bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential protein expression in the corpus callosum (body) of human alcoholic brain
Authors: Kashem Mohammed Abul , Etages Huyghues Des , Kopitar‐Jerala Nataša , McGregor Iain S. , Matsumoto Izuru
Published: May 2009

Neuroimage analysis in alcoholic corpus callosum (CC) suggests that microstructural abnormalities are higher in the genu followed by the body and the splenium. Molecular mechanisms underlying these dysmorphologys are still unclear. Protein expression was performed using the CC body samples [(nine controls, seven uncomplicated, and six complicated (with liver cirrhosis) alcoholics] through proteomics approach. Thirty‐nine protein spots in uncomplicated and 60 in complicated alcoholics were differentially altered compared with the control (p < 0.05). Comparison between alcoholic groups revealed that 40% more protein showed altered expression in complicated compared with uncomplicated. This result suggests that alcohol‐related liver dysfunction has synergetic effects on brain protein expression. Subregional expression profiles indicate that the highest numbers of region‐specific proteins were in the genus followed by the CC body and the splenium. Interestingly, abnormal thiamine cascade was strongly suggested in the genu, and to a lesser extent in the CC body, but no such cascade was observed in the splenium. Therefore, alcohol‐induced microstructural damage detected by image analysis in the CC, possibly involves multiple biochemical mechanisms.
Involvement of multiple protein kinases in cPLA2 phosphorylation, arachidonic acid release, and cell death in in vivo and in vitro models of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium‐induced parkinsonism – the possible key role of PKG
Authors: Chalimoniuk Malgorzata , Stolecka Anna , Ziemińska Elzbieta , Stępień Adam , Langfort Josef , Strosznajder Joanna B.
Published: May 2009

The study was aimed at investigating in vivo and in vitro the involvement of the cGMP/cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKG) signaling pathway in MPP+‐induced cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) activation of dopaminergic neurons. MPP+ activated neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/soluble guanylyl cyclase/cGMP pathway in mouse midbrain and striatum, and in pheochromocytoma cell line 12 cells, and caused an upward shift in [Ca2+]i level in the latter. The activation was accompanied by increases in total and phosphorylated cPLA2, and increased arachidonic acid release. Effects of selective inhibitors [2‐oxo‐1,1,1‐trifluoro‐6,9‐12,15‐heneicosatetraene (AACOCF3), (E)‐6‐(bromomethylene)tetrahydro‐3‐(1‐naphthalenyl)2h‐pyran‐2‐one (BEL)] indicated the main impact of cPLA2 on arachidonic acid release in pheochromocytoma cell line 12 cells. Treatment of the cells with the protein kinase inhibitors GF102610x, UO126, and KT5823, and with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor NNLA revealed the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK 1/2), with the possible key role of PKG, in cPLA2 phosphorylation at Ser505. Inhibitors of cPLA2 and PKG increased viability and reduced MPP+‐induced apoptosis of the cells. Our results indicate that the neuronal NOS/cGMP/PKG pathway stimulates cPLA2 phosphorylation at Ser505 by activating PKC and ERK1/2, and suggest that up‐regulation of this pathway in experimental models of Parkinson’s disease may mediate dopaminergic neuron degeneration and death through activation of cPLA2.
Calpain‐mediated activation of NO synthase in human neuroblastoma SK‐N‐BE cells
Authors: Averna Monica , Stifanese Roberto , De Tullio Roberta , Beccaria Francesco , Salamino Franca , Pontremoli Sandro , Melloni Edon
Published: May 2009

In resting human neuronal cells, nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is present in its native 160 kDa form in a quiescent state predominantly co‐localized on the plasma membrane, via its PDZ (Psd‐95/Discs‐large/Zona Occludens) domain, with NMDA receptor (NMDA‐R) and in tight association with heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). Following exposure of the cells to Ca2+‐ionophore or to NMDA, nNOS undergoes proteolytic removal of the PDZ domain being converted into a fully active 130 kDa form. The newly generated nNO synthase form dissociates from NMDA‐R and extensively diffuses into the cytosol in direct correlation with NO production. Intracellular redistribution and activation of nNOS are completely prevented in cells preloaded with calpain inhibitor‐1, indicating that these processes are triggered by a concomitant activation of calpain. The role of calpain has been confirmed by immunoprecipitation experiments revealing that also μ‐calpain is specifically recruited into the NMDA‐R‐nNOS‐HSP90 complex following calcium loading. Thus, the formation of clusters containing HSP90, μ‐calpain, nNOS and NMDA‐R represents the limiting step for the operation of the mechanism that links an efficient synthesis of NO to a local increase in Ca2+ influx.
On the mechanism of internalization of α‐synuclein into microglia: roles of ganglioside GM1 and lipid raft
Authors: Park Ji‐Young , Kim Kwang Soo , Lee Saet‐Byul , Ryu Jae‐Sung , Chung Kwang Chul , Choo Young‐Kug , Jou Ilo , Kim Jongsun , Park Sang Myun
Published: May 2009

α‐Synuclein (α‐syn) has been known to be a key player of the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease and has recently been detected in extracellular biological fluids and shown to be rapidly secreted from cells. The penetration of α‐syn into cells has also been observed. In this study, we observed that dl‐threo‐1‐phenyl‐2‐decanoylamino‐3‐morpholino‐1‐propanol, a glucosyltransferase inhibitor, and proteinase K inhibited the internalization of extracellular monomeric α‐syn into BV‐2 cells, and the addition of monosialoganglioside GM1 ameliorated the inhibition of α‐syn internalization in dl‐threo‐1‐phenyl‐2‐decanoylamino‐3‐morpholino‐1‐propanol‐treated BV‐2 cells. Furthermore, inhibition of clathrin‐, caveolae‐, and dynamin‐dependent endocytosis did not prevent the internalization of α‐syn, but disruption of lipid raft inhibited it. Inhibition of macropinocytosis and disruption of actin and microtubule structures also did not inhibit the internalization of α‐syn. In addition, we further confirmed these observations by co‐culture system of BV‐2 cells and α‐syn‐over‐expressing SH‐SY5Y cells. These findings suggest that extracellular α‐syn is internalized into microglia via GM1 as well as hitherto‐unknown protein receptors in clathrin‐, caveolae‐, and dynamin‐independent, but lipid raft‐dependent manner. Elucidation of the mechanism involved in internalization of α‐syn should be greatly helpful in the development of new treatments of α‐syn‐related neurodegenerative diseases.
A metabolic switch in brain: glucose and lactate metabolism modulation by ascorbic acid
Authors: Castro Maite A. , Beltrán Felipe A. , Brauchi Sebastián , Concha Ilona I.
Published: May 2009

In this review, we discuss a novel function of ascorbic acid in brain energetics. It has been proposed that during glutamatergic synaptic activity neurons preferably consume lactate released from glia. The key to this energetic coupling is the metabolic activation that occurs in astrocytes by glutamate and an increase in extracellular [K+]. Neurons are cells well equipped to consume glucose because they express glucose transporters and glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes. Moreover, neuronal cells express monocarboxylate transporters and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme 1, which is inhibited by pyruvate. As glycolysis produces an increase in pyruvate concentration and a decrease in NAD+/NADH, lactate and glucose consumption are not viable at the same time. In this context, we discuss ascorbic acid participation as a metabolic switch modulating neuronal metabolism between rest and activation periods. Ascorbic acid is highly concentrated in CNS. Glutamate stimulates ascorbic acid release from astrocytes. Ascorbic acid entry into neurons and within the cell can inhibit glucose consumption and stimulate lactate transport. For this switch to occur, an ascorbic acid flow is necessary between astrocytes and neurons, which is driven by neural activity and is part of vitamin C recycling. Here, we review the role of glucose and lactate as metabolic substrates and the modulation of neuronal metabolism by ascorbic acid.
Factors related to the nursing student–patient relationship: the patients’ perspective
Authors: Suikkala Arja , Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Katajisto Jouko
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study was to describe patients’ perceptions of factors related to three types of student–patient relationship identified in an earlier study: mechanistic (MR), authoritative (AR) and facilitative (FR). A further aim was to identify which factors predict the type of relationship. A convenience sample of Finnish‐speaking internal medicine patients was recruited. The data were collected by using a five‐point Likert‐type questionnaire developed for this study. Data analysis used the chi‐square test, Fisher’s exact test, one‐way analysis of variance and multinomial logistic regression. Formal ethical approval for the study was obtained according to national and local directives. The results showed that a number of patients’ background variables as well as contextual factors and consequences of the relationship were related to the type of relationship. In AR and FR patients had a named nursing student, a student who had enough time for the patient, and a positive perception of students’ personal and professional attributes and of patients’ improved health and commitment to self‐care significantly more often than in MRs. A FR was also more common among patients in two‐patient rooms than among patients in rooms of other sizes. Multinomial regression analysis revealed six significant predictors of FRs; university level education, several previous hospitalizations, admission to hospital for a medical problem, experience of caring for ill family member, positive perception of atmosphere during collaboration, and of student’s personal and professional growth. The results provide important clues for promoting facilitative student–patient relationships and thus for enhancing the quality of nursing care.
It's good to talk: performing and recording the telephone interview
Authors: Cook Nicole
Published: May 2009

This paper explores the transition of talk to text in the process of performing and recording semi‐structured interviews over the telephone. In particular, it considers the ways respondents and the materials enjoined in the process of interviewing exceed their role in the research process. Drawing on my experience of conducting telephone interviews in the UK, I position the interview as an uncertain encounter: one framed by earlier narrations as much as the aims and objectives of the research project; and an orientation towards ‘talk’ as much as the reduction of performance to text. Far from losing track of these uncertainties I argue that tape‐recorders are well equipped to document these in/audible realms.
Credential Changes and Education Earnings Premia in Australia*
Authors: COELLI MICHAEL , WILKINS ROGER
Published: May 2009

Post‐school education earnings premia have remained strikingly stable over the 1981 to 2003–2004 period in Australia. This stability contrasts sharply with the rising college premium observed in the USA. The observed stability in Australia may in part be due to changes in the credentials earned by individuals entering certain professional occupations (especially nursing and teaching) during the period, particularly for women. We construct an estimate of the potential effect of within‐occupation credential changes on estimates of education earnings premia in Australia over time.
The adenosine A2A receptor antagonist ZM241385 enhances neuronal survival after oxygen‐glucose deprivation in rat CA1 hippocampal slices
Authors: Pugliese AM , Traini C , Cipriani S , Gianfriddo M , Mello T , Giovannini MG , Galli A , Pedata F
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  Activation of adenosine A2A receptors in the CA1 region of rat hippocampal slices during oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD), a model of cerebral ischaemia, was investigated.

Experimental approach:  We made extracellular recordings of CA1 field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fepsps) followed by histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques coupled to Western blots.

Key results:  OGD (7 or 30 min duration) elicited an irreversible loss of fepsps invariably followed by the appearance of anoxic depolarization (AD), an unambiguous sign of neuronal damage. The application of the selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, ZM241385 (4‐(2‐[7‐amino‐2‐{2‐furyl}{1,2,4}triazolo{2,3‐a}{1,3,5}triazin‐5‐ylamino]ethyl)phenol; 100–500 nmol·L−1) prevented or delayed AD appearance induced by 7 or 30 min OGD and protected from the irreversible fepsp depression elicited by 7 min OGD. Two different selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonists, SCH58261 and SCH442416, were less effective than ZM241385 during 7 min OGD. The extent of CA1 cell injury was assessed 3 h after the end of 7 min OGD by propidium iodide. Substantial CA1 pyramidal neuronal damage occurred in untreated slices, exposed to OGD, whereas injury was significantly prevented by 100 nmol·L−1 ZM241385. Glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) immunostaining showed that 3 h after 7 min OGD, astrogliosis was appreciable. Western blot analysis indicated an increase in GFAP 30 kDa fragment which was significantly reduced by treatment with 100 nmol·L−1 ZM241385.

Conclusions and implications:  In the CA1 hippocampus, antagonism of A2A adenosine receptors by ZM241385 was protective during OGD (a model of cerebral ischaemia) by delaying AD appearance, decreasing astrocyte activation and improving neuronal survival.
Potential anxiolytic‐ and antidepressant‐like effects of salvinorin A, the main active ingredient of Salvia divinorum, in rodents
Authors: Braida Daniela , Capurro Valeria , Zani Alessia , Rubino Tiziana , Viganò Daniela , Parolaro Daniela , Sala Mariaelvina
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  Drugs targeting brain κ‐opioid receptors produce profound alterations in mood. In the present study we investigated the possible anxiolytic‐ and antidepressant‐like effects of the κ‐opioid receptor agonist salvinorin A, the main active ingredient of Salvia divinorum, in rats and mice.

Experimental approach:  Experiments were performed on male Sprague‐Dawley rats or male Albino Swiss mice. The anxiolytic‐like effects were tested by using the elevated plus maze, in rats. The antidepressant‐like effect was estimated through the forced swim (rats) and the tail suspension (mice) test. κ‐Opioid receptor involvement was investigated pretreating animals with the κ‐opioid receptor antagonist, nor‐binaltorphimine (1 or 10 mg·kg−1), while direct or indirect activity at CB1 cannabinoid receptors was evaluated with the CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, N‐(piperidin‐1‐yl) ‐5‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐1‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐4‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxamide (AM251, 0.5 or 3 mg·kg−1), binding to striatal membranes of naïve rats and assay of fatty acid amide hydrolase in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala.

Key results:  Salvinorin A, given s.c. (0.001–1000 µg·kg−1), exhibited both anxiolytic‐ and antidepressant‐like effects that were prevented by nor‐binaltorphimine or AM251 (0.5 or 3 mg·kg−1). Salvinorin A reduced fatty acid amide hydrolase activity in amygdala but had very weak affinity for cannabinoid CB1 receptors.

Conclusions and implications:  The anxiolytic‐ and antidepressant‐like effects of Salvinorin A are mediated by both κ‐opioid and endocannabinoid systems and may partly explain the subjective symptoms reported by recreational users of S. divinorum.
Resolvin D1 controls inflammation initiated by glutathione‐lipid conjugates formed during oxidative stress
Authors: Spite M , Summers L , Porter TF , Srivastava S , Bhatnagar A , Serhan CN
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  Inflammation is associated with oxidative stress and local generation of lipid peroxidation‐derived aldehydes, such as 4‐hydroxy‐trans‐2‐nonenal (HNE). In most tissues, HNE is readily conjugated with glutathione and presently it is unknown whether glutathionyl‐HNE (GS‐HNE) plays a functional role in inflammation. Here, we sought to determine whether GS‐HNE is a mediator of oxidative stress‐initiated inflammation and if its actions can be regulated by the anti‐inflammatory and pro‐resolving lipid mediator, resolvin D1 (RvD1).

Experimental approach:  GS‐HNE was administered intraperitoneally to mice and peritoneal lavages were assessed for leukocyte infiltration and lipid mediators were targeted by mediator‐lipidomics. RvD1 was administered to mice treated with GS‐HNE and leukocyte infiltration was assessed in the peritoneum. Superoxide production and CD11b modulation were measured in isolated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes incubated with GS‐HNE.

Key results:  GS‐HNE (1–10 µg) evoked infiltration of Gr‐1+ leukocytes into the peritoneum to form an inflammatory exudate. With isolated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, GS‐HNE stimulated both superoxide generation and CD11b expression. Among the lipid mediators, both cyclooxygenase‐ and lipoxygenase‐derived pro‐inflammatory eicosanoids, including prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4 and cysteinyl leukotrienes, were generated in exudates of mice injected intraperitoneally with GS‐HNE. RvD1, given i.v. in doses as low as 0.01–10.0 ng, sharply reduced GS‐HNE‐stimulated leukocyte infiltration (∼30–70%).

Conclusions and implications:  Glutathione conjugates of HNE, derived during oxidative stress, are pro‐inflammatory in vivo. RvD1 protects against this oxidative stress‐initiated inflammation.

This article is part of a themed issue on Mediators and Receptors in the Resolution of Inflammation. To view this issue visit http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2009
Temporal and Taxonomic Variability in Response of Fauna to Riparian Restoration
Authors: Golet Gregory H. , Gardali Thomas , Hunt John W. , Koenig David A. , Williams Neal M.
Published: May 2009

Evaluating the success of restoration projects requires well‐designed studies. Among the decisions that need to be made are what taxonomic groups to study and when to conduct the monitoring. To explore how these decisions can influence assessments of restoration success, we examined species richness and composition data collected over several years on different terrestrial fauna (landbirds, rodents, bees, and beetles) at Sacramento River restoration and remnant riparian sites. Our selection of study organisms enabled us to ask whether variability in species richness among restoration sites is less for vagile taxa than for sedentary taxa, and if invertebrates display greater variability among sites than vertebrates. Our results demonstrate that responses to restoration can vary depending upon the season when it is assessed, and the taxa that are studied. For all taxa except bees, there was considerable variability in the relative performance of taxa at restoration sites from one sampling date to the next, such that the relative ranking of the sites often changed dramatically. Comparisons of β ‐diversity (variability in species richness across sites) revealed that certain taxonomic groups were more spatially variable in their response to restoration than others. Among vertebrates, sedentary taxa (rodents) had significantly higher variability in species richness across sites than highly vagile taxa (birds); however, no such pattern was observed for invertebrates. Overall, vertebrates had lower variability than invertebrates, suggesting that evaluations of restoration success based on a few better‐known taxonomic groups (e.g., birds, rodents) may be inadequate to represent the biodiversity response of other groups (e.g., insects).
Electroacupuncture Inhibits Ethanol‐Induced Locomotor Sensitization and Alters homer1A mRNA Expression in Mice
Authors: Dos Santos Jr Jair Guilherme , Filev Renato , Coelho Carolina Tesone , Yamamura Ysao , Mello Luiz E. , Tabosa Angela
Published: May 2009

Background:  Here we investigated the effects of electroacupuncture over locomotor sensitization induced by ethanol in mice.

Methods:  Adult male Swiss mice were daily injected with ethanol (2 g/kg, i.p.) or saline for 21 days (acquisition phase). After 4 days of withdrawal, all animals were challenged with ethanol (1.4 g/kg, i.p.). The locomotor activity during 30 minutes was accessed just after the ethanol challenge. Electroacupuncture at acquisition, expression, or maintenance phases of locomotor sensitization was provided over ST‐36 (Zusanli) or PC‐6 (Neiguan) as well as concomitantly over these 2 acupoints. One hour after the challenge with ethanol, the animals were decapitated, the hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex were dissected, and the expression of homer1A mRNA assessed by PCR.

Results:  Electroacupuncture provided simultaneously over ST‐36 and PC‐6 (but not to ST‐36 or PC‐6 alone) inhibited the acquisition, expression, and maintenance of ethanol‐induced locomotor sensitization. In addition, electroacupuncture blocked the diminution of homer1A mRNA expression triggered by ethanol in the acquisition (striatum and prefrontal cortex), expression (hippocampus), and in the maintenance (hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) phases.

Conclusion:  Electroacupuncture provided concomitantly over ST‐36 and PC‐6 prevents the sensitization of the mesocorticolimbic pathway induced by ethanol in mice. In addition, these effects were accompanied by changes in the expression of homer1A. We suggest that electroacupuncture effects over ethanol‐induced locomotor sensitization are associated to its ability to modulate homer1A expression and glutamatergic plasticity.
Trafficking in Tobacco Farm Culture: Tobacco Companies' Use of Video Imagery to Undermine Health Policy
Authors: OTAÑEZ MARTIN G. , GLANTZ STANTON A.
Published: May 2009

Cigarette companies and their lobbying organization used tobacco industry–produced films and videos about tobacco farming to support their political, public relations, and public policy goals. Critical discourse analysis shows how tobacco companies utilized film and video imagery, and narratives of tobacco farmers and tobacco economies, for lobbying politicians and influencing consumers, industry‐allied groups, and retail shop owners to oppose tobacco control measures and counter publicity on the health hazards, social problems, and environmental effects of tobacco growing. Imagery and narratives of tobacco farmers, tobacco barns, and agricultural landscapes in industry videos constituted a tobacco industry strategy to construct a corporate vision of tobacco farm culture that privileges the economic benefits of tobacco. The positive discursive representations of tobacco farming ignored the actual behavior of tobacco companies to promote relationships of dependency and subordination for tobacco farmers and to contribute to tobacco‐related poverty, child labor, and deforestation in tobacco‐growing countries. While showing tobacco farming as a family and a national tradition and a source of jobs, tobacco companies portrayed tobacco as a tradition to be protected instead of an industry to be regulated and denormalized.
Quantification and its Applications in Fluorescent Microscopy Imaging
Authors: Hamilton Nicholas
Published: May 2009

Fluorescent microscope imaging technologies have developed at a rapid pace in recent years. High‐throughput 2D fluorescent imaging platforms are now in wide use and are being applied on a proteome wide scale. Multiple fluorophore 3D imaging of live cells is being used to give detailed localization and subcellular structure information. Further, 2D and 3D video microscopy are giving important insights into the dynamics of protein localization and transport. In parallel with these developments, significant research has gone into developing new methodologies for quantifying and extracting meaning from the imaging data. Here we outline and give entry points to the literature on approaches to quantification such as segmentation, tracking, automated classification and data visualization. Particular attention is paid to the distinction between and application of concrete quantification measures such as number of objects in a cell, and abstract measures such as texture.
Increased expression of integrin α2 and abnormal response to TGF‐β1 in hereditary gingival fibromatosis
Authors: Zhou J , Meng LY , Ye XQ , Von den Hoff JW , Bian Z
Published: May 2009

Objective:  To investigate the possible correlation between integrin α1, α2, and β1 expression and excessive collagen synthesis in fibroblasts from 3 unrelated Chinese families with hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF).

Design:  Gingival fibroblasts from three Chinese HGF patients and three healthy subjects were included. The expression of α1, α2, and β1 integrin subunits was examined by immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, and flow cytometry. We also investigated the effects of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) on the expression of these integrin subunits.

Results:  Our results demonstrate that the expression of α2 was significantly higher in HGF fibroblasts compared with control fibroblasts (P < 0.01). No significant differences in the expression of α1 and β1 were detected. Furthermore, TGF‐β1 promoted the expression of α1 and α2 in fibroblasts from both HGF patients and controls. However, it had a larger effect on the expression of α2 in HGF fibroblasts than in control cells. In contrast, α1 expression was stimulated more in control fibroblasts.

Conclusion:  The increased expression of integrin α2 and the increased response to TGF‐β1 of HGF fibroblasts may be related to the excessive collagen deposition in HGF patients.
Silage preparation and nutritive value of Chinese yam by‐product
Authors: XU Chuncheng , CAI Yimin , TOYOKAWA Koji
Published: May 2009

The objective of this experiment was to determine the ensiling characteristics, nutrient composition and nutritive value of Chinese yam by‐product (CYBP) silage treated without additive (Control), with lactic acid bacteria (LY), with dried beet pulp (BY), or with mixtures of lactic acid bacteria and dried beet pulp (LBY) for a fermentation period of 150 days. The nutritive value of CYBP silage was studied in an in vivo digestibility trial using wethers in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Addition of lactic acid bacteria and/or dried beet pulp greatly improved fermentation quality of CYBP silage. The pH was reduced to below 4.0 and lactic acid was produced at above 4.6% on dry matter basis. There were no statistical differences among treatments in the digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and energy in the silages, but neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber digestibility were higher (P < 0.001) in wethers fed BY and LBY silages compared to the control and LY silages. It was estimated that total digestible nutrient and digestible energy in the CYBP silage averaged 79.1% and 14.3 MJ/kg on dry matter basis. The study suggests that CYBP can be well preserved by making a silage and it is a good potential energy source for ruminant diets.
Effects of the fattening period on the fatty acid composition of fat deposits and free amino acid and inosinic acid contents of the longissimus muscle in carcasses of Japanese Black steers
Authors: IWAMOTO Eiji , OKA Akio , IWAKI Fumiyuki
Published: May 2009

The effects of the fattening period on carcass characteristics, fatty acid composition of fat deposits, and muscle free amino acid (FAA) and inosinic acid (IMP) contents were evaluated in Japanese Black steers. Ten castrated, 10‐month‐old calves derived from the same sire were divided into five to be slaughtered at the age of 30 months after a 20‐month fattening period (20‐month group) and five to be slaughtered at the age of 34 months after a 24‐month fattening period (24‐month group). Concerning the fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat, the percentage of palmitoleic acid was higher (P < 0.05) in the 24‐ than in the 20‐month group, but no difference was noted in any other fatty acids. For intermuscular fat, no difference was observed in any fatty acids. The percentages of oleic acid and total monounsaturated fatty acid of intramuscular and perinephric fat were higher (P < 0.05) in the 24‐ than in the 20‐month group. Of the FAAs in the longissimus thoracis muscle, the threonine and tyrosine contents were lower (P < 0.05) in the 24‐ than in the 20‐month group. The IMP content was higher (P < 0.05) in the 24‐ than in the 20‐month group, suggesting an effect of prolongation of the fattening period.
Brewer's yeast efficiently degrades phytate phosphorus in a corn‐soybean meal diet during soaking treatment
Authors: CHU Gyo‐Moon , OHMORI Hideyuki , KAWASHIMA Tomoyuki , FUNABA Masayuki , MATSUI Tohru
Published: May 2009

Microbes such as yeast and Aspergillus are known to produce phytase, and Aspergillus phytase has been used as a feed additive for improving phytate‐phosphorus bioavailability in monogastric animals. We measured phytase activity in some by‐products from fermented food and beverage productions by yeast and Aspergillus. The phytase activity was as high as 3577 and 2225 PU/kg DM in raw and dried brewer's yeasts, respectively. On the other hand, the phytase activity was approximately 400 PU/kg DM in white‐wine yeast and red‐wine yeast. The phytase activity was further low in natto (fermented soybean) residue, soy sauce cake, rice brewer's grain and the activity was not detected in dried corn‐barley distiller's grain with soluble and sweet‐potato distiller's residue. The stability of phytase against pepsin was much lower in the brewer's yeast than in an Aspergillus phytase preparation. On the other hand, the addition of raw brewer's yeast effectively degraded phytate phosphorus in a corn‐soybean meal diet during soaking. These results suggest that phytase in the examined by‐products is not suitable for the phytase source of conventional diets, but that the soaking treatment with a raw brewer's yeast is an alternative method for improving phytate‐phosphorus bioavailability in corn‐soybean meal diets for pigs.
Effect of flow parameters of rumen digesta on effective degradability and microbial yield in sheep
Authors: ICHINOHE Toshiyoshi , FUJIHARA Tsutomu
Published: May 2009

The aim of this experiment was to examine the effect of rumen digesta flow parameters on effective degradability (EDG) and microbial nitrogen (MBN) yield in sheep fed diets of identical provision of both metabolizable energy and rumen degradable nitrogen (RDN). Ruminal degradation parameters of early‐harvested perennial ryegrass hay (EH), late‐harvested perennial ryegrasses hay (LH) and winter sown barley straw (BS) were determined by a nylon bag technique. Subsequently, three experimental diets (EHD, LHD and BSD) were formulated using the tested forages, sucrose and urea as supplements. An in vivo feeding study was conducted using four rumen cannulated sheep in a partial Latin square design. Digestibility, rate constants of rumen particle breakdown and passage, ruminal fermentation parameters and MBN supply to the small intestine were determined. Animals thoroughly consumed the forages fed at a restricted level. Digestion coefficients were greater for EHD than for LHD and were lowest for BSD (P < 0.05). The rate constant of large particle breakdown was 4.3, 5.9 and 6.7 %/h, respectively, and small particle passage was 5.3, 4.7 and 6.3 %/h for EHD, LHD and BSD, respectively. The estimates differed (P < 0.05) between the diets. The overall passage rate constant of total rumen particles was estimated to be higher for BSD than that for EHD or LHD (P < 0.05). Ruminal fermentation parameters were unaffected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Intake levels of rumen degradable organic matter (RDOM) and RDN were estimated to be greater for LHD than that for EHD or BSD (P < 0.05). Although dietary arrangements were made to give identical microbial efficiency, the estimated value was higher for EHD than that for LHD or BSD (P < 0.05); and the MBN yield for BSD was estimated to be lower than that for EHD or LHD (P < 0.05). Rumen kinetic parameters of degradation and particle flow of forage affected EDG values and MBN yield from forage‐related RDN intake, although those had little effect on the efficiency of MBN yield from forage‐related RDOM intake.
Regulating the total level of a signaling protein can vary its dynamics in a range from switch like ultrasensitivity to adaptive responses
Authors: Soyer Orkun S. , Kuwahara Hiroyuki , Csikász‐Nagy Attila
Published: May 2009

Biological signaling networks can exhibit rich response dynamics including ultrasensitivity, adaptation to persistent stimuli and oscillations. Previous modeling efforts have considered the proteins in these networks as two‐state entities and their total levels as fixed quantities. However, inside the cell, most molecules are in constant flux because of various processes such as degradation, synthesis, binding of scaffold proteins and release from vesicles. The resulting freedom in the amount of signaling protein that is available for signaling has not been explored. Here, we analyze the response dynamics of a signaling protein when it enters the signaling pool in one state (modified or unmodified) and exits in both states. When the exit rates of these two states are comparable, a persistent stimulus results in step responses and can produce ultrasensitivity, as shown previously. However, we find that when the exit rates are imbalanced, the signaling protein gives transient responses to persistent stimuli even though the system does not have any explicit feedback. Further, these rates determine the signal range over which the system is responsive. Building small networks from signaling proteins with different exit rates, we show that these systems can exhibit rich behavior. Taken together, these findings indicate that altering the total level of signaling proteins can significantly change their response and provide additional richness in system dynamics. We discuss relevant biological examples in which regulating total protein levels could be exploited to alter signaling behavior.
Effects of Sri Lankan Black Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) on Pregnancy of Rats
Authors: Ratnasooriya Wanigasekera D. , Fernando Thimbiripalage S. P.
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to demonstrate the potential effects of black tea brew of Camellia sinensis using Sri Lankan high grown dust grade no. 1 tea on pregnancy outcome of rats when exposed during early (days 1–7), mid (days 8–14) and late (days 15–21) pregnancy of rats. Different doses of black tea brew (mg/ml/day) was orally administered daily during this period to separate groups of rats (n = 6/group): 84 (equivalent to 1.5 cups), 167 (3 cups), 501 (9 cups), and 1336 (24 cups). The results showed that black tea brew did not significantly (P > 0.05) change the pregnancy outcome (in terms of quantal pregnancy, number of uterine implants, number of viable implants, implantation index, pre‐implantation loss, post‐implantation loss, gestation index, number of pups born, litter index, live birth index and viability index) and pre‐ (in terms of length of the implants/foetus, gestation length, cranial length, cranial diameter and tail length of pups) and postnatal (in terms of time taken to open eyes, eruption of incisors and appearance of fur) development. Furthermore, black tea brew did not induce gross morphological birth abnormalities. If the results are applicable to women, it is concluded that even heavy consumption of black tea brew during pregnancy may not be harmful for pregnancy outcome.
Comparing Penile Measurements in Normal and Erectile Dysfunction Subjects
Authors: Kamel Ihab , Gadalla Amr , Ghanem Hussein , Oraby Mohamed
Published: May 2009

Introduction

With the increase in penile augmentation procedures it becomes important to assess what is the normal erect penile size in both potent men and men with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

The aim of this work is to define the average stretched penile size in normal men and ED patients.

Main Outcome Measures

Penile length and girth.

Methods

This study included 1,027 adult men presenting to a university hospital outpatient clinic. Two groups of patients were included in this research work. Group I comprises normal adult men (949) and Group II, ED patients (78). There were no differences of race, age, height, and weight. Penile length and girth were measured using a tape measure and rigid ruler in the fully stretched states in both groups. All penile measurements were performed by the same physician.

Results

In normal men (Group I) the mean of the fully stretched length was 12.9 ± 1.9 cm and the mean of the fully stretched girth was 8.9 ± 0.9 cm. In ED patients (Group II), the mean of the fully stretched length was 11.2 ± 1.5 cm and the mean of fully stretched girth was 8.8 ± 0.8 cm. Comparing the mean of fully stretched penile lengths in both groups revealed statistical significant difference (P < 0.001) between them, whereas comparing the mean of fully stretched penile girths in both groups revealed statistical nonsignificant difference (P = 0.474) between them. There were significant positive correlations between fully stretched penile lengths and fully stretched penile girths in both groups.

Conclusion

The average of fully stretched penile length in normal potent men is 12.9 cm, whereas the patients with ED tend to have significantly shorter penises (11.2 ± 1.5 cm).
Pubic Hair and Sexuality: A Review
Authors: Ramsey Sara , Sweeney Clare , Fraser Michael , Oades Gren
Published: May 2009

Introduction

Hair is a distinguishing feature of mammals, though the persistence of visible head, axillary, and pubic hair remains anthropologically unclear. Humans throughout the ages have modified their head and body hair, but aesthetic removal of pubic hair has become the “the ultimate barometer of how fashionable you really are” in the 21st century. The aim of the article is to examine the trends in pubic hair removal and its impact on health and sexuality.

Methods

A literature search was performed, with a further search performed using an Internet-based search engine. For discussion, the results have been classified into the topics of “Development and anthropology,”“Cultural and artistic significance,”“Medical implications,”“Psychological and sexual significance and popular culture,”“Impact of body hair loss on sexuality” and “Style and terminology.”

Results

Pubic hair removal has been common since the ancient times. Pubic hair was rarely depicted in artistic representations of the nude until the late 19th century. It is postulated that the current trend of pubic hair removal may be related to the increased accessibility of Internet-based pornography. Anecdotally, pubic hair removal may carry benefits regarding increased sexual sensation and satisfaction though there is no quantative research in this field. There is a recognized morbidity to pubic hair removal, and also a lack of standardization of terms for styles adopted. We propose a definitive grading system for male and female body hair based on the widely used Tumor Node Metastasis staging system.

Conclusions

Pubic hair removal appears to be an important aspect of expressing one’s sexuality and participation in sexual activity. This practice has an interesting psychosexual basis which, to date, has not yet been fully explored in sexual medicine.
Effects of Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Therapy After Hospital Discharge on Subsequent Rehospitalization for Acute Myocardial Infarction and Heart Failure
Authors: Hess Gregory , Preblick Ronald , Hill Jerrold , Plauschinat Craig A. , Yaskin Joseph
Published: May 2009

American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommend angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy following acute myocardial infarction (MI) or development of heart failure (HF). This study estimated the effects of initiating these therapies after hospitalization for MI or HF on subsequent 1‐year rehospitalization rates for MI or HF. A retrospective multivariate analysis of medical claims for 14,327 patients receiving and 7905 not receiving an ACEI or ARB after discharge for MI or HF was conducted. Rehospitalization for MI or HF was lower for treated vs untreated patients (MI: odds ratio [OR]=0.53, P<.001; HF: OR=0.52, P<.001). Rehospitalization was lower in treated patients with high medication compliance (medication possession ratio [MPR]>80%) and medium compliance (MPR 40%–79%) vs patients with low compliance (ORs for MI: high=0.54, medium=0.69; P<.001); ORs for HF: high=0.38, medium=0.62; P<.001). In conclusion, ACEI or ARB therapy initiated after hospitalization for MI or HF reduced risk of rehospitalization, and greater risk reduction was achieved with higher medication compliance.
New Developments for the Description of Oil Leakages by Advective Migration From Submarine Pipelines
Authors: Baptista Renan Martins , Machado Ricardo Antonio Francisco , Quadri Marintho Bastos , Bolzan Ariovaldo , Nogueira André Lourenço , Lopes Toni Jefferson
Published: May 2009

The significant growth in offshore operations increases the risk of a pipeline rupture, even considering the high standards of safety involved. Throughout a submarine leakage, four different amounts of oil may be accounted. The first one is the oil volume released until the leakage detection. The second one is the volume leaked throughout mitigation initiatives (e.g., pump shutdown and valve closure). The third parcel is the amount released by gravitational flow. Finally, the fourth and last amount of oil is released due to the water-oil entrainment, generally known as advective migration. Normally, a considerable amount of oil is released in this step. It begins just after the internal pipeline pressure becomes equal to the external one. The present work continues to introduce a mathematical alternative approach, based on the theories of perturbation and unstable immiscible displacement, to accurately estimate the leakage kinetics and the amount of oil released by the advective migration phenomenon. Situations considering different hole sizes and thicknesses were tested experimentally and through simulations. Additional experiments were accomplished using smooth and rough edge surfaces, besides different slopes (using the horizontal plane as reference). Those experiments permitted a preliminary evaluation of the importance of these factors. The results obtained with the model showed good agreement with the experimental data in many situations considered.
Stress Intensity Factors of Various Surface Cracks Inside a Hollow Cylinder Under Steady State Thermal Striping
Authors: Meshii Toshiyuki , Shibata Kentaro
Published: May 2009

A thermal stress problem of a long hollow cylinder was considered in this paper. The outer surface of the cylinder was adiabatically insulated, and the inner surface was heated axisymmetrically by a fluid with sinusoidal temperature fluctuations (hereafter called as thermal striping), whose temperature amplitude (ΔT) and angular velocity (ω) were constant. The heat transfer coefficient h was also assumed to be constant. The stress intensity factor (SIF) due to the thermal stress for a given cylinder configuration varies not only with these three parameters ΔT, ω, and h, but also with time. The temperature and, as a result, SIF fluctuation amplitude soon became constant (Meshii, T., and Watanabe, K., 2004, “Stress Intensity Factor of a Circumferential Crack in a Thick-Walled Cylinder Under Thermal Striping,” ASME J. Pressure Vessel Technol., 126(2), pp. 157–162), which hereafter is called as steady state. If one is interested in fatigue crack growth (assuming Paris law) under this thermal stress, because the SIF range soon converges to a constant, it seemed important to know the maximum value of the steady state SIF range for a given cylinder configuration, for all possible combinations of ΔT, ω, and h. This maximum SIF evaluation is time consuming. Thus in this paper, this maximum steady state SIF range for four typical surface cracks’ deepest point, inside a hollow cylinder for all possible combinations of ΔT, ω, and h were presented as a first step. Thin-to thick-walled cylinders in the range of mean radius to wall thickness parameter rm/W=10.5–1 were considered. Crack configurations considered were 360 deg continuous circumferential, radial, semi-elliptical in the circumferential and radial directions. Normalized crack depth for all cases was in the range of a/W=0.1–0.5. In case of semi-elliptical crack, the normalized crack length a/c was all in the range of 0.063–1.
What’s Wrong With Thermal Performance Engineering?
Authors: Canning Tom , Horn Kenneth F. , Karloff Jeffrey A. , Lang Fred D. , Rodgers Dave A. T. , Watkins Robert W.
Published: May 2009

This paper discusses experiences and recommendations of six practicing thermal performance engineers with regards improving and maintaining the thermal efficiency of power plants. It discusses the authors’ perceived decline over the past decade for qualified staff, and capital projects involving efficiency improvements, instrumentation and testing/monitoring projects. Such observations extend to North America and Western Europe. This paper attempts to coalesce years of observations and hands-on experience in the field into summaries useful for prudent action. It also presents several recommendations aimed at improving the consciousness towards performance engineering, which has the potential of substantially reducing emissions per electrical output, and increasing the mostly forgotten thermal efficiencies of power plants (heat rate).
Dynamic Analysis of the M/S Heater Drain System
Authors: Miller Joseph S.
Published: May 2009

The objective of this paper is to provide a RELAP5 model of the heater drain system of a BWR. Most water driven turbine power plants have comparable systems. The purpose of the RELAP5 model is to simulate and evaluate operational transients in the heater drain system so evaluations of the system can be performed. Other possible uses of this model are for reactor simulator support, for support to operations in determining what if scenarios during operation and for supporting plant engineering in changing and modifying the system for optimum operation.
Slagging of Ash From Sub-Bituminous and Bituminous Coals in a Test Combustion Facility
Authors: Berman Yuli , Davidson Boris , Korytnyi Efim , Perelman Miron , Saveliev Roman , Spitz Nadine D. , Bar-Ziv Ezra
Published: May 2009

Slagging caused by deposit of molten fly ash on hot walls is a major concern in the operation of full-scale utility boilers. We carried out a comprehensive study, experimental and modeling, on slagging with various coals. Coal samples were taken prior and during combustion and analyzed by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope). From the SEM analysis the coals could be divided into two types: (1) Coal with tiny particulates of the mineral matter deposited loosely on the surface of coal particles or between carbon particles (external ash) and (2) coal with the mineral matter encapsulated within the coal particles (internal ash). We found different slagging and char combustion characteristics directly related to the two coal types. It was observed that internal ash coals show higher slagging propensity and higher carbon content in the fly ash. Previous models to predict slagging did not distinguish between the two coal types and their impact on slagging and combustion behavior. We developed a model for high temperature ash deposition on the furnace walls for these two coal types. In this model, char combustion and carbon content in the fly ash are also considered. Comparison of experimental observation with calculation results from the ash deposition model show good agreement. Another conclusion from the model is that slagging propensity for internal ash coals increases with coal particle size. However, this conclusion has to be verified experimentally.