bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of kinetics of nuclear reactors
Authors: Obaidurrahman Khalilurrahman , Singh Om
Published: March 2010

The paper deals with the study of reactivity initiated transients to investigate major differences in the kinetics behavior of various reactor systems under different operating conditions. The article also states guidelines to determine the safety limits on reactivity insertion rates. Three systems, light water reactors (pressurized water reactors), heavy water reactors (pressurized heavy water reactors), and fast breeder reactors are considered for the sake of analysis. The upper safe limits for reactivity insertion rate in these reactor systems are determined. The analyses of transients are performed by a point kinetics computer code, PKOK. A simple but accurate method for accounting total reactivity feedback in kinetics calculations is suggested and used. Parameters governing the kinetics behavior of the core are studied under different core states. A few guidelines are discussed to project the possible kinetics trends in the next generation reactors.
A simulation of a pebble bed reactor core by the MCNP-4C computer code
Authors: Bakhshayesh Moshkbar , Vosoughi Naser
Published: March 2010

Lack of energy is a major crisis of our century; the irregular increase of fossil fuel costs has forced us to search for novel, cheaper, and safer sources of energy. Pebble bed reactors - an advanced new generation of reactors with specific advantages in safety and cost - might turn out to be the desired candidate for the role. The calculation of the critical height of a pebble bed reactor at room temperature, while using the MCNP-4C computer code, is the main goal of this paper. In order to reduce the MCNP computing time compared to the previously proposed schemes, we have devised a new simulation scheme. Different arrangements of kernels in fuel pebble simulations were investigated and the best arrangement to decrease the MCNP execution time (while keeping the accuracy of the results), chosen. The neutron flux distribution and control rods worth, as well as their shadowing effects, have also been considered in this paper. All calculations done for the HTR-10 reactor core are in good agreement with experimental results.
Reflection of keV light ions from solids at oblique and grazing incidence
Authors: Vukanic Jovan , Simovic Rodoljub
Published: March 2010

The particle reflection coefficient of light keV ions backscattered from heavy targets has been determined by two different analytical approaches: by the single collision model in the case of nearly perpendicular incidence and by the small-angle multiple scattering theory in the case of glancing angles of incidence. The obtained analytical formulae are approximately universal functions of the scaled transport cross-section describing the reflection of all light ions from heavy targets. Going from perpendicular to grazing incidence, the transition from pure single to pure multiple scattering type of reflection is observed. For larger values of the scaling parameter the results of these theories cover the whole region of ion incident angles and the present estimates of the particle reflection coefficient are in good agreement with the results obtained from the empirical formula of Tabata et al.
Comments on the Proposed SEC's 2010–2015 Draft Strategic Plan
Authors: Bloomfield Robert , Christensen Theodore E. , Glover Jonathan , Haka Sue , Jamal Karim , Ohlson James A. , Penman Stephen , Petroni Kathy , Tsujiyama Eiko , Watts Ross L.
Published: March 2010

SYNOPSIS: The SEC has proposed a strategic plan that sets out its mission, vision, and values, four strategic goals, a set of desired outcomes associated with each strategic goal, and a list of performance measures for assessing the SEC’s effectiveness in attaining its goals. We affirm the need for vigorous enforcement of securities law and offer some research-based insights and performance indicators. We also acknowledge the importance of disclosure, but propose that the SEC needs to develop a disclosure framework and develop better operational indicators of quality of disclosure. It is important to appreciate the benefits of disclosure as well as its limits and potential dysfunctional consequences. We also discuss the need for an independent accounting standard setter and recommend that the SEC take a greater role in enhancing the independence of the FASB.
Successful treatment of juvenile pemphigus foliaceus in a Nigerian Dwarf goat
Authors: Cornish Jennifer , Highland Margaret
Published: March 2010

Case Description—A 2-month-old female Nigerian Dwarf goat was evaluated for a generalized crusting dermatitis; signs of depression; and fever of 1 month's duration.

Clinical Findings—Histologic evaluation of skin biopsy specimens revealed subcorneal pustules and rafts of acantholytic cells. No etiologic agents were detected in the biopsy material, and bacterial culture of skin biopsy specimens yielded no growth of pathological organisms. A diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus was made.

Treatment and Outcome—Remission was achieved with a combination of SC administration of dexamethasone and IM administration of gold sodium thiomalate. The goat remained free of clinical signs for at least 26 months after discontinuation of all medications. No clinically apparent adverse effects of treatment were evident.

Clinical Relevance—This report represents the first description of successful treatment of juvenile pemphigus foliaceus in a goat by use of a novel protocol involving dexamethasone and gold sodium thiomalate.
State‐Level Institutional Effects on Legislative Coalition Unity in Brazil
Authors: CAREY JOHN M. , REINHARDT GINA YANNITELL
Published: March 2010

How do subnational factors affect the proclivity of legislators from the same party or coalition to vote together? We estimate the effects of two institutional forces operating at the state level—intralist electoral competition and alliance with governors—on voting unity among coalition cohorts to the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. Larger cohorts, in which the imperative for legislators to distinguish themselves from the group is stronger, are less unified than smaller cohorts. We find no net effect of alliance with governors on cohort voting unity. Governors are not dominant brokers of legislative coalitions, a result suggesting that the net gubernatorial effect is contingent on factors that shape governors' influence relative to that of national‐level legislative actors.
How Parties Create Electoral Democracy, Chapter 2
Authors: CARROLL ROYCE , COX GARY W. , PACHÓN MÓNICA
Published: March 2010

Parties neither cease to exist nor cease to compete for office when the general election is over. Instead, a new round of competition begins, with legislators as voters and party leaders as candidates. The offices at stake are what we call “mega‐seats.” We consider the selection of three different types of mega‐seats—cabinet portfolios, seats on directing boards, and permanent committee chairs—in 57 democratic assemblies. If winning parties select the rules by which mega‐seats are chosen and those rules affect which parties can attain mega‐seats (one important payoff of “winning”), then parties and rules should coevolve in the long run. We find two main patterns relating to legislative party systems and a country's length of experience with democratic governance.
Legislative Self‐Restraint Under Divided Government In Germany, 1976–2002
Authors: MANOW PHILIP , BURKHART SIMONE
Published: March 2010

Using the Vanberg (1998) model of legislative autolimitation from the judicial review literature, we investigated the impact of divided government on the strategic choices of government and opposition. The main prediction of the model is that a strong opposition dominance in the second chamber (Bundesrat) usually does not lead to open party‐political conflict, but rather to a government's legislative self‐restraint. We tested the hypotheses following from the model on a detailed dataset comprising all legislative bills in Germany between 1976 and 2002. The results show that the main effects of divided government are, in fact, indirect and anticipatory. We conclude that when majorities in the Bundestag and Bundesrat diverge, the impact on legislation is substantial.
Candidates, Campaigns, or Partisan Conditions? Reevaluating Strategic‐Politicians Theory
Authors: BASINGER SCOTT J. , ENSLEY MICHAEL J.
Published: March 2010

According to strategic‐politicians theory, political elites help ensure electoral responsiveness even when the mass public is deficient. Testing this theory requires measuring the effects of candidate experience and campaign spending, but one must confront endogeneity problems, because the theory requires potential candidates and campaign contributors to be responsive to district partisan conditions and national partisan tides. By applying an instrumental‐variable method to control for selection bias, we found that challenger experience only matters indirectly, through its effect on campaign expenditures, but partisan context matters both directly and indirectly. We theorize that challenger experience is best understood as an informational shortcut: it signals incumbent vulnerability to potential campaign contributors.
The View from the Hill: Legislative Perceptions Of the District
Authors: MILER KRISTINA C.
Published: March 2010

This article addresses legislative perceptions of constituents' interests and develops a theory of perception that highlights the role of information accessibility in the formation of legislative offices' views of their districts. I used original data regarding health policy in the U.S. House to analyze perceptions of constituents' interests. I found that legislators do not see all constituents in their district, nor do they see the largest constituencies. Rather, legislators are more likely to see active and resource‐rich constituents. These findings provide unique evidence of the influence of money in Congress and suggest that legislative misperception is both common and systematically biased.
Recovering a Basic Space from Elite Surveys: Evidence from Latin America
Authors: SAIEGH SEBASTIAN M.
Published: March 2010

I used elite survey data and scaling techniques to estimate the location of political actors (parties, chief executives, and legislators) from nine countries in a common ideological space. The recovered ideological configuration of each country accurately reflects the description of that country's political landscape given by the popular press and in the scholarly literature. My findings demonstrate that data generated by survey responses can be reliably used to locate legislators' ideological positions in a low‐dimensional space in a manner analogous to the roll‐call‐based methods commonly used in the scholarship on the U.S. Congress. My approach has two important advantages over methods that use roll‐call data, expert surveys, or some combination thereof. First, it does not rely on recorded votes and so is unaffected by concerns about the validity of roll‐call data as unbiased indicators of legislator preference. And, because it does not require access to voting records, this approach can be applied to any legislature in the world. Second, my method can be used to estimate the location of political actors in a common ideological space.
Minority Status, Ideology, or Opportunity: Explaining the Greater Retirement of House Republicans
Authors: MURAKAMI MICHAEL H.
Published: March 2010

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives tend to retire at a higher rate than Democrats—a fact with potentially important electoral and policy ramifications—but research on the possible explanations for this partisan disparity has been scarce. I test various explanatory hypotheses using multilevel statistical analyses and find that Republicans are more likely to retire—not because they have been the predominant minority party, had more political opportunities, or had different private‐sector experiences, but because they harbor more conservative ideologies than their Democratic colleagues.
Candidates, Votes, Outcomes: A Method for Evaluating Nomination Strategies in MMD/SNTV Electoral Systems
Authors: PATTERSON DENNIS
Published: March 2010

While characterized by disagreement, all scholarly work on multimember district electoral systems in which each voter casts a single, nontransferable vote (MMD/SNTV) is alike in one way: it evaluates party nominations under the assumption that votes are invariant under alternative strategies. But party votes may, in fact, vary with different nomination strategies. Moreover, depending on how much party votes vary under alternative nomination strategies, a method that considers such changes may evaluate nominations differently than previous studies in the literature have. In this article, I address party‐vote variance, proposing a method that estimates how much a party's obtained votes change under alternative nomination strategies and using this method to reevaluate the nominating behavior of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party.
To Simulate or NOMINATE?
Authors: CLINTON JOSHUA D. , JACKMAN SIMON
Published: March 2010

Carroll et al. (2009) summarize the similarities and differences between the NOMINATE and IDEAL methods of fitting spatial voting models to binary roll‐call data. As those authors note, for the class of problems with which either NOMINATE and the Bayesian quadratic‐normal model can be used, the ideal point estimates almost always coincide, and when they do not, the discrepancy is due to the somewhat arbitrary identification and computational constraints imposed by each method. There are, however, many problems for which the Bayesian quadratic‐normal model can be easily generalized, so as to address a broad array of questions and take advantage of additional data. Given the nature and source of the differences between NOMINATE and the Bayesian approach—as well as the fact that both approaches are approximations of the decision‐making processes being modeled—we believe that it is preferable to choose the more flexible Bayesian approach.
Comparative Study of Ephedrine and Mephertermine in Treatment of Hypotension in Patients Undergoing Elective Trans Urethral Resection Prostate (TURP)
Authors: Puri N , Talwar A
Published: March 2010

The present study was carried out on forty ASA I and II patients undergoing elective trans urethral resection of bladder tumour and ICA implant for carcinoma cervix under subarachnoid block. The patients were randomly divided into two groups each consisting of 20 patients. Vasopressors were used when the systolic blood pressure decreased by 25% pressure of the baseline or less than 90 mm Hg after subarachnoid block. Group I received injection Ephedrine 10 mg bolus and immediately an infusion was started at the rate of 30 mg/hr. group II patients received injection Mephentermine intravenous 10 mg followed by an infusion of 60 mg/hr. The clinical parameters observed during the procedure were measurement of heart rate, systolic/diastolic and mean blood pressure and CVP. The two groups were statistically compared with respect to the above parameters. DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v28i1.4638 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2010; 28: 10-16
Experience of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital
Authors: Islam Quazi Tarikul
Published: March 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v28i1.4648 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2010; 28: 63
Concerning 'Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus infection'
Authors: Siddiqui MA Moyeed , Siddiqui Md Mahmudur Rahman
Published: March 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v28i1.4649J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2010; 28: 64-65
Turing Systems, Entropy, and Kinetic Models for Self-Healing Surfaces
Authors: Kagan Eugene
Published: March 2010

The paper addresses the methods of description of friction-induced self-healing at the interface between two solid bodies. A macroscopic description of self-healing is based on a Turing system for the transfer of matter that leads to self-organization at the interface in the case of an unstable state. A microscopic description deals with a kinetic model of the process and entropy production during self-organization. The paper provides a brief overview of the Turing system approach and statistical kinetic models. The relation between these methods and the description of the self-healing surfaces is discussed, as well as results of their application. The analytical considerations are illustrated by numerical simulations.
Asymmetric Introgressive Hybridization Among Louisiana Iris Species
Authors: Arnold Michael , Tang Shunxue , Knapp Steven , Martin Noland
Published: March 2010

In this review, we discuss findings from studies carried out over the past 20+ years that document the occurrence of asymmetric introgressive hybridization in a plant clade. In particular, analyses of natural and experimental hybridization have demonstrated the consistent introgression of genes from Iris fulva into both Iris brevicaulis and Iris hexagona. Furthermore, our analyses have detected certain prezygotic and postzygotic barriers to reproduction that appear to contribute to the asymmetric introgression. Finally, our studies have determined that a portion of the genes transferred apparently affects adaptive traits.
Targeted Delivery of Protein Drugs by Nanocarriers
Authors: Solaro Roberto , Chiellini Federica , Battisti Antonella
Published: March 2010

Recent advances in biotechnology demonstrate that peptides and proteins are the basis of a new generation of drugs. However, the transportation of protein drugs in the body is limited by their high molecular weight, which prevents the crossing of tissue barriers, and by their short lifetime due to immuno response and enzymatic degradation. Moreover, the ability to selectively deliver drugs to target organs, tissues or cells is a major challenge in the treatment of several human diseases, including cancer. Indeed, targeted delivery can be much more efficient than systemic application, while improving bioavailability and limiting undesirable side effects. This review describes how the use of targeted nanocarriers such as nanoparticles and liposomes can improve the pharmacokinetic properties of protein drugs, thus increasing their safety and maximizing the therapeutic effect.
Synthesis and Use of Stable Isotope Enriched Retinals in the Field of Vitamin A
Authors: Dawadi Prativa B.S. , Lugtenburg Johan
Published: March 2010

The role of vitamin A and its metabolites in the life processes starting with the historical background and its up to date information is discussed in the introduction. Also the role of 11Z-retinal in vision and retinoic acid in the biological processes is elucidated. The essential role of isotopically enriched systems in the progress of vision research, nutrition research etc. is discussed. In part B industrial commercial syntheses of vitamin A by the two leading companies Hoffmann-La Roche (now DSM) and BASF are discussed. The knowledge obtained via these pioneering syntheses has been essential for the further synthetic efforts in vitamin A field by other scientific groups. The rest of the paper is devoted to the synthetic efforts of the Leiden group that gives an access to the preparation of site directed high level isotope enrichment in retinals. First the synthesis of the retinals with deuterium incorporation in the conjugated side chain is reviewed. Then, 13C-labeled retinals are discussed. This is followed by the discussion of a convergent synthetic scheme that allows a rational access to prepare any isotopomer of retinals. The schemes that provide access to prepare any possible isotope enriched chemically modified systems are discussed. Finally, nor-retinals and bridged retinals that give access to a whole (as yet incomplete) library of possible isotopomers are reviewed.
Hybridoma-Derived Idiotype Vaccine for Lymphoma: Approval Must Wait
Authors: Bendandi Maurizio
Published: March 2010

Hybridoma-derived idiotype vaccines have been used for the experimental treatment of human lymphoma over the last twenty years, providing evidence of biological efficacy, clinical efficacy and clinical benefit. However, the product that has come closer to regulatory approval is unlikely to clear that hurdle due to the insufficiently robust data obtained in a recently closed clinical trial. This review aims at discussing the reasons for hybridoma-derived idiotype vaccines, more difficult to produce but also more successful than recombinant idiotype vaccines so far, are unlikely to gain regulatory approval. In particular, it is necessary to examine the many peculiar features of this therapeutic approach in a broader context, with special attention to concepts like customized active immunotherapy and randomization. Most published trials based on hybridoma-derived idiotype vaccines are being analyzed, together with the yet non-peer reviewed data from the only randomized study conducted so far with this product, and with the main trials on recombinant idiotype vaccines for thorough comparison. All in all, the sole randomized trial ever conducted on hybridoma-derived idiotype vaccines failed to achieve its primary clinical end point because of an insufficient accrual and because the statistical significance achieved was not as stringent as required for regulatory approval.
2-Deoxystreptamine Conjugates by Truncation–Derivatization of Neomycin
Authors: Aslam M. Waqar , Tabares Leandro C. , Andreoni Alessio , Canters Gerard W. , Rutjes Floris P.J.T. , Van Delft Floris L.
Published: March 2010

A small library of truncated neomycin-conjugates is prepared by consecutive removal of 2,6-diaminoglucose rings, oxidation-reductive amination of ribose, oxidation-conjugation of aminopyridine/aminoquinoline and finally dimerization. The dimeric conjugates were evaluated for antibacterial activity with a unique hemocyanin-based biosensor. Based on the outcome of these results, a second-generation set of monomeric conjugates was prepared and found to display significant antibacterial activity, in particular with respect to kanamycin-resistant E. coli.
Automatic Chessboard Detection for Intrinsic and Extrinsic Camera Parameter Calibration
Authors: De la Escalera Arturo , Armingol Jose María
Published: March 2010

There are increasing applications that require precise calibration of cameras to perform accurate measurements on objects located within images, and an automatic algorithm would reduce this time consuming calibration procedure. The method proposed in this article uses a pattern similar to that of a chess board, which is found automatically in each image, when no information regarding the number of rows or columns is supplied to aid its detection. This is carried out by means of a combined analysis of two Hough transforms, image corners and invariant properties of the perspective transformation. Comparative analysis with more commonly used algorithms demonstrate the viability of the algorithm proposed, as a valuable tool for camera calibration.
Nanotribology of Symmetric and Asymmetric Liquid Lubricants
Authors: Yamada Shinji
Published: March 2010

When liquid molecules are confined in a narrow gap between smooth surfaces, their dynamic properties are completely different from those of the bulk. The molecular motions are highly restricted and the system exhibits solid-like responses when sheared slowly. This solidification behavior is very dependent on the molecular geometry (shape) of liquids because the solidification is induced by the packing of molecules into ordered structures in confinement. This paper reviews the measurements of confined structures and friction of symmetric and asymmetric liquid lubricants using the surface forces apparatus. The results show subtle and complex friction mechanisms at the molecular scale.
“Growing Your Own” Nursing Staff with a Collaborative Accelerated Second-Degree, Web-Based Program
Authors: Allen Patricia , VanDyke Yvonne , Armstrong Myrna L.
Published: March 2010

A viable approach to addressing the nursing shortage has been the advent of accelerated models of nursing education (205 programs in 2007) to produce new baccalaureate-prepared nurses. This article provides a brief description of an online accelerated second-degree program and the accelerated students, followed by a discussion of the important collaborative role that hospital educators provide, along with nursing faculty, in the development of coaches for students’ clinical experiences. Graduates of the program report feeling well prepared for the clinical arena after participating in this 12-month coach-student-faculty triad. Employment opportunities after graduation in the student’s assigned clinical facility have led to an exciting outcome of “growing your own” nursing staff. Timely communication remains important among students, faculty, coaches, and the health care facility.
An Evidence-Based Practice Scholars Program: One Institution’s Journey Toward Excellence
Authors: Steurer Lisa M.
Published: March 2010

The concept of evidence-based practice (EBP) has continued to evolve in the nursing profession as the basis for clinical decision-making. Despite the evidence to support this practice, few nurses at the bedside have received instruction in how to develop a clinical practice question using EBP skills. The EBP Scholars Program was designed at a Midwest pediatric academic hospital to teach EBP skills to enable staff to conduct extensive evaluations of existing literature to improve pediatric patient care. The program provides a comprehensive overview of EBP and the essential components necessary for implementation of EBP in a clinical setting. The development and implementation of an innovative EBP program designed to empower nurses to improve patient outcomes, as well as the lessons learned, are described.
The Electronic Medical Record and Clinical Nursing Student Instruction: Tips and Tricks for Success
Authors: Schumacher Donna
Published: March 2010

It is vital to keep faculty and students up-to-date on the latest electronic medical record and practice changes. A large Midwest academic center found that an effective and efficient way of communicating these changes to 10 affiliated nursing programs was through the Blackboard Inc. electronic online program. The tips learned may prove helpful for other health care institutions when deciding on a process to meet this contractual element.
Femtosecond Thin-flap LASIK for the Correction of Ametropia After Penetrating Keratoplasty
Authors: Barequet Irina S. , Hirsh Ami , Levinger Samuel
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the outcomes of LASIK with thin femtosecond laser flaps for the treatment of refractive errors after penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

METHODS:

Eleven consecutive eyes underwent femtosecond thin-flap LASIK 51.6±42.1 months (range: 13 to 156 months) after the initial PK. A full ophthalmic assessment was performed before femtosecond LASIK and 6 months after surgery. Postoperative retreatments were also noted.

RESULTS:

No intra- or postoperative complications were observed. The outcomes of nine eyes that completed at least 6 months' follow-up and had no retreatment during that period were evaluated. Mean preoperative myopia decreased from −3.60±1.60 diopters (D) to +1.00±2.70 D 6 months after surgery, and mean hyperopia decreased from +3.50±1.30 D preoperatively to +0.30±0.70 D 6 months after surgery. Mean preoperative astigmatism decreased from −6.60±3.60 D to −2.90±2.00 D 6 months after surgery. At 6 months, the mean preoperative myopic spherical equivalent refraction (SE) decreased from −6.40±2.00 D to −0.02±2.20 D, and mean hyperopic SE from +0.80±2.80 D to −0.60±0.60 D. At 6 months postoperatively, 67% (6/9) of eyes were within 1 line of preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and 33% (3/9) gained ⩾2 lines.

CONCLUSIONS:

Femtosecond thin-flap LASIK is a safe procedure in eyes with previous PK. This procedure is reasonably predictable, especially for the spherical component of the refraction. Creating the flap with the femtosecond laser and performing excimer laser ablation within the corneal graft limits without involving the graft–host junction provides the advantage of performing the entire procedure in one step. [
J Refract Surg.
2010;26:191–196.]
Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum: unresponsive to oral retinoid and successfully treated with wide local excision.
Authors: Das Kapildev , Das Nilay Kanti , Rathore Vikram Singh , Kundu Sourav , Choudhury Sourav , Gharami Ramesh Chandra , Datta Pijush Kanti
Published: March 2010

We describe a case of a 65-year-old male presenting with a large plaque with a rolled-out interrupted margin, atrophic center, and island of normal skin over the left arm. It grew peripherally with central healing, and there was a history of recurrence after inadequate excision. Investigations ruled out other clin­ical mimickers; namely, squamous cell carcinoma, lupus vulgaris, botryomycosis, and blastomycosis-like pyoderma. Histopathological sections showed irregularly shaped craters filled with keratin and epithelial pearl but no evidence of granuloma or cellular atypia. Clinico­pathological correlation proved the lesion to be keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum (KCM), a rare variant of keratoacanthoma, which spreads centrifugally, attains a huge size, and never involutes spontaneously. Treatment of KCM has been a problem always and, in our case, systemic retinoid (acitretin for three months) proved ineffective. The patient also had a history of recurrence following surgical intervention previously, necessitating wide excision to achieve complete clearance of tumor cells. Hence, after failure of retinoid therapy, the decision of excision with a 1-centimeter margin was taken and the large defect was closed by a split thickness skin graft. The graft uptake was satisfactory, and the patient is being followed-up presently and shows no signs of recurrence after six months, highlighting wide local excision as a useful treatment option.
Proteus syndrome: a case report and a case study review in China
Authors: Zhang Xi-Bao , Li Chang-Xing , He Yu-Qing , Zhang San-Quan , Cai Yan-Xia
Published: March 2010

Proteus syndrome (PS) is a rare and sporadic disorder characterized by overgrowth of multiple tissues and a propensity to develop particular neoplasms. The clinical manifestations of PS include macrodactyly, vertebral abnormalities, asymmetric limb overgrowth and length discrepancy, hyperostosis, abnormal and asymmetric fat distribution, asymmetric muscle development, connective tissue nevi, and vascular malformations. We report a 16-year old female patient who manifested a number of these complications and review the Chinese literature about the diagnosis, natural history, and management of PS.
Establishment and characterization of fibroblast cell line of the Songliao Black pig
Authors: Liu X , Li L -F , Li X , Ma Y , Guan W
Published: March 2010

The Songliao Black pig was the first lean-meat maternal breed bred in China. To preserve genetic diversity of this breed, we designed a procedure to use ear marginal tissue of one male pig to establish a fibroblast cell line (designated SBPF18), which was subsequently characterized according to the population doubling time, karyotype analysis, isoenzyme assay, DNA fingerprint and sex determination, meanwhile microbial contamination assays were conducted to demonstrate the cell line was contamination-free. This method is suitable for establishing the fibroblast cell line from small amounts of tissue, and could further facilitate genomic studies and genetic modification.Key words: Songliao Black pig, fibroblast cell line, primary explants technique, cryogenic preservation
Effect of dietary corn silage inclusion on visceral organ mass, cellularity, and the protein expression of ATP synthase, Na+/K+-ATPase, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and ubiquitin in feedlot steers
Authors: Wang Y J , Wood K M , Martin L , Holligan S , Kelly N , McBride B W , Fan M Z , Swanson K C
Published: March 2010

Twenty-four steers (initial body weight = 535 ± 5.0 kg) predominately of Angus breeding were used to determine the effect of dietary corn silage inclusion [20, 40, 60, or 80% of dry matter (DM)] on visceral mass, cellularity, and the protein expression of ATP synthase, Na+/K+-ATPase, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and ubiquitin. Steers were fed at similar energy levels (2.1 × NEm requirement). There were no significant treatment effects on specific visceral organ weights. Hepatic Na+/K+-ATPase expression linearly increased (P = 0.01) and ruminal Na+/K+-ATPase expression linearly decreased (P = 0.01) with increasing corn silage inclusion. Hepatic PCNA expression was quadratically affected (P = 0.05) with a decrease when corn silage inclusion increased from 20 to 60%, and an increase when corn silage inclusion increased from 60 to 80%. Renal ATP synthase (P = 0.02) and ubiquitin expression (P = 0.01) were quadratically affected in a similar pattern with an increase when corn silage inclusion increased from 20 to 60%, and a decrease when corn silage inclusion increased from 60 to 80%. These results indicate that different dietary corn silage inclusions, at similar dietary energy intake, may alter rumen, liver, and kidney energy expenditure, at least in part, through changes in specific metabolism rather than mass. Key words: Corn silage inclusion, visceral organ mass, cellular energy metabolism, steer
Body weight gain and nutrient utilization in starter pigs that are liquid-fed high-moisture corn-based diets supplemented with phytase
Authors: Columbus D , Zhu C L , Pluske J R , de Lange C F.M.
Published: March 2010

A total of 384 starter pigs were used to examine the application of exogenous phytase in high-moisture corn (HMC)-based liquid diets. Pigs were randomly assigned to 24 pens in six blocks. Pens were randomly assigned one of four HMC-based diets formulated to vary in total phosphorus (P) content (Low, Medium and High), with phytase added to only the Low P diet (Phy). Body weight gain and feed intake were monitored until body weight exceeded 20 kg. Apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein and P were measured on day 21 (Phase II) and day 42 (Phase III). At the end of the trial, two pigs from each pen were sacrificed for analysis of carcass composition and evaluation of metacarpals. Pigs fed the Phy treatment had increased digestibility of crude protein (P < 0.05) and P (P = 0.062) in Phase III, and increased metacarpal breaking strength (P < 0.01) and P content (P < 0.05). Average daily gain, feed intake, and carcass composition were not affected by treatment (P > 0.05). In conclusion, performance of starter pigs fed liquid HMC-based diets was maintained at dietary P levels below established requirements, but addition of phytase improved bone strength and mineralization. This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of phytase, and that P requirement for maximum rate of weight gain in pigs is not sufficient for maximum skeletal development.Key words: High-moisture corn, liquid feed, phosphorus, phytase, starter pigs
NON-ESTERIFIED FATTY ACIDS AND KETONE BODIES IN BLOOD AS INDICATORS OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN RUMINANTS: A REVIEW
Authors: BOWDEN D. M.
Published: March 2010

not available
MUSCLE GROWTH AND DISTRIBUTION IN SWINE AS INFLUENCED BY LIVEWEIGHT, BREED, SEX AND RATION
Authors: RICHMOND R. J. , BERG R. T.
Published: March 2010

Muscle distribution was studied in 109 Duroc × Yorkshire, Hampshire × Yorkshire and Yorkshire × Yorkshire barrows and gilts fed either high or low energy rations (3652 and 2757 kcal DE/kg, containing 19.9% and 15.3% protein, respectively) and slaughtered at 23, 68, 91 or 114 kg liveweight. Individually dissected muscles from half carcasses were grouped into nine "standard muscle groups" and expressed as percentages of total side muscle. Slight changes occurred in muscle distribution between 23 and 68 kg liveweight, but remained quite constant thereafter. Breed groups were quite similar except that Duroc × Yorkshire pigs had a significantly greater percentage of muscle in the spinal group. The influence of sex appeared to vary relative to liveweight, with gilts maturing at earlier weights than barrows. Ration influence was negligible except for the distal thoracic limb group, which had a slightly greater percentage of muscle in pigs on the HE ration than the LE ration. Unexplained interactions between sex and ration and sex and breed effects occurred for the thorax to thoracic limb muscle group. Comparisons of the present pig data with those from cattle indicated that, in pigs, diphasic growth patterns may not be as pronounced as in cattle, and that individual muscles may be growing proportionate to total muscle very early in life. There seemed to be little evidence to indicate that selection pressures have had any influence on changing the muscle distribution in swine.
ABOMASAL PROTEIN AND AMINO ACIDS IN STEERS FED DIFFERENT PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS
Authors: AMOS H. E. , LITTLE C. O. , ELY D. G. , MITCHELL Jr. G. E.
Published: March 2010

The quantities of nitrogen, protein, essential and nonessential amino acids reaching the abomasum of steers fed three different sources of supplemental nitrogen were estimated. When corn gluten meal (CGM) was the nitrogen supplement, more total nitrogen, protein, essential and nonessential amino acids reached the abomasum daily than were observed with distiller’s dried solubles (DDS) or soybean meal (SBM) supplements. Corn gluten meal resulted in significantly more total grams of abomasal isoleucine, leucine, methionine and phenylalanine reaching the abomasum. No differences were observed between DDS or SBM in total nitrogen, protein or essential amino acids reaching the abomasum. The molar percentage of plasma lysine was higher and threonine lower when CGM was fed than the values obtained when either DDS or SBM were fed. Lower plasma leucine and phenylalanine were observed when the DDS-supplemented ration was fed.
SELENIUM CONTENT OF SOME FEED INGREDIENTS AVAILABLE IN CANADA
Authors: ARTHUR D.
Published: March 2010

The selenium content of Canadian grains, wheat by-products, plant and animal protein supplements and mineral supplements has been determined by chemical analyses. Grains of prairie province origin contained five to ten times as much Se as those of Ontario and Quebec. Corn, oat, barley and wheat grain from the latter central provinces had low and comparable levels of Se; western durum wheat had a high level. Plant products varied widely in their Se content, soybean meal being low (0.14 ppm), rapeseed and linseed meals high (ca. 1.00 ppm). Among animal products, milk by-products contained the least amounts (ca. 0.15 ppm) and fishery products the most (ca. 2.00 ppm). Meat and poultry products had intermediate amounts. Calcium phosphate (0.65 ppm) contained 15 times as much Se as calcium carbonate.
CANADIAN DAIRY COW DISPOSALS: II. EFFECT OF HERD SIZE AND PRODUCTION LEVEL ON DAIRY COW DISPOSAL PATTERNS
Authors: BATRA T. R. , BURNSIDE E. B. , FREEMAN M. G.
Published: March 2010

The data were taken from 2,534 Holstein herds on Record of Performance (R.O.P.) for milk. Herd size was determined from the average inventory of cows on July 1, 1967 and July 1, 1968. Herd production was obtained for cows with records from March 1, 1967 to February 29, 1968. The cows disposed of from September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1968 were recorded in three main sections: (1) cows sold for beef, (2) cows sold for dairy purposes, and (3) cows that died in the herd. Section 1 was divided into four subsections: cows sold due to breeding or calving problems, low production, unsatisfactory type, and other reasons. Herds were categorized as constant, increasing, or decreasing in size. Within each size grouping and disposal reason, multiple regression analyses were completed for percent of cows disposed of in relation to herd size and production level. In herds of constant size, production level increases were associated with increases in total percent of cows disposed of (P < 0.01), increases in percent sold for breeding purposes (P < 0.01) and increases in percent sold for beef because of poor type (P < 0.01). There was also a decrease (P < 0.05) in percent sold for beef due to low production as the production level increased. Herd size had no effect on cow disposals.
USE OF NITROGEN-15 LABELLED UREA TO STUDY UREA UTILIZATION BY PIGS
Authors: GRIMSON R. E. , BOWLAND J. P. , MILLIGAN L. P.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted, the first to determine the rate and pattern of nitrogen excretion when weanling pigs were fed a diet containing urea, and the second to study the incorporation and excretion of 15N-labelled urea in weanling pigs. The 15N of dietary 15N-urea was incorporated into the trichloroacetic acid-insoluble fractions of liver, blood plasma, intestinal mucosa, skeletal muscle, and blood cells of 10.3-kg pigs. Blood plasma and liver were enriched to the greatest extent. More 15N, as a percentage of the administered dose, was used in muscle protein synthesis than in liver protein synthesis. Excretion of 15N in the urine during 48 h following administration of 15N-urea in a diet containing 2% urea accounted for 52.2% of the administered dose; excretion during the subsequent 48 h accounted for 1.9% of the administered 15N. The results indicate that dietary urea is used in protein synthesis by the pig.
ENZYMES OF KETOGENESIS IN BOVINE RUMEN EPITHELIUM
Authors: BUSH R. S. , MILLIGAN L. P.
Published: March 2010

The activities of various enzymes involved in formation of acetoacetate from acetoacetyl-coenzyme A (acetoacetyl-CoA) were investigated using crude extracts of rumen papillae. Acetoacetyl-CoA deacylase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase were measurable in these extracts, but addition of succinate (15 mM) produced an increased activity of acetoacetyl-CoA removal which was up to threefold, or more, that of deacylase. Succinyl-CoA was identified as a product of the reaction in the presence of succinate, indicating that 3-oxo acid CoA transferase was present in the papillae. The maximum activities of synthase, deacylase, and transferase were 16, 14, and 70% of the total capacity to remove acetoacetyl-CoA, respectively. The possible physiological significance of the participation of 3-oxo acid CoA transferase in ketogenesis in rumen epithelium was discussed.
INDUCEMENT OF KETOTIC SYMPTOMS IN LACTATING COWS BY REDUCING THEIR PLANE OF NUTRITION
Authors: FISHER L. J. , ERFLE J. D. , SAUER F. D.
Published: March 2010

Seven Holstein cows were fed on a high plane of nutrition prior to calving and for 14 days post-calving. They were then gradually restricted over a period of seven days to a ration consisting of low quality chopped hay. Six of the seven cows exhibited symptoms similar to those described for ketosis, beginning on the third or fourth day of feed restriction and increasing in severity until the seventh day of restriction. Decreasing plane of nutrition resulted in milk yield decreasing from 26.0 to 15.6 kg per day and milk protein percent from 3.30 to 3.00, while acetylcarnitine content of the milk increased from 0.109 to 0.158 μmoles/ml. Plasma-free fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate increased, while glucose decreased, with the reduction in feed intake. From the observations made in this trial and using the recommended Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle (NRC), it was estimated that blood ketotic symptoms approach the clinical level when the cow is in a negative energy balance in the range of 7.2 to 10.8 Mcal per day.
ASSAYING FEEDSTUFFS FOR AVAILABLE LYSINE CONTENT USING A FEATHER MEAL BASAL DIET
Authors: GUO L. S. , SUMMERS J. D. , MORAN Jr. E. T.
Published: March 2010

A feather meal basal diet with adequate supplementation of methionine, histidine and tryptophan was used in chick growth assays to estimate the availability of lysine in five feedstuffs. When a slope-ratio technique was applied, estimates of lysine availability were: meat meal 51.9%, fish meal 90.0%, blood meal 70.2%, rapeseed meal 90.1%, and soybean meal 96.6%, when calculation was based on weight gain versus the actual lysine consumed (method A). When the response was measured as weight gain versus dietary lysine concentration (method B), the available lysine values determined were uniformly lower, being 43.1, 86.6, 64.8, 81.5 and 94.5%, respectively, for the above feedstuffs. Feeding tests confirmed that the values obtained by method A, with the exception of soybean meal, were the more reliable of the two methods. Availability figures determined by method B resulted in growth responses superior to those of the control group, suggesting that this method underestimated the availability of lysine.
EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL RATION ON CHANGES IN BLOOD COMPONENTS OF STEERS GIVEN ACCESS TO LUSH PASTURE
Authors: LISTER E. E. , SZEPESI W. , WINTER K. A. , JEFFERS H. F. , LOGAN V. S.
Published: March 2010

Prepasture feeding of low quality hay versus hay and grain had no subsequent effect on rumen fluid ammonia, blood urea, or plasma calcium, glucose and lactic acid concentration in steers turned out on lush pasture. Steers previously fed hay and grain had lower plasma magnesium levels on the first day on unsupplemented pasture than those fed hay prior to pasture. Supplemental feed on pasture partly alleviated the depression in plasma magnesium on the first day on pasture. Feeding supplemental hay with pasture tended to lower rumen fluid ammonia, blood urea and plasma lactic acid compared with feeding no supplement during the initial days on pasture, indicating the desirability of hay feeding during this time. A hay and grain supplement with pasture had a similar effect to the hay supplement on rumen-fluid ammonia, and plasma lactic acid, but a lesser effect on blood urea concentration. Neither supplemental hay nor hay plus grain affected plasma calcium or glucose levels. All steers showed an increase in rumen fluid ammonia, blood urea and plasma lactic acid on the first day and a decrease in plasma calcium and magnesium on the second day on pasture. Blood urea, plasma magnesium and plasma calcium concentrations had not returned to prepasture levels by 21 days on pasture.
DIGESTIBLE AND METABOLIZABLE ENERGY VALUES OF SOME FEEDS FOR THE GROWING PIG
Authors: MAY R. W. , BELL J. M.
Published: March 2010

Digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME) and metabolizable energy corrected to nitrogen equilibrium (MEn) were determined for eight feeds. Effects of protein level in the basal ration and of level of feeding certain test feeds were also studied. Protein level of the test ration was found to be inversely correlated with the ratio ME/DE (r = −0.956; P < 0.01). It was postulated that conventional methods for estimating ME and MEn underestimate high protein feeds and that, based on a regression equation, the ME values for swine feeds can be determined most effectively by multiplying DE × 0.98). This provides a metabolizable energy value applicable within the protein levels used in practical swine production. ME values thus derived were: soybean meal 3620, rapeseed meal 3280, herring fishmeal 4550, wheat 3965, barley 3175, oats 2900 and wheat shorts 3040 kcal/kg dry matter.