bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field performance of Lynfield and McPhail traps for monitoring male and female sterile Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) and wild Dacus newmani (Perkins)
Authors: Dominiak Bernie C , Nicol Helen I
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: McPhail traps, baited with protein food lure, are used worldwide for surveillance of many species of fruit flies. Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a native Australian fruit fly and normally monitored using Lynfield traps baited with cuelure. On some occasions, McPhail traps with wet food lures are deployed to detect female flies or to find the incursion epicentre. This paper reviews field results on the merits of Lynfield and McPhail traps for detection of male and female Qfly.

RESULTS: Following release of equal numbers of sterile males and females, Lynfield traps baited with cuelure captured more Qfly males than protein autolysate or orange concentrate in McPhail traps. Significantly more male than female Qfly were captured in McPhail traps baited with protein autolysate or orange. There was no significant difference between orange concentrate lure and protein autolysate lure in attracting either males or females. Another Australian native fruit fly, Dacus newmani (Perkins), was attracted to cuelure in Lynfield traps but not to either lure in McPhail traps.

CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained run counter to the reputation of McPhail traps baited with protein autolysate or orange concentrate as a specialist lure/trap combination for female Qfly. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Bacopa monniera (L.) wettst inhibits type ii collagen‐induced arthritis in rats
Authors: Viji V. , Kavitha S. K. , Helen A.
Published: March 2010

Bacopa monniera (L.) Wettst is an Ayurvedic herb with antirheumatic potential. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of Bacopa monniera in treating rheumatoid arthritis using a type II collagen‐induced arthritis rat model. Arthritis was induced in male Wistar rats by immunization with bovine type II collagen in complete Freund's adjuvant. Bacopa monniera extract (BME) was administered after the development of arthritis from day 14 onwards. The total duration of experiment was 60 days. Paw swelling, arthritic index, inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, myeloperoxidase and serum anti‐collagen IgG and IgM levels were analysed in control and experimental rats. Arthritic induction significantly increased paw edema and other classical signs of arthritis coupled to upregulation of inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, neutrophil infiltration and increased anti‐collagen IgM and IgG levels in serum. BME significantly inhibited the footpad swelling and arthritic symptoms. BME was effective in inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase activities in arthritic rats. Decreased neutrophil infiltration was evident from decreased myeloperoxidase activity and histopathological data where an improvement in joint architecture was also observed. Serum anti‐collagen IgM and IgG levels were consistently decreased. Thus the study demonstrates the potential antiarthritic effect of Bacopa monniera for treating arthritis which might confer its antirheumatic activity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioactivity of a flavanol‐rich lychee fruit extract in adipocytes and its effects on oxidant defense and indices of metabolic syndrome in animal models
Authors: Kalgaonkar Swati , Nishioka Hiroshi , Gross Heidrun B. , Fujii Hajime , Keen Carl L. , Hackman Robert M.
Published: March 2010

Many polyphenolic compounds are poorly digested, and have low bioavailability due to their long chain lengths and chemical composition. A processed, flavanol‐rich lychee fruit extract (FRLFE) that is higher in flavanol monomers, dimer and trimers than its unprocessed counterpart, was tested in a variety of models. First, mature visceral adipocytes were treated with 0, 3, 10 or 30 μg/mL FRLFE (day 6–8). Compared with the controls, the treated cells had lower triglyceride concentrations, less lipid accumulation and a smaller lipid droplet size. Adiponectin release was significantly greater in cells receiving 3 or 10 μg/mL FRLFE than in the controls. Second, rats given a single dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg FRLFE had significant increases in plasma (‐)‐epicatechin, 3′‐O‐methyl‐(‐)‐epicatechin, and (+)‐catechin levels, peak values were at approximately 2 h and appreciable concentrations were still detected at 6 h. Rats supplemented daily for 1 week with 50 or 100 mg/kg FRLFE had significantly elevated metabolite concentrations. In response to an oxidative stress, erythrocyte membrane integrity was significantly improved in the 100 mg/kg FRLFE group. Third, 7‐month‐old mice fed a 200 mg/kg FRLFE diet for 10 months showed a significant decrease in glucose, triglyceride and lipid peroxide levels compared with mice fed a control diet. Collectively, these results support the concept that the flavanols present in FRLFE are well absorbed and bioactive. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and Validation of a Numerical Model of Rolling with Cyclic Horizontal Movement of Rolls
Authors: Milenin A. , Grosman F. , Madej L. , Pawlicki J.
Published: March 2010

The development of a numerical model capable of simulating the forming processes characterized by additional reversible movement of tools is the subject of this paper. The major assumption of this process is the introduction of additional shear stresses into the material in order to induce the strain path change effect. The scope of the problem is very broad, so the focus in the present work is on the process of flat rolling with additional oscillatory movement of rolls along their axes. Due to the sophisticated nature of this process particular attention is paid to the reduction in computational time by minimizing the number of required finite elements. The developed model is used to study differences in material behaviour during rolling with different roll velocities. A detailed description of the developed numerical model and examples of obtained results are presented in this paper. A comparison with experimental analysis is presented, as well.
Characterization of the Austenite Recrystallization by Comparing Double Deformation and Stress Relaxation Tests
Authors: Vervynckt S. , Verbeken K. , Thibaux P. , Houbaert Y.
Published: March 2010

A high amount of deformation below the non‐recrystallization temperature (Tnr) is a common industrial practice to achieve a good combination of toughness and strength in microalloyed steels. To combine the industrially relevant optimum combination of high productivity and product quality, an accurate knowledge of Tnr and the recrystallization kinetics is required. Although a lot of literature data is available on the recrystallization behaviour of microalloyed steels, correlations are often difficult to be made due to the effect of different experimental setups, types of analysis and test schedules that are used to obtain this data. Although this would significantly improve the knowledge about these steels, so far, no systematic comparison has been presented in literature to correlate the different techniques and methods. In this study, different hot rolling simulation techniques, testing schedules and types of analysis were used to determine the recrystallization kinetics of a microalloyed steel. On the one hand, good agreement was found between the results from different test equipment for the double deformations tests. On the other hand, stress relaxation tests showed accelerated kinetics and appeared to be less effective.
Analyzing the Fluid Flow in Continuous Casting through Evolutionary Neural Nets and Multi‐Objective Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Govindan Deepak , Chakraborty Suman , Chakraborti Nirupam
Published: March 2010

The flow fields computed for a typical continuous caster are analysed using the basic concepts of Pareto‐optimality in the context of multi‐objective optimization. The data generated by the flow solver FLUENT™ are trained through Evolutionary Neural Networks that emerged through a Pareto‐tradeoff between the complexity of the network and its accuracy of training. A number of objectives constructed this way are subjected to optimization using a Multi‐objective Predator‐Prey Genetic Algorithm. The procedure is repeated using the software modeFRONTIER™ and the results are compared and analysed.
Heat Transfer Modelling of a Blast Furnace Hearth
Authors: Swartling M. , Sundelin B. , Tilliander A. , Jönsson P. G.
Published: March 2010

This paper describes the development of a heat transfer model with the purpose of studying the heat flows in the hearth of an operating blast furnace. Temperature profiles were calculated for a period of time to study the transition from steady blast furnace operation to an unsteady period, and back to a steady period. This total time period had the highest lining temperatures registered since the beginning of the current campaign. It was concluded that no part of the lining had an inner temperature higher than the critical temperature of 1150 °C. Thus, no refractory could have been in direct contact with slag or iron. The corner between the wall and the bottom was identified to be the most sensitive part of the lining. It is suggested that thermocouples are installed in this area, to improve the temperature control.
Tower Centre International building in Bucharest Part II: Performance‐based seismic evaluation and robustness
Authors: Dubina Dan , Dinu Florea , Stratan Aurel
Published: March 2010

This paper describes the design and construction of a high‐rise steel building in Bucharest. The steel structure was designed according to the recently adopted Eurocodes and its performance was investigated using advanced techniques, including seismic performance‐based methodology and wind tunnel tests. Robustness under extreme loading conditions was also investigated. The ECCS awarded the project a European Steel Design Award in 2007.
First guideline for the continued operation of wind turbines
Authors: Faber Torsten , Hansen Klaus
Published: March 2010

Wind turbines are designed and certified for a period of 20 years. The turbines of the first generation have now reached that age. What is going to happen to these wind turbines? Do they measure up to the most up‐to‐date technology? Can they continue to be operated or do they have to be scrapped? The publication of the internationally valid “Guideline for the Continued Operation of Wind Turbines” by Germanischer Lloyd offers owners and operators of wind turbines, insurance companies, creditors, manufacturers and building authorities support in answering these questions. This article provides an introduction to the background and content of the new “Guideline for the Continued Operation of Wind Turbines” and concludes with a brief look at the prospects and the latest experiences of Germanischer Lloyd since the publication of the Guideline.
Influence of chronic bromocriptine and levodopa administration on cerebral type 1 cannabinoid receptor binding
Authors: Casteels Cindy , Vanbilloen Bert , Vercammen Dorien , Bosier Barbara , Lambert Didier M. , Bormans Guy , Van Laere Koen
Published: March 2010

Objectives:

The endocannabinoid system is an important modulatory system in the brain. Complex interactions with brain dopaminergic circuits have been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo effect of the commonly used antiparkinsonian drugs, levodopa (L‐DOPA) and bromocriptine, on type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors, using the PET radioligand [18F]MK‐9470.

Experimental approach:

Seventeen female Wistar rats were studied at baseline and after chronic exposure to either L‐DOPA (6 mg/kg/day with 1.5 mg/kg/day carbidopa; n = 6), bromocriptine (4 mg/kg/day; n = 5), or saline (n = 6). [18F]MK‐9470 binding was assessed in vivo using small animal PET imaging. [18F]MK‐9470 parametric images were generated, anatomically standardized to Paxinos space and analyzed by voxel‐based statistical parametric mapping (SPM2) and a predefined volume‐of‐interest (VOI) approach.

Results:

In a 2 × 2 analysis design (condition vs. treatment), no significant changes in absolute or relative [18F]MK‐9470 binding were present upon chronic exposure to L‐DOPA or bromocriptine as compared to saline treatment. The post hoc comparison of chronic scans to baseline within each treatment modality showed regional increases in relative [18F]MK‐9470 binding in the thalamus (peak average value +6.3%) and in the sensorimotor cortex and hippocampus (peak average value +10.2%) after bromocriptine exposure, while no changes were found for L‐DOPA.

Conclusion:

Chronic administration of L‐DOPA and bromocriptine at the applied doses does not produce major cerebral changes in in vivo cannabinoid CB1 receptor binding of [18F]MK‐9470 in the rat brain. These results also suggest that similar chronic L‐DOPA and bromocriptine usage is unlikely to interfere with human PET imaging in healthy conditions using this radioligand. Synapse 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
D2 receptor occupancy in conscious rat brain is not significantly distinguished with [3H]‐MNPA, [3H]‐(+)‐PHNO, and [3H]‐raclopride
Authors: Peng Teng , Zysk John , Dorff Peter , Elmore Charles S. , Ström Peter , Malmquist Jonas , Ding Min , Tuke David , Werkheiser Jennifer , Widzowski Dan , Mrzljak Ladislav , Maier Donna
Published: March 2010

Positron emission tomography (PET) antagonist ligands such as [11C]‐raclopride are commonly used to study dopamine D2 receptor (D2) binding of antipsychotics. It has been suggested that agonist radioligands bind preferentially to the high‐affinity state of D2 receptor and may provide a more relevant means of assessing D2 occupancy. The main objective of this study was to determine if D2 receptor occupancy (RO) could be differentiated with agonist and antagonist radioligands in vivo. Agonist radioligands [3H]‐MNPA and [3H]‐(+)‐PHNO were synthesized and compared to antagonist [3H]‐raclopride in the in vitro binding and in vivo occupancy studies. In vivo, unanesthetized rats were pretreated with quinpirole (full agonist), aripiprazole (partial agonist), or haloperidol (antagonist) prior to administration of the agonist or antagonist radioligand. All three pretreatment compounds showed equivalent dose‐dependent D2 receptor occupancy in the rat striatum with each radioligand. The in vivo receptor occupancy results suggested that the binding of quinpirole, aripiprazole, and haloperidol to the high or low affinity state of the D2 receptor could not be differentiated using radiolabeled agonists or antagonists, presumably due to a predominance of high affinity states of the D2 receptor in vivo. This hypothesis was supported in part by the in vitro binding results. Our in vitro results show that [3H]‐MNPA binds to D2S transfected CHO cell membranes at a single high affinity site. Displacement of [3H]‐(+)‐PHNO binding by quinpirole and elimination of most [3H]‐(+)‐PHNO binding by the guanine nucleotide GppNHp in striatal membranes suggest that the majority of D2 in striatal tissue is G‐protein coupled. Together, these findings suggest that D2 agonist radioligands produce in vivo receptor occupancy comparable to [3H]‐raclopride. Synapse, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid phasic activity of ventral pallidal neurons during cocaine self‐administration
Authors: Root David H. , Fabbricatore Anthony T. , Ma Sisi , Barker David J. , West Mark O.
Published: March 2010

Little is known regarding the involvement of the ventral pallidum (VP) in cocaine‐seeking behavior, in contrast with considerable documentation of the involvement of its major afferent, the nucleus accumbens, over the past thirty years utilizing electrophysiology, lesion, inactivation, molecular, imaging, and other approaches. The VP is neuroanatomically positioned to integrate signals projected from the nucleus accumbens, basolateral amygdala, and ventral tegmental area. In turn, VP projects to thalamoprefrontal, subthalamic, and mesencephalic dopamine regions having widespread influence across mesolimbic, mesocortical, and nigrostriatal systems. Prior lesion studies have implicated VP in cocaine‐seeking behavior, but the electrophysiological mechanisms underlying this behavior in the VP have not been investigated. In the present investigation, following 2 weeks of training over which animals increased drug intake, VP phasic activity comprised rapid‐phasic increases or decreases in firing rate during the seconds prior to and/or following cocaine‐reinforced responses, similar to those found in accumbens. As a population, the direction (increasing or decreasing) and magnitude of firing rate changes were normally distributed suggesting that ventral striatopallidal processing is heterogeneous. Since changes in firing rate around the cocaine‐reinforced lever press occurred in animals that escalated drug intake prior to neuronal recordings, a marker of “addiction‐like behavior” in the rat, the present experiment provides novel support for a role of VP in drug‐seeking behavior. This is especially important given that pallidothalamic and pallidomesencephalic VP projections are positioned to alter dopaminoceptive targets such as the medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and dorsal striatum, all of which have roles in cocaine self‐administration. Synapse 64:704–713, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methamphetamine‐induced up‐regulation of α2/δ subunit of voltage‐gated calcium channels is regulated by DA receptors
Authors: Kurokawa Kazuhiro , Shibasaki Masahiro , Ohkuma Seitaro
Published: March 2010

This study was carried out to determine the roles of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors on the up‐regulation of α2/δ subunit of voltage‐gated Ca2+channels (VGCCs) induced by methamphetamine (METH). In the conditioned place preference paradigm, METH‐induced place preference suppressed with gabapentin, an antagonist for α2/δ subunit. Under these conditions, the increase in α2/δ subunit expression was found in the frontal cortex and limbic forebrain. In addition, the METH‐induced place preference was significantly attenuated by dopamine D1 and D2 receptor antagonists, SCH23390 and sulpiride, respectively. The expression of α2/δ subunit protein and its mRNA was significantly enhanced in the METH‐treated cortical neurons. These increases in protein and mRNA of α2/δ subunit were completely abolished by SCH23390 and sulpiride with simultaneous exposure to METH. These findings indicate that up‐regulation of α2/δ subunit is regulated through the activation of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors during METH treatment. Synapse 64:822–828, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Orofacial movements in phospholipase C‐related catalytically inactive protein‐1/2 double knockout mice: Effect of the GABAergic agent diazepam and the D1 dopamine receptor agonist SKF 83959
Authors: Tomiyama Katsunori , Song Liqiu , Kobayashi Masayuki , Kinsella Anthony , Kanematsu Takashi , Hirata Masato , Koshikawa Noriaki , Waddington John L.
Published: March 2010

Orofacial movements are regulated by D1‐like dopamine receptors interacting with additional mechanisms. Phospholipase C‐related catalytically inactive protein (PRIP) regulates cell surface expression of GABAA receptors containing a γ2 subunit. Mutant mice with double knockout of PRIP‐1 and PRIP‐2 were used to investigate aspects of GABAergic regulation of orofacial movements and interactions with D1 mechanisms. Vertical jaw movements, tongue protrusions and movements of the head and vibrissae were reduced in PRIP‐1/2 double knockouts. The GABAAergic agent diazepam reduced movements of the head and vibrissae; these effects were unaltered in PRIP‐1/2 double knockouts. The D1‐like agonist SKF 83959 induced vertical jaw movements, incisor chattering, and movements of the head and vibrissae that were unaltered in PRIP‐1/2 double knockouts. However, SKF 83959‐induced tongue protrusions were reduced in PRIP‐1/2 double knockouts. PRIP‐mediated regulation of GABAAergic receptor mechanisms influences topographically distinct aspects of orofacial movement and interacts with D1 receptor systems. Synapse 64:714–720, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Since we seem to agree, why are the outcomes so difficult to achieve?
Authors: Rhodes Terry
Published: March 2010

There is mounting evidence from faculty and employers that a broad set of skills and abilities are essential for student success as graduates, citizens, and employees. The traditional approach to general education with an emphasis on exposure to a menu of knowledge no longer suffices. Graduates need to be able to integrate their learning, apply it in real‐world settings, and use it to address complex and unscripted problems. Examining the emergent research on student learning and key factors that deepen and enhance learning in essential areas for all students at our institutions leads us to developing new modes of measuring and assessing for learning among our students. One such new approach, the VALUE project, using rubrics and portfolios of student work, is described and discussed as a way to engage students in assessing their own leaning, while giving faculty useful information, and institutions reportable results for accountability.
Core curriculum revision at TCU: How faculty created and are maintaining the TCU core curriculum
Authors: McNertney Edward , Ferrandino Blaise
Published: March 2010

In this chapter, the authors describe how faculty at Texas Christian University revised the institution's general education curriculum, discuss the design of the revised curriculum, explain the importance of the course vetting process to success of the implementation process, and discuss the assessment process.
Building an integrated student learning outcomes assessment for general education: Three case studies
Authors: Galle Jo K. , Galle Jeffery
Published: March 2010

Using experiences from three institutions, the authors describe a three‐stage process for designing an integrated general education program that takes into account institutional differences. The three stages are (1) establishing initial discussions that lead to alignment of key university SLOs with key general education SLOs, (2) training and workshopping with faculty groups and administrators whose first task usually is to work with the key general education outcomes and select the appropriate measures for them, and (3) training and workshopping with faculty groups who teach the junior and senior courses that most majors take (the required courses, or courses such as senior capstones) to develop and establish course‐embedded assessment in the assessment plans of the degree programs.
Meaningful general education assessment that is integrated and transformative
Authors: Wehlburg Catherine M.
Published: March 2010

This chapter describes a transformative approach to assessing general education programs, identifies potential obstacles to successful assessment, and outlines necessary steps for creating assessable, outcomes‐based programs.
Discourse processing—examining our everyday language experiences
Authors: Sparks Jesse R. , Rapp David N.
Published: March 2010

Studies of discourse processing focus on the ways in which readers and listeners comprehend language. The linguistic segments of interest to the field tend to be larger than sound, word, or sentence‐level units; they include the books and conversational communications that comprise our everyday cognitive and social interactions. The current review focuses on discourse comprehension (specifically text processing), highlighting three core issues of primary interest to the research field. First, we outline the particular elements that make up naturalistic discourse activity. Second, we identify potential interactions among the elements, and how investigations of these interactions have resulted in influential frameworks for the field. Finally, we examine contemporary work (both theoretical and applied) that might further enhance current accounts of discourse processing. As appropriate, the review includes references to relevant empirical research outlining the processes that guide, and are guided by, our discourse experiences. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Language
There is a steady‐state transcriptome in exponentially growing yeast cells
Authors: Pelechano Vicent , Pérez‐Ortín José E.
Published: March 2010

The growth of yeast cells in batches in glucose‐based media is a standard condition in most yeast laboratories. Most gene expression experiments are done by taking this condition as a reference. Presumably, cells are in a stable physiological condition that can be easily reproduced in other laboratories. With this assumption, however, it is necessary to consider that the average amount of the mRNAs per cell for most genes does not change during exponential growth. That is to say, there is a steady‐state condition for the transcriptome. However, this has not been rigorously demonstrated to date. In this work we take several cell samples during the exponential phase growth to perform a kinetic study using the genomic run‐on (GRO) technique, which allows simultaneous measurement of the amount of mRNA and transcription rate variation at the genomic level. We show here that the steady‐state condition is fulfilled for almost all the genes during most exponential growth in yeast extract–peptone–dextrose medium (YPD) and, therefore, that simultaneous measures of the transcription rates and the amounts of mRNA can be used for indirect mRNA stability calculations. With this kinetic approach, we were also able to determine the relative influence of the transcription rate and the mRNA stability changes for the mRNA variation for those genes that deviate from the steady state. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A quantitative model for mRNA translation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: You Tao , Coghill George M , Brown Alistair J. P.
Published: March 2010

Messenger RNA (mRNA) translation is an essential step in eukaryotic gene expression that contributes to the regulation of this process. We describe a deterministic model based on ordinary differential equations that describe mRNA translation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This model, which was parameterized using published data, was developed to examine the kinetic behaviour of translation initiation factors in response to amino acid availability. The model predicts that the abundance of the eIF1–eIF3–eIF5 complex increases under amino acid starvation conditions, suggesting a possible auxiliary role for these factors in modulating translation initiation in addition to the known mechanisms involving eIF2. Our analyses of the robustness of the mRNA translation model suggest that individual cells within a randomly generated population are sensitive to external perturbations (such as changes in amino acid availability) through Gcn2 signalling. However, the model predicts that individual cells exhibit robustness against internal perturbations (such as changes in the abundance of translation initiation factors and kinetic parameters). Gcn2 appears to enhance this robustness within the system. These findings suggest a trade‐off between the robustness and performance of this biological network. The model also predicts that individual cells exhibit considerable heterogeneity with respect to their absolute translation rates, due to random internal perturbations. Therefore, averaging the kinetic behaviour of cell populations probably obscures the dynamic robustness of individual cells. This highlights the importance of single‐cell measurements for evaluating network properties. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dimethylphosphinato and Dimethylarsinato Complexes of Palladium(II), [Pd(Me2PO2)2]3 and Pd(Me2AsO2)2, and their Adducts
Authors: Ioannou Panayiotis V.
Published: March 2010

The complexes [Pd(Me2PO2)2]3 and Pd(Me2AsO2)2 were prepared from the corresponding acids and palladium(II) acetate. Their structures were deduced by IR and NMR spectroscopy. Addition of pyridine and 2,2′‐bipyridine to [Pd(Me2PO2)2]3 gave the adducts Pd(Me2PO2)2py2 and Pd(Me2PO2)2bipy, which were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Addition of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide in water gave the adducts Pd(Me2PO2)2L2, whereas in methanol the adducts Pd(Me2PO2)2L were obtained. The cacodylate containing complex formed the adducts Pd(Me2AsO2)2py and Pd(Me2AsO2)2bipy1/2, which are unstable in CDCl3. Triphenylphosphine deoxygenated both Pd(Me2MO2)2 complexes, but the palladium(II) containing products could not be isolated. The expected Pd(Me2P–O)2 reacted further and gave many products, whereas the anticipated Pd(Me2As–O)2 did not bind triphenylphosphine.
Spectral analysis of a wave equation with Kelvin‐Voigt damping
Authors: Guo B.Z. , Wang J.M. , Zhang G.D.
Published: March 2010

A vibrating system with some kind of internal damping represents a distributed or passive control. In this article, a wave equation with clamped boundary conditions and internal Kelvin‐Voigt damping is considered. It is shown that the spectrum of the system operator is composed of two parts: point spectrum and continuous spectrum. The point spectrum consists of isolated eigenvalues of finite algebraic multiplicity, and the continuous spectrum that is identical to the essential spectrum is an interval on the left real axis. The asymptotic behavior of eigenvalues is presented.
A contact problem of a thermoelastic diffusion rod
Authors: Aouadi M.
Published: March 2010

We consider a one‐dimensional contact problem in linear thermoelastic diffusion theory. The coupled system of equations consists of a hyperbolic equation and two parabolic equations. This problem poses new mathematical difficulties due to the nonlinear boundary conditions. The existence of a weak solution is proved by the use of Sobolev's basic space energy arguments. Moreover, we show that the weak solution converges to zero exponentially as time goes to infinity.
New Strategy of Endothelial Protection in Cardiac Surgery: Use of Enhancer of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase
Authors: Xue Hong‐Mei , He Guo‐Wei , Huang Jun‐Hao , Yang Qin
Published: March 2010

Background

Endothelial dysfunction related to the loss of nitric oxide (NO) production remains an important issue in cardiac surgery. We examined the hypothesis that AVE3085, a novel compound that enhances eNOS transcription, may protect coronary endothelium against hypoxia‐reoxygenation (H‐R) injury during cardioplegic arrest and the possible mechanism by which this occurs.

Methods

Porcine coronary small arteries (600–800‐μm diameter) were subjected to hypoxia (PO2 <5 mmHg) in St. Thomas cardioplegic (ST) solution with or without AVE3085 (10 μM) or L‐arginine (10 mM) at either 37 or 4°C for 60 min, followed by 30‐min reoxygenation. Bradykinin (−10 to −6.5 LogM)‐induced, endothelium‐dependent relaxation was studied in a myograph in U46619 precontraction before and after H‐R. Protein expressions of eNOS and phosphorylated eNOS at Ser‐1177 (p‐eNOSSer1177) were also determined.

Results

Exposure to ST solution with H‐R at both 37 and 4°C markedly reduced bradykinin‐induced relaxation in coronary small arteries. Addition of AVE3085 in ST solution at 37°C preserved the vasorelaxant response to bradykinin (95.7 ± 2.1% vs. 69.2 ± 6.6%, p < 0.01), with the protective effect comparable to that of L‐arginine (96.1 ± 3.3% vs. 70.6 ± 8.7%, p < 0.05). eNOS and p‐eNOSSer1177 expressions in coronary endothelial cells were significantly increased by the addition of AVE3085 in ST solution during hypoxia (p < 0.05). Protection of endothelium‐dependent relaxation from H‐R by AVE3085 (70.3 ± 7.2% vs. 90.5 ± 2.4%, p < 0.05) also reached a level similar to that by L‐arginine (69.9 ± 9.0% vs. 94.7 ± 3.9%, p < 0.05) at 4°C.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated a new mechanism to protect coronary endothelium from H‐R injury by using eNOS enhancers. This may form a new strategy in the future development of cardioplegic/preservation solutions with direct targeting of eNOS expression in coronary vasculature.
Couples’ Attributions for Work Function Changes in Prodromal Huntington Disease
Authors: Downing Nancy R. , Williams Janet K. , Paulsen Jane S.
Published: March 2010

People who have tested positive for the expanded Huntington disease (HD) gene who are not yet diagnosed (pre‐HD) and their companions report subtle changes in ability of people with pre‐HD to do their jobs. However, it is not known whether they attribute these changes to HD. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were analyzed from seven persons with pre‐HD at different estimated points from diagnosis and six companions. Data were analyzed using qualitative analysis methods. Participants made attributions related to health, work, and temperament. Only one participant attributed a change to HD. The process of forming attributions was demonstrated through symptom monitoring and comparison of participants with pre‐HD to others with and without HD. Participants also expressed uncertainty regarding how to make attributions. Attributions influence coping procedures, including whether to seek and accept medical treatment. In persons with prodromal HD the relationship between attributions and use of coping strategies for symptoms that interfere with job functioning is unknown.
Optimization of Blocked Designs in FMRI Studies
Authors: Maus Bärbel , van Breukelen Gerard J. P. , Goebel Rainer , Berger Martijn P. F.
Published: March 2010

Blocked designs in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are useful to localize functional brain areas. A blocked design consists of different blocks of trials of the same stimulus type and is characterized by three factors: the length of blocks, i.e., number of trials per blocks, the ordering of task and rest blocks, and the time between trials within one block. Optimal design theory was applied to find the optimal combination of these three design factors. Furthermore, different error structures were used within a general linear model for the analysis of fMRI data, and the maximin criterion was applied to find designs which are robust against misspecification of model parameters.
Preparation of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters by Selective Methanolysis of Polar Glycerolipids
Authors: Ichihara Ken'ichi , Yamaguchi Chiaki , Araya Yumiko , Sakamoto Asami , Yoneda Kumiko
Published: March 2010

KOH in aqueous methanol catalyzes selective methanolysis of polar glycerolipids with O‐ester‐linked acyl residues, while triacylglycerols and sterol esters are inert in the solution. Based on these findings, a convenient and reliable method was developed for the preparation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) from polar glycerolipids in lipid mixtures without prior isolation. Methanolysis of polar glycerolipids was completed within 2.5 min by vortexing or 20 min by shaking with 0.7 M KOH/70% (v/v) methanol in the presence of hexane at 30 °C. The yields of FAMEs obtained by the present method were greater than 95%. The method was applied successfully to gas chromatographic analysis of the fatty acid compositions of polar glycerolipids in seed oil and blood. No obvious differences were found between the fatty acid compositions determined by the present method and those determined by conventional methods, including lipid extraction with chloroform/methanol followed by isolation of polar lipids by chromatography. The fatty acid composition of polar glycerolipids, including phospholipids, can be determined readily in many crude samples.
Parametric Study of Jatropha Seeds for Biodiesel Production by Reactive Extraction
Authors: Kaul Savita , Porwal Jyoti , Garg M. O.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of the present study was to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of biodiesel production by reactive extraction (in situ) of Jatropha seeds. Oil from the seeds was extracted and reacted in a single step. Experimental studies have been carried out to maximize the yield of biodiesel by varying the reaction parameters viz. seed size (<0.85 mm to >2.46 mm), seed/solvent ratio (w/w) (1:2.6–1:7.8) and catalyst concentration (0.05–0.1 M). Under the optimized conditions: seed size (>2.46 mm), seed/solvent ratio (w/w) (1:7.8), catalyst concentration (0.1 M) and reaction time 1 h, approximately 98% conversion to biodiesel was achieved meeting International (ASTM) as well as National (BIS) specifications. The results were supported by HPLC analysis.
d‐Serine administration provokes lipid oxidation and decreases the antioxidant defenses in rat striatum
Authors: Leipnitz Guilhian , da Silva Lucila de Bortoli , Fernandes Carolina Gonçalves , Seminotti Bianca , Amaral Alexandre Umpierrez , Dutra‐Filho Carlos Severo , Wajner Moacir
Published: March 2010

The present work investigated the effects of intrastriatal administration ofd‐serine on relevant parameters of oxidative stress in striatum of young rats.d‐Serine significantly induced lipid peroxidation, reflected by the significant increase of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, and significantly diminished the striatum antioxidant defenses, as verified by a decrease of the levels of reduced glutathione and total antioxidant status. Finally,d‐serine inhibited superoxide dismutase activity, without altering the activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase. In contrast, thisd‐amino acid did not alter sulfhydryl oxidation, a measure of protein oxidative damage. The present data indicate thatd‐serinein vivoadministration induces lipid oxidative damage and decreases the antioxidant defenses in the striatum of young rats. Therefore, it is presumed that this oxidative stress may be a pathomechanism involved at least in part in the neurological damage found in patients affected by disorders in whichd‐serine metabolism is compromised, leading to altered concentrations of thisd‐amino acid.
Quercetin, the active phenolic component in kiwifruit, prevents hydrogen peroxide-induced inhibition of gap-junction intercellular communication
Authors: Lee Dong Eun , Shin Bong Jik , Hur Haeng Jeon , Kim Jong Hun , Kim Jiyoung , Kang Nam Joo , Kim Dae Ok , Lee Chang Yong , Lee Ki Won , Lee Hyong Joo
Published: March 2010

We evaluated the effects of the two main kiwifruit cultivars (gold kiwifruit (GOK) and green kiwifruit (GRK)) and their active phenolic compound, quercetin, on H2O2-induced inhibition of gap-junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in WB-F344 rat liver epithelial cells. We found that both GOK and GRK protect WB-F344 cells from H2O2-induced inhibition of GJIC. The extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)–connexin 43 (Cx43) signalling pathway is crucial for the regulation of GJIC, and both GOK and GRK blocked the H2O2-induced phosphorylation of Cx43 and ERK1/2 in WB-F344 cells. Quercetin alone attenuated the H2O2-mediated ERK1/2–Cx43 signalling pathway and consequently reversed H2O2-mediated inhibition of GJIC in WB-F344 cells. A free radical-scavenging assay using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl showed that the scavenging activity of quercetin was higher than that of a synthetic antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene, per mol, suggesting that the chemopreventive effect of quercetin on H2O2-mediated inhibition of ERK1/2–Cx43 signalling and GJIC may be mediated through its free radical-scavenging activity. Since the carcinogenicity of reactive oxygen species such as H2O2 is attributable to the inhibition of GJIC, GOK, GRK and quercetin may have chemopreventive potential by preventing the inhibition of GJIC.
Effects of fish oil and starch added to a diet containing sunflower-seed oil on dairy goat performance, milk fatty acid composition andin vivoΔ9-desaturation of [13C]vaccenic acid
Authors: Bernard Laurence , Mouriot Julien , Rouel Jacques , Glasser Frédéric , Capitan Pierre , Pujos-Guillot Estelle , Chardigny Jean-Michel , Chilliard Yves
Published: March 2010

The potential benefits on human health have prompted an interest in developing nutritional strategies for specifically increasing rumenic acid (RA) in ruminant milk. The aims of the present study were to (i) compare two dietary treatments with lipid supplements on milk yield and composition, (ii) measure thein vivoΔ9-desaturation of vaccenic acid (VA) to RA using13C-labelled VA and (iii) determine the effect of the dietary treatments on this variable. Treatments were 90 g sunflower-seed oil (SO) per d or 60 g sunflower-seed oil and 30 g fish oil per d plus additional starch (SFO), in a grassland hay-based diet given to eight Alpine goats in a 2 × 2 cross-over design with 21 d experimental periods. Milk yield and composition were similar between treatments. Goats fed SFO had higher milk 6 : 0–16 : 0 concentration, lower milk ΣC18 concentrations and showed no effect on milk VA and RA, compared with SO. At the end of the experiment, intravenous injection of 1·5 g [13C]VA followed by measurements of milk lipid13C enrichment showed thatin vivo31·7 and 31·6 % of VA was Δ9-desaturated into milk RA in the caprine with the SO and SFO treatments, respectively. The expression of genes encoding for Δ9-desaturase (or stearoyl-CoA desaturase;SCD1,SCD5) in mammary tissues and four milk Δ9-desaturation ratios were similar between treatments. In conclusion, the present study provides the first estimates ofin vivoendogenous synthesis of RA (63–73 % of milk RA) from VA in goats, and shows no difference between the two lipid supplements compared.
Different digestion of caprine whey proteins by human and porcine gastrointestinal enzymes
Authors: Eriksen Ellen K. , Holm Halvor , Jensen Einar , Aaboe Ragnhild , Devold Tove G. , Jacobsen Morten , Vegarud Gerd E.
Published: March 2010

The objective of the present study was twofold: first to compare the degradation patterns of caprine whey proteins digested with either human digestive juices (gastric or duodenal) or commercial porcine enzymes (pepsin or pancreatic enzymes) and second to observe the effect of gastric pH on digestion. Anin vitrotwo-step assay was performed at 37°C to simulate digestion in the stomach (pH 2, 4 or 6) and the duodenum (pH 8). The whey proteins were degraded more efficiently by porcine pepsin than by human gastric juice at all pH values. Irrespective of the enzyme source, gastric digestion at pH 2 followed by duodenal digestion resulted in the most efficient degradation. Lactoferrin, serum albumin and the Ig heavy chains were highly degraded with less than 6 % remaining after digestion. About 15, 56 and 50 % Ig light chains, β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) and α-lactalbumin remained intact, respectively, when digested with porcine enzymes compared with 25, 74 and 81 % with human digestive juices. For comparison, purified bovine β-LG was digested and the peptide profiles obtained were compared with those of the caprine β-LG in the digested whey. The bovine β-LG seemed to be more extensively cleaved than the caprine β-LG in the whey. Commercial enzymes appear to digest whey proteins more efficiently compared with human digestive juices when used at similar enzyme activities. This could lead to conflicting results when comparing humanin vivoprotein digestion with digestion using purified enzymes of non-human species. Consequently the use of human digestive juices might be preferred.
Chemical cues from the coffee berry borer influence the locomotory behaviour of its bethylid parasitoids
Authors: Chiu-Alvarado P. , Valle-Mora J. , Rojas J.C.
Published: March 2010

Cephalonomia stephanoderisandProrops nasutaare two bethylid wasps released into several Latin American countries for classical biological control of coffee berry borer,Hypothenemus hampei, the most serious insect pest of coffee worldwide. Recent studies on the host location behaviour of these parasitoids have shown that females of both species are attracted to volatile compounds released by immature stages and dust and frass ofH. hampei. In this study, we investigated the role of the contact chemicals present in dust and frass ofH. hampeion the behaviour ofP. nasutaandC. stephanoderisfemales. Parasitoids remained longer on patches treated with methanol extracts than on acetone and hexane extracts. Females spent more time on the patch treated with the methanol extract of dust and frass than on the patches treated with the methanol extract of dry coffee and methanol control. The concentration of the methanol extracts from dust and frass influenced the locomotory activity of parasitoids of both species. The time that females spent in the patch tended to increase as the concentration of the methanol extracts increased. A further experiment aimed to identify other behavioural descriptors and gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the response of parasitoids to methanol extracts was performed. Females of both species spent more time, covered more distance, turned more (per unit time and per unit distance), and decreased their speed when they contacted patches treated with methanol extracts in comparison to patches treated with methanol control.
The Miocene–Pliocene hiatus in the southern North Sea Basin (northern Belgium) revealed by dinoflagellate cysts
Authors: LOUWYE STEPHEN , DE SCHEPPER STIJN
Published: March 2010

A palynological analysis with marine palynomorphs (dinoflagellate cysts, acritarchs, green algae) and terrestrial palynomorphs (pollen and spores) of the Kasterlee and Poederlee formations provides new insights in the depositional history at the southern border of the North Sea basin (northern Belgium) around the Miocene–Pliocene transition. Dinoflagellate cyst stratigraphy constrains the age of the Kasterlee Formation in the Oud-Turnhout borehole between 7.5 and 5.32 Ma. The upper boundary of the formation can be correlated with sequence boundary Me2 at 5.73 Ma of Hardenbol and co-workers, which further constrains its age to the time interval 7.5–5.73 Ma. The palynomorph assemblages reflect a near-coast depositional environment. Where present, the Kasterlee Formation thus terminates the Miocene series in northern Belgium. The overall shallow nature of the latest Miocene deposits is related to a sea-level lowering caused by the onset of globally cooling conditions. For the first time, palynology is applied to estimate the age of the Poederlee Formation, suggesting it was deposited during the Mid-Pliocene warm period. Dinoflagellate cysts and sequence stratigraphy together constrain the age of the unit between 3.21 and 2.76 Ma, and possibly even between 3.21 and 3.15 Ma. The Poederlee Formation was deposited in neritic environments, which shoaled in the upper part of the unit as a consequence of the decreasing availability of accommodation space. We demonstrate that the magnitude of the hiatus between the Miocene and Pliocene series varies strongly at the southern boundary of the North Sea Basin, and lasts in the Antwerp areac. 3.2 million years andc. 2.52 million years in the Campine area.
WEAKLY PERFECT GRAPHS ARISING FROM RINGS
Authors: MAIMANI H. R. , POURNAKI M. R. , YASSEMI S.
Published: March 2010

A graph is called weakly perfect if its chromatic number equals its clique number. In this paper a new class of weakly perfect graphs arising from rings are presented and an explicit formula for the chromatic number of such graphs is given.
DECOMPOSITIONS OF COUNTABLE LINEAR TRANSFORMATIONS
Authors: CHEN HUANYIN
Published: March 2010

Let V be a countably generated right vector space over a division ring D. If D ≇ ℤ/2ℤ, ℤ/3ℤ, then for any γ ∈ EndD(V), there exists α ∈ AutD(V) such that γ+α, γ−α−1 ∈ AutD(V). This gives a generalization of [D. Zelinsky, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 5 (1954), 627–630, Theorem].