bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Insemination in Chinchillas*
Authors: HILLEMANN H. H. , GAYNOR A. I. , DORSCH A.
Published: May 2008

Abstract— The methods and apparatus for accomplishing artificial insemination in chinchilla are described along with pertinent observations and discussion.

This general subject is treated under the following topics: causes of sterility and means of alleviating some forms; anaesthetics and induction of anaesthesia; methods of ejaculating the male; sperm buffer media; evaluation of semen; technique of inseminating the female; surgical preparation of the vesiculectomized male for epididymal sperm.
Partial Velum Palatiectomy for the Relief of Dyspnoea in Brachycephalic Breeds
Authors: SINGLETON W. B.
Published: May 2008

Abstract— The indications for the operation of partial velum palatiectomy, for the relief of dyspnoea in brachycephalic breeds of dogs, are discussed and the procedure for the operation is described.

Résumé— Les indications pour l'opération de l'excision partielle du voile du palais pour le soulagement de la dyspnée chez les races brachycéphales de chiens sont discutées et la technique opératoire est décrite.

Zusammenfassung— Die Indikation für diese Operation und ihre Durchführung wird besprochen und der Operationsvorgang beschrieben.
China's Changing Trade Elasticities
Authors: Aziz Jahangir , Li Xiangming
Published: May 2008

China's sectoral trade composition, product quality mix, and the import content of processing exports have all changed substantially during the past decade. This has rendered trade elasticities estimated using aggregate data highly unstable, with more recent data pointing to significantly higher demand and price elasticities. Sectoral differences in these parameters are also very wide. All this suggests greater caution should be exercised when using historical data to simulate the response of China's economy to external shocks and exchange rate changes. Analyses based on models with estimated coefficients largely representative of China in the 1980s and 1990s are likely to turn out to be wrong, perhaps even dramatically.
US Presidential Election 2008: Policy Implications for US—China Trade and Investment
Authors: Steinbock Dan
Published: May 2008

The next US president will be elected in November 2008. Since the relative stabilization of war in Iraq, the economy has become the national priority of the 2008 US election. In their campaign efforts, the Democrats have enjoyed greater momentum than the Republicans, in terms of polls, fund‐raising and corporate support. After the Bush era, the next president will seek to restore America's leadership and to engage in multilateralism. Since the 1990s, China has been the most rapidly‐growing US export destination. In terms of US—Chinese trade and investment, the next president, if a Democrat, will, among other issues, review trade agreements and has pledged to co‐sponsor legislation that would allow US companies to seek anti‐dumping duties on Chinese imports based on the perceived undervaluation of the Chinese currency. If a Republican, the next president will support global integration and oppose protectionist measures. The Democratic Congress is likely to oppose Republican policies in general and free trade policies in particular. Both scenarios imply increasing pressure on US—Chinese trade and investment relationships. Because these two nations now account for almost half of global growth, the state of the futureUS—Chinese bilateral relationship has worldwide implications.
Taizhou Model: Institutional Innovation and the Development of Private Economy
Authors: Tao Qian , Jinchuan Shi
Published: May 2008

Based on the case of Taizhou City in Zhejiang Province, the present paper investigates the mechanism of the interaction between the local government and private enterprise in the process of regional economic development. We identify the “Taizhou Model” as a model of institutional innovation and the development of private economy, which is private sector‐induced and local government‐promoted Indeed, the impact of such mechanisms has had a significant influence on the reforms and development of China s economic system.
Formation of Biopolymer‐Coated Liposomes by Electrostatic Deposition of Chitosan
Authors: Laye C. , McClements D.J. , Weiss J.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  The purpose of this study was to prepare stable biopolymer‐coated liposome suspensions using an electrostatic deposition method. Liposome suspensions were produced by homogenizing 1% soy lecithin in acetate buffer (0.1 M, pH 3). Cationic chitosan (Mw approximately 200 kDa) solutions were mixed with anionic liposome suspensions (d approximately 100 and 200 nm), and the effect of phospholipid concentration, chitosan concentration, and liposome size on the properties of the particles formed was determined. The particle size and charge (ζ‐potential) were measured using dynamic light scattering and particle electrophoresis. The particle charge changed from –38 mV in the absence of chitosan to +60 mV in the presence of chitosan, indicating complex formation between the anionic liposomes and cationic chitosan molecules. Below a minimum critical chitosan concentration (cmin), large aggregates were formed that phase separated within minutes, whose origin was attributed to formation of coacervates. On the other hand, above a maximum critical chitosan concentration (cmax), large flocs were formed that sedimented within hours, whose formation was attributed to depletion flocculation. Minimum and maximum critical chitosan concentrations depended on liposomal concentration and size. At cmin < c < cmax, chitosan‐coated liposomes were formed that did not aggregate and were stable to sedimentation. Coated liposomes had better stability to aggregation than uncoated liposomes when stored at ambient temperatures for 45 d. This study indicates that chitosan can be used to form biopolymer‐coated liposomes with enhanced stability over uncoated liposomes.
Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Extracts Inhibit the Mutagenicity in Microsuspension Assay and the Proliferation of HeLa Cells
Authors: Olvera‐García V. , Castaño‐Tostado E. , Rezendiz‐Lopez R. I. , Reynoso‐Camacho R. , González de Mejía E. , Elizondo G. , Loarca‐Piña G.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is used as a refreshing beverage and as a traditional medicine. The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro effect of phenolic compounds present in aqueous, ethyl acetate, and chloroform extracts of H. sabdariffa against mutagenicity of 1‐nitropyrene (1‐NP), and also the antiproliferative effect of these extracts. Inhibition of cell proliferation and DNA fragmentation were tested on transformed human HeLa cells. The hot aqueous extract (HAE) contained 22.27 ± 2.52 mg of protocatechuic acid (PCA) per gram of lyophilized dried extract, and was not statistically different from the cold aqueous or chloroform extracts; the ethyl acetate extract produced the least amount of PCA. The H. sabdariffa extracts inhibited mutagenicity of 1‐NP in a dose‐response manner. The inhibition rate on HeLa cells of HAE was also dose‐dependent. The HAE did not induce DNA fragmentation. The results suggest that H. sabdariffa L. extracts have antimutagenic activity against 1‐NP and decrease the proliferation of HeLa cells, probably due to phenolic acid composition.
Effects of Pulsed UV‐Light on Peanut Allergens in Extracts and Liquid Peanut Butter
Authors: Chung S.‐Y. , Yang W. , Krishnamurthy K.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  Pulsed ultraviolet (PUV) light, a nonthermal technology, was used to treat both the peanut extracts and liquid peanut butter. The objective was to determine if such treatment would lead to a reduction in the allergenic properties of the peanut extract and butter. Peanut samples were PUV treated using a Xenon RS‐3000C under the following conditions: 3 pulses/s, 14.6 cm from the central axis of the lamp, 4 min (extract) or 3 min (liquid peanut butter). After the treatment, the peanut samples were centrifuged and the supernatants analyzed by SDS‐PAGE and competitive inhibition enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ciELISA). For comparison, boiling treatments were also performed. SDS‐PAGE showed that while boiling treatment had little effect on the peanut allergens, PUV‐light‐treated samples displayed a reduced solubility or level of peanut allergens (63 kDa). Solubility of another allergen (18 to 20 kDa) was unaffected. Insoluble aggregates formed were responsible for the reduced level of allergens in PUV‐light‐treated samples. ciELISA showed that untreated samples exhibited an IgE binding 7‐fold higher than the PUV‐treated samples. It was concluded that PUV light was effective in reducing IgE binding of peanut extracts and liquid peanut butter. The current study provides an approach to the development of a possibly less allergenic peanut product. However, the reduction in actual allergenicity needs to be confirmed by clinical studies.
Growth Kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes in Broth and Beef Frankfurters—Determination of Lag Phase Duration and Exponential Growth Rate under Isothermal Conditions
Authors: Huang L.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was to develop a new kinetic model to describe the isothermal growth of microorganisms. The new model was tested with Listeria monocytogenes in tryptic soy broth and frankfurters, and compared with 2 commonly used models—Baranyi and modified Gompertz models. Bias factor (BF), accuracy factor (AF), and root mean square errors (RMSE) were used to evaluate the 3 models. Either in broth or in frankfurter samples, there were no significant differences in BF (approximately 1.0) and AF (1.02 to 1.04) among the 3 models. In broth, the mean RMSE of the new model was very close to that of the Baranyi model, but significantly lower than that of the modified Gompertz model. However, in frankfurters, there were no significant differences in the mean RMSE values among the 3 models. These results suggest that these models are equally capable of describing isothermal bacterial growth curves. Almost identical to the Baranyi model in the exponential and stationary phases, the new model has a more identifiable lag phase and also suggests that the bacteria population would increase exponentially until the population approaches to within 1 to 2 logs from the stationary phase. In general, there is no significant difference in the means of the lag phase duration and specific growth rate between the new and Baranyi models, but both are significantly lower than those determined from the modified Gompertz models. The model developed in this study is directly derived from the isothermal growth characteristics and is more accurate in describing the kinetics of bacterial growth in foods.
Control of Listeria monocytogenes in Ready‐to‐Eat Meats Containing Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Lactate, or a Combination of Sodium Lactate and Sodium Diacetate
Authors: Thompson R.L. , Carpenter C.E. , Martini S. , Broadbent J.R.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  This study investigated the use of sodium levulinate to prevent outgrowth of Listeria monocytogenes in refrigerated ready‐to‐eat (RTE) meat products. Turkey breast roll and bologna were formulated to contain 1%, 2%, or 3% (w/w) sodium levulinate, 2% sodium lactate, a 2% combination of sodium lactate and sodium diacetate (1.875% sodium lactate and 0.125% sodium diacetate), or no antimicrobial (control). Samples of the RTE products were sliced, inoculated with 102 to 103 CFU/cm2 of a 5‐strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes, vacuum packaged, and stored at refrigeration temperature for 0 to 12 wk. Counts reached 108 CFU/cm2 on control turkey roll product after 8 wk, and over 107 CFU/cm2 on control bologna after 12 wk. Addition of 2% or more sodium levulinate to turkey roll and 1% or more sodium levulinate to bologna completely prevented growth of L. monocytogenes during 12 wk of refrigerated storage. A consumer taste panel with pathogen‐free samples found no differences in the overall liking among the preparations of turkey roll or among preparations of bologna. These results show that sodium levulinate is at least as effective at inhibiting outgrowth of L. monocytogenes in RTE meat products as the current industry standards of lactate or lactate and diacetate, and levulinate addition does not alter the overall liking of the RTE meat products.
Food Surface Texture Measurement Using Reflective Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Sheen S. , Bao G. , Cooke P.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used in the reflection mode to characterize the surface texture (roughness) of sliced food surfaces. Sandpapers with grit size between 150 and 600 were used as height references to standardize the CLSM hardware settings. Sandpaper particle sizes were verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mean amplitude (in micrometers) of surface variation along line segments of the scanned sandpaper topographical image sets showed very close agreement between the measured result and the grit particle size (based on the U.S. Coated Abrasive Manufactures Inst. {CAMI], standard). The verified instrument settings were then used to measure the surface texture of mechanically sliced food surfaces, including cooked ham, salami, and cheese. Sliced food surface texture parameters of Ra (average height of a line segment), Rs (surface area ratio), Pa (average height on a region of interest), and Pq (root‐mean‐square height on a region of interest) were evaluated by this method. Values of the surface roughness of sliced ham, salami, and cheese were found to be comparable to the range of dimensions of selected sandpapers. The CLSM method may be useful for other surface texture measurements, and to investigate the impact of food surface texture on microbial adhesion or attachment, which might play a significant role in microbial transfer from one surface to another.
Orange Essential Oils Antimicrobial Activities against Salmonella spp.
Authors: O'Bryan C.A. , Crandall P.G. , Chalova V.I. , Ricke S.C.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  Seven citrus essential oils (EOs) were screened by disc diffusion assay for their antibacterial activity against 11 serotypes/strains of Salmonella. The 3 most active oils were selected to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against the same Salmonella. Orange terpenes, single‐folded d‐limonene, and orange essence terpenes all exhibited inhibitory activity against the Salmonella spp. on the disc diffusion assay. EOs were stabilized in broth by the addition of 0.15% (w/v) agar for performance of the MIC tests. Orange terpenes and d‐limonene both had MICs of 1%. The most active compound, terpenes from orange essence, produced an MIC that ranged from 0.125% to 0.5% against the 11 Salmonella tested. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed that this orange essence oil was composed principally of d‐limonene, 94%, and myrcene at about 3%. EOs from citrus offer the potential for all natural antimicrobials for use in improving the safety of organic or all natural foods.
Quality Assessment of Farmed Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during Chilled Storage
Authors: Rezaei M. , Hosseini S.F.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT:  The quality changes of farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) stored in ice for a period of up to 20 (0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20) d were determined by chemical (total volatile basic nitrogen [TVB‐N], free fatty acid (FFA), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), peroxide value (PV), heme iron), microbiological (total viable counts, TVC), and sensory methods. The TVB‐N level showed fluctuations during storage, indicating that TVB‐N could not be a good indicator of rainbow trout quality. The TBA values remained low and were found to fluctuate during storage. The PV values and the release of FFA increased (P < 0.05), while heme iron content decreased during storage. The total viable counts of rainbow trout increased (P < 0.05) from the initial value of 4.0 log CFU/g (day 0) to 7.04 log CFU/g (day 20) over the period of storage. This study showed that sensory analysis of rainbow trout correlated well with the microbiological analysis. The results of this study according to microbiological and sensorial data indicated that the shelf life of rainbow trout stored in ice was approximately 9 to 11 d.
Regulation of eumelanin/pheomelanin synthesis and visible pigmentation in melanocytes by ligands of the melanocortin 1 receptor
Authors: Le Pape Elodie , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Ito Shosuke , Wolber Rainer , Hearing Vincent J.
Published: May 2008

The production of melanin in the hair and skin is tightly regulated by the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) whose activation is controlled by two secreted ligands, α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH) and agouti signal protein (ASP). As melanin is extremely stable, lasting years in biological tissues, the mechanism underlying the relatively rapid decrease in visible pigmentation elicited by ASP is of obvious interest. In this study, the effects of ASP and αMSH on the regulation of melanin synthesis and on visible pigmentation were assessed in normal murine melanocytes and were compared with the quick depigmenting effect of the tyrosinase inhibitor, phenylthiourea (PTU). αMSH increased pheomelanin levels prior to increasing eumelanin content over 4 days of treatment. Conversely, ASP switched off the pigment synthesis pathway, reducing eu‐ and pheo‐melanin synthesis within 1 day of treatment that was proportional to the decrease in tyrosinase protein level and activity. These results demonstrate that the visible depigmentation of melanocytes induced by ASP does not require the degradation of existing melanin but rather is due to the dilution of existing melanin by melanocyte turnover, which emphasizes the importance of pigment distribution to visible color.
Inflammatory choroidal neovascular membrane in presumed ocular Lyme borreliosis
Authors: Amer Radgonde , Brannan Suzanne , Forrester John V.
Published: May 2008

Introduction:  Lyme disease is a multisystemic disease with protean ocular manifestations. We describe the occurrence of inflammatory choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) in two patients suffering from presumed Lyme disease.

Methods:  Descriptive review of the clinical records of two patients.

Results:  Patient 1: 16‐year‐old healthy male presenting with a visual acuity of counting fingers [oculus dexter (OD)] and 6/6 [oculus sinister (OS)] 3 months after a tick bite. He had papillitis and an exudative subretinal macular lesion OD. Treatment was started with intravenous (IV) ceftriaxone; a week later, IV methylprednisolone was administered with a tapering dose of oral steroids thereafter. Three months later, VA had improved to 3/60 OD. Patient 2: 38‐year‐old healthy female presenting with reduced left‐eye vision (6/24) 6 weeks after a tick bite. She also suffered from erythema migrans and arthralgias. She had left‐eye papillitis, macular haemorrhages and vascular sheathing. Treatment was started with IV ceftriaxone. One month later, there was profound loss of vision with development of CNVM. Treatment was declined by the patient and eventually retinal fibrosis developed.

Conclusion:  Inflammatory CNVM has not been described previously in the setting of ocular Lyme borreliosis. We herein describe the occurrence of inflammatory CNVM in two patients whose diagnosis with Lyme disease was clinically based – both were sero‐negative. Visual outcome in the two patients was profoundly impaired because of the ensuing macular scar.
Medical treatment for combined Fusarium and Acanthamoeba keratitis
Authors: Lin Hsin‐Chiung , Hsiao Ching‐Hsi , Ma David Hui‐Kang , Yeh Lung‐Kun , Tan Hsin‐Yuan , Lin Meng‐Yin , Huang Samuel Chao‐Ming
Published: May 2008

Purpose:  Acanthamoeba and fungal keratitis are rare ocular infections. We report cases of combined Fusarium and Acanthamoeba keratitis and the clinical course of medical treatment.

Methods:  We reviewed the medical records of patients treated for culture‐proven Acanthamoeba keratitis at a referral centre, during 2001−2006.

Results:  Eleven consecutive patients were treated for culture‐proven Acanthamoeba keratitis during the 5 years, two of whom had combined fungal infections. A 29‐year‐old man presented with ground‐glass corneal oedema and epitheliopathy caused by contact lens use. The other patient, a 7‐year‐old girl, had eye trauma that led to a feathery corneal infiltrate. Both cases were treated with topical 0.02% polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), 0.1% propamidine, 1% clotrimazole and 5% natamycin. Therapeutic keratoplasty was not required in either case.

Conclusions:  Timely identification of the pathogen, with repeated culture and smear if necessary, as well as adequate dosage to prevent recurrence is highly recommended in order to preclude the need for therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty.
Systemic lupus erythematosus‐associated optic neuritis: clinical experience and literature review
Authors: Lin Yen‐Ching , Wang An‐Guor , Yen May‐Yung
Published: May 2008

Purpose:  This study aimed to evaluate the visual outcome of optic neuritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods:  A retrospective, case‐observational study was conducted by reviewing eight patients with SLE‐associated optic neuritis from January 1986 to October 2004. The demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory data, medical management and disease courses of these eight patients were retrospectively analysed. Main outcome measurements included final visual acuity (VA) and relapse of optic neuritis. Statistical analyses were made using the chi‐square test and a linear regression model. The English‐language literature on SLE‐associated optic neuritis was reviewed.

Results:  Initial visual loss was severe in SLE‐associated optic neuritis. Seven patients (87%) had VA < 20/200 at onset. All patients received steroid pulse therapy followed by oral steroid tapering. Final visual outcome was highly variable, ranging from the complete recovery of VA in four patients, to partial recovery in one and poor recovery in three. Better visual recovery occurred in patients who received earlier treatment (within 10 days). However, longer duration of steroid administration was found to have no significant benefit on visual outcome.

Conclusions:  Systemic lupus erythematosus‐associated optic neuritis is not common. However, it is important that ophthalmologists differentiate SLE‐associated optic neuritis from idiopathic optic neuritis because of the severe visual impairment and steroid dependence associated with the former. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are important for restoring visual function in these patients.
Re‐examination of organ‐cultured, cryopreserved human corneal grafts after 27 years
Authors: Corydon Charlotte , Hjortdal Jesper , Ehlers Niels
Published: May 2008

Purpose:  To determine the long‐term fate of cryopreserved corneas. Review of 17 organ‐cultered cryopreserved corneas grafted in 1978–1979.

Methods:  We measured visual acuity and refraction and performed biomicroscopy, applanation tonometry and optical pachometri (CCT). Endothelial photos were taken, cells were counted and morphology was studied.

Results:  Four of 16 grafted corneas were still clear after 27 years. Mean CCT was 0.52 mm, endothelial cell density was 882 cells/mm2 and visual acuity was 0.25 or better with an average of 0.6 in the four patients. Cell morphology showed irregularity in shape and size.

Conclusion:  This study shows that cryopreserved endothelium can function as well as non‐frozen corneas and that a regular hexagonal pattern is not essential for corneal clarity. The four grafts showed long‐term durability despite the irregularity in shape and size.
Constructing the Public Sphere in Compromised Settings: Environmental Governance in the Alberta Forest Sector
Authors: PARKINS JOHN R. , DAVIDSON DEBRA J.
Published: May 2008

À une époque où l'enthousiasme se manifeste pour une gouvernance environnementale plus délibérative et participative, des études critiques sur ces activités s'avèrent grandement nécessaires. Un forum très en vue sur la gouvernance, le Comité de consultation publique, en est venu à jouer un rôle d'une importance capitale dans la réglementation législative et axée sur les forces du marché des ressources forestières. L'article présente une évaluation critique de ces milieux environnants de plus en plus privés et localisés pour le discours politique du secteur forestier de l'Alberta. Quoique la prudence soit conseillée concernant le potentiel d'engagement actif du citoyen à l'intérieur de comités financés par les entreprises, l'étude de cas révèle l'importance de la variation contextuelle sur la qualité de la délibération.

At a time when enthusiasm waxes for a more deliberative and participatory environmental governance, critical inquiries into these activities are sorely needed. One prominent governance forum is the public advisory committee, which has come to play a central role in the legislative and market‐based regulation of forest resources. This paper offers a critical assessment of these increasingly privatized and localized settings for political discourse within the forest sector of Alberta. Although caution is urged regarding the potential for active citizen engagement within corporate‐sponsored committees, the case study reveals the importance of contextual variation in the quality of deliberation.
Potential of laparoscopy in chronic liver disease with hepatitis B and C viruses
Authors: Arase Yasuji , Suzuki Fumitaka , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Akuta Norio , Sezaki Hitomi , Kobayashi Masahiro , Kawamura Yusuke , Yatsuji Hiromi , Hosaka Tetsuya , Saito Satoshi , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: May 2008

Aim:  The definitive diagnosis of chronic liver disease is made either by a histological examination of a biopsy specimen or upon visualization of the liver surface at laparoscopy. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to assess whether histological or laparoscopic findings are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development.

Methods:  A retrospective review of paired laparoscopy and histology reports was performed on 4124 hepatitis virus‐positive patients who underwent laparoscopy: 2804 patients had hepatitis C virus (HCV group) and 1320 patients had hepatitis B virus (HBV group). Based on the irregularities of the liver surface, the laparoscopic findings were classified into three groups in progression order: smooth, irregular, or nodular. The histological findings were classified according to the extent of fibrosis into four stages (stages 1–4) in progression order.

Results:  The number of patients with HCC development was 565 in the HCV group and 115 in the HBV group. The Coxregression hazard model showed that HCC appearance in the HCV group was independently associated with laparoscopic findings (relative risk based on every progression of one rank [RR], RR = 4.31, P < 0.0001) and histological findings (RR = 2.56, P < 0.0001). In the HBV group, however, HCC appearance in was mainly associated with laparoscopic findings (RR = 2.12, P < 0.0001) compared to histological findings (RR = 1.13, P = 0.403).

Conclusion:  Our data indicate that laparoscopic findings of the liver are dominant predictors for HCC development compared with histological findings in patients with HBV.
Does a late evening meal reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among patients with chronic hepatitis C?
Authors: Ohfuji Satoko , Fukushima Wakaba , Tanaka Takashi , Habu Daiki , Takeda Tadashi , Tamori Akihiro , Sakaguchi Hiroki , Seki Shuichi , Kawada Norifumi , Nishiguchi Shuhei , Shiomi Susumu , Hirota Yoshio
Published: May 2008

Aim:  Some studies have suggested that nutritional support might protect against the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among postoperative HCC patients. However, no epidemiological studies have evaluated the effect of nutritional support on HCC incidence. This study aimed to investigate the association between a late evening meal and HCC.

Methods:  We conducted a hospital‐based, case‐control study comparing 73 cases with HCC to 253 matched controls among patients with chronic hepatitis C. A questionnaire elicited information on the consumption of a late evening meal, which was defined as a snack or meal within 2 h before bedtime. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by the conditional logistic regression model.

Results:  After adjustment for potential confounders, patients who consumed a late evening meal had a lower OR as compared to those who did not consume one (OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01–0.48). In terms of frequency of intake, a clear inverse exposure–response relationship was observed (trend P = 0.009). In addition, a negative association between a late evening meal and HCC was more pronounced among patients with an α‐fetoprotein level of less than 20 ng/mL and those with a body mass index of less than 25 kg/m2.

Conclusion:  A late evening meal might protect against HCC, particularly among patients with a normal α‐fetoprotein level and who are not obese, although these relations might be accounted for other factors, including total energy intake. Further studies with larger study sizes are needed to corroborate these findings.
Stones from cancerous and benign gallbladders are different: A proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Srivastava Madhulika , Sharma Ajay , Kapoor Vinay K. , Nagana Gowda Gowda A.
Published: May 2008

Aim:  Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is frequently associated with gallstones (GS). At the same time, however, a very small number of patients with GS develop GBC. Cholesterol and metal salts are the common constituents of all GS. To understand their role in the etiopathogenesis of GBC, cholesterol, calcium, and magnesium composition in GS is compared in cancerous and benign gallbladders.

Methods:  GS from patients with GBC (n = 11), chronic cholecystitis (CC; n = 23), and xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC; n = 11) undergoing cholecystectomy were analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The diagnosis of the gallbladder disease was based on histopathological examinations. Cholesterol, calcium, and magnesium in the GS of GBC, XGC, and CC were analyzed, compared, and correlated using statistical methods.

Results:  The quantity of cholesterol was significantly less in the GS of GBC than in benign gallbladder diseases (CC or XGC, P < 0.0001 for both). Both calcium and magnesium were significantly higher in GBC than in benign disease (calcium: P < 0.0005 and magnesium: P < 0.0001 for GBC vs CC; calcium: P < 0.02 and magnesium: P < 0.04 for GBC vs XGC). In all the GS, calcium was higher than magnesium. Calcium and magnesium were positively correlated in GBC (R = 0.69) and XGC (R = 0.75), and cholesterol and calcium were negatively correlated in CC (R =−0.61).

Conclusion:  Differences in the GS composition between malignant and benign gallbladder patients may provide useful clues to the etiopathogenesis of GBC. These clues could lead to the identification of patients with GS in vivo who are at high risk of developing GBC, and advocate prophylactic cholecystectomy to prevent GBC.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α induces the aberrant expression of mucus core protein‐2 in non‐neoplastic biliary epithelial cells via the upregulation of CDX2 in chronic cholangitis
Authors: Ikeda Hiroko , Sasaki Motoko , Ohira Shusaku , Ishikawa Akira , Sato Yasunori , Harada Kenichi , Zen Yoh , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: May 2008

Aim:  Chronic cholangitis, such as hepatolithiasis, is frequently associated with goblet cell metaplasia and the aberrant expression of mucus core protein‐2 (MUC2). In this study, we clarified the role of inflammatory cytokines in the expression of MUC2 in lining biliary epithelial cells (BEC) in chronic cholangitis with an emphasis on CDX2, an intestine‐specific transcription factor.

Methods:  We used human hepatolithiatic livers and polycystic kidney (PCK) rats, an animal model of Caroli's disease, and cultured BEC from PCK rats. As a control, extrahepatic biliary obstruction and histologically normal livers and Crj:CD rats were used.

Results:  Immunohistochemically, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) was expressed in periductal inflammatory cells and BEC of the affected intrahepatic bile ducts with an aberrant expression of MUC2 and CDX2 in hepatolithiasis and the PCK rats. In cultured BEC, TNF‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and interferon‐γ induced the expression of CDX2 mRNA, though only TNF‐α additionally induced the expression of MUC2 mRNA. The expression of CDX2 mRNA and the MUC2 protein induced in BEC by TNF‐α were abolished by pretreatment of nuclear factor‐κB inhibitors.

Conclusion:  The aberrant expression of CDX2 and MUC2 in the affected bile ducts showing goblet cell metaplasia was closely associated with TNF‐α expressed in periductal infiltrating inflammatory cells and BEC. TNF‐α induced the expression of CDX2 and MUC2 in cultured BEC. Taken together, it seems likely that TNF‐α plays a role in MUC2 expression via CDX2 upregulation in the bile ducts with chronic cholangitis and goblet cell metaplasia.
Numerical Study on the Mechanism of Wind Noise Generation About a Car-Like Body
Authors: Zhu Ming , Hanaoka Yuji , Miyata Hideaki
Published: May 2008

Three-dimensional flow separation about the sharp-edged front-pillar of a car-like body at high cruising speed is numerically studied. A time-dependent and full Navier-Stokes simulation is carried out for the understanding of mechanism of wind noise generation due to the vortical flow motions. The surface pressure fluctuations on the front-side window are examined in terms of wind noise, based on a simplified Lighthill-Curle’s equation. The simulated results are validated regarding the numerical grid resolution and assessed by comparison with the conventional acoustic theory. The analyses of the simulated flow-field data indicate that there is a strong relationship between the vortical motions associated with the flow separation and the surface pressure fluctuations on the front-side window. The bifurcations of flow geometry, such as the breakdown of a separated vortex as well as the vortex-vortex interaction, seem to be most strongly related to the production of surface pressure fluctuations.
Supersonic Flow Calculations Using a Reynolds-Stress and a Thermal Eddy Diffusivity Turbulence Model
Authors: Sommer T. P. , So R. M. C. , Zhang H. S.
Published: May 2008

A second-order model for the velocity field and a two-equation model for the temperature field are used to calculate supersonic boundary layers assuming negligible real gas effects. The modeled equations are formulated on the basis of an incompressible assumption and then extended to supersonic flows by invoking Morkovin’s hypothesis, which proposes that compressibility effects are completely accounted for by mean density variations alone. In order to calculate the near-wall flow accurately, correcting functions are proposed to render the modeled equations asymptotically consistent with the behavior of the exact equations near the wall and, at the same time, display the proper dependence on the molecular Prandtl number. Thus formulated, the near-wall second-order turbulence model for heat transfer is applicable to supersonic flows with different Prandtl numbers. The model is validated against supersonic flows with free-stream Mach numbers as high as 10 and wall temperature ratios as low as 0.3. Among the flow cases considered, the momentum thickness Reynolds number varies from ~4000 to ~21,000. Good correlation with measurements of mean velocity and temperature is obtained. Discernible improvements in the law-of-the-wall are observed, especially in the range where the log-law applies.
Performance of S-Cambered Profiles With Cut-Off Trailing Edges
Authors: Chacko Baby , Balabaskaran V. , Tulapurkara E. G. , Radha Krishna H. C.
Published: May 2008

The aerodynamic characteristics of an S-cambered profile are studied under forward and reversed flow conditions. The profile chord is cut by 3, 6, and 9 percent of the chord at the sharp trailing edge end and the performances of these profiles are compared. It is found that with increase in length of cutting the lift coefficient increases in forward direction and decreases in reverse direction of flow. Cutting off the sharp trailing edge improves the lift-drag characteristics in forward mode and deteriorates in the reverse mode.
An Experimental Investigation of Cross-Flow Turbine Efficiency
Authors: Desai Venkappayya R. , Aziz Nadim M.
Published: May 2008

An experimental investigation was conducted to study the effect of some geometric parameters on the efficiency of the cross-flow turbine. Turbine models were constructed with three different numbers of blades, three different angles of water entry to the runner, and three different inner-to-outer diameter ratios. Nozzles were also constructed for the experiments to match the three different angles of water entry to the runner. A total of 27 runners were tested with the three nozzles. The results of the experiments clearly indicated that efficiency increased with increase in the number of blades. Moreover, it was determined that an increase in the angle of attack beyond 24 deg does not improve the maximum turbine efficiency. In addition, as a result of these experiments, it was determined that for a 24 deg angle of attack 0.68 was the most efficient inner-to-outer diameter ratio, whereas for higher angles of attack the maximum efficiency decreases with an increase in the diameter ratio from 0.60 to 0.75.
Rotordynamic Effects of the Shroud-to-Housing Leakage Flow in Centrifugal Pumps
Authors: Baskharone E. A. , Daniel A. S. , Hensel S. J.
Published: May 2008

The fluid/shroud interaction forces acting on a pump impeller that is precessing around the housing centerline, are computed and the rotordynamic coefficients deduced. The numerical procedure utilized is an upgraded version of a finite-element-based perturbation model, initially devised for simple see-through annular seals. The computational model accounts for the complex flow structure in the shroud-to-housing secondary flow passage, which includes a tight-clearance face seal. The model also facilitates the mutual interaction between the primary and secondary flows near the impeller inlet and discharge stations. The numerical results are compared to existing experimental data, as well as the results of a simpler and widely used numerical model. Sources of discrepancies between the numerical results are identified, and a comprehensive assessment made in light of the experimental data.
Perturbed Flow Structure in an Annular Seal Due to Synchronous Whirl
Authors: Baskharone E. A.
Published: May 2008

This paper provides a thorough examination of the flow field resulting from synchronous whirl of an eccentric rotor in an annular seal under typical operating conditions. A new finite-element-based perturbation model is employed in the analysis, whereby perturbations in the flow thermophysical properties are attributed to virtual distortions in the rotor-to-housing finite element assembly. The numerical results are compared to a recent set of experimental data for a hydraulic seal with typical geometrical configurations and a synchronously whirling rotor. Despite the common perception that perturbation analyses are categorically confined to small rotor eccentricities, good agreement between the computed flow field and the experimental data is obtained for an eccentricity/clearance ratio of 50 percent. The agreement between the two sets of data is notably better at axial locations where the real-rig flow admission losses have diminished, and up to the seal discharge station. This attests to the accuracy of this untraditional and highly versatile perturbation model in predicting the rotordynamic characteristics of this and a wide variety of conceptually similar fluid/rotor interaction problems.
Marangoni Convection With a Curved and Deforming Free Surface in a Cavity
Authors: Sasmal G. P. , Hochstein J. I.
Published: May 2008

A finite-volume based computational model is developed to predict Marangoni convection in a cavity with a curved and deforming free surface. The two-dimensional incompressible continuity, momentum, and energy equations are solved on a staggered Cartesian grid. The free surface location is computed using the volume-of-fluid transport equation. Normal and tangential boundary conditions at the free surface are modeled using respectively a surface pressure and a continuum surface force technique. Computational predictions of thermocapillary flow in a shallow cavity are shown to be in good agreement with previously published asymptotic results. The new transient model is then used to study the influence of Marangoni number and Capillary number on thermocapillary flows in a cavity for different static contact angles. The flows are characterized by streamline and isotherm patterns. The influence of the dimensionless parameters on heat transfer rate at the cavity walls is exposed by examination of local Nusselt number profiles.
The Effect of Interfacial Waves on the Transition to Slug Flow
Authors: Kordyban Eugene , Okleh Abdul Hakim
Published: May 2008

It has been proposed by the authors that the transition to slug flow depends on the growth of waves in the two-phase flow and thus may predict if the laws of wave growth in closed channel are known. In this work, this proposition is tested by examining the highest waves and the transition to slug flow for air and water, air and water with surface tension reduced by addition of surface-active agents, air and water with increased viscosity by addition of corn syrup and air and ethanol. In each case it is found that the predicted transition to slug flow agrees well with experimental data. Neither a lower surface tension nor a higher viscosity has any effect on the transition to slug flow, but the use of surface active agents reduces the wave growth rate and causes the transition to slug flow to shift to higher gas velocities.
Rankine-Hugoniot Relations for Lennard-Jones Liquids
Authors: Satoh Akira
Published: May 2008

The purpose of the present study is to clarify the Rankine-Hugoniot relations for Lennard-Jones liquids. First, Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to evaluate the state quantities such as the pressures, the internal energies, and the sound velocities. These computed values are used to obtain the approximate expressions for the state quantities by the method of least squares. The Rankine-Hugoniot relations are then clarified numerically as a function of the shock Mach number by solving the basic equations together with those approximate expressions. For liquid shock waves, not only the pressure but also the temperature increases much larger than those for an ideal gas. The results obtained here enable us to conduct more efficient molecular dynamics simulations such as simulating shock fronts alone for the investigation of the internal structures of liquid shock waves.
Thermal Radiation in Rayleigh-Be´nard Instability
Authors: Lienhard J. H.
Published: May 2008

Thermal radiation from finite-conductivity boundaries can strongly affect the stability of horizontally unbounded, plane fluid layers heated from below. The role of thermal radiation in plane layer instabilities is studied under the assumption that the fluid medium is transparent, as a model of infrared transfer through gas layers. The solution procedure modifies a previous formulation of the conductive boundary problem to account for the gray radiant interchange between boundaries. The nonisothermal character of the boundaries is shown to bias instability toward higher wavenumbers and to substantially increase the stability of fluid layers between radiative, nonconductive boundaries relative to layers having nonradiative boundaries. A single layer is studied first, and then a case of parallel, interacting fluid layers is considered. Critical Rayleigh numbers are presented as both tabulations and correlations. The implications for solar collector design are discussed.
Natural Convection From Horizontal Disks and Rings
Authors: Sahraoui M. , Kaviany M. , Marshall H.
Published: May 2008

A length scale similar to the hydraulic diameter for natural convection from horizontal surfaces has been previously suggested by others. This length scale correlates the available experimental results for circular, rectangular, and triangular surfaces fairly well. Herein this length scale is used for natural convection from rings. The obtained experimental (using naphthalene sublimation) and numerical (finite-difference approximation of the governing equations for axisymmetric fields) results confirm this length scale applicability to this class of multiply connected surfaces. Relatively good agreement is found between the experimental and numerical results for small inside diameters, while for large inside diameters the agreement is fair. These numerical results correlate well with Nu = 0.603 Ra1/5 Pr0.085 where the length scale is the ratio of area to perimeter of the heat transfer surface. A disk with an impermeable, adiabatic core is used numerically to explore the influence of the flow through the core on the local and average heat transfer rates. These numerical results correlate well with Nu = 0.561 Ra1/5 Pr0.085. This indicates that the lack of core flow decreases the overall heat transfer rate by 7 percent.
Three-Dimensional Laminar Natural Convection in a Vertical Air Slot With Hexagonal Honeycomb Core
Authors: Asako Y. , Nakamura H. , Faghri M.
Published: May 2008

Numerical solutions are obtained for a three-dimensional natural convection heat transfer problem in a vertical air slot with a thin hexagonal honeycomb core. The air slot is assumed to be of such dimensions that the velocity and temperature fields repeat themselves in successive enclosures. The numerical methodology is based on an algebraic coordinate transformation technique, which maps the complex cross section onto a rectangle, coupled with a calculation procedure for fully elliptic three-dimensional flows. The calculations are performed for the Rayleigh number in the range of 103 to 105, for a Prandtl number of 0.7, and for five values of the aspect ratio of the honeycomb enclosure. The average Nusselt number results for the case of a thin honeycomb core are compared with the previously obtained results for a thick honeycomb core with conduction and adiabatic side wall boundary conditions.
Analysis of Direct-Contact Melting Under Rotation
Authors: Taghavi K.
Published: May 2008

In this paper the phenomenon of direct melting under rotation and external pressure is considered. Rotation may be added to direct-contact melting for several purposes, including keeping the melting surface uniform or creating a centrifugal field to assist the removal of the melt. An exact analysis is presented here, which resembles that of the condensation on a rotating surface or the problem of a rotating disk in a large body of fluid. A similarity transformation is applied to reduce the full Navier–Stokes and energy equations to ordinary differential equations. A dimensionless parameter σ has emerged from the analysis, which is the ratio of the external force to the centrifugal force. As σ becomes large (σ→∞, no rotation), the problem becomes that of pure direct-contact melting under external force, and hence resulting in the exact formulation for such a problem. For σ = 0 (pure rotation, no external force), the formulation becomes similar to that of condensation on a rotating disk or a rotating disk in a large body of fluid. It is noted that different scaling of the problem with respect to σ is needed to obtain the solution for the wide range of σ = 0 → ∞. A closed-form solution is obtained for the case where the film is approximated to be thin. A criterion for the validity of this approximation is given. Finally, the numerical results for the general problem are presented in terms of the Prandtl number, the Stefan number, and the force ratio σ.