bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple method for isolation of glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and the improvement of myofibril gel properties
Authors: MIYAGUCHI Yuji , SAKAMOTO Taro , SASAKI Shun , NAKADE Koji , TANABE Manabu , ICHINOSEKI Satoko , NUMATA Masahiro , KOSAI Kiichi
Published: October 2010

Porcine glycoliytic enzyme, glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PD) was prepared effectively by a combination of ethylene diamine tetra‐acetate (EDTA) pretreatment and affinity purification. After salting out of porcine sarcoplasmic proteins (SP) with ammonium sulfate at 75% saturation, the obtained supernatant (SP‐f3) was treated with EDTA, leaving G3PD in the supernatant (G3PD‐E) and most other SPs in the precipitate. At that time, the separation of G3PD‐E required more than 20 mmol/L EDTA. G3PD‐E was then subjected to affinity purification by batchwise method using blue‐sepharose CL‐6B, and purified G3PD (G3PD‐AP) was obtained using 2 mol/L potassium chloride (KCl) as an eluent. Texture analysis showed that the hardness, adhesiveness and gumminess of the myofibril gel at 0.2‐mol/L NaCl increased with the addition of G3PD‐AP. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the G3PD‐AP reinforced the gel network of the myofibril. However, scanning electron micrograph analysis showed that the network‐structure of the gel by the addition of G3PD‐AP developed in a different manner from that by adding 0.6 mol/L NaCl. These results showed that glycolytic enzyme, G3PD, contributes to the improvement of the rheological properties of meat products.
Development of discrimination markers between Japanese domestic and imported beef
Authors: SASAZAKI Shinji , HOSOKAWA Daisuke , ISHIHARA Rie , AIHARA Hiroki , OYAMA Kenji , MANNEN Hideyuki
Published: October 2010

In the meat industry, correct labeling of beef origins or breed is required to assure quality and safety. This paper describes the development of discrimination markers between Japanese domestic and imported beef from the United States (US) and Australia (AUS) based on a bovine 50K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array using a total of 110 samples: Japanese Black (n = 50), Japanese Holstein (n = 50) and US cattle (n = 10). Genotyping information revealed 1081 SNPs as candidate markers that were polymorphic only in US cattle. The genotyping results by PCR – restriction length polymorphism in Japanese Black (n = 300) and Holstein cattle (n = 146) revealed that 11 SNPs had alleles specific to US cattle. Their allelic frequencies in US cattle (n = 108) ranged from 0.097 to 0.250 with an average of 0.178 and the combined identification probability of US cattle was 0.987. In addition, we also verified the applicability of these US‐specific markers to AUS cattle. Their allelic frequencies in AUS cattle (n = 280) ranged from 0.063 to 0.224 with an average of 0.137 and the combined identification probability of AUS cattle was 0.963. In conclusion, a set of these markers could be useful for discriminating between Japanese domestic and imported beef and would contribute to identify origins and prevent falsified labeling of beef.
Recent progress in the study of behavior and management in grazing cattle
Authors: KONDO Seiji
Published: October 2010

Recent progress in studies concerning behavior of, and management for, grazing cattle are reviewed. Since 1950, much study has been conducted on ‘How’, ‘When’, ‘Where’ and ‘How long’ regarding grazing. After the 1980s, grazing ecology introduced the concept of hierarchy at different spatial and temporal scales, and since then grazing behavior has been investigated on the foraging hierarchy of large grazing herbivores: bite, feeding station (FS), patch, feeding site, camp and home range. From the sequence of activities, FS is grouped within a feeding patch, and movement of grazing cattle has been studied between FSs, feeding patches, feeding sites and between camps. Grazing behavior and production relates closley with defoliation, and grazing management should control both grazing behavior and vegetation according to three rules: planning, operational and adaptation rules. Planning rules relate the stocking rate of cattle; operational rules relate to defoliation; and adaptation rules vary with regional situations. Recent studies on grazing have been carried out in the fields of animal diversity and welfare. Future studies in this field should be conducted on the ecology, neurophysiology and psychology of grazing. Nonlinear analysis will also be significant in this field. Grazing cattle production should also utilize supplementation by roughage and/or grains.
Identification of a putative triacylglycerol lipase from papaya latex by functional proteomics
Authors: Dhouib R. , Laroche‐Traineau J. , Shaha R. , Lapaillerie D. , Solier E. , Rualès J. , Pina M. , Villeneuve P. , Carrière F. , Bonneu M. , Arondel V.
Published: October 2010

Latex from Caricaceae has been known since 1925 to contain strong lipase activity. However, attempts to purify and identify the enzyme were not successful, mainly because of the lack of solubility of the enzyme. Here, we describe the characterization of lipase activity of the latex of Vasconcellea heilbornii and the identification of a putative homologous lipase from Carica papaya. Triacylglycerol lipase activity was enriched 74‐fold from crude latex of Vasconcellea heilbornii to a specific activity (SA) of 57 μmol·min−1·mg−1 on long‐chain triacylglycerol (olive oil). The extract was also active on trioctanoin (SA = 655 μmol·min−1·mg−1), tributyrin (SA = 1107 μmol·min−1·mg−1) and phosphatidylcholine (SA = 923 μmol·min−1·mg−1). The optimum pH ranged from 8.0 to 9.0. The protein content of the insoluble fraction of latex was analyzed by electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry, and 28 different proteins were identified. The protein fraction was incubated with the lipase inhibitor [14C]tetrahydrolipstatin, and a 45 kDa protein radiolabeled by the inhibitor was identified as being a putative lipase. A C. papaya cDNA encoding a 55 kDa protein was further cloned, and its deduced sequence had 83.7% similarity with peptides from the 45 kDa protein, with a coverage of 25.6%. The protein encoded by this cDNA had 35% sequence identity and 51% similarity to castor bean acid lipase, suggesting that it is the lipase responsible for the important lipolytic activities detected in papaya latex.
Structure–cytotoxicity relationships in bovine seminal ribonuclease: new insights from heat and chemical denaturation studies on variants
Authors: Giancola Concetta , Ercole Carmine , Fotticchia Iolanda , Spadaccini Roberta , Pizzo Elio , D’Alessio Giuseppe , Picone Delia
Published: October 2010

Bovine seminal ribonuclease (BS‐RNase), a homodimeric protein displaying selective cytotoxicity towards tumor cells, is isolated as a mixture of two isoforms, a dimeric form in which the chains swap their N‐termini, and an unswapped dimer. In the cytosolic reducing environment, the dimeric form in which the chains swap their N‐termini is converted into a noncovalent dimer (termed NCD), in which the monomers remain intertwined through their N‐terminal ends. The quaternary structure renders the reduced protein resistant to the ribonuclease inhibitor, a protein that binds most ribonucleases with very high affinity. On the other hand, upon selective reduction, the unswapped dimer is converted in two monomers, which are readily bound and inactivated by the ribonuclease inhibitor. On the basis of these considerations, it has been proposed that the cytotoxic activity of BS‐RNase relies on the 3D structure and stability of its NCD derivative. Here, we report a comparison of the thermodynamic and chemical stability of the NCD form of BS‐RNase with that of the monomeric derivative, together with an investigation of the thermal dissociation mechanism revealing the presence of a dimeric intermediate. In addition, we report that the replacement of of Arg80 by Ser significantly decreases the cytotoxic activity of BS‐RNase and the stability of the NCD form with respect to the parent protein, but does not affect the ribonucleolytic activity or the dissociation mechanism. The data show the importance of Arg80 for the cytotoxicity of BS‐RNase, and also support the hypothesis that the reduced derivative of BS‐RNase is responsible for its cytotoxic activity.

Structured digital abstract

 MINT‐8050499: BS‐RNase (uniprotkb:P00669) and BS‐RNase (uniprotkb:P00669) bind (MI:0407) by biophysical (MI:0013)

 MINT‐8050482: BS‐RNase (uniprotkb:P00669) and BS‐RNase (uniprotkb:P00669) bind (MI:0407) by classical fluorescence spectroscopy (MI:0017)

 MINT‐8050435: BS‐RNase (uniprotkb:P00669) and BS‐RNase (uniprotkb:P00669) bind (MI:0407) by circular dichroism (MI:0016)
Identification of the single amino acid involved in quenching the ent‐kauranyl cation by a water molecule in ent‐kaurene synthase of Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Kawaide Hiroshi , Hayashi Ken‐ichiro , Kawanabe Ryo , Sakigi Yuka , Matsuo Akihiko , Natsume Masahiro , Nozaki Hiroshi
Published: October 2010

ent‐Kaurene is a tetracyclic diterpene hydrocarbon and a biosynthetic intermediate of the plant hormone gibberellins. In flowering plants, ent‐kaurene is biosynthesized from geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGDP) by two distinct cyclases, ent‐copalyl diphosphate synthase (CPS) and ent‐kaurene synthase (KS). Recently, the moss Physcomitrella patens ent‐kaurene biosynthetic gene was cloned and functionally characterized. The bifunctional ent‐kaurene synthase [P. patens CPS/KS (PpCPS/KS)] produces both ent‐kaurene and 16α‐hydroxy‐ent‐kaurane from GGDP via ent‐copalyl diphosphate. Here, we cloned and analyzed the function of a cDNA encoding bifunctional ent‐kaurene synthase from the liverwort Jungermannia subulata [J. subulata CPS/KS (JsCPS/KS)]. JsCPS/KS catalyzes the cyclization reaction of GGDP to produce ent‐kaurene but not 16α‐hydroxy‐ent‐kaurane, even though the PpCPS/KS (881 amino acids) and JsCPS/KS (886 amino acids) sequences share 60% identity. To determine the regions and amino acids involved in 16α‐hydroxy‐ent‐kaurane formation, we analyzed the enzymic functions of JsCPS/KS and PpCPS/KS chimeric proteins. When the C‐terminal region of PpCPS/KS was exchanged with the JsCPS/KS C‐terminal region, the chimeric cyclases produced only ent‐kaurene. The replacement of PpCPS/KS Ala710 with Met or Phe produced a JsCPS/KS‐type cyclase that converted GGDP to ent‐kaurene as the sole product. In contrast, replacing Ala710 with Gly, Cys or Ser did not affect the PpCPS/KS product profile as much as replacement of Cys of JsCPS/KS by Ala. Thus, the hydrophobicity and size of the side chain residue at the PpCPS/KS amino acid 710 is responsible for quenching the ent‐kauranyl cation by the addition of a water molecule.
The proapoptotic member of the Bcl‐2 family Bcl‐2 / E1B‐19K‐interacting protein 3 is a mediator of caspase‐independent neuronal death in excitotoxicity
Authors: Zhang Zhengfeng , Shi Ruoyang , Weng Jiequn , Xu Xingshun , Li Xin‐Min , Gao Tian‐ming , Kong Jiming
Published: October 2010

Caspase‐independent neuronal death has been shown to occur in neuroexcitotoxicity. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the gene encoding Bcl‐2/E1B‐19K‐interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) mediates caspase‐independent neuronal death in excitotoxicity. BNIP3 was not detectable in neurons under normal condition. BNIP3 expression was increased dramatically in neurons in both in vivo and in vitro models of excitotoxicity. Expression of full‐length BNIP3 in primary hippocampal neurons induced atypical cell death that required protein synthesis but was largely independent of caspase activities. Inhibition of BNIP3 expression by RNA interference protected against glutamate‐induced neuronal cell death. Thus, BNIP3 activation and expression appears to be both necessary and sufficient for neuronal apoptosis in excitotoxicity. These results suggest that BNIP3 may be a new target for neuronal rescue strategies.
Evidence for Severe Atherosclerotic Changes in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: Comparative Autopsy Study Against Cardiovascular Disease Patients Without Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Suzuki Chigure , Nakamura Satoko , Ishibashi‐Ueda Hatsue , Yoshihara Fumiki , Kawano Yuhei
Published: October 2010

Atherosclerosis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity among hemodialysis patients, but whether it is more severe in hemodialysis patients than in cardiovascular disease patients without chronic kidney disease is unclear. We examined 46 autopsy patients who had undergone hemodialysis, and age and sex‐matched 46 patients with cardiovascular disease and an eGFR of >60 mL/min/1.73 m2. There was no difference in the prevalence of diabetes or hypertension between the groups. We divided the aorta into four segments: A, ascending artery to arch; B, descending artery to diaphragm; C, suprarenal; and D, infrarenal. We used the classification of the American Heart Association to evaluate atherosclerosis progression. Distribution was scored by the extent to which each segment was damaged: 0, none; 1, less than 1/3; 2, more than 1/3 to less than 2/3; 3, more than 2/3. Histological examination revealed that the progression score (P < 0.05) and distribution score (P < 0.005) were more severe in the hemodialysis group, especially in segment A. Regression analysis showed that atherosclerosis of segment A was related to age, gender, dyslipidemia, smoking, hemodialysis therapy, and hemodialysis duration. In hemodialysis patients, atherosclerotic changes in the aorta were more severe than in cardiovascular disease patients with an eGFR of >60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Aortic atherosclerosis was aggravated by traditional and chronic kidney disease‐related risk factors.
Nutritional Status Evaluated by Multi‐Frequency Bioimpedance Is Not Associated With Quality of Life or Depressive Symptoms in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Barros Annerose , Pinheiro da Costa Bartira E. , Poli‐de‐Figueiredo Carlos E. , Antonello Ivan C. , d'Avila Domingos O.
Published: October 2010

Hemodialysis therapy significantly impacts on patients' physical, psychological, and social performances. Such reduced quality of life depends on several factors, such as malnutrition, depression, and metabolic derangements. This study aims to evaluate the current nutritional status, quality of life and depressive symptoms, and determine the possible relationships with other risk factors for poor outcomes, in stable hemodialysis patients. This was a single‐center, cross‐sectional study that enrolled 59 adult patients undergoing hemodialysis. Laboratory tests that included high‐sensitivity c‐reactive protein (CRP), and quality of life and depressive symptom evaluation, as well as malnutrition–inflammation score, nutritional status and body composition (by direct segmental multi‐frequency bioimpedance analysis) determinations were performed. Patients were classified as “underfat”, “standard”, “overfat”, or “obese” by multi‐frequency bioimpedance analysis. Seven patients were underfat, 19 standard, 19 overfat, and 14 obese. Triglyceride levels significantly differed between the underfat, standard, overfat, and obese groups (1.06 [0.98–1.98]; 1.47 [1.16–1.67]; 2.53 [1.17–3.13]; 2.12 [1.41–2.95] mmol/L, respectively; P = 0.026), as did Kt/V between the underfat, overfat, and obese groups (1.49 ± 0.14; 1.23 ± 0.19; 1.19 ± 0.22; P = 0.015 and P = 0.006, respectively). Depressive symptoms, quality of life, and CRP and phosphate levels did not diverge among nutritional groups. Creatinine, albumin, and phosphate strongly correlated, as well as percent body fat, body mass index, and waist circumference (r = 0.859 [P < 0.001], and r = 0.716 [P < 0.001], respectively). Depressive symptoms and physical and psychological quality‐of‐life domains also strongly correlated (rs = −0.501 [P < 0.001], rs = −0.597 [P < 0.001], respectively). The majority of patients were overfat or obese and very few underfat. Inflammation was prevalent, overall. No association of nutritional status with malnutrition‐inflammation, quality of life, or depressive symptoms could be established.
The Word from a Walrus: Five Decades of the History of Education Society
Authors: Urban Wayne J.
Published: October 2010

This essay is an attempt at an institutional history of the History of Education Society (HES), from its inception in 1960 to the present day. As an institutional history, a genre with which I am generally, and not altogether favorably associated, it is not an intellectual history. Thus, many of the intellectual currents and cross-currents, as well as the History of Education Quarterly (HEQ), the journal of the HES in which these intellectual movements were featured, are slighted in this presentation. I deal extensively with one intellectual movement within the field, the Bernard Bailyn-Lawrence Cremin critique of the field as too institutional and intellectually narrow, because it was so intimately involved with the creation of the HES, and the attendant de-emphasis, if not rejection, of the institutional history of education that was dominant in the pre-HES history of education organization. I hope that what follows will be interesting enough to my listeners and readers to explain to them the reasons for my choices.
The Heritage Fallacy: Race, Loyalty, and the First Grambling-Southern Football Game
Authors: Aiello Thomas
Published: October 2010

The lost cause of the Civil War has never really gotten out of our souls. Football, with all of its battle-related language, has long been an expression of our Southern militarism.—David Sansing, white Southerner, former director of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, University of Mississippi

In the East, college football is a cultural exercise … On the West Coast, it is a tourist attraction …In the Midwest, it is cannibalism … But in the South it is religion … And Saturday is the holy day.—Marino Casem, black Southerner, former director of the Department of Athletics, Southern University and A&M College
Management of hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients
Authors: Smiley Dawn , Umpierrez Guillermo E.
Published: October 2010

Hyperglycemia is a common occurrence in hospitalized patients, and several studies have shown a strong association between hyperglycemia and the risk of complications, prolonged hospitalization, and death for patients with and without diabetes. Past studies have shown that glucose management in the intensive care setting improves clinical outcomes by reducing the risk of multiorgan failure, systemic infection, and mortality, and that the importance of hyperglycemia also applies to noncritically ill patients. Based on several past observational and interventional studies, aggressive control of blood glucose had been recommended for most adult patients with critical illness. Recent randomized controlled trials, however, have shown that aggressive glycemic control compared to conventional control with higher blood glucose targets is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia and may not result in the improvement in clinical outcomes. This review aims to give an overview of the evidence for tight glycemic control (blood glucose targets <140 mg/dL), the evidence against tight glycemic control, and the updated recommendations for the inpatient management of diabetes in the critical care setting and in the general wards.
Neuroendocrine responses to hypoglycemia
Authors: Tesfaye Nolawit , Seaquist Elizabeth R.
Published: October 2010

The counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia is a complex and well‐coordinated process. As blood glucose concentration declines, peripheral and central glucose sensors relay this information to central integrative centers to coordinate neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses and avert the progression of hypoglycemia. Diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, can perturb these counterregulatory responses. Moreover, defective counterregulation in the setting of diabetes can progress to hypoglycemia unawareness. While the mechanisms that underlie the development of hypoglycemia unawareness are not completely known, possible causes include altered sensing of hypoglycemia by the brain and/or impaired coordination of responses to hypoglycemia. Further study is needed to better understand the intricacies of the counterregulatory response and the mechanisms contributing to the development of hypoglycemia unawareness.
Modifier genes in Mendelian disorders: the example of hemoglobin disorders
Authors: Sankaran Vijay G. , Lettre Guillaume , Orkin Stuart H. , Hirschhorn Joel N.
Published: October 2010

The disorders of hemoglobin, including sickle cell disease (SCD) and β‐thalassemia, are the most common “Mendelian” genetic diseases in the world. Numerous studies have demonstrated the complexity in making genotype–phenotype correlations in both SCD and β‐thalassemia. Indeed, patients with exactly the same set of pathogenic globin mutations can have dramatically variable clinical courses. We discuss natural history studies that have attempted to delineate the factors responsible for the variability among the numerous clinical complications noted in these diseases. We then discuss, in depth, two well characterized ameliorating factors in the β‐hemoglobin disorders, concomitant α‐thalassemia, and elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). We use the study of HbF regulation to illustrate how important insights into the genetic modifiers in Mendelian diseases can be achieved through the study of such factors. We finally go on to discuss future avenues of research that may allow us to gain further insight into the poorly understood clinical heterogeneity of this fascinating set of common genetic diseases.
Kinetics of Hypericin Association With Low‐Density Lipoproteins
Authors: Buriankova Luboslava , Buzova Diana , Chorvat Dusan , Sureau Franck , Brault Daniel , Miskovský Pavol , Jancura Daniel
Published: October 2010

Steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy have been used for the study of the incorporation kinetics of hypericin (Hyp) into low‐density lipoproteins (LDL). Biphasic kinetics of Hyp association with LDL was observed when solutions of Hyp and LDL were mixed at various concentration ratios. The rapid phase of Hyp incorporation is completed within seconds, while the slow phase lasts several minutes. The relative contributions of the individual phases show that a higher amount of Hyp molecules (65%) are incorporated into LDL in the second phase. The kinetics of the incorporation of Hyp into LDL particles preloaded with Hyp (Hyp/LDL = 25:1) was also investigated. The decreased intensity of Hyp fluorescence is a sign of the formation of Hyp aggregates after penetration of additional Hyp molecules into Hyp/LDL = 25:1 complex. The time dependence of Hyp fluorescence was measured after mixing the complex Hyp/LDL = 200:1 with appropriate amounts of free LDL molecules. For each final Hyp/LDL ratio, an increase in the intensity and lifetime of Hyp fluorescence was observed, suggesting a monomerization of Hyp aggregates. The half‐time of Hyp transfer from Hyp/LDL complex to LDL particles is similar to the half‐time of the slow phase of Hyp incorporation into free LDL particles.
Reverse or Inverted Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (Reverse Left Ventricular Apical Ballooning Syndrome) Presents at a Younger Age Compared With the Mid or Apical Variant and Is Always Associated With Triggering Stress
Authors: Ramaraj Radhakrishnan , Movahed Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2010

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is usually caused by triggering stress. It has 4 different subtypes. There has been no consensus to differentiate various types with regard to characteristics of the patient population. The goal of this study was to evaluate any clinical differences between the reverse type in comparison to common apical and mid‐cavitary types using case series of reported cases. The authors searched published articles in PubMed and Medline on takotsubo or stress‐induced cardiomyopathy. They included only cases that reported different types of takotsubo cardiomyopathy with baseline clinical characteristics. They identified 60 patients for the final analysis. The types of takotsubo cardiomyopathy seen in this study are classified as classic (66.7%), mid‐cavitary (10%), or reverse (inverted) (23.3%). Patients with reverse‐type takotsubo cardiomyopathy were significantly younger compared with those with other types (mean age, 36 for reverse vs 62 for other types; P<.001). Furthermore, all patients with the reverse type had physical or mental stress, whereas those with other types had no triggering stress in 02% of the reported cases (P<.0001). Among patients presenting with takotsubo cardiomyopathy, the reverse or inverted variant presents at a younger age and is always associated with a triggering of emotional or physical stress. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:284–286. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional analysis of the role of CggR (central glycolytic gene regulator) in Lactobacillus plantarum by transcriptome analysis
Authors: Rud Ida , Naterstad Kristine , Bongers Roger S. , Molenaar Douwe , Kleerebezem Michiel , Axelsson Lars
Published: October 2010

The level of the central glycolytic gene regulator (CggR) was engineered in Lactobacillus plantarum NC8 and WCFS1 by overexpression and in‐frame mutation of the cggR gene in order to evaluate its regulatory role on the glycolytic gap operon and the glycolytic flux. The repressor role of CggR on the gap operon was indicated through identification of a putative CggR operator and transcriptome analysis, which coincided with decreased growth rate and glycolytic flux when cggR was overexpressed in NC8 and WCFS1. The mutation of cggR did not affect regulation of the gap operon, indicating a more prominent regulatory role of CggR on the gap operon under other conditions than tested (e.g. fermentation of other sugars than glucose or ribose) and when the level of the putative effector molecule FBP is reduced. Interestingly, the mutation of cggR had several effects in NC8, i.e. increased growth rate and glycolytic flux and regulation of genes with functions associated with glycerol and pyruvate metabolism; however, no effects were observed in WCFS1. The affected genes in NC8 are presumably regulated by CcpA, since putative CRE sites were identified in their upstream regions. The interconnection with CggR and CcpA‐mediated control on growth and metabolism needs to be further elucidated.
A primer set to determine sex in the small Indian mongoose, Herpestes auropunctatus
Authors: MURATA C. , OGURA G. , KUROIWA A.
Published: October 2010

To enable the accurate sexing of individuals of introduced populations of the small Indian mongoose, Herpestes auropunctatus, we designed a primer set for the amplification of the sex‐specific fragments EIF2S3Y and EIF2S3X. Using this primer set, the expected amplification products were obtained for all samples of genomic DNA tested: males yielded two bands and females a single band. Sequencing of each PCR product confirmed that the 769‐bp fragment amplified from DNA samples of both sexes was derived from EIF2S3X, whereas the 546‐bp fragment amplified only from male DNA samples was derived from EIF2S3Y. The results indicated that this primer set is useful for sex identification in this species.
Immune reactions in benign and malignant melanocytic lesions: lessons for immunotherapy
Authors: Speeckaert R. , van Geel N. , Vermaelen K. V. , Lambert J. , Van Gele M. , Speeckaert M. M. , Brochez L.
Published: October 2010

Spontaneous regression of benign and malignant melanocytic lesions can be a visible sign of immunosurveillance. In this review, we discuss different immune reactions against melanocytic lesions: halo nevus, Meyerson’s nevus, regression in melanoma and melanoma‐associated depigmentation. These entities present with particular clinical aspects, histology and evolution. In all entities, a melanocyte‐specific T‐cell reaction has been assumed but a different degree of melanocyte destruction is present. A focus on the immune responses in melanocytic lesions reveals several aspects of an adequate skin immunity and may help to identify the key points in the immune destruction of melanocytes. These insights can add to the knowledge of how to optimize immunotherapeutic strategies in melanoma.
Methodological issues in cost‐effectiveness studies: a brief overview
Authors: Sun Xin , Wang Li , Li Youping
Published: October 2010

This article discussed two methodological issues around cost‐effectiveness studies, including validity and transferability of results. In an economic analysis study, methods to costing, health utility measurement, and economic modeling represent three important sources that may threaten the validity. Variations in health systems and clinical practice, and differential resource use and unit prices across regions and countries may have potentially large influence on transferability. The limitations of piggybacked design may also have implications for transferability. Caution is warranted in the design, conduct, and interpretation of cost‐effectiveness studies regarding their validity and transferability.
The Pan African Clinical Trials Registry: year one data analysis of the only African member of the World Health Organization Network of Primary Registries
Authors: Abrams Amber , Siegfried Nandi
Published: October 2010

Background Prospective registration in a clinical trial registry is mandatory for all clinical trial research intended for publication in any International Committee of Medical Journal Editors member journal. With the launch of the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR) in September 2009, the first African member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Network of Primary Registers came into being as the only registry dedicated specifically to trials on the African continent.

Objective To examine the usefulness of PACTR as a resource for information on clinical trial activity in Africa, and to provide data on the African clinical trial landscape after the first year of a dedicated registry.

Methods Data was extracted from PACTR on 18 August 2010 on diseases investigated, intervention types, trial locations, principal investigator locations, and registration dates.

Results Clinical trial registration is steadily increasing throughout the region, and there is evidence that the dedicated assistance of staff can facilitate further trial registration. An analysis of the country of origin of principal investigators shows that clinical trial work is increasingly being generated within the continent.

Conclusions Although the registry is in a nascent stage, its value as a resource can already be seen; by extracting data from the registry we can identify what trial work is being conducted in the region, where, and by whom, shedding light on the present trial landscape on the continent. PACTR is committed to increasing trial registration and awareness of the importance of registration, while also helping to harmonize national registry efforts across the African continent.
A MODEL OF CHINOOK SALMON POPULATION DYNAMICS INCORPORATING SIZE‐SELECTIVE EXPLOITATION AND INHERITANCE OF POLYGENIC CORRELATED TRAITS
Authors: BROMAGHIN JEFFREY F. , NIELSON RYAN M. , HARD JEFFREY J.
Published: October 2010

AbstractConcern regarding the potential for selective fisheries to degrade desirable characteristics of exploited fish populations is growing worldwide. Although the occurrence of fishery‐induced evolution in a wild population has not been irrefutably documented, considerable theoretical and empirical evidence for that possibility exists. Environmental conditions influence survival and growth in many species and may mask comparatively subtle trends induced by selective exploitation, especially given the evolutionarily short time series of data available from many fisheries. Modeling may be the most efficient investigative tool under such conditions. Motivated by public concern that large‐mesh gillnet fisheries may be altering Chinook salmon in western Alaska, we constructed a stochastic model of the population dynamics of Chinook salmon. The model contained several individually based components and incorporated size‐selective exploitation, assortative mating, size‐dependent female fecundity, density‐dependent survival, and the heritability of size and age. Substantial reductions in mean size and age were observed under all scenarios. Concurrently reducing directional selection and increasing spawning abundance was most effective in stimulating population recovery. Use of this model has potential to improve our ability to investigate the consequences of selective exploitation and aid development of improved management strategies to more effectively sustain fish and fisheries into the future.
Characterization of a novel family of fibronectin‐binding proteins with M23 peptidase domains from Treponema denticola
Authors: Bamford C.V. , Francescutti T. , Cameron C.E. , Jenkinson H.F. , Dymock D.
Published: October 2010

Interactions with fibronectin are important in the virulence strategies of a range of disease‐related bacteria. The periodontitis‐associated oral spirochaete Treponema denticola expresses at least two fibronectin‐binding proteins, designated Msp (major surface protein) and OppA (oligopeptide‐binding protein homologue). To identify other T. denticola outer membrane fibronectin‐binding proteins, the amino acid sequence of the Treponema pallidum fibronectin‐binding protein Tp0155 was used to survey the T. denticola genome. Seven T. denticola genes encoding orthologous proteins were identified. All but two were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified recombinant proteins bound fibronectin. Using antibodies to the N‐terminal region of Tp0155, it was demonstrated that T. denticolaTDE2318, with highest homology to Tp0155, was cell surface localized. Like Tp0155, the seven T. denticola proteins contained an M23 peptidase domain and four (TDE2318, TDE2753, TDE1738, TDE1297) contained one or two LysM domains. M23 peptidases can degrade peptidoglycan whereas LysM domains recognize carbohydrate polymers. In addition, TDE1738 may act as a bacteriocin based on homology with other bacterial lysins and the presence of an adjacent gene encoding a putative immunity factor. Collectively, these results suggest that T. denticola expresses fibronectin‐binding proteins associated with the cell surface that may also have cell wall modifying or lytic functions.
Modeling and Performance Analysis of the Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems Limited: 1 MW Plant
Authors: Trasino Francesco , Bozzolo Michele , Magistri Loredana , Massardo Aristide F.
Published: October 2010

This paper is focused on the performance of the 1 MW plant designed and developed by Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems Limited. The system consists of a two stage turbogenerator coupled with pressure vessels containing the fuel cell stack, internal reformer, cathode ejector, anode ejector, and off-gas burner. While the overall scheme is relatively simple, due to the limited number of components, the interaction between the components is complex and the system behavior is determined by many parameters. In particular, two important subsystems such as the cathode and the anode recycle loops must be carefully analyzed also considering their interaction with and influence on the turbogenerator performance. The system performance model represents the whole, and each physical component is modeled in detail as a subsystem. The component models have been validated or are under verification. The model provides all the operating parameters in each characteristic point of the plant and a complete distribution of thermodynamics and chemical parameters inside the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack and reformer. In order to characterize the system behavior, its operating envelope has been calculated taking into account the effect of ambient temperature and pressure, as described in the paper. Given the complexity of the system, various constraints have to be considered in order to obtain a safe operating condition not only for the system as a whole but also for each of its parts. In particular each point calculated has to comply with several constraints such as stack temperature distribution, maximum and minimum temperatures, and high and low pressure spool maximum rotational speeds. The model developed and the results presented in the paper provide important information for the definition of an appropriate control strategy and a first step in the development of a robust and optimized control system.
Numerical and Experimental Characterization of a Natural Gas Engine With Partially Stratified Charge Spark Ignition
Authors: Chan E. C. , Davy M. H. , de Simone G. , Mulone V.
Published: October 2010

This paper outlines the development of a comprehensive numerical framework for the partially stratified charge (PSC) lean-burn natural gas engine. A 3D model of the engine was implemented to represent fluid motion and combustion. The spark ignition model was based on the works of Herweg and Maly (1992, “A Fundamental Model for Flame Kernel Formation in SI Engines,” SAE Technical Publication, Paper No. 922243) and Tan and Reitz (2006, “An Ignition and Combustion Model Based on the Level-Set Method for Spark Ignition Engine Multidimensional Modeling,” Combust. Flame, 145, pp. 1–15). The EDC model (Ertesvåg and Magnussen, 2000, “The Eddy Dissipation Turbulence Energy Cascade Model,” Combust. Sci. Technol., 159, pp. 213–235) with a two-step mechanism was used to model natural gas turbulent combustion process. An open geometry simulation strategy was adopted to account for intake-exhaust gas and valve movements. Each simulation was executed for multiple cycles to produce a representative residual gas fraction. The numerical results were compared with the experimental data obtained on the Ricardo Hydra single cylinder research engine for both homogeneous and PSC cases and they were found to be in excellent agreement in pressure trace and heat release rate. The detailed investigation of the numerical data showed the development of an ignitable mixture under PSC cases, allowing stable kernel growth well beyond the lean misfire limit of the bulk mixture. Furthermore, limits on successful ignition can be identified using the ignition model, which exhibited self-similar behavior in terms of flame speed and turbulent fluctuation. It can also be shown that, at ultralean air-fuel ratios, the PSC plume helps replicate the ignition conditions that can be found under stoichiometric operation.
Simulation of Instantaneous Heat Transfer in Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Engines: Unsteady Thermal Boundary Layer Modeling
Authors: Buttsworth David R. , Agrira Abdalla , Malpress Ray , Yusaf Talal
Published: October 2010

Simulation of internal combustion engine heat transfer using low-dimensional thermodynamic modeling often relies on quasisteady heat transfer correlations. However, unsteady thermal boundary layer modeling could make a useful contribution because of the inherent unsteadiness of the internal combustion engine environment. Previous formulations of the unsteady energy equations for internal combustion engine thermal boundary layer modeling appear to imply that it is necessary to adopt the restrictive assumption that isentropic processes occur in the gas external to the thermal boundary layer. Such restrictions are not required and we have investigated if unsteady modeling can improve the simulation of crank-resolved heat transfer. A modest degree of success is reported for the present modeling, which relies on a constant effective turbulent thermal conductivity. Improvement in the unsteady thermal boundary layer simulations is expected in the future when the temporal and spatial variations in effective turbulent conductivity are correctly modeled.
Post-Autofrettage Thermal Treatment and Its Effect on Reyielding of High Strength Pressure Vessel Steels
Authors: Troiano E. , Underwood J. H. , Parker A. P. , Mossey C.
Published: October 2010

The autofrettage process of a thick walled pressure vessel involves applying tensile plastic strain at the bore of the vessel, which reverses during unloading and results in favorable compressive residual stresses at the bore and prolongs the fatigue life of the component. In thick walled pressure vessels this process can be accomplished with either a hydraulic or mechanical overloading process. The Bauschinger effect, which is observed in many of the materials used in thick walled pressure vessels, is a phenomenon, which results in lower compressive residual stresses than those predicted with classic ideal isotropic hardening. The phenomenon is a strong function of the amount of prior tensile plastic strain. A novel idea, which involves a multiple autofrettage processes, has been proposed by the present authors. This process requires a low temperature post-autofrettage thermal treatment, which effectively returns the material to its original yield conditions with minimal effect on its residual stress state. Details of this low temperature thermal treatment are proprietary. A subsequent second autofrettage process generates a significantly lower amount of plastic strain during the tensile reloading and results in higher compressive residual stresses. This paper reports the details of the exploratory tests involving tensile and compressive loading of a test coupon, followed by a low temperature post-plastic straining thermal treatment, and subsequent reloading in tension and compression. Finally results of a full scale safe maximum pressure (SMP) test of pressure vessels are presented; these tests indicate a significant increase (11%) in SMP.
Variational and Classical Methods for Limit Load Analysis of Inhomogeneous Media
Authors: Adibi-Asl R. , Seshadri R.
Published: October 2010

The load carrying capacity of a component or structure with varying material properties (inhomogeneous) is investigated using various lower- and upper-bound limit load multipliers in the context of variational principles. In order to evaluate the different limit load multipliers, the elastic modulus adjustment procedure is used to obtain statically admissible stress and kinematically admissible strain fields. The proposed upper and lower bound limit load estimates are compared with the results obtained from inelastic finite element analysis for two- and three-dimensional geometries.
An Inverse Method for Reconstruction of the Residual Stress Field in Welded Plates
Authors: Farrahi G. H. , Faghidian S. A. , Smith D. J.
Published: October 2010

Welding process is widely used in manufacturing of many important engineering components. For such structures, the most important problem is the development of residual stresses and distortion due to welding. Welding tensile residual stresses have a detrimental effect and play an important role in an industrial environment. Crack initiation and propagation in static or fatigue loading, or in stress corrosion can be greatly accelerated by welding tensile stresses. Practically, however, it is often very difficult to characterize the residual stress state completely, while the knowledge of the complete residual stress distribution in structures is essential for assessing their safety and durability. In this research, based on the concept of the Airy stress function, an inverse approach would be presented to reconstruct the residual stress field from limited incomplete measurements of the residual stresses existing in a welded plate. In contrast to the published methods, a general solution based on the approximated stress function would be proposed together with satisfying all of the requirements of continuum mechanics; also, there exist a flexibility to impose the type of the physical behavior of residual stresses to attain the meaningful stress field. The efficiency of the method has been demonstrated by achieving an excellent agreement between the model prediction and experimental measured stresses in the sense of least-square approximation; also, the solution of the inverse problem has been stabilized using the Tikhonov–Morozov stabilization theory.
Evaluation of Nanocrystalline Coatings for Coal-Fired Ultrasupercritical Boiler Tubes
Authors: Cheruvu N. S. , Wei R. , Govindaraju M. R. , Gandy D. W.
Published: October 2010

Cyclic oxidation behavior and microstructural degradation of nanocrystalline Ni–20Cr–xAl (where x=4 wt %, 7 wt %, and 10 wt %) coatings have been investigated. The coatings were deposited on Haynes 230 samples using a magnetron sputtering technique. Cyclic oxidation tests were conducted on the uncoated and coated samples at peak temperatures of 750°C and 1010°C for up to 2070 thermal cycles between the peak and room temperatures. The results showed that a dense Al2O3 scale was formed on the external surface of all coatings after exposure at both temperatures. All three coatings showed no evidence of internal oxidation after exposure at 750°C. Among the three coatings, only the coating containing 4 wt % Al showed evidence of internal oxidation along the columnar grain boundaries after exposure at 1010°C. The Al2O3 scale exhibited good spallation resistance during cyclic oxidation tests at both temperatures. As the Al content in the coating increased from 4 wt % to 7 wt % or 10 wt %, thermal exposure led to precipitation of coarse Al-rich particles at the coating/substrate interface. In addition, thermal exposure at both temperatures led to rapid depletion of Al in the coating and grain coarsening of the coatings. The improvement in oxide scale spallation resistance and accelerated depletion of aluminum are attributed to the ultrafine grain structure of the coating and oxide scale.
Influence of Boiler Load Swing Rates on Effective Stresses of Drum Boiler Riser Tubes
Authors: Habib M. A. , Al-Zaharnah I. , El-Shafei M. , Said S. A. M. , Merah N. , Al-Anizi S. , Al-Awwad M. Y. , Hajji M.
Published: October 2010

In this paper, different rates of steam flow (swing rates) are used to demonstrate the transient changes in both the drum-boiler steam pressure and the wall temperature levels in addition to stresses in the walls of steam risers. A MATLAB code was written to integrate the nonlinear dynamic governing equations for solving the water volume, the drum pressure, and the steam quality at the exit of the riser tubes. The same code is also used for calculating the steam riser inner and outer wall temperatures based on the inner wall heat transfer coefficient. The temporal riser pipe pressure and the inner and outer pipe wall temperatures have been incorporated into an ANSYS model for calculating the effective combined thermal and pressure-caused stresses numerically. The combined effective stress fluctuation for the highest swing rate (40%) is found to be too low to induce any damage in the riser tube. The controlled pressure level has been compared with an actual pressure reading from an existing drum boiler under operating conditions for the purpose of validating the control parameters employed in the study. An optimization method for reducing the steam pressure overshoot level in the boiler is also proposed.