bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação andrológica por pontos e comportamento sexual em touros da raça Nelore
Authors: Lopes Flávio Guiselli , Guimarães José Domingos , Costa Eduardo Paulino da , Carvalho Giovanni Ribeiro de , Miranda Neto Tamires
Published: July 2009

Objetivou-se estudar a relação entre dois métodos de avaliação do potencial reprodutivo - Classificação Andrológica por Pontos (CAP) e comportamento sexual de touros da raça Nelore - e verificar a acurácia desses testes em predizer o potencial reprodutivo dos touros, avaliado pela taxa de gestação ao final da estação de monta, com duração média de 90 dias. Foram utilizados 14 touros, todos classificados como aptos à reprodução, após exame andrológico, CAP e observação do comportamento sexual a campo durante 12 horas. Onze touros foram avaliados em manejo individual, com proporção média touro:vaca de 1:46, e os três restantes, em manejo múltiplo, com proporção média touro:vaca de 1:23. A pontuação média obtida pela CAP foi 78,92 ± 8,92 (muito bom) e o escore, 9,85 ± 0,36 (excelente) para libido. Quanto maior o tempo de teste, maiores foram os escores da libido. Na primeira hora de observação, os touros foram classificados como de libido questionável e ao final do teste, como de libido excelente. As correlações da libido com circunferência escrotal (CE), características físicas e morfológicas do sêmen e taxa de gestação foram baixas. A pontuação pela CAP correlacionou-se positivamente com circunferência escrotal e características físicas do sêmen, mas não se correlacionou com características morfológicas dos sêmen. Não foi observada correlação entre CAP e taxa de gestação, nem entre libido e CAP. A taxa geral de gestação após o período de estação de monta foi de 74,69%. Os resultados indicam que tanto a CAP como o teste da libido não são eficientes para predizer o potencial reprodutivo de touros da raça Nelore e devem ser utilizados de forma complementar ao exame andrológico.
Polymorphism of alpha s1-casein gene in a dairy goat herd in the southeastern region of Brazil
Authors: Soares Maria Amélia Menck , Rodrigues Marcelo Teixeira , Mognol Giuliana Patrícia , Ribeiro Lucinéia de Fátima Chasko , Silva José Luis da Conceição , Brancalhão Rose Meire Costa
Published: July 2009

Three different regions of the alpha s1-casein gene (CSN1S1) were investigated to determine the frequencies of major alleles for null, low, intermediate and high milk protein expression in a herd of dairy goats raised in the southeastern region of Brazil. Genomic DNA samples were obtained from leukocytes of 145 dairy goats and regions of interest in the gene were amplified through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), then evaluated in both agarose (O and E allele) and polyacrylamide gels (F allele). For better characterization of the F allele, a PCR-RFLP (PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) study was performed employing the endonuclease XmnI. The allelic frequencies in the herd of 62 Saanen goats studied were: CSN1S1E = 0.35; CSN1S1F = 0.30; CSN1S1O1 = 0.02; CSN1S1A+B+C = 0.30, other alleles = 0.03. In another group of 83 Alpine animals, the frequencies were: CSN1S1E = 0.48; CSN1S1F = 0.28; CSN1S1O1 = 0.01; CSN1S1A+B+C = 0.20, other alleles = 0.03. In the region of exon 9 and intron downstream, where mutations that characterize the F allele occur, it was verified that different intragenic haplotypes may exist, involving the deletion of the 23rd nucleotide in the ninth exon in addition to the insertion of 11bp on intron. These haplotypes may be used to make direct association with other alleles. Although rare, a higher number of combinations were found in this work by evaluating in conjunction the region of the insertion of 3bp in the referred intron, which may allow a higher number of associations. A complete characterization of these combinations will allow elaborating simplified protocols to identify animals concerning the alleles of CSN1S1 gene in goats.
Fluxo portal e visceral líquido de metabólitos em ovinos alimentados com feno de capim-arroz cortado com diferentes idades de rebrota
Authors: Kozloski Gilberto Vilmar , Lima Lisiane Dorneles de , Chiesa Andréa Paola Ruggia , Oliveira Lisandre de , Fiorentini Giovani , Härter Carla Joice
Published: July 2009

Foram conduzidos dois ensaios para medir os fluxos portal e visceral total de metabólitos em ovinos (peso vivo (PV) médio de 35 ± 3 kg) recebendo feno de capim-arroz (Echinochloa sp.) cortado aos 32, 46, 72 ou 90 dias de rebrota. Um dos ensaios foi realizado em quadrado latino 4 × 4 (ensaio 1) para avaliação dos quatro fenos e outro em quadrado latino 3 × 3 (ensaio 2), sem o feno do capim cortado aos 32 dias de rebrota. Os animais foram implantados com cateteres permanentes nas veias mesentérica e hepática. Sangue arterial foi acessado através de cateteres temporários na carótida. O fluxo de sangue portal e visceral foi estimado com base na diluição de paraminohipurato infundido continuamente em uma veia mesentérica. Na refeição prévia às amostragens, o consumo de matéria orgânica (MO) total e digestível não foi afetado, mas o consumo de nitrogênio total e digestível diminuiu linearmente com o aumento da idade de rebrota do capim-arroz em ambos os ensaios. Os fluxos de sangue portal e visceral, o fluxo visceral líquido de glicose, uréia e aminoácidos e o fluxo portal líquido de glicose e uréia não foram afetados pela idade de rebrota da forrageira. Os fluxos portais de aminoácidos e amônia foram maiores nos animais que consumiram o feno de 46 dias e maior quantidade de nitrogênio digestível. A maior parte dos nutrientes absorvidos pelos ovinos consumindo feno de capim-arroz foi metabolizada pelo sistema visceral, de modo que a disponibilidade de aminoácidos e de glicose aos tecidos periféricos representou somente pequena proporção do nitrogênio ou da matéria orgânica ingerida. Em geral, o metabolismo visceral dos animais não foi afetado pela idade de rebrota da forrageira.
Níveis de farelo de melancia forrageira em dietas para ovinos
Authors: Silva Raimundo Luiz Nunes Vaz da , Araújo Gherman Garcia Leal de , Socorro Eliomar Pereira do , Oliveira Ronaldo Lopes , Garcez Neto Américo Fróes , Bagaldo Adriana Regina
Published: July 2009

Com o objetivo de estudar a inclusão de 20, 35, 50, 65 ou 80% de farelo de melancia forrageira (Citrullus lanatus cv. citroides) (FMF) em dietas à base de feno de guandu (Cajanus cajan), foi realizado um ensaio de digestibilidade utilizando-se 20 cordeiros com 6 meses de idade e peso vivo de 11,2 ± 1,2 kg. O experimento constou de 20 dias de adaptação e 5 de coleta total de sobras e de fezes. O farelo de melancia forrageira e o feno de guandu apresentaram 95,3 e 95,75% de matéria seca (MS), 18,7 e 16,8% de proteína bruta (PB) e 38,8 e 64,3% de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN). Os níveis de farelo de melancia forrageira determinaram aumento quadrático nos consumos de MS, MO, PB, FDN, FDA, hemicelulose e carboidratos totais. O consumo de extrato etéreo não foi alterado, mas o consumo de CNF teve aumento linear conforme aumentaram os níveis de farelo de melancia forrageira. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade de MS (58%), PB (69%), FDN (41%) e EE (85%) não foram influenciados pelo nível de farelo de melancia forrageira. As digestibilidades de MO (54 a 62%), FDA (36 a 49%) e carboidratos totais (47 a 58%) variaram linear e positivamente, enquanto a digestibilidade da hemicelulose teve comportamento inverso. As dietas proporcionaram consumo de matéria seca que atendeu a exigência dos animais. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade observados foram satisfatórios. O farelo de melancia forrageira pode ser indicado para compor dietas à base de feno de guandu em níveis de 35 a 66% da matéria seca.
Análise da sensibilidade da metodologia dos centros de custos mediante a introdução de tecnologias em um sistema de produção de cria
Authors: Oaigen Ricardo Pedroso , Barcellos Júlio Otávio Jardim , Christofari Luciana Fagundes , Braccini Neto José , Oliveira Tamara Esteves de , Prates Ênio Rosa
Published: July 2009

Um modelo de simulação bioeconômico foi desenvolvido em um sistema de produção tradicional em pecuária de cria (SPT) para a aplicação da metodologia dos centros de custos com o objetivo de avaliar sua sensibilidade mediante a introdução de tecnologias de desmame precoce em vacas primíparas (SDP), campo melhorado para vacas primíparas e metade do lote das vacas secundíparas (SCM) e suplementação protéica para novilhas de reposição (SSP) destinadas a aumentar a taxa de prenhez neste sistema (SPT). As informações do desempenho biológico foram obtidas por meio de revisão bibliográfica sobre os indicadores de produção e os dados econômicos e de custos foram obtidos a partir de valores de mercado. As entradas do modelo foram: estrutura do rebanho; custos de produção; e tecnologias de produção. As saídas do modelo foram: custo operacional (CO); custo de desembolso (CD); custo de produção por centro (CPC); custo unitário por bezerro (CUB); custo por quilo desmamado (C/kg); custo anual por vaca (CAV); ponto de equilíbrio financeiro (PEF), margem operacional (MO), taxa de prenhez (TP), taxa de desmame (TD), produtividade/vaca (Pr), número de bezerros desmamados (NBD), ponto de equilíbrio em bezerros (PEB) e produção total em quilos (PT). A utilização da metodologia dos centros de custos se mostrou sensível ao identificar variações nos indicadores técnicos e econômicos e nos custos de cada centro produtivo. A introdução do SDP, SCM e SSP melhorou os indicadores técnicos e a margem operacional e, ao mesmo tempo, apresentou relação direta com as variações nos centros de custo, comprovando a sensibilidade da metodologia de custeio em relação ao impacto no SPT.
Astyanax ajuricaba: a new species from the Amazon basin in Brazil (Characiformes: Characidae)
Authors: Marinho Manoela M. F. , Lima Flávio C. T.
Published: July 2009

A new Astyanax species is described from several localities in the rio Negro, rio Solimões and lower rio Tapajós basins, Amazon basin, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from all remaining characids by its unique color pattern consisting of the combination of presence of a conspicuous, narrow dark midlateral stripe, a well-developed vertically-elongated dark humeral spot, and upper caudal-fin lobe and middle caudal-fin rays dark, with a rounded clear ocellated spot present at anterior third of caudal-fin lobe.
Astyanax vermilion and Astyanax burgerai: new characid fishes (Ostariophysi: Characiformes) from Northeastern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Zanata Angela M. , Camelier Priscila
Published: July 2009

Two new Astyanax species, A. vermilion, from rio Almada and rio Cachoeira, and A. burgerai, from rio Almada, Bahia State, Brazil, are described. Astyanax vermilion is distinguished from most of its congeners and from all other Astyanax species known from northeastern Brazilian drainages by having distal portion of pelvic fins dark, a combination of sexually dimorphic characters, posteroventral portion of body and fins (except pectoral) reddish in life, and inconspicuous humeral and caudal spots. It also differs by having highest body depth just anterior of dorsal-fin origin, 32-34 lateral-line scales, and presence of one or two maxillary teeth. Astyanax burgerai is diagnosed by the presence of two vertically elongated humeral blotches, absence of a conspicuous and broad dark midlateral stripe (at least on anterior half of body), body highest along vertical slightly behind midlength of pectoral fin, 31-34 lateral-line scales, and two or three teeth on premaxillary outer series.
Populations analysis of the Brazilian Sharpnose Shark Rhizoprionodon lalandii (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhinidae) on the São Paulo coast, Southern Brazil: inferences from mt DNA sequences
Authors: Mendonça Fernando Fernandes , Oliveira Claudio , Gadig Otto Bismarck Fazzano , Foresti Fausto
Published: July 2009

Sharks of the genus Rhizoprionodon can be considered some of the most important predators along the trophic coastal marine ecosystems and represent an important economic resource for the small-scale fisheries, especially on the Brazilian coastline. In order to analyze the population structure of the shark Rhizoprionodon lalandii of São Paulo, Southeastern coast of Brazil, levels of genetic diversity were identified by nucleotide sequence analyses of the mitochondrial DNA control region. The results obtained from this study present moderate values of haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity. Although the AMOVA tests (ΦST = 0.08394, P < 0.01) had shown slightly differences among the studied samples, evidence for the occurrence of population structuring was not found, which may be a general feature of sharks living in coastal areas.
Fish assemblages in stream stretches occupied by cattail (Typhaceae, Angiospermae) stands in Southeast Brazil
Authors: Rocha Fabíola Carla da , Casatti Lilian , Carvalho Fernando Rogério , Silva Alexandre Marco da
Published: July 2009

Macrophytes are a major component of lentic and lotic aquatic ecosystems. As consequences of environmental degradation, species of cattail (genus Typha) may become dominant along streams. The purpose of this study was to investigate the structure and feeding of fish assemblages in stream stretches under influence of Typha sp., also addressing the influences of temporal variation on composition, abundance, biomass, diversity, species richness, and feeding of fish. Six streams (labelled S1-S6) in the upper rio Turvo basin, southeast Brazil, with dense stands of Typha sp. in the instream and riparian habitat, were studied in six campaigns during three central months in both of the dry and wet periods, by using a standardized collection effort. Thirty-seven fish species were registered, totaling 4,228 individuals and 3.9 kg of biomass. Abundance, biomass, diversity, and species richness was higher in the wet period, but only the temporal variation in the species richness revealed to be statistically significant. Cluster analyses with composition and abundance showed little temporal similarity, but indicated two groups of streams (S1-S2-S5 and S3-S4-S6), that were corroborated along the axis 1 of the ordination analysis. Resident species was represented by six species, most of them considered tolerant and generalists. Chironomidae aquatic larvae and detritus were the most important items in the fish diet. These results suggest that the fish populations are opportunistic in exploring stream stretches occupied by cattail.
Spatial, seasonal and ontogenetic variation in the diet of Astyanax aff. fasciatus (Ostariophysi: Characidae) in an Atlantic Forest river, Southern Brazil
Authors: Wolff Luciano Lazzarini , Abilhoa Vinícius , Rios Flavia Sant'Anna , Donatti Lucélia
Published: July 2009

This study described the feeding habits of the characin Astyanax aff. fasciatus. The diet compositions of specimens from two sites (A and B) on a river in Southern Brazil were compared according to the size of individuals and seasonal period. The collections were performed monthly from March 2005 to February 2006, where the stomach contents of 290 specimens were assessed. Food items for A. aff. fasciatus were basically composed of plants and insects, especially leaf fragments, seeds, fruits, filamentous algae, aquatic and terrestrial insects and insect fragments. At site A, the most common items were insect and plant fragments. Conversely at site B, plant fragments were more representative. In general, all items of animal origin showed the highest feeding index values at site A, whereas at site B detritus and grass items were more abundant. The composition of items varied seasonally, with higher diversity of items being recorded during the spring at both sites. Smaller individuals preferred items of animal origin, while the larger ones consumed mainly items of plant origin. According to its size, A. aff. fasciatus in this study may be considered a species with insectivorous tendencies when immature or herbivorous tendencies when adult. Nevertheless, its feeding habits may be flexible according to resource availability, showing wide ontogenetic, besides spatial and temporal variation.
Environmental influences on the spatial and temporal distribution of the puffer fish Sphoeroides greeleyi and Sphoeroides testudineus in a Brazilian subtropical estuary
Authors: Fávaro Luís Fernando , Oliveira Elton Celton de , Ventura Augusto de Oliveira Brunow , Verani Nelsy Fenerich
Published: July 2009

The spatial and temporal distribution of Sphoeroides greeleyi and Sphoeroides testudineus were established from collections (biological material and environmental data) conducted on a monthly basis from May 2000 to April 2001 in intertidal areas along the north-south axis of the estuarine complex of Paranaguá, Paraná State. In addition to characterizing a north-south spatial gradient, which fluctuates seasonally, the variation in the abiotic factors made possible the division of the estuary into three regions: north, central and south. Spatially, it was found that the number of individuals declines significantly for both species in the north-south direction of the estuary. Moreover, significant differences were found in the size of individuals across the estuarine regions. The largest S. greeleyi individuals were caught in the north, as well as the smallest S. testudineus individuals. The catches with the highest numbers of puffer fish occurred from late spring to early autumn, coinciding with the occurrence of specimens of smaller size and lower mean body mass. The results indicate that spatial and temporal variations in the environment impact the distribution patterns of both puffer fish species, suggesting that the co-occurrence of closely related species functions as a modulating factor in that distribution.
Subjetividade e samba: na roda com Paulinho da Viola
Authors: Barcelos Tânia Maia
Published: July 2009

A partir do documentário Paulinho da Viola: meu tempo é hoje, busco problematizar a política hegemônica do tempo presente que tem orientado a subjetividade no contexto do capitalismo cultural. No documentário, chama-me a atenção, o modo como o compositor trata o tempo e coloca em xeque as formas predominantes de experimentá-lo - capturado num passado saudoso e mal vivido ou num presente cínico, congelado e indiferente aos desassossegos do corpo. O filme leva-me a vislumbrar linhas de resistência e invenção da subjetividade; resistência à política hegemônica do tempo presente e invenção de novas temporalidades, potências vitais em contextos de extrema aceleração e sutis controles da vida.
Separability criteria via wavelet transform on homogenous spaces and projective representations
Authors: Karamati Mahdi , Rezapour Mohammad
Published: July 2009

The intimate connection between the Banach space wavelet reconstruction method for each unitary representation of a given group and homogenous space, and the quantum entanglement description using group theory were both studied in our previous articles. Here, we present a universal description of quantum entanglement using group theory and non-commutative characteristic functions for homogenous space and projective representation of compact groups on Banach spaces for some well known examples, such as: Moyal representation for a spin; Dihedral and Permutation groups.
Effects of partial slip on axisymmetric flow of an electrically conducting viscoelastic fluid past a stretching sheet
Authors: Sahoo Bikash
Published: July 2009

The entrained flow of an electrically conducting non-Newtonian, viscoelastic second grade fluid due to an axisymmetric stretching surface with partial slip is considered. The partial slip is controlled by a dimensionless slip factor, which varies between zero (total adhesion) and infinity (full slip). Suitable similarity transformations are used to reduce the resulting highly nonlinear partial differential equation into an ordinary differential equation. The issue of paucity of boundary conditions is addressed, and an effective numerical scheme has been adopted to solve the obtained differential equation even without augmenting the boundary conditions. The important findings in this communication are the combined effects of the partial slip, magnetic interaction parameter and the second grade fluid parameter on the velocity and skin friction coefficient. It is observed that in presence of slip, the velocity decreases with an increase in the magnetic parameter. That is, the Lorentz force which opposes the flow leads to enhanced deceleration of the flow. Moreover, it is interesting to find that as slip increases in magnitude, permitting more fluid to slip past the sheet, the skin friction coefficient decreases in magnitude and approaches zero for higher values of the slip parameter, i.e., the fluid behaves as though it were inviscid.
Approximate analytical solution of continuous states for the l-wave Schrödinger equation with a diatomic molecule potential
Authors: Wei Gao-Feng , Qiang Wen-Chao , Chen Wen-Li
Published: July 2009

The continuous states of the l-wave Schrödinger equation for the diatomic molecule represented by the hyperbolical function potential are carried out by a proper approximation scheme to the centrifugal term. The normalized analytical radial wave functions of the l-wave Schrödinger equation for the hyperbolical function potential are presented and the corresponding calculation formula of phase shifts is derived. Also, we interestingly obtain the corresponding bound state energy levels by analyzing analytical properties of scattering amplitude.
Autoimmune thyroid disease in patients with anti-GAD positive type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gul Kamile , Ustun Ihsan , Aydin Yusuf , Berker Dilek , Erol Halil , Unal Mustafa , Barazi Ayse , Delibasi Tuncay , Guler Serdar
Published: July 2009

The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and titers of anti-thyroid peroxidase (Anti-TPO), anti-thyroglobulin (Anti-TG), and anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (Anti-GAD) antibodies in Turkish patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), and to compare the frequency of anti-TPO and anti-TG titers in the presence or absence of anti-GAD. A total of 104 patients including 56 males and 48 females with type 1 DM and their age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched control group, including 31 males and 27 females, 58 cases in total with an age range of 15-50 years, were recruited into this study. In patients with type 1 DM, positive anti-GAD was detected in 30.8% (n=32). In patients with positive anti-GAD, rate of positive anti-TPO was 37.5%; however, in patients with negative anti-GAD, the rate of positive anti-TPO was 9.7% and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.001). In patients with positive anti-GAD, the rate of positive anti-TG was 18.8%. In patients with negative anti-GAD, the rate of positive anti-TG was 2.8%, and the difference between them was statistically significant (p=0.005). In patients with positive and negative anti-GAD, rates of both positive anti-TPO and anti-TG were 15.6% and 1.4%, respectively, with the difference showing statistical significance (p=0.004). Thyroid autoimmunity in type 1 DM patients with positive anti-GAD was apparently higher; therefore, these patients should be followed more frequently and carefully.
Manifestation peculiarities of idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia
Authors: Danila Edvardas , Norkūnienė Jolita , Nargėla Remigijus , Žurauskas Edvardas , Šatkauskas Bronislovas , Aleksonienė Regina
Published: July 2009

Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia is a rare interstitial lung disorder, which causes diagnostic difficulties. Often the disease is diagnosed correctly after several weeks or months following initial presentation. The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate peculiarities of manifestation of idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (ICEP), which may allow to improving early diagnosis. Twenty patients with ICEP were involved in this investigation. The cases of acute eosinophilic pneumonia and cases of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia of known origin were excluded. To define archetypal signs of the idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, 3 comparable groups were selected. They were the group of 50 patients with community-acquired pneumonia (COP); the group of 21 asthmatic patients with COP, and the cluster of 10 patients with morphologically confirmed cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (OP). Clinical and radiological manifestation of ICEP was similar to COP and cryptogenic OP manifestation. We have found that chest pain; fine rales and pleurisy were unrepresentative for ICEP. However, blood eosinophilia was typical sign of ICEP and wheezing was a frequent observation. Usually ICEP patients had relative mild clinical symptoms and moderate increased C reactive protein (CRP) level even in cases of multiple pulmonary infiltrates. In conclusion, in cases of not typical pneumonia course, i.e. non-resolving or recurrent pulmonary infiltrates; relative mild clinical symptoms and moderate increased CRP level with multiple pulmonary infiltrates; blood eosinophilia and/or signs of airway obstruction eosinophilic pneumonia should be suspected and bronchoalveolar lavage and/or bronchoscopic lung biopsy performed.
Application of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Electric System: Its Contribution in Reduction of Load Shedding Hours in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Jagan Nath
Published: July 2009

Nepal, with a per capita energy consumption of about 15 GJ, is one of the five least energy consuming countries in the world. About 85% of its total energy comes from traditional energy sources such as fuel wood, agriculture residues and animal waste. This has led to grave consequences on ecological and environmental degradation. Keeping this in mind, GoN has provided policy guidelines in its Three Year Interim Plan (2007/08-10/11) to encourage the development and application of Renewable Energy Technologies such as photovoltaic power systems. This paper contains a brief account of the survey of PV powered solar home, telecommunication, civil aviation and water pumping systems in different parts of Nepal. As of July 15, 2008, about 6 MWp of PV power has been already installed in 67 districts of Nepal. The paper indicates on how load shedding hours could be reduced to some extent if Building Integrated Photovolatic Electric System (BIPVES) is introduced in different major cities of Nepal. The paper concludes that BIPVES systems be installed and awareness programmes on application of these systems are needed for different levels of people so that the quality of life could be improved.Key words: energy resources, building integration, urban renewable energy policyJournal of the Institute of Engineering, Vol. 7, No. 1, 2009 July, page: 1-5doi: 10.3126/jie.v7i1.2056
Oxygenation by Hollow Plunging Water Jet
Authors: Deswal Surinder
Published: July 2009

Oxygenation by a plunging water jet is a more attractive way to effect oxygen-transfer than conventional oxygenation systems. A lot of work has been reported on the oxygen-transfer by plunging water jets. However, few studies have been carried out on hollow plunging jet. In this paper, volumetric oxygen-transfer coefficient and oxygen-transfer efficiency has been studied experimentally for hollow plunging jet in a pool of water for different thicknesses of jets. This research suggests that the volumetric oxygen-transfer coefficient and oxygen-transfer efficiency of the hollow plunging jet for air-water system are competitive with other types of aeration systems. Further, relationships of volumetric oxygen-transfer coefficient with jet power per unit volume and jet parameters are also proposed. The suggested relationships predict the volumetric oxygen-transfer coefficient for hollow plunging water jet within a scatter of ±15%.Key words: hollow plunging jet, oxygenation, volumetric oxygen-transfer coefficient, oxygentransfer efficiency, jet power.Journal of the Institute of Engineering, Vol. 7, No. 1, 2009 July pp. 40-47doi: 10.3126/jie.v7i1.2061
Hydropower Development and Its Sustainability With Respect to Sedimentation in Nepal
Authors: Sangroula Durga Prasad
Published: July 2009

Sustainable hydropower development is the basic for the economic development of Nepal. The current generating capacity of hydropower projects in Nepal is about 600 MW. Despite adequate availability of surface water, several water resources projects have not been yielding expected output primarily due to sedimentation problems, which were underestimated at design stage in most of the cases. Sediment production in Nepalese watersheds has generally been acknowledged to be the highest in the world and little reliable data of actual sediment production is available. Attempts were made to study the sedimentation processes in the Kulekhani Reservoir, Nepal and efforts were made to find appropriate sediment management options to keep Kulekhani Reservoir Sustainable. This paper provides historical development of hydropower, opportunities and challenges in this sector. Problem associated with sediments in developing hydropower has been addressed.Key words: Hydropower, sedimentation, sediment monitoring, sediment study and research.Journal of the Institute of Engineering, Vol. 7, No. 1, July 2009, pp. 56-64doi: 10.3126/jie.v7i1.2063
Ecological Sustainability: What Role for Public Health Education?
Authors: Fleming Mary Louise , Tenkate Thomas , Gould Trish
Published: July 2009

This article explores the notion of ecological sustainability in the context of public health education and the contribution Universities can make in creating environments that include ecologically sustainable practices. It considers the important role of environmental health in building a sustainable future for the population as a central plank of public health. It presents the evidence for the need for comprehensive approaches to ecological sustainability within the University and offers suggestions about how this can take place. It concludes by arguing that to date there is a substantial gap between the rhetoric and the reality in the University context.
Metallic Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Alvarez Kelly , Nakajima Hideo
Published: July 2009

Bone tissue engineering is an emerging interdisciplinary field in Science, combining expertise in medicine, material science and biomechanics. Hard tissue engineering research is focused mainly in two areas, osteo and dental clinical applications. There is a lot of exciting research being performed worldwide in developing novel scaffolds for tissue engineering. Although, nowadays the majority of the research effort is in the development of scaffolds for non-load bearing applications, primarily using soft natural or synthetic polymers or natural scaffolds for soft tissue engineering; metallic scaffolds aimed for hard tissue engineering have been also the subject of in vitro and in vivo research and industrial development. In this article, descriptions of the different manufacturing technologies available to fabricate metallic scaffolds and a compilation of the reported biocompatibility of the currently developed metallic scaffolds have been performed. Finally, we highlight the positive aspects and the remaining problems that will drive future research in metallic constructs aimed for the reconstruction and repair of bone.
Mechanism of Introduction of Exogenous Genes into Cultured Cells Using DEAE-Dextran-MMA Graft Copolymer as Non-Viral Gene Carrier
Authors: Eshita Yuki , Higashihara Junko , Onishi Masayasu , Mizuno Masaaki , Yoshida Jun , Takasaki Tomohiko , Kubota Naoji , Onishi Yasuhiko
Published: July 2009

Comparative investigations were carried out regarding the efficiency of introduction of exogenous genes into cultured cells using a cationic polysaccharide DEAE-dextran-MMA (methyl methacrylate ester) graft copolymer (2-diethylaminoethyl-dextran-methyl methacrylate graft copolymer; DDMC) as a nonviral carrier for gene introduction. The results confirmed that the gene introduction efficiency was improved with DDMC relative to DEAE-dextran. Comparative investigations were carried out using various concentrations of DDMC and DNA in the introduction of DNA encoding luciferase (pGL3 control vector; Promega) into COS-7 cells derived from African green monkey kidney cells. The complex formation reaction is thought to be directly proportional to the transformation rate, but the complex formation reaction between DDMC and DNA is significantly influenced by hydrophobic bonding strength along with hydrogen bonding strength and Coulomb forces due to the hydrophobicity of the grafted MMA sections. It is thought that the reaction is a Michaelis-Menten type complex formation reaction described by the following equation: Complex amount = K1 (DNA concentration)(DDMC concentration). In support of this equation, it was confirmed that the amount of formed complex was proportional to the RLU value.
Social Equity Considerations in the Implementation of Caribbean Climate Change Adaptation Policies
Authors: Dulal Hari B. , Shah Kalim U. , Ahmad Nilufar
Published: July 2009

As the Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean prepare to take climate change adaptation measures, there is a distinct possibility that the most vulnerable groups, especially the poor, women, indigenous, elderly, and children in rural and coastal communities are at risk of being marginalized. It is necessary to take into consideration the adaptation needs of these groups that are likely to be disproportionately affected due to inherent structural and social disparities. In this paper we focus on the need to ensure inclusion and social equity in adaptation planning as climate change issues disproportionately impact health, settlement, and livelihoods of these vulnerable groups. We also focus on climate change potential impacts on tourism, agriculture and fisheries sectors, which are the major economic drivers of these island states. Based on Caribbean region wide observations, we recommend priority areas including increasing community participation, local initiatives and filling critical socio-economic and livelihood data gaps, which policy makers need to focus on and incorporate in their climate change adaptation plans in order to ensure effective and equitable climate change adaptation
Identification of DNA Methyltransferase 3a as a T Cell Receptor-Induced Regulator of Th1 and Th2 Differentiation
Authors: Gamper Christopher J. , Agoston Agoston T. , Nelson William G. , Powell Jonathan D.
Published: July 2009

Ag-specific T cell cytokine expression is dictated by the context in which TCR engagement occurs. Recently it has become clear that epigenetic changes play a role in this process. DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) is a de novo methyltransferase important to the epigenetic control of cell fate. We have determined that DNMT3a expression is increased following TCR engagement and that costimulation mitigates DNMT3a protein expression. T cells lacking DNMT3a simultaneously express IFN-γ and IL-4 after expansion under nonbiasing conditions. While global methylation of DNA from wild-type and knockout T cells is similar, DNMT3a-null T cells demonstrate selective hypomethylation of both the Il4 and Ifng loci after activation. Such hypomethylated knockout Th2 cells retain a greater capacity to express IFN-γ protein when they are subsequently exposed to Th1-biasing conditions. Based on these findings we propose that DNMT3a is a key participant in regulating T cell polarization at the molecular level by promoting stable selection of a context-specific cell fate through methylation of selective targets in T cells.
Dendritic Cell Anergy Results from Endotoxemia in Severe Malnutrition
Authors: Hughes Stephen Miles , Amadi Beatrice , Mwiya Mwiya , Nkamba Hope , Tomkins Andrew , Goldblatt David
Published: July 2009

Malnutrition predicts an increased risk of morbidity and mortality from infection. Defects in cell-mediated immunity, such as thymic atrophy, impaired cutaneous tuberculin responses, and reduced T cell mitogenesis in vitro, are well characterized. There has been no convincing mechanism proposed for these T cell defects. However, as T cell responses rely on signals received from APCs, this study evaluates dendritic cell (DC) function in children with severe malnutrition. Repeated sampling of peripheral blood from 81 severely malnourished children at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia, demonstrated for the first time a defect in DC numbers in children with malnutrition (28 per microliter) and a recovery in cell number (48 per microliter; p < 0.01) with standard treatment. We describe normal DC maturation in the majority of malnourished children. However, in 17% of our study patients, in association with endotoxemia we describe the novel finding of DC maturation failure (down-regulation rather than up-regulation of HLA-DR). There was a strong correlation between the strength of HLA-DR up or down-regulation and the generation of IL-10 (r = −0.481; p = 0.003). These “anergic” DCs failed to support T cell proliferation. Defects in DC number and the immunosuppressive phenotype of DCs from severely malnourished children with endotoxemia provide a rational basis for the anergy found in severe malnutrition.
The Cathelicidin LL-37 Activates Human Mast Cells and Is Degraded by Mast Cell Tryptase: Counter-Regulation by CXCL4
Authors: Schiemann Florian , Brandt Ernst , Gross Roland , Lindner Buko , Mittelstädt Jessica , Sommerhoff Christian P. , Schulmistrat Jan , Petersen Frank
Published: July 2009

The cathelicidin LL-37 represents a potent antimicrobial and cell-stimulating agent, most abundantly expressed in peripheral organs such as lung and skin during inflammation. Because mast cells (MC) overtake prominent immunomodulatory roles in these organs, we wondered whether interactions exist between MC and LL-37. In this study, we show for the first time to our knowledge that physiological concentrations of LL-37 induce degranulation in purified human lung MC. Intriguingly, as a consequence LL-37 rapidly undergoes limited cleavage by a released protease. The enzyme was identified as β-tryptase by inhibitor studies and by comparison to the recombinant protease. Examining the resulting LL-37 fragments for their functional activity, we found that none of the typical capacities of intact LL-37, i.e., MC degranulation, bactericidal activity, and neutralization of LPS, were retained. Conversely, we found that another inflammatory protein, the platelet-derived chemokine CXCL4, protects LL-37 from cleavage by β-tryptase. Interestingly, CXCL4 did not act as a direct enzyme inhibitor, but destabilized active tetrameric β-tryptase by antagonizing the heparin component required for the integrity of the tetramer. Altogether our results suggest that interaction of LL-37 and MC initiates an effective feedback loop to limit cathelicidin activity during inflammation, whereas CXCL4 may represent a physiological counter-regulator of β-tryptase activity.
Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein Regulates Hematopoietic Stem Cell Quiescence and Mobilization under Stress Conditions
Authors: Jeong Mira , Piao Zheng-Hao , Kim Mi Sun , Lee Suk Hyung , Yun Sohyun , Sun Hu-nan , Yoon Suk Ran , Chung Jin Woong , Kim Tae-Don , Jeon Jun Ho , Lee Jiwon , Kim Hyun-Nam , Choi Je-Yong , Choi Inpyo
Published: July 2009

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are maintained in a quiescent state in bone marrow (BM) niches by intrinsic and extrinsic signals. The mechanisms regulating the quiescence and mobilization of HSCs, however, remain unclear. In this study, we report that the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is decreased during HSC activation. In Txnip−/− mice, the long-term reconstituting HSC population is decreased and exhausted, and its capacity to repopulate is rapidly lost. These effects are associated with hyperactive Wnt signaling, an active cell cycle, and reduced p21 expression under conditions of stress. TXNIP deficiency reduced the CXCL12- and osteopontin-mediated interaction between HSCs and the bone marrow, and impaired homing and retention in the osteoblastic niche, resulting in mobilized HSCs. Therefore, we propose that TXNIP is essential for maintaining HSC quiescence and the interaction between HSCs and the BM niche.
TLR-Stimulated CD34 Stem Cell-Derived Human Skin-Like and Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Fail to Induce Th17 Polarization of Naive T Cells but Do Stimulate Th1 and Th17 Memory Responses
Authors: Duraisingham Sai Suda , Hornig Julia , Gotch Frances , Patterson Steven
Published: July 2009

Dendritic cells (DCs) are important in linking innate and adaptive immune responses by priming and polarizing naive CD4+ Th cells, but little is known about the effect of different human DC subsets on Th cells, particularly Th17 cells. We have investigated the ability of TLR-stimulated human Langerhans cells (LC), dermal DCs (dDC), and monocyte-derived DCs (moDC) to affect naive and memory Th17 and Th1 responses. MoDCs stimulated greater memory T cell proliferation while LCs and dDCs more potently stimulated naive T cell proliferation, indicating functionally distinct subsets of DCs. TLR stimulation of all three DC types was unable to induce Th17 polarization from naive T cell precursors, despite inducing Th1 polarization. Dectin stimulation of DCs in IMDM was however able to produce Th17 cells. TLR-stimulated DCs were capable of inducing IL-17A and IFN-γ production from memory T cells, although the mechanism used by each DC subset differed. MoDCs partially mediated this effect on memory Th1 and Th17 cells by the production of soluble factors, which correlated with their ability to secrete IL-12p70 and IL-23. In contrast, LCs and dDCs were able to elicit a similar memory response to moDCs, but in a contact dependent manner. Additionally, the influence of microbial stimulation was demonstrated with TLR3 and TLR7/8 agonists inducing a Th1 response, whereas TLR2 or dectin stimulation of moDCs enhanced the IL-17 response. This study emphasizes the differences between human DC subsets and demonstrates that both the DC subset and the microbial stimulus influence the Th cell response.
IL-27 Is a Key Regulator of IL-10 and IL-17 Production by Human CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Murugaiyan Gopal , Mittal Akanksha , Lopez-Diego Rocio , Maier Lisa M. , Anderson David E. , Weiner Howard L.
Published: July 2009

Although the physiologic pathways that control regulatory T cells (Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells, IL-10-secreting Tr1 cells) and Th17 cells in rodents have been defined, the factors that control these differentiation pathways in humans are not well understood. In this study, we show that IL-27 promotes the differentiation of IL-10-secreting Tr1 cells while inhibiting Th17 generation and molecules associated with Th17 function. Furthermore, IL-27 inhibits IL-17-polarizing cytokines on dendritic cells, which in turn decrease IL-17 secretion from T cells. Our results demonstrate that IL-27 plays a key role in human T cells by promoting IL-10-secreting Tr1 cells and inhibiting Th17 cells and thus provides a dual regulatory mechanism to control autoimmunity and tissue inflammation.
SUMOylation of Tissue Transglutaminase as Link between Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Luciani Alessandro , Villella Valeria Rachela , Vasaturo Angela , Giardino Ida , Raia Valeria , Pettoello-Mantovani Massimo , D'Apolito Maria , Guido Stefano , Leal Teresinha , Quaratino Sonia , Maiuri Luigi
Published: July 2009

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. CF is characterized by chronic bacterial lung infections and inflammation, and we have previously reported that tissue transglutaminase (TG2), a multifunctional enzyme critical to several diseases, is constitutively up-regulated in CF airways and drives chronic inflammation. Here, we demonstrate that the generation of an oxidative stress induced by CFTR-defective function leads to protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS)y-mediated TG2 SUMOylation and inhibits TG2 ubiquitination and proteasome degradation, leading to sustained TG2 activation. This prevents peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and IkBα SUMOylation, leading to NF-κB activation and to an uncontrolled inflammatory response. Cellular homeostasis can be restored by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-1 or PIASy gene silencing, which induce TG2 ubiquitination and proteasome degradation, restore PPARγ SUMOylation, and prevent IkBα cross-linking and degradation, thus switching off inflammation. Manganese superoxide dismutase overexpression as well as the treatment with the synthetic superoxide dismutase mimetic EUK-134 control PIASy-TG2 interaction and TG2 SUMOylation. TG2 inhibition switches off inflammation in vitro as well as in vivo in a homozygous F508del-CFTR mouse model. Thus, TG2 may function as a link between oxidative stress and inflammation by driving the decision as to whether a protein should undergo SUMO-mediated regulation or degradation. Targeting TG2-SUMO interactions might represent a new option to control disease evolution in CF patients as well as in other chronic inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative pathologies, and cancer.
HIV-1 Envelope Induces Memory B Cell Responses That Correlate with Plasma Antibody Levels after Envelope gp120 Protein Vaccination or HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Bonsignori Mattia , Moody M. Anthony , Parks Robert J. , Holl T. Matt , Kelsoe Garnett , Hicks Charles B. , Vandergrift Nathan , Tomaras Georgia D. , Haynes Barton F.
Published: July 2009

Successful vaccines (i.e., tetanus and diphtheria) can induce long-lived Ab levels that are maintained by bone marrow plasma cells and plasma Ab levels do not correlate with numbers of blood memory B cells. Destruction of CD4+ T cells early in HIV-1 acute infection may result in insufficient induction of neutralizing Ab responses; thus, an HIV-1 vaccine should elicit high levels of durable Abs by long-lived plasma cells to be protective. We asked if HIV-1 envelope-specific memory responses were sustained by memory B cells in the settings of HIV-1 gp120 envelope vaccination and chronic HIV-1 infection. Levels of anti-HIV-1 envelope plasma Abs and memory B cells were found to correlate in both settings. Moreover, whereas the expected half-life of plasma Ab levels to protein vaccines was >10 years when maintained by long-lived plasma cells, anti-envelope Ab level half-lives were ∼33–81 wk in plasma from antiretroviral drug-treated HIV-1+ subjects. In contrast, anti-p55 Gag Ab level half-life was 648 wk, and Ab titers against influenza did not decay in-between yearly or biennial influenza vaccine boosts in the same patients. These data demonstrated that HIV-1 envelope induces predominantly short-lived memory B cell-dependent plasma Abs in the settings of envelope vaccination and HIV-1 infection. The inability to generate high titers of long-lived anti-envelope Abs is a major hurdle to overcome for the development of a successful HIV-1 vaccine.
Dicer-Dependent MicroRNA Pathway Controls Invariant NKT Cell Development
Authors: Fedeli Maya , Napolitano Anna , Wong Molly Pui Man , Marcais Antoine , de Lalla Claudia , Colucci Francesco , Merkenschlager Matthias , Dellabona Paolo , Casorati Giulia
Published: July 2009

Invariant NK T (iNKT) cells are a separate lineage of T lymphocytes with innate effector functions. They express an invariant TCR specific for lipids presented by CD1d and their development and effector differentiation rely on a unique gene expression program. We asked whether this program includes microRNAs, small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally and play a key role in the control of cellular differentiation programs. To this aim, we investigated iNKT cell development in mice in which Dicer, the RNase III enzyme that generates functional microRNAs, is deleted in cortical thymocytes. We find that Dicer deletion results in a substantial reduction of iNKT cells in thymus and their disappearance from the periphery, unlike mainstream T cells. Without Dicer, iNKT cells do not complete their innate effector differentiation and display a defective homeostasis due to increased cell death. Differentiation and homeostasis of iNKT cells require Dicer in a cell-autonomous fashion. Furthermore, we identify a miRNA profile specific for iNKT cells, which exhibits features of activated/effector T lymphocytes, consistent with the idea that iNKT cells undergo agonist thymic selection. Together, these results define a critical role of the Dicer-dependent miRNA pathway in the physiology of iNKT cells.