

The dramatic upturn of interest in more gas in the region has provided incentives over the past years for some revival of exploration activity, also targeting smaller structures. Recent discoveries of several new gas fields have thrown a different light on some of the historically perceived exploration risks and have stimulated new exploration interest in the area (figure 1).

The most significant of these discoveries is Petronas' PC4-1 which found a 640 metre gas column, at the time (2006) the longest penetrated in Malaysia, of normal (buoyancy) pressure and with minimal H2S and minor CO2 contamination (Figure 2).
Accurate NMR Fluid Typing using Functional T1/T2 Ratio and Fluid Component Decomposition
Authors: Sun Boqin , Skalinski Mark , Brantjes Jeroen Gerardus , Liu Chengbing , LaTorraca Gerald Alan , Menard Glenn , Dunn Keh-Jim
Published: December 2008

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging has been routinely used to measure mineralogy independent porosity, irreducible water saturation, and permeability of earth formation. The T2 distribution derived from NMR logging data is often composed of several fluid components. For example T2 of clay bound water is in general less than 10ms while T2 of movable water is above 33 ms in sandstone formation. Each fluid component can be represented by a unique T2 peak in a T2 distribution. The shape of the T2 peak can be predetermined by either a Gaussian or B-Spline function. Recently we have developed a "Fluid Component Decomposition" (FCD) method that uses a set of predetermined T2 peaks as base function to perform T2 inversion with CPMG echo trains. The FCD method significantly reduces the computation time for NMR data inversion especially for multi-dimensional data sets from oil well measurements, without sacrificing the smoothness and accuracy of the inverted distributions. It also allows direct fluid typing from either raw CPMG echo data or apparent T2 distribution. We have applied FCD method for apparent heavy oil volume calculation to estimate in-situ heavy oil viscosity.

One major uncertainty of both regular and FCD T2 inversion methods is T1/ T2 ratio. Reecent study shows that T1/T2 ratio is a linear function of T2 in log-log scale. We have applied this log-log function into FCD inversion code and greatly improve the accuracy of NMR total porosity in both carbonate formation and formations with large amount of paramagnetic impurity.
Quick-brain magnetic resonance imaging for nonhydrocephalus indications
Authors: Missios Symeon , Quebada Patricia B. , Forero Jorge A. , Durham Susan R. , Pekala Joseph S. , Eskey Clifford J. , Duhaime Ann-Christine
Published: December 2008

Object

In 2002, “quick-brain” (QB) MR imaging (ultrafast spin echo T2-weighted imaging) was introduced as an alternative technique to CT scanning for assessing children with hydrocephalus. The authors have observed high patient and physician satisfaction with this technique at their institution, which has led to an increasing frequency of its use for nonhydrocephalic indications. The goal in this study was to characterize, quantitate, and assess the use of QB MR imaging for these additional indications.

Methods

Between February 2003 and December 2007, 1146 consecutive QB MR imaging studies were performed, and the findings were entered prospectively into a radiology database. All available clinical records were retrospectively reviewed to assign ≥ 1 of the following indications to each study: hydrocephalus, macrocephaly, Chiari malformation, intracranial cyst, screening prior to lumbar puncture, screening for congenital anomalies, trauma, and other. Changes in the distribution of indications over time and clinical experience for each indication were reviewed.

Results

The total number of QB imaging studies performed increased each year. The proportion of studies performed for nonhydrocephalic indications also increased (from 23 to 50%). The most common indication was screening for macrocephaly, and all other indications were nearly evenly distributed. Quick-brain MR imaging was used extensively for the initial evaluation and follow-up in patients with little need for additional studies. Its false-negative rate, however, remains unknown.

Conclusions

The role of QB MR imaging for nonhydrocephalic indications is expanding, and it appears promising for a number of screening and surveillance paradigms. “Quick-brain plus” protocols for specific indications may add sensitivity and are under development.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Homo-N-Nucleosides Containing a 1,4-Dioxane Sugar Analog
Authors: Yu Qiang , Carlsen Per
Published: December 2008

A dioxane homo-sugar analog, (2S,5S)-and (2R,5S)-5-[(4S)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl]-2-iodomethyl-1,4-dioxane was prepared from (2R,3R)-dimethyl tartrate, and further elaborated into the corresponding homo-N-nucleoside analogs by its reactions with uracil and adenine, respectively.
Berberine Suppresses TNF-α-induced MMP-9 and Cell Invasion through Inhibition of AP-1 Activity in MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Kim Sangmin , Choi Jae Hyuck , Kim Jong Bin , Nam Seok Jin , Yang Jung-Hyun , Kim Jung-Han , Lee Jeong Eon
Published: December 2008

Invasion of cancer cell induced by matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is one of pivotal steps in cancer metastasis. Herein, we investigated how cell invasion was regulated by berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline derivative alkaloid compound, in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. The basal level of MMP-9 activity and expression was dose-dependently increased by TNF-α, while TNF-a-induced MMP-9 gelatinase activity and expression was decreased by BBR. To investigate regulatory mechanism of TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression, we pretreated cells with UO126 (MEK inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) and SP600125 (JNK inhibitor), respectively. Interestingly, TNF-α-induced MMP-9 activity and expression was decreased by UO126 and SB203580, but not by SP600125. Therefore, we further examined the effects of BBR on TNF-α-induced AP-1 DNA binding activity which is a downstream target of ERK and p38. Our data showed that TNF-α-induced AP-1 DNA binding activity was inhibited by BBR. Finally, we investigated the effect of BBR on TNF-α-induced cell invasion. TNF-α-induced cell invasion was significantly decreased by BBR treatment. Taken together, we suggest that TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion are decreased by BBR through the suppression of AP-1 DNA binding activity in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.
Cosmic Influence on the Sun-Earth Environment
Authors: Mukherjee Saumitra
Published: December 2008

SOHO satellite data reveals geophysical changes before sudden changes in the Earth's Sun-Earth environment. The influence of extragalactic changes on the Sun as well as the Sun-Earth environment seems to be both periodic and episodic. The periodic changes in terms of solar maxima and minima occur every 11 years, whereas the episodic changes can happen at any time. Episodic changes can be monitored by cosmic ray detectors as a sudden increase or decrease of activity. During these solar and cosmic anomaly periods the environment of the Earth is affected. The Star-Sun-Earth connection has the potential to influence the thermosphere, atmosphere, ionosphere and lithosphere. Initial correlation of the cosmic and Sun-Earth connection has shown the possibility of predicting earthquakes, sudden changes in atmospheric temperatures and erratic rainfall/snowfall patterns.