bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the development of preneoplasic lesions
Authors: Henriques Viviana Teixeira , Dias Cristina Maria Ganns Chaves , Franceschini Sylvia do Carmo Castro , Sabarense Céphora Maria , Costa Neuza Maria Brunoro , Leite Jacqueline Isaura Alvarez , Peluzio Maria do Carmo Gouveia
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anticancer potential of dietary omega-3 supplementation to reduce induced intestinal preneoplastic lesions in Wistar rats. METHODS: A total of 58 11-week-old male Wistar rats (Rattus norvergicus, albinus variety, Rodentia) were distributed into two groups: a control group (n=25) and an omega-3-treated group (n=28). Aberrant crypt foci were induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. Tissue incorporation of the supplemented omega-3 fatty acids was evaluated by determining the fatty acid profiles of intra-abdominal fat and the liver with gas chromatography. RESULTS: The omega-3 group presented lower weight and lower food intake (p<0.05) than the control group. The number of aberrant crypt foci decreased 55.34% in response to omega-3 supplementation. Foci with more than three crypts decreased 57.14% between weeks 13 and 28. There was no statistical difference for the docosahexaenoic acid content in the liver of the omega-3 group between week 6 and weeks 13 and 28. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that omega-3 may slow the progress of colorectal carcinogenesis.
Seleção de clones de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-do-carmim (Dactylopius sp)
Authors: Vasconcelos Andréa Guimarães Vieira de , Lira Mario de Andrade , Cavalcanti Vanildo Leal Bezerra , Santos Mércia Virginia Ferreira dos , Willadino Lilia
Published: June 2009

Visando selecionar clones de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-do-carmim, realizou-se um experimento em casa de vegetação no período de setembro de 2001 a janeiro de 2002. A partir de infestação artificial com a cochonilha, foram testados 20 clones de palma forrageira, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Foram observadas a fixação de colônias sobre os cladódios e a porcentagem de cladódios infestados, por meio de uma escala de notas variando de 0 a 5. Os clones que apresentaram maior resistência ao ataque da praga foram Miúda e Orelha de Elefante.
Níveis de plasma sanguíneo em dietas pós-desmame para leitões desmamados aos 28 dias de idade
Authors: Assis Júnior Félix Inácio de , Ferreira Aloízio Soares , Donzele Juarez Lopes , Detmann Edenio , Barbosa Fellipe Freitas , Souza Junior Alcy Heleno
Published: June 2009

Com o objetivo de avaliar níveis de plasma sanguíneo (PS) em dietas para leitões desmamados aos 28 dias de idade, foi realizado um experimento utilizando-se 128 leitões com peso inicial de 7,64 ± 0,103 kg, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos, composto por quatro níveis de plasma, oito blocos e quatro animais por unidade experimental. Para avaliação dos níveis de plasma, utilizaram-se as seguintes dietas: ração com leite desnatado (LD) e sem plasma sanguíneo (PS) dos 29 aos 42 dias; ração com LD mais 2,8% de PS dos 29 aos 35 dias (período 1) e 2,0% de PS dos 36 aos 42 dias (período 2); ração com LD mais 4,2% de PS no período 1 e 3,0% de PS no período 2; e ração sem LD e com 5,6% de PS no período 1 e 4,0% de PS no período 2. Na fase dos 42 aos 56 dias (período 3), a mesma ração de creche foi fornecida para os animais. Não se verificou efeito da inclusão de plasma sanguíneo nas dietas sobre o consumo de ração médio diário. No período 1 verificou-se efeito linear dos níveis de plasma sanguíneo sobre o índice bionutricional (IBN = 6,8371GPMD - 3,5732CRMD) e o ganho de peso médio diário (^Y = 0,1364 + 0,0100X). Não houve efeito dos níveis de plasma na dieta sobre o índice de diarréia. O melhor nível de plasma sanguíneo em dietas para o período dos 29 aos 35 dias de idade de leitões desmamados aos 28 dias de idade é de 5,6% e não há efeitos benéficos da adição de plasma sanguíneo na segunda semana após o desmame.
Coeficiente de digestibilidade verdadeira dos aminoácidos e valores de aminoácidos digestíveis do milho submetido a diferentes temperaturas de secagem e períodos de armazenamento
Authors: Carvalho Débora Cristine de Oliveira , Albino Luiz Fernando Teixeira , Vargas Junior José Geraldo de , Toledo Rodrigo Santana , Oliveira Jean Eduardo de , Souza Renata Mara de
Published: June 2009

Determinou-se o coeficiente de digestibilidade verdadeira dos aminoácidos de amostras de milho submetidas a diferentes temperaturas de secagem (temperatura ambiente e secagem artificial a 80, 100 e 120°C) e períodos de armazenamento (0, 60, 120 e 180 dias). A digestibilidade verdadeira dos aminoácidos foi determinada pelo método de "alimentação forçada" utilizando-se galos Leghorn adultos cecectomizados, alojados individualmente em baterias metálicas. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 × 4 (quatro temperaturas de secagem e quatro períodos de armazenamento) com um galo por unidade experimental e oito repetições por temperatura de secagem e período de armazenamento. As perdas endógenas foram determinadas com galos em jejum. O aumento da temperatura de secagem ocasionou redução linear da digestibilidade de metionina + cistina e isoleucina e efeito quadrático sobre a digestibilidade de metionina, treonina, lisina, triptofano e fenilalanina. Os maiores coeficientes de digestibilidade de metionina, treonina, lisina, triptofano e fenilalanina foram observados nas temperaturas 40, 25, 27, 32 e 40°C, respectivamente, obtidas por equação de regressão. Observou-se redução linear da digestibilidade de metionina e treonina com o tempo de armazenamento. A temperatura de secagem e o tempo de armazenamento dos grãos de milho reduzem a digestibilidade da maioria dos aminoácidos.
Valores de energia metabolizável de alguns alimentos obtidos com aves de diferentes idades
Authors: Mello Heloisa Helena de Carvalho , Gomes Paulo Cezar , Rostagno Horacio Santiago , Albino Luiz Fernando Teixeira , Souza Renata Mara de , Calderano Arele Arlindo
Published: June 2009

Foram realizados quatro ensaios de metabolismo com a finalidade de determinar a energia metabolizável aparente (EMA) e a energia metabolizável aparente corrigida (EMAn) de dez alimentos em aves em diversas idades. Os alimentos testados foram: milho, farelo de soja, sorgo, farelo de trigo, farelo de arroz integral, duas farinhas de penas, duas farinhas de vísceras e plasma sangüíneo. Utilizou-se o método de coleta total de excretas, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com 11 tratamentos (dez alimentos e uma ração-referência) e seis repetições. No primeiro ensaio, foram utilizados 528 pintos de corte machos de 10 a 17 dias de idade, totalizando oito aves por repetição; no segundo ensaio, 396 frangos de corte machos de 26 a 33 dias de idade, com seis aves por repetição; no terceiro ensaio, 264 frangos de corte machos de 40 a 47 dias de idade, com quatro aves por repetição; e, no quarto ensaio, 132 galos, com duas aves por repetição. A idade das aves influenciou os valores de EMA e EMAn do farelo de soja, do sorgo, do farelo de arroz integral, das farinhas de penas e do plasma sangüíneo, enquanto, para o farelo de trigo, teve efeito apenas sobre a EMAn.
Balanço de compostos nitrogenados e produção de proteína microbiana em novilhas leiteiras alimentadas com palma forrageira, bagaço de cana-de-açúcar e uréia associados a diferentes suplementos
Authors: Pessoa Ricardo Alexandre Silva , Leão Maria Ignez , Ferreira Marcelo de Andrade , Valadares Filho Sebastião de Campos , Valadares Rilene Ferreira Diniz , Queiroz Augusto César de
Published: June 2009

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da associação de palma forrageira ao bagaço de cana-de-açúcar e à uréia sobre o balanço de compostos nitrogenados e a produção de proteína microbiana em novilhas leiteiras recebendo ou não suplemento. Foram utilizadas 25 novilhas da raça Girolando, com peso vivo médio inicial de 227 kg, confinadas, distribuídas em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, estabelecidos de acordo com o peso dos animais. A ração controle (sem suplemento) foi composta de 64,0% de palma forrageira, 30,0% de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar, 4,0% de mistura uréia:sulfato de amônio (9:1) e 2,0% de mistura mineral, com base na matéria seca (MS), e as rações experimentais, de 57,0% de palma forrageira, 26,0% de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar, 3,5% de mistura uréia:sulfato de amônio, 1,8% de mistura mineral e 11,7% de suplemento (0,5% do PV dos animais). Os suplementos testados foram: farelo de trigo, farelo de soja, farelo de algodão ou caroço de algodão. O balanço de nitrogênio não foi influenciado pelas dietas e apresentou valor médio de 49,3 g/dia. A suplementação com farelo de algodão ou com farelo de soja aumentou a excreção de nitrogênio na urina, a concentração de uréia e nitrogênio uréico no plasma e a excreção urinária de uréia e nitrogênio uréico. A associação da palma forrageira ao bagaço de cana-de-açúcar e à uréia, sem o uso de suplementos, permite eficiência de síntese microbiana de 105 gPBmic/kg de NDT consumido. A suplementação com caroço de algodão proporciona maior excreção urinária de alantoína e derivados de purina e melhor eficiência de síntese microbiana, portanto, é a mais indicada nestas condições.
In vitro degradation of neutral detergent fiber of high-quality tropical forage according to supplementation with different nitrogenous compounds
Authors: Zorzi Karina , Detmann Edenio , Queiroz Augusto César de , Paulino Mário Fonseca , Mantovani Hilário Cuquetto , Bayão Geraldo Fábio
Published: June 2009

The objective of this work was to evaluate the in vitro degradation dynamics of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of high-quality tropical forage according to supplementation with different nitrogenous compounds sources. A signal grass sample harvested during rainy season was used as basal forage. Casein was used as true protein source and urea:ammonium sulfate (U:AS, 9:1) mixture (urea) as non-protein nitrogen source. The first three supplements were the addition of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg of casein per mL of final incubation solution. The urea was added to the same amount of protein supplied by equivalent levels 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/mL of casein. In total, seven treatments were evaluated, including a control (only grass). The supplements were evaluated in a simulated rumen environment by in vitro incubation, and submitted to different incubation times: 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 hours. The procedure was repeated four times, making a total of four evaluations per incubation time for each treatment. The incubation residues were evaluated for NDF contents and interpreted through a non-linear logistic model. Casein supplementation of 0.5 mg/mL increased the degradation rate of potentially digestible NDF (kpdNDF) by 1.1%. The addition of 1.0 and 2.0 mg/mL of casein provided an inhibitory effect on the estimates of this parameter in comparison to the control (-6.4 and -9.1% respectively). Moreover, the addition of urea, regardless the supplementation level, increased kpdNDF around 7.6%. The ammonia nitrogen (AN) concentration in the medium was increased by supplementation. However, supplementation with urea, even based on the same crude protein levels used with the supplementation with casein, has given higher ammonia nitrogen values in the incubation medium.
A estrutura histórico-conceitual dos programas de pesquisa de Darwin e Lamarck e sua transposição para o ambiente escolar
Authors: Almeida Argus Vasconcelos de , Falcão Jorge Tarcisio da Rocha
Published: June 2009

O presente trabalho tenta estabelecer uma complementaridade teórica entre uma abordagem epistemológica - a metodologia dos programas de pesquisa de Lakatos - e uma psicológico-cognitivista - a teoria dos campos conceituais de Vergnaud - objetivando a compreensão dos programas de pesquisa lamarckiano e darwiniano em seus respectivos campos de validade. Através da análise da estrutura histórico-conceitual dos dois programas e sua transposição para o ambiente escolar, são constatados e discutidos problemas nos livros didáticos de Biologia e na pesquisa atual sobre o conceito de Evolução entre alunos de diversos níveis escolares. Como resultado destas reflexões é apontada a teoria dos campos conceituais como um instrumento analítico frutífero do processo de conceitualização dos sujeitos diante de situações envolvendo processos evolutivos.
História e Filosofia das Cências no ensino de Biologia
Authors: Carneiro Maria Helena da Silva , Gastal Maria Luiza
Published: June 2009

Neste trabalho, buscamos evidenciar a concepção de História da Biologia que é veiculada nos livros didáticos. Para tanto, analisamos três coleções de livros de Biologia destinados ao Ensino Médio, e alguns livros universitários usados em cursos de formação de professores. Ao analisar este material curricular foi possível observar que a história apresentada é desvinculada do contexto cultural de cada período histórico, o que pode levar o aluno a construir uma falsa representação da ciência e do fazer científico.
O desenvolvimento do conhecimento pedagógico do conteúdo de sexualidade na vivência das professoras
Authors: Silva Mirian Pacheco , Carvalho Washington Luiz Pacheco de
Published: June 2009

Neste artigo, relatamos uma investigação sobre o desenvolvimento do "conhecimento pedagógico do conteúdo" de Sexualidade entre professoras que trabalham com essa temática. Através da utilização do método fenomenológico foram realizadas entrevistas individuais com três professoras do Ensino Fundamental, que trabalham na rede municipal de ensino de Uberlândia. A partir da análise dessas entrevistas, foi possível apontar algumas conclusões a respeito do desenvolvimento profissional de professores e sua relação com um ensino efetivo.
Análise da inserção de conteúdos de Teoria quântica nos currículos de física do Ensino Médio
Authors: Lobato Teresa , Greca Ileana María
Published: June 2009

A inovação científica e tecnológica do século XX foi esmagadora. Contudo, a nossa experiência docente permite-nos afirmar que as aprendizagens na escola secundária estão longe de acompanhar a evolução que se verifica na sociedade atual. No entanto, já estão a ser incluídos alguns conteúdos de Física Moderna nos currículos oficiais de vários países, parecendo evidenciar uma preocupação em atualizar a preparação dos jovens para o mundo que os rodeia. Neste artigo relatamos um estudo que fizemos acerca dos currículos de Física de alguns países, sobretudo no que diz respeito à Teoria Quântica, a grande invenção do século XX, tentando identificar os conteúdos selecionados e a maneira como estes se integram nas orientações curriculares gerais.
Influência da ordem dos exercícios sobre o número de repetições e percepção subjetiva do esforço em mulheres jovens e idosas
Authors: Silva Nádia Souza Lima da , Monteiro Walace David , Farinatti Paulo de Tarso Veras
Published: June 2009

Estudos sobre a influência da ordem de execução dos exercícios no desempenho da força em idosos são escassos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a influência da ordem de execução dos exercícios sobre o número de repetições e percepção de esforço de oito idosas (69 ± 7 anos) e 12 jovens (22 ± 2 anos) praticantes de treinamento resistido. As voluntárias executaram sessões com três séries até a exaustão com cargas estabelecidas em 10 repetições máximas (RM), em sequências invertidas de exercícios: sequência A - supino horizontal (SH), desenvolvimento em pé (DP) e rosca tríceps no pulley baixo (TP); sequência B - TP, DP e SH. A ANOVA de duas entradas com medidas repetidas revelou que o número de repetições no grupo de jovens foi sempre menor no último exercício, independentemente da sequência ou grupamento muscular envolvido (p < 0,05). O número de repetições permaneceu estável na sequência A para grupo de idosas, mas declinou significativamente na sequência B (p < 0,05). Não houve diferenças para a percepção de esforço ao final das sequências no grupo de jovens, mas no grupo de idosas a PSE foi significativamente maior em na sequência B (p < 0,05). Conclui-se que a ordem dos exercícios foi indiferente para o desempenho do grupo jovem, mas influenciou o número máximo de repetições em cada exercício e a percepção de esforço ao final das sequências no grupo de idosas.
Short- and long-term effects of maternal nicotine exposure during lactation on body adiposity, lipid profile, and thyroid function of rat offspring
Authors: Oliveira E , Moura E G , Santos-Silva A P , Fagundes A T S , Rios A S , Abreu-Villaça Y , Nogueira Neto J F , Passos M C F , Lisboa P C
Published: June 2009

Epidemiological studies show a higher prevalence of obesity in children from smoking mothers and smoking may affect human thyroid function. To evaluate the mechanism of smoking as an imprinting factor for these dysfunctions, we evaluated the programing effects of maternal nicotine (NIC) exposure during lactation. Two days after birth, osmotic minipumps were implanted in lactating rats, divided into: NIC (6 mg/kg per day s.c.) for 14 days; Control – saline. All the significant data were P<0.05 or less. Body weight was increased from 165 days old onwards in NIC offspring. Both during exposure (at 15 days old) and in adulthood (180 days old), NIC group showed higher total fat (27 and 33%). In addition, NIC offspring presented increased visceral fat and total body protein. Lipid profile was not changed in adulthood. Leptinemia was higher at 15 and 180 days old (36 and 113%), with no changes in food intake. Concerning the thyroid status, the 15-days-old NIC offspring showed lower serum-free tri-iodothyronine (FT3) and thyroxine (FT4) with higher TSH. The 180-days-old NIC offspring exhibited lower TSH, FT3, and FT4). In both periods, liver type 1 deiodinase was lower (26 and 55%). We evidenced that NIC imprints a neonatal thyroid dysfunction and programs for a higher adiposity, hyperleptinemia, and secondary hypothyroidism in adulthood. Our study identifies lactation as a critical period to NIC programing for obesity, with hypothyroidism being a possible contributing factor.
THE CALCULATION OF COLLAPSE LOADS FOR FRAMED STRUCTURES. (INCLUDES APPENDIX).
Authors: NEAL B G , SYMONDS P S
Published: June 2009

Synopsis

The Paper presents a new method for the determination of the collapse load for structures of any degree of complexity by a simple routine analysis. The method is limited only by the time which would be taken in the analysis for a large frame. It is shown, however, that a skilled analyst may be able to reduce the labour involved to a considerable extent. The method is contrasted with the method which is used at present, in which the designer guesses the locations of the plastic hinges which form when the structure collapses, and then adjusts his guesses in a systematic manner.
THE CALCULATION OF FAILURE LOADS ON PLANE FRAMES UNDER ARBITRARY LOADING PROGRAMMES.
Authors: SYMONDS P S , NEAL B G
Published: June 2009

Synopsis

The Paper extends the plastic theory for plane frames of mild steel to cover the cases in which the detailed loading programmes of a set of independently variable loads are either wholly or partially unspecified and there is no restriction on the number of times each load may be applied.

A general method for analysing framed structures of mild steel, under arbitrary loading programmes, is presented. A two-bay portal frame with rigid joints, subjected to three independent forces, is taken as the basis for discussion, and a complete numerical analysis of the “shake-down” problem for this frame is given to illustrate the general method. Once the elastic analysis has been made, the time required for the “shake-down” analysis will, in many cases, be not much longer than that which would be needed to make the analysis for plastic collapse. Limitations of the present theory are discussed, and some suggestions as to its probable applications to design problems are offered.
Calculating Continuous Time Ruin Probabilities for a Large Portfolio with Varying Premiums
Authors: Afonso Lourdes B. , dos Reis Alfredo D. Egídio , Waters Howard R.
Published: June 2009

In this paper we present a method for the numerical evaluation of the ruin probability in continuous and finite time for a classical risk process where the premium can change from year to year. A major consideration in the development of this methodology is that it should be easily applicable to large portfolios. Our method is based on the simulation of the annual aggregate claims and then on the calculation of the ruin probability for a given surplus at the start and at the end of each year. We calculate the within-year ruin probability assuming a translated gamma distribution approximation for aggregate claim amounts.

We illustrate our method by studying the case where the premium at the start of each year is a function of the surplus level at that time or at an earlier time.
Estimating the Variance of Bootstrapped Risk Measures
Authors: Kim Joseph H.T. , Hardy Mary R.
Published: June 2009

In Kim and Hardy (2007) the exact bootstrap was used to estimate certain risk measures including Value at Risk and the Conditional Tail Expectation. In this paper we continue this work by deriving the influence function of the exact-bootstrapped quantile risk measure. We can use the influence function to estimate the variance of the exact-bootstrap risk measure. We then extend the result to the L-estimator class, which includes the conditional tail expectation risk measure. The resulting formula provides an alternative way to estimate the variance of the bootstrapped risk measures, or the whole L-estimator class in an analytic form. A simulation study shows that this new method is comparable to the ordinary resampling-based bootstrap method, with the advantages of an analytic approach.
Assessing Individual Unexplained Variation in Non-Life Insurance
Authors: Hössjer Ola , Eriksson Bengt , Järnmalm Kajsa , Ohlsson Esbjörn
Published: June 2009

We consider variation of observed claim frequencies in non-life insurance, modeled by Poisson regression with overdispersion. In order to quantify how much variation between insurance policies that is captured by the rating factors, one may use the coefficient of determination, R2, the estimated proportion of total variation explained by the model. We introduce a novel coefficient of individual determination (CID), which excludes noise variance and is defined as the estimated fraction of total individual variation explained by the model. We argue that CID is a more relevant measure of explained variation than R2 for data with Poisson variation. We also generalize previously used estimates and tests of overdispersion and introduce new coefficients of individual explained and unexplained variance.

Application to a Swedish three year motor TPL data set reveals that only 0.5% of the total variation and 11% of the total individual variation is explained by a model with seven rating factors, including interaction between sex and age. Even though the amount of overdispersion is small (4.4% of the noise variance) it is still highly significant. The coefficient of variation of explained and unexplained individual variation is 29% and 81% respectively.
Recursive Credibility Formula for Chain Ladder Factors and the Claims Development Result
Authors: Bühlmann Hans , De Felice Massimo , Gisler Alois , Moriconi Franco , Wüthrich Mario V.
Published: June 2009

In recent Solvency II considerations much effort has been put into the development of appropriate models for the study of the one-year loss reserving uncertainty in non-life insurance. In this article we derive formulas for the conditional mean square error of prediction of the one-year claims development result in the context of the Bayes chain ladder model studied in Gisler-Wüthrich. The key to these formulas is a recursive representation for the results obtained in Gisler-Wüthrich.
Generalized Bonus-Malus Systems with a Frequency and a Severity Component on an Individual Basis in Automobile Insurance
Authors: Mahmoudvand Rahim , Hassani Hossein
Published: June 2009

Frangos and Vrontos (2001) proposed an optimal bonus-malus systems with a frequency and a severity component on an individual basis in automobile insurance. In this paper, we introduce a generalized form of those obtained previously.
On the Issue of Relations between the E.U. and Eastern European Countries
Authors: Radvilas Vytautas
Published: June 2009

The aim of this article is to review and evaluate the condition and the development perspectives of the relations between the E.U. and its Eastern neighbors. The problem is analyzed in the context of the recent discussion on the Broader Europe" concept. The current dominant model of the relations between the E.U. and Eastern European countries is described in the article using the circular discourse" and circular interaction" terms. This article is aimed to reveal the initial theoretical and geo/political preconditions that helped this model to become the dominant theoretical and practical approach in the field of E.U.East Europe relations, to uncover the logics of its functioning and the implications of its realization to Lithuania and the other new E.U. member states.
Mechanisms for the formation of membranous nanostructures in cell-to-cell communication
Authors: Schara Karin , Janša Vid , Šuštar Vid , Dolinar Drago , Pavlič Janez , Lokar Maruša , Kralj-Iglič Veronika , Veranič Peter , Iglič Aleš
Published: June 2009

Cells interact by exchanging material and information. Two methods of cell-to-cell communication are by means of microvesicles and by means of nanotubes. Both microvesicles and nanotubes derive from the cell membrane and are able to transport the contents of the inner solution. In this review, we describe two physical mechanisms involved in the formation of microvesicles and nanotubes: curvature-mediated lateral redistribution of membrane components with the formation of membrane nanodomains; and plasmamediated attractive forces between membranes. These mechanisms are clinically relevant since they can be affected by drugs. In particular, the underlying mechanism of heparin’s role as an anticoagulant and tumor suppressor is the suppression of microvesicluation due to plasma-mediated attractive interaction between membranes.
The influence of JNK and P38 MAPK inhibition on IL-12P40 and IL-23 production depending on IL12B promoter polymorphism
Authors: Dobreva Zlatka , Stanilova Spaska , Miteva Lyuba
Published: June 2009

The interleukin-12p40 gene (IL12B) encodes the p40 polypeptide chain, which, together with p19, composes IL-23. A bi-allelic promoter polymorphism (IL12Bpro) located at −2703 bp of the transcription initiation site has been reported to show associations with IL-12p40 production. To elucidate the dependence of IL-12p40 and IL-23 production on IL12Bpro polymorphism in relation to MAPK signal transduction pathways, we examined the effect of JNK and p38 inhibition on the secretion of these cytokines by stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy donors with 1.1 and 1.2/2.2 IL12Bpro genotypes. Stimulation with LPS and C3bgp resulted in approximately equal IL-12p40 production from PBMC with the 1.1 and 1.2/2.2 genotypes. The inhibition of JNK and p38 before stimulation significantly upregulated IL-12p40 production by PBMC with the 1.1 genotype, but did not influence IL-12p40 production from PBMC with the 1.2/2.2 genotype. Cultures of PBMC with the 1.1 genotype produced significantly more IL-12p40 than PBMC with the 1.2/2.2 genotype after stimulation with PHA. Inhibition of p38 kinase upregulated p40 production only in cultures with the 1.1 genotype. Decreased IL-23 production was observed in C3bgp-stimulated cultures after the inhibition of p38 regardless of the genotype of the tested cells. We concluded that IL-12p40 and IL-23 expression, which is mediated by the p38 and JNK intracellular signaling pathways, is influenced by IL12Bpro polymorphism.
Transcriptional profiles during the differentiation and maturation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells, analyzed using focused microarrays
Authors: Zhong Weixue , Fei Min , Zhu Yibei , Zhang Xueguang
Published: June 2009

Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen-presenting cells capable of initiating primary immune responses. They have been intensively studied and are used in both basic immunology research and clinical immunotherapy. However, the genetic pathways leading to DC differentiation and maturation remain poorly understood. Using focused microarrays with oligonucletotide probes for 120 genes encoding co-stimulatory molecules, chemokines, chemokine receptors, cytokines, cytokine receptors, TLRs, and several other related molecules, we analyzed the kinetics of gene expression for the overall differentiation process of monocytes into mature DC. In parallel, we compared the transcriptional profiles in DC maturation in the presence of LPS, TNF-α or trimeric CD40L. We found similar transcriptional profiles for early immature DC and immature DC, respectively generated by culturing monocytes with GM-CSF and IL-4 for three or six days. We identified sets of common and stimuli-specific genes, the expression of which changed following stimulation with LPS, TNF-α or CD40L. A dynamic analysis of the entire DC differentiation and maturation process showed that some important inflammatory and constitutive chemokines are transcribed in both immature and mature DC. The correlative expression kinetics of the gene pairs IL1R1/IL1R2, IL15/IL15RA, DC-SIGN/ICAM-2 and DC-SIGN/ICAM-3 imply that they all play crucial roles in mediating DC functions. Thus, our analysis with focused microarrays shed light on the transcriptional kinetics of DC differentiation and maturation, and this method may also prove useful for identifying novel marker genes involved in DC functions.
Arginine methylation analysis of the splicing-associated SR protein SFRS9/SRP30C
Authors: Bressan Gustavo , Moraes Eduardo , Manfiolli Adriana , Kuniyoshi Tais , Passos Dario , Gomes Marcelo , Kobarg Jörg
Published: June 2009

The human SFRS9/SRp30c belongs to the SR family of splicing regulators. Despite evidence that members of this protein family may be targeted by arginine methylation, this has yet to be experimentally addressed. In this study, we found that SFRS9 is a target for PRMT1-mediated arginine methylation in vitro, and that it is immunoprecipitated from HEK-293 lysates by antibodies that recognize both mono- and dimethylated arginines. We further observed that upon treatment with the methylation inhibitor Adox, the fluorescent EGFP-SFRS9 re-localizes to dot-like structures in the cell nucleus. In subsequent confocal analyses, we found that EGFP-SFRS9 localizes to nucleoli in Adox-treated cells. Our findings indicate the importance of arginine methylation for the subnuclear localization of SFRS9.
The immunosuppressive activities of newly synthesized azaphenothiazines in human and mouse models
Authors: Zimecki Michał , Artym Jolanta , Kocięba Maja , Pluta Krystian , Morak-Młodawska Beata , Jeleń Małgorzata
Published: June 2009

In this study, we evaluated the activities of new types of azaphenothiazines in the following immunological assays: the proliferative response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells induced by phytohemagglutin A or anti-CD3 antibodies; lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine production by human PBMC; the secondary, humoral immune response in mice to sheep erythrocytes (in vitro); and delayed-type hypersensitivity in mice to ovalbumin (in vivo). In some tests, chlorpromazine served as a reference drug. The compounds exhibited differential inhibitory activities in the proliferation tests, with 10H-2,7-diazaphenothiazine (compound 1) and 6-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)diquinothiazine (compound 8) being most suppressive. Compound 1 was selected for further studies, and was found to be strongly suppressive in the humoral immune response even at low concentrations (1 μg/ml). Compound 1 also inhibited the delayed-type hypersensitivity lipopolysaccharide-induced production of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6 in cultures of human blood cells. As there were only two subjects in this study, the effects of these compounds on human blood cells need to be confirmed. In this paper, we also discuss the structure-activity relationships of selected compounds.
An Experimental Setup to Measure the Transient Temperature Profiles in Water Assisted Injection Molding
Authors: Liu S.-J. , Su P.-C.
Published: June 2009

Water assisted injection molding technology has gradually become an important process for making hollow plastic parts, due to its light weight, relatively lower resin cost per part, faster cycle time, and its flexibility in the design and manufacture of plastic parts. Study of the temperature profiles in molded parts is of fundamental importance to a more complete understanding of many complicated phenomena. This report presents a novel experimental setup which allows the in-situ measurement of three-dimensional temperature field in the depth of molded parts throughout the molding cycles. A specific mold equipped with tubular needles for guiding embedded micro-thermocouples was designed and manufactured. Experiments were carried out on a lab developed water assisted injection-molding system, which included an injection molding machine, a water pump, a water injection pin, a water tank equipped with a temperature regulator, and a control circuit. The resin used was semi-crystalline polypropylene. The in-cavity temperature of the polymeric materials during the molding cycle was measured. In addition, an unsteady-state, nonlinear heat transfer model of water assisted injection molding has been proposed to numerically simulate the in-depth temperature profiles. It is shown that the numerical predictions are in good agreement with experimental data. Experimental investigation and numerical simulations of a water assisted injection molding cooling process will provide an improved understanding of the influence of water related parameters on the cooling process of water assisted injection molded parts.
Sustainable Biocomposites from Rice Flour and Sisal Fiber: Effect of Fiber Loading, Length and Alkali Treatment
Authors: Lopattananon N. , Songkaew S. , Thongruang W. , Seadan M.
Published: June 2009

Rice flour was modified with water and glycerol in single-screw extruder to obtain bioplastic of low manufacturing cost. Sisal fibers were used as reinforcing fillers to enhance rice flour-based bioplastic properties. The effects of short sisal fiber content (5 to 20 wt.%), length (0.2 to 6 mm) and alkali treatment (5% w/v NaOH) on the moisture content, tensile properties, impact properties, dynamic mechanical properties and morphology of the biocomposites were studied. The results showed that incorporation of the sisal fibers with a fixed fiber length into the bioplastics improved moisture resistance, tensile strength, impact strength and storage modulus, and that the improvement level increased with increasing sisal fiber content. The optimum reinforcement was achieved at 20 wt.% of fiber loading and 4 mm long fibers. The tensile strength of the biocomposite was about 4 times more than that of the neat rice flour-based bioplastic. The use of 5% NaOH aqueous solution further improved the moisture resistance and mechanical properties of the biocomposites, mainly resulting from better interfacial adhesion between the sisal fiber and rice flour matrix. Furthermore, the performance of the rice flour-based bioplastics synergistically combined with the sisal fibers suggests that they have great potential in development of environmentally friendly/sustainable biomaterial products from renewable resources.
Micro Replication by Injection-Compression Molding
Authors: Rohde M. , Derdouri A. , Kamal M. R.
Published: June 2009

The replication of polymeric microstructures on a flat surface is not easily achieved by conventional injection molding, because of the required micro-dimensional control and the stringent tolerances of most applications. Moreover, the flow behaviour of melts in micro cavities remains not well understood and challenging. On the other hand, injection-compression molding is an established process for the manufacturing of optical storage media, like compact discs (CD) or digital versatile discs (DVD), with grooves and pits at the micro-scale. The difficulties arise mainly from two sources: lack of adequate filling because of premature freezing of features with very small thicknesses and excessive deformation during ejection due to high friction at the polymer-metal interface. In this work, a study is carried out to investigate the effect of process parameters on the replication of various microstructures on a flat disk using microinjection-compression molding. A commercial microinjection molding machine has been used in the study. Two optical grade polymers poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and cyclic olefin polymer (COP) were used in conjunction with various mold inserts to reproduce the embedded microstructures. The dimensions of the microstructures on the inserts and molded parts were measured with a confocal profiler. A transcription ratio was defined to assess the quality of the replication. The design of experiment (DOE) method was used to obtain correlations between the process parameters and the development of the microstructure during injection-compression molding.
On-line Measurement Studies on Orientation Development and Characteristic Short-Period Diameter Fluctuation in High Speed In-line Drawing of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Fiber
Authors: Hahm W.-G. , Takarada W. , Ito H. , Kikutani T.
Published: June 2009

To investigate the orientation development behavior in high-speed in-line drawing process of poly(ethylene terephthalate) filament, simultaneous on-line measurements of diameter and optical retardation were conducted under various spinning and drawing conditions. In the measurement of optical retardation, the order of interference could be determined successfully from the successive assembly of phase shift versus filament diameter correlations collected at different measuring positions along the spinning and drawing lines. Analyzed birefringence increased steeply in the vicinity of neck-like deformation in the high-speed spinning line or in the vicinity of necking deformations in the in-line drawing line. It was verified that the thinning in the in-line drawing line is more effective for the development of molecular orientation in comparison with that in the high speed spinning line. Analysis on the time-course variations of diameter and birefringence in the vicinity of neck-like deformation caused by the fluctuation of its position along the spinning line was conducted to obtain detailed orientation development behavior. This analysis confirmed that the local birefringence is governed solely by the local diameter (or velocity) in the high-speed spinning line. On the other hand, it was relatively difficult to analyze the time-course variation of birefringence near the necking deformation in the in-line drawing line because of an overlapping of unique short-period diameter fluctuation of around 125 Hz, which corresponds to several tens of centimeters along the filament, occurring during the necking deformation. Such diameter fluctuation moves toward downstream at the speed of running filament, and therefore was speculated to be originated from the intrinsic characteristics of fiber materials.
Bionomics of Eublemma amabilis Moore (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a Major Predator of Lac insect and Its Control Measure
Authors: Rahman M Matiur , Ahmed KN , Karim KN Shahjahan , Ali M Sohrab
Published: June 2009

The moth, Eublemma amabilis Moore is very destructive to lac insect and lac encrustation. The moth is generally white-pinkish in colour and it lays gray-white and round eggs, depressed in the centre. The newly hatched larva enters the lac insect either through one of the opening in the cell or by tunneling a hole through the encrustation. A single larva damages 42-50 matured cells prior to pupation. It completes six generation in a year and causes comparatively more injury to the "Kartki" crop than to the Baishaki crop. The morphological details of this predator were studied. Several natural enemies of E. amabilis have been recorded. Key words: Eublemma amabilis, Lac, Predator, Crop injury and Control measure.   doi: 10.3329/bjsir.v44i1.2714 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 44(1), 57-64, 2009
Effect of Planting Time and Micronutrient as Zinc Chloride on the Growth, Yield and Oil Content of Mentha piperita
Authors: Akhtar Nasima , Sarker M Abdul Matin , Akhter Hasina , Nada M Katrun
Published: June 2009

An experiment was conducted to find out the effect of essential oil percentage content and morphogenesis of Mentha piperita with foliar treatment of different concentration of zinc solution (1ppm, 1.5ppm, 2ppm, 2.5ppm, 3ppm and 3.5ppm as zinc chloride). An experiment was set up in earthen wear pots in three seasons of Bangladesh (winter, summer and monsoon). Zinc solutions were first applied as foliar treatment at 30days after planting, second and third treatment was applied after seven days intervals. Harvesting was carried out at 65 days after planting. In monsoon the maximum increase of leaves/hector (37.31 t /hector) with 3ppm Zn chloride solution and it was followed by summer (23.11t/hector) with 1ppm zinc chloride solution. 28.2% essential oil was increased compare with the control plant in summer with 3ppm zinc chloride solution; it followed by monsoon 6.7% essential oil when foliar treatment was 2.5ppm. Acid value, refractive index and density of oil were remaining more or less same in the whole period of the treatment. Key words: Mentha piperita, Planting time, Zinc chloride, Oil content quality, Plot yield.   doi: 10.3329/bjsir.v44i1.2721 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 44(1), 125-130, 2009
Response of Different Levels of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Water Stress on the Growth and Yield of Japanese Mint (Mentha Arvensis L.)
Authors: Shormin Tanjia , Khan M Akhter Hossain , Alamgir M
Published: June 2009

The response of mint (Mentha arvensis L.) to different levels of nitrogen and different levels of water stress were investigated. Relative performances of different growth and yield parameters such as plant height and fresh weight of shoot as influenced by N-fertilizer and water stress were investigated. Pot experiment was conducted with five levels of N treatments- 0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg N ha-1 and four levels of water conditions 100, 75%, 50 and 25% field capacity. Plant growth (height and fresh herb (product) was affected by water stress and different N levels. At 100% field capacity, the highest dose of N- (240kg N/ha) Produced maximum plant height (46.33 cm) and fresh herb product. Lower dose of N treatment decreased the plant height and herb product. Compared to 100% field capacity the fresh herb product was drastically decreased from 103.54 -31.67 g pot -1 at 25% field capacity. Key words: Mentha arvensis, Water stress, N-fertilization, Yield of mint.   doi: 10.3329/bjsir.v44i1.2723 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 44(1), 137-145, 2009
Sunflower Plants as Bioindicators of Environmental Pollution with Lead (II) Ions
Authors: Krystofova Olga , Shestivska Violetta , Galiova Michaela , Novotny Karel , Kaiser Jozef , Zehnalek Josef , Babula Petr , Opatrilova Radka , Adam Vojtech , Kizek Rene
Published: June 2009

In this study, the influence of lead (II) ions on sunflower growth and biochemistry was investigated from various points of view. Sunflower plants were treated with 0, 10, 50, 100 and/or 500 µM Pb-EDTA for eight days. We observed alterations in growth in all experimental groups compared with non-treated control plants. Further we determined total content of proteins by a Bradford protein assay. By the eighth day of the experiment, total protein contents in all treated plants were much lower compared to control. Particularly noticeable was the loss of approx. 8 µg/mL or 15 µg/mL in shoots or roots of plants treated with 100 mM Pb-EDTA. We also focused our attention on the activity of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and urease. Activity of the enzymes increased with increasing length of the treatment and applied concentration of lead (II) ions. This increase corresponds well with a higher metabolic activity of treated plants. Contents of cysteine, reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and phytochelatin 2 (PC2) were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Cysteine content declined in roots of plants with the increasing time of treatment of plants with Pb-EDTA and the concentration of toxic substance. Moreover, we observed ten times higher content of cysteine in roots in comparison with shoots. The observed reduction of cysteine content probably relates with its utilization for biosynthesis of GSH and phytochelatins, because the content of GSH and PC2 was similar in roots and shoots and increased with increased treatment time and concentration of Pb-EDTA. Moreover, we observed oxidative stress caused by Pb-EDTA in roots where the GSSG/GSH ratio was about 0.66. In shoots, the oxidative stress was less distinctive, with a GSSG/GSH ratio 0.14. We also estimated the rate of phytochelatin biosynthesis from the slope of linear equations plotted with data measured in the particular experimental group. The highest rate was detected in roots treated with 100 µM of Pb-EDTA. To determine heavy metal ions many analytical instruments can be used, however, most of them are only able to quantify total content of the metals. This problem can be overcome using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, because it is able to provide a high spatial-distribution of metal ions in different types of materials, including plant tissues. Data obtained were used to assemble 3D maps of Pb and Mg distribution. Distribution of these elements is concentrated around main vascular bundle of leaf, which means around midrib.
Technical Report: Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions That Are Not Outer Hair Cell Emissions
Authors: Silman Shlomo , Emmer Michele B. , Silverman Carol A.
Published: June 2009

Purpose: To present a case study in order to alert clinicians to the possibility of occurrence of intermodulation distortion during otoacoustic emissions testing that arises from the cavity formed by the external auditory meatus and tympanic membrane rather than from the inner
ear, compromising the reliability and validity of otoacoustic emissions testing. Research Design: Prospective case study. Study Sample: A young (26-year-old) female adult with a longstanding, bilateral, essentially moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss presented with
robust distortion product otoacoustic emissions. Results: Repeat otoacoustic emissions testing with another device of the same model revealed essentially absent distortion product otoacoustic emissions and transient otoacoustic emissions. Calibration of both otoacoustic emissions devices
using a 1 cc membranous cavity indicated present intermodulation distortion for the device that yielded robust distortion product otoacoustic emissions for the patient but absent intermodulation distortion for the device that revealed absent distortion product otoacoustic emissions and absent
transient evoked otoacoustic emissions for the patient. The calibration findings for the device yielding intermodulation distortion in the cavity were confirmed by an engineer of a technical instrumentation company. The device was shipped back to the manufacturer of the device for repair.
The manufacturer's engineers diagnosed the problem as an interruption in the relay system. Following repair, calibration revealed the absence of intermodulation distortion in the 1 cc membranous cavity. Conclusions: The findings have implications for the reliability and validity of
otoacoustic emissions. Clinicians should routinely calibrate otoacoustic emissions devices using 1.0 and 0.5 cc membranous cavities to rule out intermodulation distortion that could produce artifactual otoacoustic emissions in patients.