bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ruminal fermentation modification of protein and carbohydrate by means of roasted and estimation of microbial protein synthesis
Authors: Andrade-Montemayor Héctor , García Gasca Teresa , Kawas Jorge
Published: October 2009

The animal meal prohibition as a protein source with low ruminal degradability in ruminant nutrition, creates the need to seek alternatives, as legume seeds, however, its protein, have a high degradability, which could generate losses of nitrogen in the rumen. Other problem in the legume seeds is the content of antinutritional factors such as protease inhibitors, tannins, phenolic compounds, lectins and some others, could affect the digestibility. One alternative to decrease the degradability of the protein and/or decrease the activity of some antinutritional factors is the use of different technological treatments such as roasting. Microbial protein synthesis is dependent on the availability of nitrogen or amino acids and of the degradable carbohydrate content, or of content of Organic Matter digestible and rumen degraded (OMDRD), and the synchronization in rumen degradation between protein and carbohydrates. If there are high amounts of degradable nitrogen or if the content and rate of carbohydrates degradation in the rumen is reduced or not synchronized with the degradation of protein, could be losses of nitrogen and/or energy in the rumen. In this paper, we analyze the characteristics of proteins and carbohydrates from various seeds and grains, the effect of dry-roasted application on degradability behavior of seeds.
Produção in vitro de embriões de ovinos: uma visão crítica do método e de seu resultado a campo
Authors: Traldi Anneliese de Souza
Published: October 2009

A metodologia de produção in vitro de embriões de ovinos implica no desenvolvimento de meios de maturação, fertilização e cultivo que permitam aumentar a taxa de clivagem e desenvolvimento, tanto para o investimento biotecnológico em programas comerciais, quanto para sua utilização em clonagem e transgenia dessa espécie animal. Do ponto de vista da pesquisa, os ovócitos podem ser obtidos pelas técnicas de punção e slicing a partir de ovários oriundos de matadouros, ou através de aspiração folicular por laparoscopia. Como vantagem, este método permite o uso de uma mesma doadora estimulada hormonialmente em intervalos periódicos, mantida sob rigoroso controle sanitário, o que é de vital importância para a produção de biofármacos em programas que utilisem os ovinos como modelo biológico. Por outro lado, em nosso país a demanda pela multiplicação de animais de alto valor genético, seja pela produtividade ou pelo elevado valor comercial dos mesmos, impõe o desenvolvimento, adaptação e otimização das diferentes metodologias desenvolvidas ao longo dos ultimos anos em laboratórios de referência mundiais. Nesse contexto, cresce de importância o perfeito conhecimento da fisiologia dessa espécie e das raças criadas em nosso país, e da problemática da produção in vitro de seus embriões. Respeitando essas premissas, gerar o desenvolvimento de protocolos que permitam não apenas aumentar a população de ovócitos passíveis de maturação in vitro, mas de sua competência ao desenvolvimento ao estágio de blastocisto, ou, alternativamente, sua transferência a receptoras em estágios precoces do desenvolvimento, evitando assim as conhecidas perdas durante o desenvolvimento in vitro, e o baixo percentual de gestações que chegam a termo, com cordeiro saudáveis. Trata-se de um desafio, que já apresenta os primeiros resultados em nosso país, tanto na produção comercial de embriões produzidos in vitro, quanto em programas de clonagem e transgenia.
Diet authentication in sheep from the composition of animal tissues and products
Authors: Prache Sophie
Published: October 2009

There is currently an increased consumer demand for information on herbivore production factors, particularly animal diet. To meet these demands, producers and commercial entities develop specifications via quality certifications. There is therefore a need for analytical tools that may guarantee that the specification commitments have been fully met or to help with constructing them. The present paper reviews the current state of knowledge concerning diet authentication in sheep meat and milk, the different approaches that have been investigated, some leading examples concerning the discrimination of contrasting feeding situations, together with the persistence of some diet markers in the event of changes in animals' diet. The nature of the diet strongly influences the composition of the animal tissues and products, which is due to specific compounds that are directly transferred from the feed to the end product or that are transformed or produced by rumen micro-organisms or the animal's metabolism under the effect of specific diets. Some of these compounds can therefore be used as diet markers. Compounds such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, volatile compounds and ratios of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope are potential tracers in meat and milk or animal tissues of animal feeding diets. Moreover, differences in meat and milk composition induce differences in their optical properties, and therefore in their spectral features, which can also be used for diet authentication. These techniques have already allowed discrimination among products obtained in contrasting feeding conditions. Intermediate situations, for example in case of modification of the animal's diet, may be less easily recognized and may require a combination of tracing methods. In particular, the persistence of tracers when animals are stall-fed a concentrate-based diet after pasture and its implications for traceability are discussed. Finally, further directions for research are highlighted.
Suplementação a pasto: disponibilidade e qualidade x níveis de suplementação x desempenho
Authors: Silva Fabiano Ferreira da , Sá Jacqueline Firmino de , Schio Alex Resende , Ítavo Luís Carlos Vínhas , Silva Robério Rodrigues , Mateus Rodrigo Gonçalves
Published: October 2009

Objetivou-se avaliar os resultados da suplementação no período seco do ano e as possíveis interferências da disponibilidade e qualidade da forragem e os níveis de suplementação nos desempenhos. A disponibilidade total de MS e matéria seca verde das pastagens diferida para utilização na seca possui média de todos os experimentos de 6.431 kg.ha-1 e de 2.173 kg.ha-1, respectivamente. As Brachiarias no período seco sob pastejo apresentam altos teores de FDN, com média de 74,50%, altos teores de FDA, com média de 44,19%, baixos teores de PB, com média de 5,59% e baixos teores de DIVMS/O, com média de 51,36%. Nesse sentido, a dieta colhida pelo animal normalmente apresenta maiores teores de proteína bruta e menores teores de FDN. Sobre o consumo em pastejo, nota-se que a redução é mínimo até o nível de suplementação de 0,3% do peso corporal (PC) por dia e quando o consumo de suplemento aumenta para níveis acima de 0,3% do PC, o consumo de pasto é reduzido e que esse decréscimo pode ser ainda maior quando a oferta de suplemento é de 0,8% do PC. A suplementação propiciou aos bovinos maiores ganhos do que os recebendo apenas sal mineral no período seco. Devem-se garantir pelo menos 4.500 kg de MS total.ha-1, 1.200 kg.ha-1 de MSV, oferta de 10 a 12% do PC de MS da forragem e 6% de MS potencialmente digestível, para garantir seletividade e ganhos individuais satisfatórios sem comprometer o ganho por área. A suplementação no período seco em braquiárias é biologicamente viável pelo efeito positivo no ganho de peso, mas a viabilidade econômica do sistema é local dependente. Níveis de suplementação acima de 0,8% do PC devem ser investigados quanto a alternativas que possam evitar possíveis efeitos negativos no ambiente ruminal que reduzam as expectativas de ganho, como o fracionamento da suplementação.
Metodo de gestão em sistema de produção animal
Authors: Machado Paulo Fernando , Cassoli Laerte Dagher , Silva Augusto Lima da
Published: October 2009

O sistema MDA de gerenciamento de explorações leiteiras teve origem em um conjunto de práticas gerenciais desenvolvidas e utilizadas eficientemente pelo setor industrial desde o início da década de 90. Foi desenvolvido aplicando-se os cinco princípios administrativos básicos para se atingir o sucesso nas empresas. Estes princípios, somados aos princípios de sobrevivência na atividade nortearam as características do Sistema MDA. Ele pode ser caracterizado como um sistema de gestão estratégica que se inicia com os fins em mente, ou seja, é condição básica para a realização de qualquer tarefa a definição, a priori, de metas e prazos. Com isso infere-se que há necessidade de se medir coisas. Se os resultados não forem alcançados, devem-se procurar as causas no treinamento dos funcionários ou nos métodos utilizados e nunca nas pessoas. Também, deve-se satisfazer a todos os interessados no negócio - os acionistas, os clientes, os funcionários e a sociedade.
Transfer of toxic substances from feed to food
Authors: Kan Cornelis Adriaan
Published: October 2009

The title may raise questions about definitions of the terms used. The more obvious ones are: 1) What is transfer? 2) How to define toxic; and 3) How to define feed or food. A more underlying question is how to measure the substances we are interested in. The (often) chemical methods used, are not always sensitive or specific enough. Sometimes, biologically based methods are used which detect a biological response, but seldom identify the compound responsible for that. Transfer is often not quantified in absolute terms but expressed in concentrations in feed and food. Mass balance between intake and excretion are quite rare as a steady state situation of residues in the animal is sometimes not obtained. Toxicity is mostly dependent on the concentration of the substance involved and even substances presumed to be innocent. Feed does certainly include the materials provided to the animal but also include the soil in which they walk and graze? Animals will consume some of the soil and it might contain considerable amounts of unwanted substances. Food certainly includes meat, milk and eggs and probably liver and kidney. But does also include intestine, spleen, testicles or even bone? Analytical methods may give wrong results if not applied properly and with adequate background knowledge. The recent episode of melamine in milk powder has been a very tragic wake-up call in this respect. Based on 35 years of carry-over studies with farm animals and data from the literature, a number of these points will be discussed.
North American Rendering: processing high quality protein and fats for feed
Authors: Meeker David L.
Published: October 2009

One third to one half of each animal produced for meat, milk, eggs, and fiber is not consumed by humans. These raw materials are subjected to rendering processes resulting in many useful products. Meat and bone meal, meat meal, poultry meal, hydrolyzed feather meal, blood meal, fish meal, and animal fats are the primary products resulting from the rendering process. The most important and valuable use for these animal by-products is as feed ingredients for livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and companion animals. There are volumes of scientific references validating the nutritional qualities of these products, and there are no scientific reasons for altering the practice of feeding rendered products to animals. Government agencies regulate the processing of food and feed, and the rendering industry is scrutinized often. In addition, industry programs include good manufacturing practices, HACCP, Codes of Practice, and third-party certification. The rendering industry clearly understands its role in the safe and nutritious production of animal feed ingredients and has done it very effectively for over 100 years. The availability of rendered products for animal feeds in the future depends on regulation and the market. Regulatory agencies will determine whether certain raw materials can be used for animal feed. The National Renderers Association (NRA) supports the use of science as the basis for regulation while aesthetics, product specifications, and quality differences should be left to the market place. Without the rendering industry, the accumulation of unprocessed animal by-products would impede the meat industries and pose a serious potential hazard to animal and human health.
Uso de ingredientes provenientes de OGM em rações e seu impacto na produção de alimentos de origem animal para humanos
Authors: Vercesi Anibal E. , Ravagnani Felipe G. , Di Ciero Luciana
Published: October 2009

Desde os primórdios o homem buscou selecionar as plantas alimentícias para maior produtividade. O conhecimento da estrutura do DNA permitiu que a engenharia genética se desenvolvesse consideravelmente fornecendo ferramentas para a realização de alterações específicas no genoma. Os produtos destas alterações são denominados transgênicos ou organismos geneticamente modificados (OGM) e apresentam alto potencial de aplicação em diversas áreas da atividade humana como: agricultura, medicina, saúde, produção e processamento de alimentos, produção bioquímica, controle de doenças e biorremediação. Atualmente, as plantas transgênicas, oriundas da tecnologia do DNA recombinante, trouxeram novas variedades já cultivadas em mais de 100 milhões de hectares em 23 países, incluindo o Brasil, onde 8 variedades já foram aprovadas pela Comissão Técnica Nacional de Biossegurança (CTNBio). Esse método de melhoramento genético facilitou a introdução de características desejáveis em plantas, como resistência a estresses bióticos e abióticos e otimização da composição de alguns nutrientes essenciais à saúde animal e humana. Enquanto estes avanços da biotecnologia abrem novas perspectivas para a solução de problemas em áreas como a agricultura, a liberação de transgênicos para uso na natureza traz preocupações quanto a possíveis problemas de natureza ecológica e para a saúde humana e animal. Estas preocupações deram origem à criação de agências governamentais para controlar o uso desta tecnologia e regulamentar a segurança dos alimentos transgênicos e seus derivados. Até o momento, os estudos científicos mostram que os transgênicos liberados comercialmente são tão seguros ou mais ao meio ambiente e a saúde animal e humana que os convencionais.
Development and Field Application of a Low-pH, Efficient Fracturing Fluid for Tight Gas Fields in the Greater Green River Basin, Wyoming
Authors: Gupta D. V. S. , Jackson T. L. , Hlavinka G. J. , Evans J. B. , Le H. V. , Batrashkin A. , Shaefer M. T.
Published: October 2009

Hydraulic fracturing has proved to be one of the best technologies to improve productivity from tight gas wells. In such low-permeability reservoirs, careful consideration must be given to fracturing fluid selection. Some reservoirs are underpressured and require the use of energized fluids, while others are sensitive to water-based fluids because of clay swelling and migration.

Proppant pack damage because of gel residue is one of the primary causes of low production rates after hydraulic fracturing treatments. To minimize the damage and maximize production, a new premium, highly efficient fracturing fluid was developed. This premium system incorporates low-polymer-loading carboxymethyl guar polymer and a zirconium-based crosslinker. An adjustable crosslink delay makes the fluid ideal for deep-well fracturing and coiled-tubing treatment as frictional pressure losses can be minimized. The system can be energized or foamed with carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) or may also be used in binary foam systems.

This paper will provide details on the new fracturing fluid system, in terms of proppant pack cleanup, rheological properties, and fluid loss, as well as other parameters. Various rheological evaluations using high-pressure, high-temperature rheometers as well as a foam loop, fluid leakoff testing, proppant pack conductivity, and regain permeability evaluations are presented.

Field case histories will evaluate fracturing treatments using new fracturing fluid and comparable treatments using conventional fluid. Normalized production data of the treated wells of both systems are also compared.
Under-Rig-Floor Openhole Logging in the Gulf of Thailand: Operational Implementation of the Oil Industry's First Simultaneous Openhole Wireline Logging and Drilling Operation
Authors: Upchurch Eric R. , Laoamornpanich Thaveesub
Published: October 2009

Chevron Thailand, on average, drills 12,000-ft measured-depth/8,200-ft total vertical depth wells in approximately 4.5 days. The factor that contributes most to this level of performance is the "offlining" of as many drilling-rig activities as possible. In our drilling operation, almost all pipe-handling and cementing operations are performed offline (i.e., off the critical-operations path and therefore simultaneous to other activities on the rig). We have now taken the next logical step in performing offline operations. In May 2007, Chevron Thailand introduced the world's first simultaneous openhole wireline logging and drilling operation on Seadrill RT-7 (a tender-assist drilling rig) and currently is deploying the same system on additional tender-assist rigs (TARs) and jackup rigs.

This paper is the second in a series of two that describe the engineering design and operational implementation of the tools and techniques necessary to make offline openhole wireline logging a reality. The first paper (Upchurch and Graves 2008) in this series details the engineering design aspects, and the resultant benefits, of this paradigm-changing logging system. This second paper describes the processes that were used to implement the system, along with the inherent risks and benefits of each phase of the implementation. Implementing radically new processes such as this into pre-existing drilling systems significantly increases the risk for technical failure, well control incidents, and personnel injury. This paper details the processes that were developed for avoiding all three. In the case of this new technology, our phased approach to implementation has resulted in smooth, incident-free introductions to the various rigsites. The benefits of this new system, and our method for implementing it without incident, are paying significant dividends to Chevron Thailand.
Recognition and Classification of Food Grains, Fruits and Flowers Using Machine Vision
Authors: Savakar Dayanand G , Anami Basavaraj S
Published: October 2009

In this paper, we have presented different methodologies devised for recognition and classification of images of agricultural/horticultural produce. A classifier based on BPNN is developed which uses the color, texture and morphological features to recognize and classify the different agricultural/horticultural produce. Even though these features have given different accuracies in isolation for varieties of food grains, mangoes and jasmine flowers, the combination of features proved to be very effective. The average recognition and classification accuracies using colour features are 87.5%, 78.4% and 75.7% for food grains, mango and jasmine flowers, respectively, and the average accuracies have increased to 90.8%, 80.2% and 85.8% for food grains, mangoes and jasmine flowers ,respectively, using texture features. The average accuracies have increased to 94.1%, 84.0% and 90.1% for food grains, mangoes and jasmine flowers, respectively. The results are encouraging and promise a good machine vision system in the area of recognition and classification of agricultural/horticultural produce.
Vertical Mergers and Competition with a Regulated Bottleneck Monopoly
Authors: Galetovic Alexander , Sanhueza Ricardo
Published: October 2009

Consider a bottleneck monopoly whose access charge is regulated above marginal cost and produces an essential input used by an oligopoly of downstream firms. Should the monopolist be allowed to vertically integrate into the downstream market? Policy makers often argue that the vertically integrated subsidiary enjoys an undue advantage, because it receives access at marginal cost. We show that there is no undue advantage.With perfect competition downstream vertical integration is irrelevant because the subsidiary substitutes downstream output one-to-one and faces a per-unit opportunity cost equal to the access charge.With an oligopoly consumers and the bottleneck monopoly gain with vertical integration. By contrast, competitors lose oligopolistic rents. Social welfare increases, unless output is redistributed towards a very inefficient vertically integrated firm.
Electrochemical characterization of the Au-In-Sb system
Authors: Gomidzelovic Lidija , Stankovic Zvonimir , Stevic Zoran , Zivkovic Dragana
Published: October 2009

The Au-In-Sb system belongs to the group of potential candidates for new lead-free solder materials. Therefore, a lot of investigations concerning its phase diagram and thermodynamic, mechanical, physical characteristics are going on at the moment. Having in mind the significance of such materials application in electronics, it is also very important to study their electrochemical characteristics. In order to give such a characterization, the results of cyclic voltammetry measurements for some alloys in the Au-In-Sb system are presented in this paper.
Modeling of a breakdown voltage in microdischarges
Authors: Djordjevic Ivana , Radmilovic-Radjenovic Marija , Petrovic Zoran
Published: October 2009

Non-equilibrium plasmas have been used as one of the principal technologies for development of microelectronics and they are the basis for the development of new generations of nano-electronics devices required for 65 and 40 nm technologies. Microdischarges recently have become more common in everyday life. Technology of plasma etching has enabled us to develop such discharges and the field of microdischarges has grown into the most interesting field of the physics of collisional non-equilibrium plasmas. Recently, an effort to fabricate microplasma sources that can be integrated with other MEMS devices to form larger Microsystems has been made. Plasma-based microsystems can find application in bio-microelectro- mechanical system (bio-MEMS) sterilization, small-scale materials processing and microchemical analysis systems. However, integrability requires not only a size reduction, but also an understanding of the physics governing the new small-scale discharges. In this paper, we have performed modeling of a breakdown voltage by using Particle-in-Cell/Monte Carlo collision (PIC/MCC) code taking into account the secondary electron emission due to a high field.
Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of a series of bile acid derivatives
Authors: Kuhajda Ksenija , Cvjeticanin Stanko , Djurendic Evgenija , Sakac Marija , Penov-Gasi Katarina , Kojic Vesna , Bogdanovic Gordana
Published: October 2009

The new conjugates of selected bile acids (hyocholic (2), deoxycholic (3), hyodeoxycholic (4) and 12-ketocholic (5) acids) with ethyl 11-aminoundecanoate 7, 8, 11, and 13 were synthesized. The conjugation reaction was carried out in ethyl acetate in the presence of N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) and triethylamine. Under the same experimental conditions, the conjugation reaction involving ethyl 6-aminohexanoate resulted in formation of a conjugate 9 only in the case of deoxycholic acid (3) in addition to the unexpected ethyl ester 10. In the case of the other bile acids (cholic (1), hyodeoxycholic (4) and 12-ketocholic (5) acids) only an unexpected ester formation took place giving esters 6, 12, and 14. Cytotoxic activity against four tumor cell lines (human breast adenocarcinoma ER-, MDA-MB-231; breast adenocarcinoma ER+, MCF-7; cervix epiteloid carcinoma, HeLa S-3; and prostate cancer, PC-3) was evaluated. Conjugate 8 showed strong activity against HeLa S-3 and conjugate 11 for PC-3. Ethyl ester of 12-ketocholic acid 14 showed very strong antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 and HeLa S-3.
Lipases and proteases produced by indigenous Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain as potential detergent additives
Authors: Grbavcic Sanja , Bezbradica Dejan , Karadzic Ivanka , Knezevic-Jugovic Zorica
Published: October 2009

Enzymes produced by indigenous Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain have been subjected to research considering their potential application as detergent additives. As previously noted, lipase produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is highly alkaline, thermostable and solvent tolerant. Furthermore, same strain exhibits both lipase and protease activity establishing this lipase as potentially desirable component of enzyme-containing detergents. Further research was carried out to investigate insusceptibility of this lipase against coexisting native protease, several commercial surfactants, oxidizing agents and commercial detergents. Lipases and proteases remained highly active when incubated with several different surfactants and oxidizing agents under washing conditions. Moreover, presence of surfactants and oxidizing agents such as Tween? 20 and Triton? X-100 initially augment lipase and protease activity. Additionally, crude lipase preparation was insusceptible to coexisting native protease hence indicating possible storage stability. Overall, the remarkable properties of these enzymes make them potential detergent additives.
Methods for detection of Phytophthora fragariae var. rubi on raspberry
Authors: Koprivica Mirjana , Dulic-Markovic Ivana , Jevtic Radivoje , Cooke Dave
Published: October 2009

Phytophthora fragariae var. rubi (Wilcox & Duncan), a causal agent of raspberry root rot, is a serious soil-borne pathogen listed by EPPO as an A2 quarantine pest. Root samples were collected from badly diseased raspberry plants showing a variety of characteristic and often dramatic symptoms during surveys carried out in western Serbia in 2002. Identification of the causal agent was performed in collaboration work with the Scottish Crop Research Institute (S.C.R.I.), Dundee, UK. Necrotic roots were plated on selective French bean agar (incorporating ampicilin, ryfamicin, bavistin and hymexasol). Detection of isolates was based on cultural and morphological features compared with referent cultures. DNA was extracted directly from the sampled roots using extraction buffer (200 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.5, 250 mM NaCl, 25 mM EDTA, 0.5% SDS), purified by multi spin separation columns [Thistle Scientific (Axygen)] or in 24:1 mixture of chlorophorm-isoamyl alcohol and amplified by nested PCR (ITS 4 and DC 6 for first round, DC 1 and DC 5 for second round). Diluted DNA extracts were also amplified by conventional PCR with modified 'universal' Phytophthora primers (ITS 6, ITS 7 and ITS 8, Cooke et al., 2000) and digested with Msp1. Digestion patterns of the universal primers PCR product from infected roots matched those of Scottish strains. P. fragariae var. rubi occurred on 8 out of 14 sites. Our results indicate that nested PCR (ITS 4 and DC 6 for first round, DC 1 and DC 5 for second round) or digestion of the 'universal' Phytophthora primers PCR product for detection of P. fragariae var. rubi are more sensitive and less time-consuming and therefore recommended for use.
The influence of Tilletia spp. inoculum source and environmental conditions on the frequency of infected wheat spikes
Authors: Koprivica Mirjana , Jevtic Radivoje , Dulic-Markovic Ivana
Published: October 2009

The influence of inoculum source on the incidence of common bunt, caused by fungi from the genus Tilletia, was estimated based on the frequency of bunt infected wheat spikes in our agroecological conditions. The cultivar Novosadska rana 5 was sown in a random split plot design with four replicates at Rimski Sancevi on three sawing dates in 1999/2000 and 2000/2001. The following variables were evaluated: I - control, II - soilborne inoculum (4 g teliospores/1 l soil), III - seedborne inoculum (2 g teliospores/1 kg seeds), IV - seedborne inoculum + soilborne inoculum (4 g teliospores/1 l soil + 2 g teliospores/1 kg seeds). Correlation and regression analysis were used to evaluate the effect of temperature and precipitation on the frequency of infected spikes. The frequency of bunt infected spikes depended on the source of Tilletia spp. inoculum, and difference in infection frequencies between variables II and III, as well as III and IV, were determined for the assessed infection parameters. When teliospores are the only source of inoculum in soil, 60 days after sawing (r>+0.52) is a critical period in which temperature influences the development of infection. The highest number of plants was infected in the first, while less were infected in the second ten days (decade) after sawing (r>0.41), when temperature was the optimal 5.0-6.0?C. The initial 60 days after sawing were also critical for disease development when teliospores on seeds were the only source of inoculum (r>+0.50). The highest number of plants was infected in the third and fewer in the fifth decade after sawing (r>0.41), when temperature was the optimal 5.0-6.0?C. When infection was caused by teliospores on seeds and in soil, the critical period lasted 120 days after sawing (r>0.42), with a maximum frequency of infection found at the optimal temperatures for the period of 4.0- 5.0?C.
Tolerance of several Novi Sad sunflower hybrids to phomopsis stem canker under natural infection
Authors: Dedic Bosko , Balalic Igor , Radeka Ilija , Lacok Nada , Tancic Sonja
Published: October 2009

Sunflower diseases have a major impact on sunflower yield and quality of seed. When conditions during vegetation are favorable, the intensity of damage can be very high. Therefore, surveys of economically important diseases are necessary. A survey of incidences and severity of phomopsis stem canker was performed on 9 locations during 2007 and 2008. A total of 8 hybrids per location was examined. Lodging of plants as a symptom of stem canker disease was not detected. The mean disease incidence was less than 5%, depending on hybrid, location and year. Generally, higher deasease incidence was recorded in the first year of survey than in the second. The hybrids Velja, NS-H-111 and Baca demonstrated an elevated level of resistance. Despite significant differences in disease severity that was found among the hybrids tested, all of them were highly resistant to phomopsis stem canker.
GAD Antibody Positivity Predicts Type 2 Diabetes in an Adult Population
Authors: Lundgren Virve M. , Isomaa Bo , Lyssenko Valeriya , Laurila Esa , Korhonen Pasi , Groop Leif C. , Tuomi Tiinamaija ,   for the Botnia Study Group
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the significance of GAD antibodies (GADAs) and family history for type 1 diabetes (FHT1) or type 2 diabetes (FHT2) in nondiabetic subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

GADAs were analyzed in 4,976 nondiabetic relatives of type 2 diabetic patients or control subjects from Finland. Altogether, 289 (5.9%) were GADA+—a total of 253 GADA+ and 2,511 GADA− subjects participated in repeated oral glucose tolerance tests during a median time of 8.1 years. The risk of progression to diabetes was assessed using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Subjects within the highest quartile of GADA+ (GADA+high) had more often first-degree FHT1 (29.2 vs. 7.9%, P < 0.00001) and GADA+ type 2 diabetic (21.3 vs. 13.7%, P = 0.002) or nondiabetic (26.4 vs. 13.3%, P = 0.010) relatives than GADA− subjects. During the follow-up, the GADA+ subjects developed diabetes significantly more often than the GADA− subjects (36/253 [14.2%] vs. 134/2,511 [5.3%], P < 0.00001). GADA+high conferred a 4.9-fold increased risk of diabetes (95% CI 2.8–8.5) compared with GADA−—seroconversion to positive during the follow-up was associated with 6.5-fold (2.8–15.2) and first-degree FHT1 with 2.2-fold (1.2–4.1) risk of diabetes. Only three subjects developed type 1 diabetes, and others had a non–insulin-dependent phenotype 1 year after diagnosis. GADA+ and GADA− subjects did not clinically differ at baseline, but they were leaner and less insulin resistant after the diagnosis of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

GADA positivity clusters in families with type 1 diabetes or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults. GADA positivity predicts diabetes independently of family history of diabetes, and this risk was further increased with high GADA concentrations.
Association of A1C and Fasting Plasma Glucose Levels With Diabetic Retinopathy Prevalence in the U.S. Population
Authors: Cheng Yiling J. , Gregg Edward W. , Geiss Linda S. , Imperatore Giuseppina , Williams Desmond E. , Zhang Xinzhi , Albright Ann L. , Cowie Catherine C. , Klein Ronald , Saaddine Jinan B.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of A1C levels and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) with diabetic retinopathy in the U.S. population and to compare the ability of the two glycemic measures to discriminate between people with and without retinopathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study included 1,066 individuals aged ≥40 years from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A1C, FPG, and 45° color digital retinal images were assessed. Retinopathy was defined as a level ≥14 on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study severity scale. We used joinpoint regression to identify linear inflections of prevalence of retinopathy in the association between A1C and FPG.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of retinopathy was 11%, which is appreciably lower than the prevalence in people with diagnosed diabetes (36%). There was a sharp increase in retinopathy prevalence in those with A1C ≥5.5% or FPG ≥5.8 mmol/l. After excluding 144 people using hypoglycemic medication, the change points for the greatest increase in retinopathy prevalence were A1C 5.5% and FPG 7.0 mmol/l. The coefficients of variation were 15.6 for A1C and 28.8 for FPG. Based on the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves, A1C was a stronger discriminator of retinopathy (0.71 [95% CI 0.66–0.76]) than FPG (0.65 [0.60 – 0.70], P for difference = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

The steepest increase in retinopathy prevalence occurs among individuals with A1C ≥5.5% and FPG ≥5.8 mmol/l. A1C discriminates prevalence of retinopathy better than FPG.
Nonpharmacologic Therapy and Exercise in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tuomilehto Jaakko
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE

To review the current knowledge about nonpharmacologic approaches in the prevention and early treatment of type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study reviewed the research reports dealing with nonpharmacologic interventions aimed at preventing type 2 diabetes with early lifestyle interventions.

RESULTS

The results from the randomized controlled trials all show that people with impaired glucose tolerance who received enhanced lifestyle advice had significantly lower (on average ∼50% reduced) incidence of type 2 diabetes compared with those allocated to receive “usual care.” Individuals who were able to correct their lifestyle habits as recommended for usual healthy life patterns were mostly protected against type 2 diabetes. Thus, compelling evidence exists that most of the cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or at least the onset of the disease can be significantly delayed.

CONCLUSIONS

Randomized controlled trials have unequivocally demonstrated that lifestyle management is highly efficient in the prevention and also in the early management of type 2 diabetes. This evidence of lifestyle modification in diabetes prevention is stronger than for most other multifactorial diseases.
Stanley depth of monomial ideals with small number of generators
Authors: Cimpoeaş Mircea
Published: October 2009

For a monomial ideal I ⊂ S = K[x
1...,x
n], we show that sdepth(S/I) ≥ n − g(I), where g(I) is the number of the minimal monomial generators of I. If I =νI′, where ν ∈ S is a monomial, then we see that sdepth(S/I) = sdepth(S/I′). We prove that if I is a monomial ideal I ⊂ S minimally generated by three monomials, then I and S/I satisfy the Stanley conjecture. Given a saturated monomial ideal I ⊂ K[x
1,x
2,x
3] we show that sdepth(I) = 2. As a consequence, sdepth(I) ≥ sdepth(K[x
1,x
2,x
3]//I) +1 for any monomial ideal in I ⊂ K[x
1,x
2,x
3].
Total curvature and volume of foliations on the sphere S
2
Authors: Fawaz Amine
Published: October 2009

In this paper we study a curvature integral associated with a pair of orthogonal foliations on the Riemann sphere S
2 and we compute the minimal value of the volume of meromorphic foliations.
Permutations which make transitive groups primitive
Authors: Lopes Pedro
Published: October 2009

In this article we look into characterizing primitive groups in the following way. Given a primitive group we single out a subset of its generators such that these generators alone (the so-called primitive generators) imply the group is primitive. The remaining generators ensure transitivity or comply with specific features of the group.

We show that, other than the symmetric and alternating groups, there are infinitely many primitive groups with one primitive generator each. These primitive groups are certain Mathieu groups, certain projective general and projective special linear groups, and certain subgroups of some affine special linear groups.
Unboundedness results for systems
Authors: Lugo Gabriel , Palladino Frank
Published: October 2009

We study k
th order systems of two rational difference equations $$
x_n = \frac{{\alpha + \sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^k {\beta _i x_{n - i} + } \sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^k {\gamma _i y_{n - i} } }}
{{A + \sum\nolimits_{j = 1}^k {B_j x_{n - j} + } \sum\nolimits_{j = 1}^k {C_j y_{n - j} } }},n \in \mathbb{N},
$$ In particular we assume non-negative parameters and non-negative initial conditions. We develop several approaches which allow us to prove that unbounded solutions exist for certain initial conditions in a range of the parameters.
Bernstein sets with algebraic properties
Authors: Kysiak Marcin
Published: October 2009

We construct Bernstein sets in ℝ having some additional algebraic properties. In particular, solving a problem of Kraszewski, Rałowski, Szczepaniak and Żeberski, we construct a Bernstein set which is a < c-covering and improve some other results of Rałowski, Szczepaniak and Żeberski on nonmeasurable sets.
On bounded nonoscillatory solutions of third-order nonlinear differential equations
Authors: Mojsej Ivan , Tartaľová Alena
Published: October 2009

This paper is concerned with the asymptotic behavior of solutions of nonlinear differential equations of the third-order with quasiderivatives. We give the necessary and sufficient conditions guaranteeing the existence of bounded nonoscillatory solutions. Sufficient conditions are proved via a topological approach based on the Banach fixed point theorem.
Orthopedic Surgeons and Physical Therapists Differ in Assessment of Need for Physical Therapy After Traumatic Lower-Extremity Injury
Authors: Archer Kristin R. , MacKenzie Ellen J. , Castillo Renan C. , Bosse Michael J. ,   for the LEAP Study Group
Published: October 2009

Background

Lower-extremity injuries constitute the leading cause of trauma hospitalizations among people under the age of 65 years. Rehabilitation has the potential to favorably influence the outcomes associated with traumatic lower-extremity injuries.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to explore variability in surgeon and physical therapist assessments of the need for physical therapy in patients with traumatic lower-extremity injuries and to determine the factors associated with assessments of need.

Design

This study was a retrospective cohort investigation.

Methods

Participants were 395 patients treated by reconstruction in the Lower-Extremity Assessment Project. They were evaluated at 8 level I trauma centers at 3, 6, and 12 months after hospitalization by an orthopedic surgeon and a physical therapist to determine the need for physical therapy. Analyses included multilevel logistic regression.

Results

Chi-square analyses showed that surgeon and therapist assessments of need differed statistically across trauma centers. Surgeons were more likely to assess a need for therapy at 3 months when participants had low work self-efficacy, impaired knee flexion range of motion (ROM), and weight-bearing limitations and at 6 and 12 months when participants had impaired knee flexion ROM and weight-bearing and balance limitations. Therapists were more likely to assess a need for therapy at 3 months when participants had moderate to severe pain and at 6 and 12 months when participants had low work self-efficacy, pain, impaired knee flexion ROM, and balance limitations.

Conclusions

The results revealed variability in assessments of the need for physical therapy at the provider and trauma center levels. Differences in provider assessments highlight the need for communication and further investigation into the outcomes and timing of physical therapy for the treatment of traumatic lower-extremity injuries.
DIGNITY, LIBERTY, EQUALITY: A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS TRIANGLE OF CONSTITUTIONALISM
Authors: Baer Susanne
Published: October 2009

What is the relationship among fundamental rights to equality, to liberty, and to dignity? In several political and legal contexts, developments in equality law tend to be stalled by reference to dignity and have traditionally been limited based on an understanding that equality collides with liberty – as in the ideological opposition between socialism and capitalist liberalism, as in most balancing theories, and as in philosophical concepts of rights that trump one another. In addition, all three fundamental rights have been conceptualized in rather ambivalent ways, with some dominant as well as some relatively silenced philosophical (including religious) interpretations. Equality, liberty, and, particularly ambivalent, dignity carry burdens that serve as entry points for rather problematic ways of interpreting these notions. Dignity is either defined as an abstract principle or narrowed down to a right against extreme abuse, and it has been charged with moralistic ideology. Liberty and equality have mostly been set on a collision course, balanced against each other, with ideological baggage of their own. Observations in comparative constitutionalism reveal that, in some jurisdictions, dignity tends to become a black box, while equality tends to be limited by using dignity and liberty tends to trump the other two. Such studies, however, also provide inspiration for a new approach to all three fundamental rights. I propose here that we rethink their histories as well as current developments. I suggest a triangle of fundamental rights as a more appropriate metaphor to understand the complexity of cases that arise in the area and to better decide them. Dignity, equality, and liberty are, then, the corners of a triangle rather than the ends of a scale or the top and sides of a pyramid, and thus inspire a more holistic understanding of what fundamental rights are about.
POPULARITY AS A FACTOR IN COPYRIGHT LAW
Authors: Shur-Ofry Michal
Published: October 2009

This article makes a simple yet counterintuitive argument: it advocates the recognition of popularity as a general factor that can limit the scope of copyright protection, across the range of copyright-protected works.

Until now, copyright law has not explicitly recognized popularity as a relevant factor that affects the scope of copyright protection. Not only is popularity irrelevant, asserts the ‘official’ copyright position, but holding otherwise would be ‘flipping copyright on its head’ and ‘ignoring [its] major premise.’ This article offers an adverse view. It argues that there is solid justification for explicitly recognizing popularity as a factor in copyright law and for affording the most popular works, across the broad range of works protected by copyright, lesser copyright protection than is afforded to ‘regular’ works. Thus, the article offers a new and interdisciplinary perspective on the issues of standardization and networks, which have so far been discussed mainly in the context of utilitarian works. It seeks to lay out a comprehensive analytical framework for establishing popularity as a general factor relevant to determining the scope of protection for the variety of works protected by copyright.

The argument is based on multidisciplinary scholarship. It uses network science to examine the process leading to extreme popularity of certain works, to identify their common features, and to analyse the primary difficulties associated with affording them full copyright protection. Using economic, social, and democratic analyses, the article then demonstrates that limiting copyright protection can contribute to resolving – or, at least, undermining – these difficulties. It further shows that from an ‘internal’ copyright perspective, a narrowing rule focusing on popularity is largely consistent with the prevailing theoretical justifications for copyright and can even help copyright law to more accurately draw the desired boundaries of copyright protection. Based upon this analysis, the last part of the article outlines a proposed model for explicitly recognizing popularity as a transparent and established factor that can influence the scope of copyright protection.
The Maximum Entropy Rate Description of a Thermodynamic System in a Stationary Non-Equilibrium State
Authors: Favretti Marco
Published: October 2009

In this paper we present a simple model to describe a rather general system in a stationary non-equilibrium state, which is an open system traversed by a stationary flux. The probabilistic description is provided by a non-homogeneous Markov chain, which is not assumed on the basis of a model of the microscopic interactions but rather derived from the knowledge of the macroscopic fluxes traversing the system through a maximum entropy rate principle.
Reaction Engineering of Direct Coal Liquefaction
Authors: Robinson Ken  K.
Published: October 2009

Direct coal liquefaction has been studied and practiced since the 1930s. It was used in Germany during World War II to produce synthetic fuels when there was no oil allowed into the country. Since then, it has been studied in the United States and many different technologies have been investigated. Since the US is rich in coal resources, this is one way to be energy independent. Most of the development activity occurred in the 1980s and numerous technologies were studied, the most notable of these being H-Coal, Exxon Donor Solvent, Solvent Refined Coal, and Two Stage Liquefaction. The key elements of these technologies, particularly the reaction/reactor scheme, are discussed in this review.
Laser-Induced Silver Nanoparticles on Titanium Oxide for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Whang Thou-Jen , Huang Hsien-Yu , Hsieh Mu-Tao , Chen Jyun-Jen
Published: October 2009

Silver nanoparticles doped on titanium oxide (TiO2) were produced by laser-liquid interaction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) in isopropanol. Characteristics of Ag/TiO2 (Ag doped TiO2) nanoparticles produced by the methods presented in this article were investigated by XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, and UV-Vis. From the UV-Vis measurements, the absorption of visible light of the Ag/TiO2 photocatalysts was improved (additional absorption at longer wavelength in visible light region) obviously. The photocatalytic efficiency of Ag/TiO2 was tested by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution. A maximum of 82.3% MB degradation is achieved by 2.0 wt% Ag/TiO2 photocatalyst under 2 h illumination with a halogen lamp.
Polymer Composite and Nanocomposite Dielectric Materials for Pulse Power Energy Storage
Authors: Barber Peter , Balasubramanian Shiva , Anguchamy Yogesh , Gong Shushan , Wibowo Arief , Gao Hongsheng , Ploehn Harry J. , Zur Loye Hans-Conrad
Published: October 2009

This review summarizes the current state of polymer composites used as dielectric materials for energy storage. The particular focus is on materials: polymers serving as the matrix, inorganic fillers used to increase the effective dielectric constant, and various recent investigations of functionalization of metal oxide fillers to improve compatibility with polymers. We review the recent literature focused on the dielectric characterization of composites, specifically the measurement of dielectric permittivity and breakdown field strength. Special attention is given to the analysis of the energy density of polymer composite materials and how the functionalization of the inorganic filler affects the energy density of polymer composite dielectric materials.