bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Five‐Year Continuous Poultry Litter Use in Cotton Production on Major Soil Nutrients
Authors: Reddy K. C. , Reddy S. S. , Malik R. K. , Lemunyon J. L. , Reeves D. W.
Published: June 2008

Repeated application of poultry (Gallus gallus) litter to crop lands may lead to nitrates leaching and build up of P and other elements in the soil profile, which are prone to loss from runoff and erosion. A study was conducted for 5 yr at Belle Mina, AL on a Decatur silt loam (fine, kaolinitic thermic Rhodic Paleudult) during 1994 to 1998 to determine the nitrate movement and quantify the build up of P, K, Ca, and Mg due to the application of nitrification inhibitor, carboxymethyl pyrazole (CP), treated fresh and composted poultry litter and urea in conventionally tilled cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.). Poultry litter maintained soil pH (0–30 cm depth) where as application of urea resulted in a pH decline. The inhibitor, CP, significantly reduced the NO3−–N formation in all N sources for 41 d following application. However, over the longer period of time, very minimal changes in nitrate concentrations were observed due to change in rates or sources of N. Over the experimental period, P concentration increased significantly (by 74%) in composted litter applied plots (17.7 mg kg−1) but not in fresh litter plots (1.5 mg kg−1). Linear increase in P accumulation was observed with increase in rate of composted litter. Concentrations of K and Mg increased significantly both in fresh (93 and 25 mg kg−1, respectively) and composted litter (127 and 36 mg kg−1, respectively) applied plots by the end of 5 yr period. These results indicate that a well‐planned application of fresh poultry litter in soils that are not already overloaded with P is safe and treating litter with CP is advantageous from an environmental perspective.
A New Maize Heterotic Pattern between Temperate and Tropical Germplasms
Authors: Fan X. M. , Chen H. M. , Tan J. , Xu C. X. , Zhang Y. M. , Huang Y. X. , Kang M. S.
Published: June 2008

New heterotic groups are needed for increasing genetic diversity and productivity in maize (Zea mays L.). A study was conducted with the following objectives: (i) to determine if exotic tropical maize germplasm (TRMG) can increase diversity of Chinese maize germplasm for grain yield and five yield component traits (YCTs), namely, ear length (EL), ear diameter (ED), number of kernel rows per ear (RE), number of kernels per row (KR), and 1000‐kernel weight (TKW), and (ii) to estimate general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects to identify a possible new heterotic pattern. Twenty‐five temperate maize germplasm (TEMG) from both China and the United States were crossed with four TRMG from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). The 100 testcrosses were evaluated in field trials for grain yield and five YCTs at three locations in Yunnan, China. Tropical lines YML146 and YML145 showed, in crosses with most of the TEMG, significant positive SCA effects for grain yield and most of the YCTs, indicating that these lines had a different genetic base from that of TEMG and could increase genetic diversity of Chinese maize germplasm. The GCA effects were more important and reliable than SCA effects for heterotic pattern classification. Exotic line YML146 (derived from Suwan1) was identified as a new heterotic group, different from Reid, Lancaster, Tangsipingtou (TSPT), and Luda Red Cob (LDRC). A new heterotic pattern of temperate × Suwan1 was postulated, which could be as important as the widely accepted flint × dent heterotic pattern.
Effects of Dairy Manure Compost and Supplemental Inorganic Fertilizer on Coastal Bermudagrass
Authors: Helton Thomas J. , Butler Twain J. , McFarland Mark L. , Hons Frank M. , Mukhtar Saqib , Muir James P.
Published: June 2008

Management strategies for using raw and composted dairy manures on perennial forages are not well defined. This study compared the effects of raw or composted dairy manure alone, or in combination with supplemental inorganic fertilizers (IFs), on ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon(L.) Pers.] yield. Composted manure was split applied with 14.5 Mg ha−1in 2002 and 2003 for a total of 29 Mg ha−1(C1), or single applications of raw dairy manure (M) at 54 Mg ha−1, or composted manure at 29 (C2) or 58 (C3) Mg ha−1were applied in 2002. These treatments were compared with an IF check (112 kg N ha−1cutting−1plus 49 kg P ha−1yr−1plus 93 kg K ha−1cutting−1) and an untreated check (UC). Selected compost and manure plots also received supplemental inorganic N at rates of 0, 56, 84, and 112 kg ha−1cutting−1, or 112 kg N ha−1cutting−1plus inorganic P (49 kg P ha−1yr−1) or K (93 kg K ha−1cutting−1). Maximum yields were obtained with 56 kg N ha−1cutting−1in 2002, and with 84 kg N ha−1cutting−1in 2003 and 2004. In 2004, supplemental inorganic P increased forage yields with the lower rate of compost (C2), and supplemental inorganic K increased forage yields of C2 and M treatments compared with the compost or M treatments alone
Species and Stockpile Initiation Date Effects on Yield and Nutritive Value of Irrigated Cool‐season Grasses
Authors: Volesky Jerry D. , Anderson Bruce E. , Stockton Matthew C.
Published: June 2008

Stockpiling forage for fall and winter grazing can extend the grazing season and reduce costs associated with harvesting, storing, and feeding forages. The objectives of this study were to determine species, stockpile initiation date, and winter harvest date effects on yield and nutritive value of eight cool‐season grasses grown under irrigated conditions near North Platte, NE. Treatments included stockpile initiation dates of 15 July or 15 August and winter harvest dates of mid‐November, December, January, and February arranged in a split‐plot design. Stockpiled dry matter (DM) yield for the eight grass species ranged from 3.79 to 5.19 Mg ha−1 in 2005 and from 3.68 to 4.54 Mg ha−1 in 2006. Delaying initiation of stockpiling from 15 July to 15 August resulted in 30% less DM yield in November (P < 0.05). In 2005, stockpiled DM yield declined 18% from November to February while the decline was 24% for the same period in 2006. Species did not respond consistently to treatment effects for nutritive value of the stockpiled herbage. Herbage crude protein (CP) in November and December was greater when stockpiling was initiated in August (132 g kg−1) compared with July (112 g kg−1; P < 0.01). Initiating stockpiling in August resulted in greater in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) throughout the winter period (P < 0.05). Late summer and fall growth of irrigated cool‐season grasses and retention of adequate levels of nutrients supports their possible use as stockpiled forages in this area. However, cost‐effectiveness of stockpiling grazing declines as hay value increases. Stockpiled forage grazing during the early part of the winter period (November and December) would be most advantageous because of weathering losses.
Copper and Zinc Soil Accumulation and Plant Concentration in Irrigated Maize Fertilized with Liquid Swine Manure
Authors: Berenguer P. , Cela S. , Santiveri F. , Boixadera J. , Lloveras J.
Published: June 2008

Fertilization of crops with liquid swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) manure (LSM) is a common practice throughout the world. In the Ebro Valley (northeast Spain) intensive swine production is very important and generates high quantities of LSM. Fertilizing maize (Zea mays L.) with LSM is a common waste disposal option. Nevertheless, continuous LSM application could have negative effects as heavy metal soil contamination could lead to plant toxicity. We assessed the effects of applying 29 and 51 m3 LSM ha−1 yr−1 to a field of maize during 6 yr. We measured the accumulation of total and extractable (EDTA) Cu and Zn in the soil and the concentration of these nutrients in maize plants and grain. During the 6 yr of the experiment a total of 6.6 to 11.9 kg Cu ha−1 and 12.8 to 22.5 kg Zn ha−1 (29 and 51 m3 LSM ha−1 yr−1, respectively) were applied to the soil. Total Cu and Zn soil concentrations increased by 32 and 11%, respectively, after 6 yr of LSM application. Extractable Cu and Zn soil concentrations increased more than 60% after 6 yr of consecutive LSM applications. It would take at least two to three centuries of regular LSM application to reach phytotoxic soil concentrations for Cu and Zn. Maize grain yields were about 13 to 14 Mg ha−1 over the 6 yr period, which also seems to confirm the absence of phytotoxicity. Copper and Zn concentrations in whole maize plants and grain during the last 2 yr of the experiment were lower than threshold values for animal and human ingestion (30 mg Cu kg−1 and 500–1300 mg Zn kg−1).
Analysis of Yield‐Formation Processes under No‐Till and Conventional Tillage for Soft Red Winter Wheat in the South‐Central Region
Authors: Kumudini S. , Grabau L. , Van Sanford D. , Omielan J.
Published: June 2008

Production of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under no‐till (NT) can have economic and edaphic benefits over conventional tillage (CT) systems, although in some years it can result in lower yields. Analysis of yield‐formation processes of wheat grown under NT and CT systems may elucidate why yields are sometimes lower under NT. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of tillage systems on yield‐formation processes of soft red winter wheat. Two experiments were conducted at two locations in Kentucky using randomized complete block split‐plot designs. Main plots in both experiments were two tillage systems (NT and CT). In Exp. 1, which was conducted in 2004, split plots were four cultivars with different heading dates. In Exp. 2, which was conducted in 2005 and 2006, the split and split‐split plots were two cultivars and three seeding rates, respectively. Total plant biomass, grain yield, yield components, and harvest index (HI) were measured at maturity. Grain yield was lower under NT than under CT in two of the five location/years. Neither cultivar differences in days to heading nor seeding rates altered the impact of NT on grain yield. The dominant response of soft red winter wheat to NT in this study was to increase tillering and reduce HI. The increased tillering growth habit due to NT could increase internal competition for assimilates, thereby diverting assimilates away from grain production to vegetative growth and reducing HI. The reduction in HI led in some years to a reduction in yield.
Growth Analysis of Faba Bean and Lupin with Volunteer Barley Competition in a Northern Environment
Authors: Strydhorst Sheri M. , King Jane R. , Lopetinsky Ken J.
Published: June 2008

Volunteer barley competition can significantly decrease the productivity of tannin‐free faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and narrow‐leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.). Field experiments were conducted in north central Alberta, Canada, between 2004 and 2006 to establish the effects of volunteer barley competition on these two crops. Faba bean and lupin were grown with three densities (0, 25, and 50 plants m−2) of volunteer barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Leaf area index (LAI), light interception, canopy height, and aboveground dry matter (DM) accumulation were measured at 21‐d intervals between 37 and 120 d after planting (DAP). At 79 DAP, 25 barley plants m−2 reduced faba bean LAI by 41% and lupin LAI by 64% compared with treatments without volunteer barley. Volunteer barley was shorter than the faba bean canopy but taller than the lupin canopy. As a result, volunteer barley did not affect the amount of light available at the top of the faba bean canopy. Due to the height advantage of volunteer barley over lupin, the amount of light available at the top of the lupin canopy was reduced to 51%, 100 DAP. A volunteer barley density of 25 plants m−2 reduced lupin DM by 68% and faba bean DM by 38%. The poor competitive ability of lupin may be attributed to slow early season LAI development, short stature, and poor light interception, which indicate the need for early and effective volunteer barley control in lupin crops.
Nitrogen Effects on Onion Yield Under Drip and Furrow Irrigation
Authors: Halvorson Ardell D. , Bartolo Michael E. , Reule Curtis A. , Berrada Abdel
Published: June 2008

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a high cash value crop with a very shallow root system that is frequently irrigated and fertilized with high N rates to maximize yield. Converting from furrow‐irrigated to drip‐irrigated onion production may reduce N fertilizer needs, water inputs, and NO3–N leaching potential. Onion growth and N uptake, fresh yield, and residual soil NO3–N were determined under drip and furrow irrigation on a clay loam soil with N fertilizer rates from 0 to 224 kg N ha−1. Onions were sampled bi‐weekly from 25 May to 30 August in 2005 and 2006 from each treatment. In 2005, 72% less water was applied with the drip system compared with furrow system, and 57% less in 2006. Onion yields were significantly greater with the drip system. Total marketable fresh onion yield increased with increasing N rate in 2005 only. The drip system had more colossal and jumbo sized onions and less medium sized onions than the furrow system. Biomass production and N accumulation accelerated in mid‐June each year with an average total N accumulation (leaves + bulbs) of 121 kg N ha−1 at final harvest. Irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) and N use efficiency (NUE) were higher with the drip system than with the furrow system. Residual soil NO3–N levels were greater in the drip‐irrigated treatments after onion harvest in 2005 than in the furrow‐irrigated treatments, but soil NO3–N levels were similar after harvest in 2006. Adjusted gross economic returns (less the cost of N, water, and drip system) were greater with drip irrigation than with furrow irrigation. This study demonstrates that fresh onion yields, potential economic returns, IWUE, and NUE can be improved in Colorado by using drip irrigation for onion production rather than furrow irrigation.
Optimum Stand Density of Spring Triticale for Grain Yield and Alfalfa Establishment
Authors: Gibson Lance R. , Singer Jeremy W. , Vos Ronald J. , Blaser Brock C.
Published: June 2008

Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) has potential as a feed crop in the north central United States and could also function as a companion crop for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) establishment. The objectives of this research were to assess the suitability of a short‐statured spring triticale as a companion crop and determine optimum triticale seeding rates for grain yield and alfalfa establishment. Spring triticale ‘Trimark 37812’ and alfalfa were grown in companion at Ames and Sioux Center, IA during 2004 and 2005. Triticale was seeded at 198, 297, 396, 495, and 594 pure live seeds (PLS) m−2 and alfalfa was seeded at 600 PLS m−2. The grain yield response to changes in stand density was quadratic with maximum yield occurring at 516 plants m−2. A plant density of 325 plants m−2 and a seeding rate of 374 seeds m−2 resulted in maximum profit. The grain yield at the stand density for maximum profit was 4.4 Mg ha−1. Increasing the triticale seeding rate had no effect on alfalfa stand density or dry matter yield. Alfalfa stand densities exceeded the 130 plants m−2 threshold required for maximum long‐term productivity suggesting the short‐statured spring triticale cultivar used in this study was well suited for companion cropping with alfalfa.
High-Density Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genome-Wide Linkage Scan for Susceptibility Genes for Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Rogus John J. , Poznik G. David , Pezzolesi Marcus G. , Smiles Adam M. , Dunn Jonathon , Walker William , Wanic Krzysztof , Moczulski Dariusz , Canani Luis , Araki Shinichi , Makita Yuichiro , Warram James H. , Krolewski Andrzej S.
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE— Epidemiological and family studies have demonstrated that susceptibility genes play an important role in the etiology of diabetic nephropathy, defined as persistent proteinuria or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— To efficiently search for genomic regions harboring diabetic nephropathy genes, we conducted a scan using 5,382 informative single nucleotide polymorphisms on 100 sibpairs concordant for type 1 diabetes but discordant for diabetic nephropathy. In addition to being powerful for detecting linkage to diabetic nephropathy, this design allows linkage analysis on type 1 diabetes via traditional affected sibpair (ASP) analysis. In weighing the evidence for linkage, we considered maximum logarithm of odds score (maximum likelihood score [MLS]) values and corresponding allelic sharing patterns, calculated and viewed graphically using the software package SPLAT.

RESULTS— Our primary finding for diabetic nephropathy, broadly defined, is on chromosome 19q (MLS = 3.1), and a secondary peak exists on chromosome 2q (MLS = 2.1). Stratification of discordant sibpairs based on whether disease had progressed to ESRD suggested four tertiary peaks on chromosome 1q (ESRD only), chromosome 20p (proteinuria only), and chromosome 3q (two loci 58 cm apart, one for ESRD only and another for proteinuria only). Additionally, analysis of 130 ASPs for type 1 diabetes confirmed the linkage to the HLA region on chromosome 6p (MLS = 9.2) and IDDM15 on chromosome 6q (MLS = 3.1).

CONCLUSIONS— This study identified several novel loci as candidates for diabetic nephropathy, none of which appear to be the sole genetic determinant of diabetic nephropathy in type 1 diabetes. In addition, this study confirms two previously reported type 1 diabetes loci.
Rapamycin Monotherapy in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Modifies CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Regulatory T-Cells
Authors: Monti Paolo , Scirpoli Miriam , Maffi Paola , Piemonti Lorenzo , Secchi Antonio , Bonifacio Ezio , Roncarolo Maria-Grazia , Battaglia Manuela
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE—Rapamycin is an immunosuppressive drug currently used to prevent graft rejection in humans, which is considered permissive for tolerance induction. Rapamycin allows expansion of both murine and human naturally occurring CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T regulatory cells (nTregs), which are pivotal for the induction and maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Preclinical murine models have shown that rapamycin enhances nTreg proliferation and regulatory function also in vivo. Objective of this study was to assess whether rapamycin has in vivo effects on human nTregs.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—nTreg numbers and function were examined in a unique set of patients with type 1 diabetes who underwent rapamycin monotherapy before islet transplantation.

RESULTS—We found that rapamycin monotherapy did not alter the frequency and functional features, namely proliferation and cytokine production, of circulating nTregs. However, nTregs isolated from type 1 diabetic patients under rapamycin treatment had an increased capability to suppress proliferation of CD4+CD25− effector T-cells compared with that before treatment.

CONCLUSIONS—These findings demonstrate that rapamycin directly affects human nTreg function in vivo, which consists of refitting their suppressive activity, whereas it does not directly change effector T-cell function.
Prevalence of Melanocortin-4 Receptor Deficiency in Europeans and Their Age-Dependent Penetrance in Multigenerational Pedigrees
Authors: Stutzmann Fanny , Tan Karen , Vatin Vincent , Dina Christian , Jouret Béatrice , Tichet Jean , Balkau Beverley , Potoczna Natascha , Horber Fritz , O'Rahilly Stephen , Farooqi I. Sadaf , Froguel Philippe , Meyre David
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE— Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) deficiency is the most frequent genetic cause of obesity. However, there is uncertainty regarding the degree of penetrance of this condition, and the putative impact of the environment on the development of obesity in MC4R mutation carriers is unknown.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We determined the MC4R sequence in 2,257 obese individuals and 2,677 nonobese control subjects of European origin and established the likely functional impact of all variants detected. We then included relatives of probands carriers and studied 25 pedigrees, including 97 carriers and 94 noncarriers from three generations.

RESULTS— Of the MC4R nonsynonymous mutations found in obese subjects, 68% resulted in a loss of function in vitro. They were found in 1.72% of obese versus 0.15% of nonobesed subjects (P = 6.9 × 10−10). Among the families, abnormal eating behavior was more frequent in both MC4R-deficient children and adults than in noncarriers. Although BMI was inversely associated with educational status in noncarrier adults, no such relationship was seen in MC4R mutation carriers. We observed a generational effect, with a penetrance of 40% in MC4R-deficient adults aged >52 years, 60% in 18- to 52-year-old adults, and 79% in children. The longitudinal study of adult carriers showed an increasing age-dependent penetrance (37% at 20 years versus 60% at >40 years).

CONCLUSIONS— We have established a robust estimate of age-related penetrance for MC4R deficiency and demonstrated a generational effect on penetrance, which may relate to the development of an “obesogenic” environment. It remains to be seen whether appropriate manipulation of environmental factors may contribute to preventing the development of obesity even in those strongly genetically predisposed to it.
Brain Apolipoprotein E: an Important Regulator of Food Intake in Rats
Authors: Shen Ling , Tso Patrick , Woods Stephen C. , Clegg Deborah J. , Barber Kyna L. , Carey Katherine , Liu Min
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE—The worldwide prevalence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, along with the associated increased rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. While efforts to address environmental factors responsible for the recent epidemic must continue, investigation into the anorectic functions of potential molecules we present here, such as apolipoprotein (apo)E, offers exciting possibilities for future development of successful anti-obesity therapies.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Changes in feeding behavior after intracerebroventricular injection of apoE, the regulation of hypothalamic apoE gene expression by energy status, and the interaction of hypothalamic apoE with other neuropeptides were studied.

RESULTS—Intracerebroventricular apoE significantly decreased food intake without causing malaise, whereas intracerebroventricular infusion of apoE antiserum stimulated feeding, implying that endogenous apoE tonically inhibits food intake. Consistent with this, apoE was present in the hypothalamus, a brain site intimately involved in the integration of signals for energy homeostasis. Fasted rats exhibited significantly decreased apoE gene expression in the hypothalamus, and refeeding of these rats for 4 h evoked a significant increase of hypothalamic apoE mRNA levels. Both genetically obese (ob/ob) mice and rats with high-fat diet–induced obesity had significantly reduced hypothalamic apoE mRNA levels compared with their lean control counterparts, suggesting that decreased apoE may contribute to hyperphagia in these obese animals. Additionally, apoE-stimulated hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin gene expression and SHU9119, a melanocortin 3/4 receptor antagonist, attenuated the inhibitory function of apoE on feeding.

CONCLUSIONS—These data demonstrate that apoE suppresses food intake via a mechanism enhancing melanocortin signaling in the hypothalamus.
Pericyte Migration
Authors: Pfister Frederick , Feng Yuxi , vom Hagen Franziska , Hoffmann Sigrid , Molema Grietje , Hillebrands Jan-Luuk , Shani Moshe , Deutsch Urban , Hammes Hans-Peter
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE— The mechanism underlying pericyte loss during incipient diabetic retinopathy remains controversial. Hyperglycemia induces angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) transcription, which modulates capillary pericyte coverage. In this study, we assessed loss of pericyte subgroups and the contribution of Ang-2 to pericyte migration.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Numbers of total pericytes and their subgroups were quantified in retinal digest preparations of spontaneous diabetic XLacZ mice. Pericytes were divided into subgroups according to their localization, their position relative to adjacent endothelial cells, and the expression of LacZ. The contribution of Ang-2 to pericyte migration was assessed in Ang-2 overexpressing (mOpsinhAng2) and deficient (Ang2LacZ) mice.

RESULTS— Pericyte numbers were reduced by 16% (P < 0.01) in XLacZ mice after 6 months of diabetes. Reduction of pericytes was restricted to pericytes on straight capillaries (relative reduction 27%, P < 0.05) and was predominantly observed in LacZ-positive pericytes (−20%, P < 0.01). Hyperglycemia increased the numbers of migrating pericytes (69%; P < 0.05), of which the relative increase due to diabetes was exclusively in LacZ-negative pericytes, indicating reduced adherence to the capillaries (176%; P < 0.01). Overexpression of Ang-2 in nondiabetic retinas mimicked diabetic pericyte migration of wild-type animals (78%; P < 0.01). Ang-2 deficient mice completely lacked hyperglycemia-induced increase in pericyte migration compared with wild-type littermates.

CONCLUSIONS— Diabetic pericyte loss is the result of pericyte migration, and this process is modulated by the Ang-Tie system.
Carbon Monoxide and Nitric Oxide Mediate Cytoskeletal Reorganization in Microvascular Cells via Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein Phosphorylation
Authors: Li Calzi Sergio , Purich Daniel L. , Chang Kyung Hee , Afzal Aqeela , Nakagawa Takahiko , Busik Julia V. , Agarwal Anupam , Segal Mark S. , Grant Maria B.
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE— We examined the effect of the vasoactive agents carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO) on the phosphorylation and intracellular redistribution of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), a critical actin motor protein required for cell migration that also controls vasodilation and platelet aggregation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We examined the effect of donor-released CO and NO in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and platelets from nondiabetic and diabetic subjects and in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) cultured under low (5.5 mmol/l) or high (25 mmol/l) glucose conditions. VASP phosphorylation was evaluated using phosphorylation site-specific antibodies.

RESULTS— In control platelets, CO selectively promotes phosphorylation at VASP Ser-157, whereas NO promotes phosphorylation primarily at Ser-157 and also at Ser-239, with maximal responses at 1 min with both agents on Ser-157 and at 15 min on Ser-239 with NO treatment. In diabetic platelets, neither agent resulted in VASP phosphorylation. In nondiabetic EPCs, NO and CO increased phosphorylation at Ser-239 and Ser-157, respectively, but this response was markedly reduced in diabetic EPCs. In endothelial cells cultured under low glucose conditions, both CO and NO induced phosphorylation at Ser-157 and Ser-239; however, this response was completely lost when cells were cultured under high glucose conditions. In control EPCs and in HMECs exposed to low glucose, VASP was redistributed to filopodia-like structures following CO or NO exposure; however, redistribution was dramatically attenuated under high glucose conditions.

CONCLUSIONS— Vasoactive gases CO and NO promote cytoskeletal changes through site- and cell type–specific VASP phosphorylation, and in diabetes, blunted responses to these agents may lead to reduced vascular repair and tissue perfusion.
The Fatty Acid Receptor GPR40 Plays a Role in Insulin Secretion In Vivo After High-Fat Feeding
Authors: Kebede Melkam , Alquier Thierry , Latour Martin G. , Semache Meriem , Tremblay Caroline , Poitout Vincent
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE—The G-protein–coupled receptor GPR40 is expressed in pancreatic β-cells and is activated by long-chain fatty acids. Gene deletion studies have shown that GPR40 mediates, at least in part, fatty acid–amplification of glucose-induced insulin secretion (GSIS) but is not implicated in GSIS itself. However, the role of GPR40 in the long-term effects of fatty acids on insulin secretion remains controversial. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that GPR40 plays a role in insulin secretion after high-fat feeding.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—GPR40 knockout (KO) mice on a C57BL/6 background and their wild-type (WT) littermates were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 11 weeks. Glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, and insulin secretion in response to glucose and Intralipid were assessed during the course of the diet period.

RESULTS—GPR40 KO mice had fasting hyperglycemia. They became as obese, glucose intolerant, and insulin resistant as their WT littermates given HFD and developed a similar degree of liver steatosis. Their fasting blood glucose levels increased earlier than those of control mice during the course of the HFD. The remarkable increase in insulin secretory responses to intravenous glucose and Intralipid seen in WT mice after HFD was of much lower magnitude in GPR40 KO mice.

CONCLUSIONS—GPR40 plays a role not only in fatty acid modulation of insulin secretion, but also in GSIS after high-fat feeding. These observations raise doubts on the validity of a therapeutic approach based on GPR40 antagonism for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes in Patients With Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Becker Claudia , Brobert Gunnar P. , Johansson Saga , Jick Susan S. , Meier Christoph R.
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE—Previous observational studies reported inconsistent results on the association between diabetes and Parkinson's disease, and data on the risk of developing incident diabetes in relation to Parkinson's disease are scarce. We aimed at comparing the diabetes prevalence between patients with or without Parkinson's disease and at exploring the risk of developing incident diabetes associated with Parkinson's disease.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We used the U.K.-based General Practice Research Database (GPRD) to 1) compare the diabetes prevalence between Parkinson's disease cases and a matched comparison group free of Parkinson's disease between 1994 and 2005 and to 2) conduct a follow-up study with a nested case-control analysis to quantify the risk of developing new-onset diabetes in association with Parkinson's disease.

RESULTS—The diabetes prevalence was similar in patients with and without Parkinson's disease (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.95 [95% CI 0.80–1.14]). In the cohort analysis (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.55 [95% CI 0.38–0.81]) and in the nested case-control analysis (adjusted OR 0.53 [95% CI 0.33–0.87]), the risk of developing diabetes was lower in patients with Parkinson's disease than in subjects without. The adjusted OR for patients with Parkinson's disease who were current levodopa users of five or more prescriptions was 0.22 (0.10–0.48) and was 1.11 (0.50–2.45) for Parkinson's disease patients not using levodopa.

CONCLUSIONS—In this observational study, diabetes prevalence was closely similar between patients with Parkinson's disease and subjects without. The risk of developing incident diabetes was lower for patients with Parkinson's disease than for patients without, a finding that was limited to Parkinson's disease patients who were using levodopa.
Association of Brominated Flame Retardants With Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome in the U.S. Population, 2003–2004
Authors: Lim Ji-Sun , Lee Duk-Hee , Jacobs David R.
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE—Chlorinated persistent organic pollutants (POPs), endocrine disruptors accumulated in adipose tissue, were associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs), such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) or polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), are another class of POPs for which body burden is increasing. Cross-sectional associations of serum concentrations of BFRs with diabetes and metabolic syndrome were studied.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2004, 1,367 adults were examined with respect to diabetes status. Five PBDEs and one PBB were selected, detectable in ≥60% of participants. For the outcome metabolic syndrome, we restricted the analysis to 637 participants with a morning fasting sample.

RESULTS—Compared with subjects with serum concentrations below the limit of detection, prevalent diabetes had differing dose-response associations with serum concentrations of PBB-153 and PBDE-153. Adjusted odds ratios across quartiles of serum concentrations for PBB-153 or PBDE-153 were 1.0, 0.7, 1.4, 1.6, and 1.9 (P for trend <0.01) and 1.0, 1.6, 2.6, 2.7, and 1.8 (P for quadratic term <0.01), respectively. PBB-153 was also positively associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome with adjusted odds ratios of 1.0, 1.5, 3.1, 3.1, and 3.1 (P for trend<0.01). As in its association with diabetes, PBDE-153 showed an inverted U-shaped association with metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS—Pending confirmation in prospective studies, lipophilic xenobiotics, including brominated POPs stored in adipose tissue, may be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Diplectanum parvus sp. nov. (Monogenea, Diplectanidae) from Cephalopholis urodeta (Perciformes, Serranidae) of New Caledonia
Authors: Justine Jean-Lou
Published: June 2008

Diplectanum parvus sp. nov. is described from the coral reef fish Cephalopholis urodeta collected off New Caledonia, South Pacific, and is the first diplectanid described from this fish. The new species has a very small male copulatory organ (24 μm in length) and a minute body (246 μm in length) and is close to D. nanus Justine, 2007 from which it can be distinguished by the shape of dorsal bars and various measurements. These species belong to a group of diplectanids found in groupers (Serranidae, Epinephelinae), characterised by small funnel-shaped male copulatory organs and no sclerotized female organs. The attribution of these parasites to Diplectanum Diesing is provisional. Other parasites are briefly listed.
A new species of Chitwoodiella Basir, 1948 with first report on Mirzaiella asiatica Basir, 1942 (Nematoda, Travassosinematidae) from Manipur, North-East India
Authors: Shah Mohammad
Published: June 2008

Chitwoodiella longicardia sp. nov. is characterized by having modified cardia into a long tubular structure and extends upto anterior portion of the intestine. This character is present in all the specimens collected from North-East India and represents the third species described under the genus globally. A short note on Mirzaiella asiatica Basir, 1942 is also given. Moreover, key to known species of Chitwoodiella and Mirzaiella are also provided. A comparative measurement table of known species of Chitwoodiella and Mirzaiella are given in Table I and Table II.
Splenic hydatid cyst: is splenectomy necessary?
Authors: Rabie Mohammad , Al-Naami Awaji , Arishi Abdul , Ageeli Hussein , Al-Harbi Nasser , Shaban Abdul
Published: June 2008

The spleen is a rare location for hydatid cysts with the larvae reaching the site after escaping the hepatic and pulmonary filters. For most surgeons, splenectomy is the primary treatment in such cases which aims at eradicating the disease while decreasing the chances of recurrence by removing the intact cyst. While this is true, the risks of other two parasitic infections are increased, namely malaria and babesiosis. In the case presented here, the spleen was preserved after extirpating the cyst to keep the patient’s immunity against malaria, which is endemic in our region.
"Opti-Marine-Ware" (Optimization of Vessel's Parameters through Spreadsheet Model)
Authors: De Abhijit , Kumar Ashish
Published: June 2008

[THIS PAPER IS PLAGIARIZED FROM 'Artana, K. B. and  Ishida, K.(2003): The Determination of Optimum Ship’s Design and Power Prediction Using Spreadsheet Model, Journal of the JIME, Vol. 37, No. 6', http://www.mesj.or.jp/mesj_e/english/pub/ap_papers/pdf/2003AP7.pdf]The objective of this paper is to describe and evaluate a scheme of engineering-economic analysis for determining optimum ship's main dimensions and power requirement at basic design stage. We have divided the optimization problem into five main parts, namely, Input, Equation, Constraint, Output and Objective Function. The constraints, which are the considerations to be fulfilled, become the director of this process and a minimum and a maximum value are set on each constraint so as to give the working area of the optimization. The outputs (decision variables) are optimized in favor of minimizing the objective function. Microsoft Excel-Premium Solver Platform (a spreadsheet modeling tool is utilized to model the optimization problem). This paper is commenced by the description of the general optimization problems, and is followed by the model construction of the optimization. A case study on the determination of ship's main dimensions and its power requirement is performed with the main objective to minimize the Economic Cost of Transport (ECT). After simulating the model and verifying the results, it is observed that the spreadsheet model yields considerably comparable results with the main dimensions and power requirement data of the real operated ships (tanker). It is also experienced that this kind of optimization process needs no exhaustive efforts in producing programming codes, if the problem and the optimization model have been well defined.Keywords: Optimization; design; Ship power requirementDOI: 10.3329/jname.v3i2.919Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 3(2006) 49-58
Numerical Simulation of Advanced Adsorption Refrigeration Chiller with Mass Recovery
Authors: Khan MZI , Sultana S , Akisawa A , Kashiwagi T
Published: June 2008

This paper investigates the thermodynamic framework of a three-bed advanced adsorption chiller, where the mass recovery scheme has been utilized such that the performances of this chiller could be improved and a CFC-free-based sorption chiller driven by the low-grade waste heat or any renewable energy source can be developed for the next generation of refrigeration. Silica gel-water is chosen as adsorbent-refrigerant pair. The three-bed adsorption chiller comprises with three sorption elements (SEs), one evaporator and one condenser. The configuration of SE1 and SE2 are identical, but the configuration of SE3 is taken as half of SE1 or SE2. Mass recovery process occurs between SE3 with either SE1 or SE2 and no mass recovery between SE1 and SE2 occurs. The mathematical model shown herein is solved numerically. In the present numerical solution, the heat source temperature variation is taken from 50 to 90ºC along with coolant inlet temperature at 30ºC and the chilled water inlet temperature at 14ºC. A cycle simulation computer program is constructed to analyze the influence of operating conditions (hot and cooling water temperature) on COP (coefficient of performance), SCP (specific cooling power), η (chiller efficiency) and chilled water outlet temperature. Keywords: Adsorption; COP; SCP; Mass recovery; Silica gel-waterDOI: 10.3329/jname.v3i2.920 Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 3(2006) 59-67
Effect of Pressure Stress Work and Viscous Dissipation in Natural Convection Flow along a Vertical Flat Plate with Heat Conduction
Authors: Alam MD M , Alim MA , Chowdhury Md MK
Published: June 2008

In this paper, the effect of viscous dissipation and pressure stress work on free convection flow along a vertical flat plate has been investigated. Heat conduction due to wall thickness b is considered in this investigation. With a goal to attain similarity solutions of the problem posed, the developed equations are made dimensionless by using suitable transformations. The non-dimensional equations are then transformed into non-linear equations by introducing a non-similarity transformation. The resulting non-linear similar equations together with their corresponding boundary conditions based on conduction and convection are solved numerically by using the finite difference method along with Newton's linearization approximation. Numerical results for the details of the velocity profiles, temperature profiles, skin friction coefficients and the surface temperature distributions are shown both on graphs and tabular form for different values of the parameters entering into the problem. Keywords: Free convection, viscous dissipation, pressure work and conduction. DOI: 10.3329/jname.v3i2.921  Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 3(2006) 69-76
Study of Molten Salt Corrosion of Superni-75 using Termogravimetric Technique
Authors: Sidhu TS , Prakash S , Agrawal RD
Published: June 2008

The present study aims to evaluate the hot corrosion behaviour of the Ni-based alloy Superni- 75 in the molten salt environment of Na2SO-60%V2O5 at 900°C under cyclic conditions. The thermogravimetric technique was used to establish the kinetics of corrosion. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive analysis and electron probe microanalysis techniques were used to analyse the corrosion products. Superni-75 has successfully provided the hot corrosion resistance to the given molten salt environment. The hot corrosion resistance of the Superni-75 has been attributed to the formation of uniform, homogeneous and adherent thick layer of the scale consisting mainly of oxides of nickel and chromium, and refractory Ni(VO3)2. These oxides and refractory nickel vanadates have blocked the penetration of oxygen and other corrosive species to the substrate. Keywords: Hot corrosion, nickel-based alloy, superalloy, molten salt environment   DOI: 10.3329/jname.v3i2.922 Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 3(2006) 77-82
Natural convection in enclosure with discrete isothermal heating from below
Authors: Saha Goutam , Saha Sumon , Islam M Quamrul , Akhanda MA Razzaq
Published: June 2008

Natural convection in two-dimensional rectangular enclosure is studied numerically using a finite element method. In the present study, top wall is considered adiabatic, two vertical walls are maintained at constant low temperature, the bottom wall is maintained at constant high temperature and the non-heated parts of the bottom wall are considered adiabatic. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the capabilities of this numerical methodology for handling such problems. The pressure-velocity form of the Navier-Stokes equations and energy equation are used to represent the mass, momentum, and energy conservations of the fluid medium in the enclosure. The finite element formulations of the dimensionless governing equations with the associated boundary conditions are solved by a nonlinear coupled solution algorithm using six-noded triangular element discretization scheme for all the field variables. The Grashof number is varied from 103 to 106 and Prandtl number is taken as 0.71. This study has reported the effect of various aspect ratios, ranging from 0.5 to 1, and inclination angles of the enclosure from 0° to 30° on the thermo-fluid characteristics. Results are presented in the form of streamline and isotherm plots as well as the variation of the Nusselt number at the heat source surface under different conditions. Keywords: Natural convection, rectangular enclosure, aspect ratio, finite element method, Nusselt number. DOI: 10.3329/jname.v4i1.912 Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 4(2007) 1-13
Ultimate strength of square plate with rectangular opening under axial compression
Authors: Kumar M Suneel , Alagusundaramoorthy P , Sundaravadivelu R
Published: June 2008

Unstiffened plates are integral part of ship structures, offshore oil platforms, lock gates and floating docks. Openings are provided in these plates for access and maintenance. Provision of opening influences the ultimate strength of plate elements. In this paper the effect of increase in the size of rectangular opening along the loading direction on the ultimate strength is determined using nonlinear finite element analysis. A general purpose finite element software ANSYS is used for carrying out the study. The software is validated for the ultimate strength of unstiffened plate under axial compression. A parametric study is done for different plate slenderness ratios and by varying the area ratio of opening to plate to determine the effect of ultimate strength on the size of rectangular opening. It is found that increase in area ratio along the loading direction decreases the ultimate strength. The variation in ultimate strength varies linearly for plate slenderness ratio less than 2.23 and varies nonlinearly for plate slenderness ratio beyond 2.23 for area ratio ranging between 0.02 - 0.18. Based on nonlinear regression analysis, a design equation is proposed for square plate with rectangular opening under axial compression. Keywords: Unstiffened Plate, Ultimate Strength, Rectangular Opening, Axial Compression, Design Equation   DOI: 10.3329/jname.v4i1.913 Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 4(2007) 15-26
Numerical investigation of unsteady flow past a circular cylinder using 2-D finite volume method
Authors: Rahman Md Mahbubar , Karim Md. Mashud , Alim Md Abdul
Published: June 2008

The dynamic characteristics of the pressure and velocity fields of unsteady incompressible laminar and turbulent wakes behind a circular cylinder are investigated numerically and analyzed physically. The governing equations, written in the velocity pressure formulation are solved using 2-D finite volume method. The initial mechanism for vortex shedding is demonstrated and unsteady body forces are evaluated. The turbulent flow for Re = 1000 & 3900 are simulated using k-? standard, k-? Realizable and k-? SST turbulence models. The capabilities of these turbulence models to compute lift and drag coefficients are also verified. The frequencies of the drag and lift oscillations obtained theoretically agree well with the experimental results. The pressure and drag coefficients for different Reynolds numbers were also computed and compared with experimental and other numerical results. Due to faster convergence, 2-D finite volume method is found very much prospective for turbulent flow as well as laminar flow.Keywords: Viscous unsteady flow, laminar & turbulent flow, finite volume method, circular cylinder.DOI: 10.3329/jname.v4i1.914Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 4(2007) 27-42
Dufour and Soret effects on steady MHD free convection and mass transfer fluid flow through a porous medum in a rotating system
Authors: Islam Nazmul , Alam Md Mahmud
Published: June 2008

The numerical studies are performed to examine the steady MHD free convection and mass transfer fluid flow through a continuously moving porous medium with thermal diffusion and diffusion thermo past a semi-infinite vertical porous plate in a rotating system. Impulsively started plate moving in its own plane is considered. With appropriate transformations the boundary layer equations are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The local similarity solutions of the transformed dimensionless equations for the flow, heat and mass transfer characteristics are evaluated using shooting iteration technique. Numerical results are presented in the form of velocity, temperature and concentration within the boundary layer for different parameters entering into the analysis. Also the effects of the pertinent parameters on the local skin-friction coefficients and rate of heat transfer as well as rate of mass transfer in terms of the local Nusselt number and Sherwood number respectively are also discussed. Keywords: MHD free convection, porous medium, rotation effect, Dufour effect, Soret effect.DOI: 10.3329/jname.v4i1.915 Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 4(2007) 43-55
Symmetry Rules: How Science and Nature Are Founded on Symmetry. By Joe Rosen. Springer: Berlin. 2008, XIV, 305 p. 86 illus., Hardcover. CHF 70. ISBN: 978-3-540-75972-0
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: June 2008

This book belongs to the book series The Frontiers Collection, edited by A.C. Elitzur, M.P. Silverman, J. Tuszynski, R. Vaas and H.D. Zeh.[...]