bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interview with Ian Horrocks
Authors: Atzenbeck Claus
Published: September 2009

Ian Horrocks is a Professor in the Oxford University Computing Laboratory. He is internationally recognised for his work on ontology languages and reasoning systems. He was centrally involved in the development of the OIL, DAML+OIL and OWL ontology languages, and is co-chair of the W3C Working Group that is developing OWL 2. He has published more than 150 articles in conferences, journals and books (see http://www.comlab.ox.ac.uk/people/ian.horrocks/Publications/complete.html). In 2005 he received the BCS Roger Needham award for his his pioneering work in the Semantic Web and was also awarded an EPSRC Senior Research Fellowship.
“Socially induced semantic networks and applications” by Benjamin Markines
Authors: Markines Benjamin
Published: September 2009

Social bookmarking systems allow Web users to actively annotate online resources. These annotations incorporate meta-information with Web pages in addition to the actual document contents. From a collection of socially annotated resources, we present various methods for quantifying the relationship between objects, i.e., tags or resources. These relationships can then be represented in a semantic similarity network where the nodes represent objects and the undirected weighted edges represent their relations. These relations are quantied through similarity measures. There are two challenges associated with assembling and maintaining such a similarity network. The first challenge is updating the relations efficiently, i.e., the time and space complexity associated with graph algorithms. The complexity of these algorithms is typically quadratic. We present an incremental process answering both space and time limitations. The second challenge is the quality of the similarity measure. We evaluate various measures through the approximation of reference similarities. We then present a number of applications leveraging socially induced semantic similarity networks. A tag recommendation system, a page recommendation engine, and a Web navigation tool are evaluated through user studies. Finally, we design spam detection algorithms to enhance the functionality of social bookmarking systems.
Locally Balanced Dendritic Integration by Short-Term Synaptic Plasticity and Active Dendritic Conductances
Authors: Volman Vladislav , Levine Herbert , Ben-Jacob Eshel , Sejnowski Terrence J.
Published: September 2009

The high degree of variability observed in spike trains and membrane potentials of pyramidal neurons in vivo is thought to be a consequence of a balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs, which depends on the dynamics of the network. We simulated synaptic currents and ion channels in a reconstructed hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell and show here that a local balance can be achieved on a dendritic branch with a different mechanism, based on presynaptic depression of quantal release interacting with active dendritic conductances. This mechanism, which does not require synaptic inhibition, allows each dendritic branch to remain sensitive to correlated synaptic inputs, induces a high degree of variability in the output spike train, and can be combined with other balance mechanisms based on network dynamics. This hypothesis makes a testable prediction for the cause of the observed variability in the firing of hippocampal place cells.
Tumor necrosis factor deficiency inhibits mammary tumorigenesis and a tumor necrosis factor neutralizing antibody decreases mammary tumor growth in neu/erbB2 transgenic mice
Authors: Warren Mary Ann , Shoemaker Suzanne F. , Shealy David J. , Bshara Wiam , Ip Margot M.
Published: September 2009

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a pleiotropic cytokine that is synthesized and secreted by cells of the immune system, as well as by certain epithelia and stroma. Based on our previous studies demonstrating TNF-stimulated proliferation of normal and malignant mammary epithelial cells, we hypothesized that TNF might promote the growth of breast cancer in vivo. To test this, we generated bigenic mice that overexpressed activated neu/erbB2 in the mammary epithelium and whose TNF status was wild-type, heterozygous, or null. Mammary tumorigenesis was significantly decreased in TNF−/− mice (n = 30) compared with that in TNF+/+ mice (n = 27), with a palpable tumor incidence of 10.0% and 44.4%, and palpable tumors/mouse of 0.10 ± 0.06 and 0.67 ± 0.17, respectively. Tumorigenesis in the heterozygous group fell between that in the TNF+/+ and TNF−/− groups, but was not significantly different from either of the homozygous groups. The decreased tumor development in the TNF−/− mice was associated with a decreased proliferative index in the lobular and ductal mammary epithelium. To further investigate the role of TNF in breast cancer, mammary tumor–bearing mice whose tumors overexpressed wild-type neu/erbB2 were treated with a TNF-neutralizing antibody or a control antibody for 4 weeks (n = 20/group). Mammary tumor growth was significantly inhibited in mice treated with the anti-TNF antibody compared with the control antibody. Together, these data show a stimulatory role for TNF in the growth of breast tumors and suggest that TNF antagonists may be effective in a subset of patients with breast cancer. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(9):2655–63]
Korea Red Ginseng on Helicobacter pylori-Induced Halitosis: Newer Therapeutic Strategy and a Plausible Mechanism
Authors: Lee Jeong Sang , Kwon Kwang An , Jung Hyeon Sik , Kim Joo Hyeon , Hahm Ki-Baik
Published: September 2009

Background: Gas chromatographic documentation of volatile sulfur compounds in Helicobacter pylori cultures and the amelioration of halitosis after eradication suggested a causal link between H. pylori infection and halitosis. Aim: We hypothesized that Korea red ginseng can relieve H. pylori-associated halitosis based on their anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective actions in H. pylori-associated gastritis. Methods: Eighty-eight functional dyspepsia patients presenting with either subjective halitosis or objective halimeter levels >100 ppb were recruited, on whom tests were repeated after 10 weeks of red ginseng administration. The expressions of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthetase (CBS), IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β mRNA were compared in H. pylori-infected or NaHS-treated gastric epithelial cells according to red ginseng treatment. Results: After 10 weeks of red ginseng administration, 38 patients out of 68 H. pylori-positive cases became ‘free of halitosis’ accompanied with halimeter levels <50 ppb accordant with the subjective resolution of halitosis. Among the remaining 30 patients, 15 cases administered with both eradication regimen and red ginseng supplement showed either higher eradication rates (93.3%) or were found to be completely free of halitosis in comparison to the other 15 patients who were only administered the eradication regimen. Among 20 H. pylori-negative patients, 13 patients became ‘free of halitosis’ with 10 weeks of red ginseng treatment alone. Red ginseng extracts significantly decreased H. pylori- or NaHS-induced CSE expressions concomitant with attenuated levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β mRNA. Conclusion: The strategy consisting of Korea red ginseng supplementation after the successful eradication of H. pylori could be an effective way to fight troublesome halitosis.
Influence of NR2B-Selective NMDA Antagonist on Lindane-Induced Seizures in Rats
Authors: Hrnčić Dragan , Rašić-Marković Aleksandra , Šušić Veselinka , Djurić Dragan , Stanojlović Olivera
Published: September 2009

Ifenprodil is a novel NMDA receptor antagonist that selectively inhibits receptors containing the NR2B subunit. Lindane, a widely used pesticide and scabicide, evokes seizures mainly through the blockade of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor complex. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ifenprodil on the behavioral and electroencephalographic (EEG) manifestations of seizures in lindane-treated rats. Adult male Wistar rats with three electrodes implanted into the skull were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with lindane 8 mg/kg and observed for seizure behavior and EEG during the next 30 min. Seizure behavior was assessed by incidence, severity (determined by a descriptive rating scale ranging from 0 to 4) and duration of latency. Increasing doses of ifenprodil (5, 10, 20 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle were injected 30 min prior to lindane administration. Ifenprodil decreased the incidence and severity of lindane seizures and prolonged the latency to seizures in a dose-dependent manner. 20 mg/kg of ifenprodil significantly de- creased the incidence (p < 0.05) and severity (p < 0.05) of seizures when compared to the vehicle treatment. Latency to seizures was significantly prolonged by 10 and 20 mg/kg of ifenprodil. The estimated ED50 value of ifenprodil was 15.53 (5.48–15.20) mg/kg. The lindane-induced bursts of spiking activity in EEG were not completely suppressed by the applied doses of ifenprodil. These results indicate that ifenprodil alleviates behavioral seizures and modifies EEG characteristics of lindane seizures in rats, thus showing the involvement of NMDA receptors containing the NR2B subunit in the mechanisms of lindane convulsions.
Blood Pressure in Children with Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome during Oedema and after Steroid Therapy: The Influence of Familial Essential Hypertension
Authors: Monthe Kontchou Laure , Liccioli Giulia , Pela Ivana
Published: September 2009

Aims: To verify the variations of blood pressure in children with minimal change nephrotic syndrome and to correlate the blood pressure with familial history of essential hypertension. Methods: We measured blood pressure in 49 prepubertal nephrotic children, 17 females and 32 males, in the first week of oedema, and after 4 weeks of ISKDC (International Study of Kidney Disease in Children) standard steroid therapy. The children were divided into two groups: one with and the other without familial history of essential hypertension. Results: Among all the patients, 65% showed systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure higher than the 90th percentile at the first assessment. Among the children with a familial history of essential hypertension, in the oedematous phase of the nephrotic syndrome, 88% showed blood pressure higher than the 90th percentile and no children showed blood pressure lower than the 75th percentile. After therapy, the percentage of children with blood pressure higher than the 90th percentile was 52%. In the group with a negative familial history, at the onset 53% showed blood pressure over the 90th percentile. After 4 weeks of therapy, the percentage of children with blood pressure higher than the 90th percentile was 34%. Conclusions: Our study reveals the influence of familial essential hypertension in the oedematous phase of the nephrotic syndrome in children.
An Analysis of 733 Surgically Treated Blowout Fractures
Authors: Chi Mi Jung , Ku Myun , Shin Kwang Hun , Baek Sehyun
Published: September 2009

Purpose: To evaluate current patient demographics and surgical outcomes from a large series of 733 surgically treated orbital fractures from an ophthalmologist’s perspective. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 733 patients with orbital fracture, who were treated surgically by one of the authors at Gil Hospital, Gachon University, from May 2000 until September 2007. Data regarding patient demographics, signs and symptoms at presentation, cause of injury, nature of fracture, associated ocular and nonocular injury, surgical outcome and complications were collected. Results: Male patients outnumbered female patients, and blowout fracture occurred most frequently between the ages of 20 and 29 years (mean age 30.7 years). Violent assault was the leading cause of the fractures, followed by fall/slip and traffic accidents. Common signs and symptoms were periorbital ecchymosis, ocular motility restriction, diplopia and enophthalmos. In the pediatric group, diplopia and ocular motility restriction were the most common. Subconjunctival hemorrhage, hyphema and commotio retinae were the most commonly associated ocular injuries. As for the location of fractures, medial wall fractures were the most common, followed by fractures of the inferior wall, and both medial and inferior walls, in order. The most common type of fracture was the ‘comminuted’ one. In the pediatric group, the percentage of trapdoor-type fracture was higher than in the adult group. Forty-four percent of the patients had diplopia preoperatively and 8.7% postoperatively. The average measurement of difference in the enophthalmos (≧2 mm) patient population was improved from 2.62 (±SD 0.9) to 1.73 (±SD 1.3) after surgery. Ocular motility restriction was preoperatively noted in 297 patients (40.5%), and only 18 patients (2.5%) showed restriction after surgery. Conclusion: Young male individuals are at the highest risk for orbital fractures. There are marked differences in the clinical symptomatology and findings between pediatric and adult orbital fractures. Diplopia, enophthalmos and ocular motility restriction improved by repair of fracture.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Familial Clustering in Hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Mitani Satoko , Ozasa Kotaro , Shigeta Masako , Kuriyama Nagato , Ozaki Etsuko , Mizuno Toshiki , Yokota Syohei , Watanabe Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2009

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is correlated with diseases and lifestyle habits. However, there is no epidemiological evidence concerning the distribution and prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in a local community. Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the distribution and prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia and the existence or nonexistence of familial clustering. Methods: The subjects were participants in the Basic Health Check Service 1999. We administered a questionnaire and obtained blood samples from 865 subjects (306 men, 559 women) who agreed to participate in our study. Results: Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 52 men (17.0%) and 25 women (4.5%). Ten subjects who had hyperhomosysteinemia ha a family member who also had hyperhomocysteinemia. The odds ratio for hyperhomocysteinemia adjusted for age and sex was 4.77 (p < 0.01, 95% CI = 1.95–11.65). Conclusion: Hyperhomocysteinemia shows familial clustering. Men and elderly persons were more likely to have hyperhomocysteinemia.
Pharyngeal Deposition of Surfactant in the Premature Rabbit Fetus
Authors: Enhörning G. , Grossmann G. , Robertson B.
Published: September 2009

A concentrated surfactant suspension was deposited in the pharynx of premature rabbit fetuses, before the onset of breathing. This treatment improved the air expansion of the lungs and prolonged fetal survival. Possibly, a similar technique might be employed as a prophylactic measure against respiratory distress in premature infants.
Changes in Hepatic Microsomal Fatty Acid Synthesis during Development of the Rat
Authors: Warshaw J.B. , Kimura R.E.
Published: September 2009

Long-chain fatty acid synthesis by rat-liver microsomes increases strikingly following birth. After a peak of activity at 11 days of age, microsomal synthesis declines until, coincident with the time of weaning, there is a rapid increase in activity to adult levels. Product identification indicates that microsomal fatty acid synthesis occurs primarily by chain elongation.
Alterations in Plasma and Brain Lipid Metabolism during Endotoxemia in the Neonatal Rat
Authors: Fiser R.H. , Shultz T.D. , Rindsig R.B. , Beisel W.R.
Published: September 2009

Endotoxin in the neonatal rat produced marked elevations of plasma triglycerides, free fatty acids, and phospholipids. Incorporation of 3H-acetate into total lipids and cholesterol fraction of the brain was increased in rats given endotoxin, while incorporation into the phospholipid fraction in both brain and liver was decreased. These studies suggest that changes in plasma lipids provide not only a sensitive index of endotoxemia in the neonatal rat, but also reflect marked alterations in substrate utilization of the host during stress.
Duration of the Effect of Starving Neonatal Rats on the Magnitude of the Increase in VO2 when Exposed to Cold, on Critical Temperature, and on Weight Gain
Authors: Blackmore D.
Published: September 2009

Some rats (T0) were with their mothers constantly until 21 days old, then fed ad libitum until 90 days old. Litter mates (T16) were separated from their mothers for 16 h a day for 6 days (2–8 days of age); then were with her constantly for 13 days, and fed ad libitum from 21 to 90 days of age. T0 animals had lower critical temperatures until about 45 days of age. T0 animals showed more increase in v̇O2 per degree below critical temperature at all ages studied. T0 animals grew more rapidly until about 75 days old. The differences between T0 and T16 males were greater than those between T0 and T16 females. Evidence of delayed physiological maturity in the T16 animals is discussed.
Au-Anti-Au Immunocomplexes in Neonatal Au-Associated Hepatitis
Authors: Panizon F. , Rottini G.D. , Tamaro P.
Published: September 2009

Report on a case of Au-associated hepatitis in a baby aged 30 days; most probably the disease was transmitted across the placenta. The Au antigen, the anti-Au antibody and the Au-anti-Au immunocomplexes have been studied in the child, in the mother and in the father. A considerable, but transistory hypogammaglubulinemia has been found in the newborn, a high titer of gammaglobulins (mostly anti-Au IgG) was present in the mother’s serum. As we believe that transmission of both Au-antigen and anti-Au IgG took place from the mother to the baby it may be inferred that a precipitation of Au-anti-Au immunocomplexes occurred in the latter, inducing a sharp decrease of the immunoglobulin titer. Accordingly, Au-anti-Au immunocomplexes were found in the serum and in the liver parenchyma of newborn.
Characterization of Newborn Leukocyte Alkaline Phosphatase
Authors: Cao A. , Coppa G. , Marcucci F. , de Virgiliis S. , Giannone E.
Published: September 2009

Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) from cord blood was characterized by means of acrylamide gel disc electrophoresis, eneuraminidase sensitivity, heat inactivation, L-phenylalanine and L-homoargÍnine in hibition and EDTA inactivation. No differences were found between the LAP of cord blood and that of children in acrylamide gel disc electrophoresis, neuraminidase sensitivity, heat inactivation and L-homoarginine inhibition. Acrylamide gel disc electrophoresis of the agarose purified enzyme and EDTA inhibition studies suggest that the increase of LAP in cord blood depends on an increase of the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme.
Cerebral Oedema in Developing Brain
Authors: De Souza S.W. , Dobbing J.
Published: September 2009

Five-day-old rats subjected to prolonged asphyxia at body temperature (37 °) developed brain oedema as measured by increase in brain water and an increase in brain Na+/K+ ratio. Pretreatment with dexamethasone (20 μg/g body wt.) prevented brain oedema and electrolyte alterations during asphyxia. Dexamethasone (20 μg/g body wt.) treatment following asphyxia facilitated the return of altered brain water and Na+/K+ ratio to normal levels. However, this dose level retards brain and bodily growth. Lower doses of dexamethasone, more comparable with those used clinically, were not effective in preventing or reducing brain oedema. A possible mechanism of action of decamethasone is suggested.
Human Placental Phospholipid Synthesis
Authors: Karp W. , Sprecher H. , Robertson A.
Published: September 2009

The biosynthesis of phospholipids in human placenta was studied by using either tissue slices or subcellular fractions. When radioactive glycerol was incubated with tissue slices the glycerol was incorporated primarily into triglycerides and choline phosphoglycerides. In a similar way radioactive choline was incorporated into only choline-phosphoglycerides while ethanolamine was incorporated only into ethanolamine phosphoglycerides. Placenta microsomes and mitochondria are able to carry out a condensation of CDP-choline and diglycerides to produce choline phosphoglycerides.
Measurement of Liver Blood Flow in the Infant Monkey
Authors: Paton J.B. , Fisher D.E. , Saba T.M. , Behrman R.E.
Published: September 2009

Liver blood flow in infant monkeys (M speciosa) was measured with both the fractional clearance flow rate technique and the microsphere technique in an attempt to evaluate these methods comparatively and to quantitate liver blood flow in the newborn nonhuman primate. Cardiac output, blood volume and regional hepatic arterial, splenic, gastrointestinal, pancreatic and mesenteric blood flows were determined. With the fractional clearance technique mean liver sinusoidal blood flow was 35.2 ml/min or 1.48 ml/min/g of liver; this represents 26.3% cardiac output. With the microsphere method mean liver blood flow was 23.8 ml/min or 1.02 ml/min/g of liver; this represents 18.0% cardiac output. In these infants the mean cardiac output was 190 ml/min/kg body weight and the mean blood volume was 92.4 ml/kg.
Regulation of Enzyme Development for Glycerol Utilization by Neonatal Rat Liver
Authors: Ward Jane , Walker D.G.
Published: September 2009

Glycerol kinase and glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activities have been measured in perinatal rat liver. Hydrocortisone stimulates the activity of glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and thyroxine and hydrocortisone stimulate glycerol kinase activity in the fetal liver. The postnatal increase in the activity of both enzymes is prevented by starvation and can be restored by injection of glycerol. Glycerol is also effective in increasing the fetal liver activity of glycerol kinase. The role of glycerol in the natural development of these enzymesis discussed.
Histological and Histochemical Studies on the Human Growth Cartilage in Fetuses and Newborns
Authors: Stanescu R. , Stanescu V. , Maroteaux P.
Published: September 2009

A comparative histological and histochemical study on undecalcified frozen sections of the tibial growth plate was performed on fetuses, newborn infants and children. Three types of growth cartilage were described: early fetal, late fetal to newborn, and cartilage of 5- to 10-year-old children. A decrease of cellularity and in increase of matrix, a thickening of the intercolumnar septa, change in metachromasia of the septa and of the basal zone appear with age. A decrease in size of the hypertrophic cells from the early fetal to the newborn period is observed. A system of canals with vascular anastomoses across the plate is well developed in the late fetal-newborn period. Age-dependent change in permeability and in distribution of the oxygen tensions within the plate were suggested. Signs of growth arrest were found in several newborns with important general pathologic findings.
3H-Corticosterone Incorporation in CBA and Transferred A/Jax Embryos in CBA Mothers
Authors: Marsk L. , Ranning Kerstin , Larsson K.S.
Published: September 2009

The 3H-corticosterone incorporation in mouse embryos of resistant and sensitive mouse strains was studied using blastocyst transfer technique. There was no greater incorporation of the labelled corticosteroid in the sensitive A/Jax embryos transferred as blastocysts compared to native CBA embryos in the CBA mothers. These results do not support the hypothesis that a difference in concentration of teratogen at the receptor site should be the reason for a strain difference in cortisone-induced cleft palate in the A/Jax and CBA strains. Studies with various labelled corticosteroids given at various stages of embryonic development and measured by different methods are discussed in order to find an explanation for the strain difference in drug-induced malformations.
Turnover Kinetics and Influence of Sorbitol on the Concentrations of Blood Glucose and Lactate and on the Acid-Base Balance in Newborns
Authors: Willgerodt H. , Beyreiss K.
Published: September 2009

The turnover conditions of sorbitol and its influence on the glucose and lactate levels and on the acid-base state have been studied after intravenous intake of 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg body weight in the form of rapid injections and of 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 g kg-1 h-1 as permanent infusion for 3 h in 34 infants aged 1–10 days. After rapid injection of sorbitol, the glucose blood level shows a delayed increase, and the lactate concentration rises. These effects are more marked after administration of 1.0 g/kg than 0.5 g/kg. With continuous infusions, the optimal turnover range for sorbitol is at intake rates of 0.5 g kg-1 h-1. With this intake rate the total clearance amounts to 23.7 ± 10.7 ml kg-1 min-1. A decrease of the total clearance values with increased intake rates during permanent infusion as well as a decrease of the k2 values after increased doses with rapid injections suggest a decrease of the sorbitol transfer with increased intake. During the permanent intravenous infusion of sorbitol, an increase of the fructose blood level develops with dependence on the intake rate. The application of sorbitol instead of glucose for the treatment of hypoglycemias in hypoxic and otherwise impaired newborns is rejected because of the delayed rise of glucose, the decrease of the base excess, and the rise of the lactate concentration.
Erythrocyte Glutathione Synthesis in the Neonate
Authors: Minnich Virginia , Smith Mary Elizabeth , Rajanasathit Chinda , Majerus Philip W.
Published: September 2009

Red blood cell glutathione and the enzymes responsible for its synthesis in erythrocytes were measured in mothers and their offspring at time of delivery. γ-Glutamyl cysteine (GC) synthetase was the same in the two groups (neonates 0.313 and mothers 0.330 μmol GC formed/g Hb/min). The GSH synthetase was lower in umbilical cord blood than in maternal blood (cord blood 0.169 and maternal 0.214 μmol GSH formed/g Hb/min), even though the reduced GSH was greater in the former group than in the latter (cord blood 2.83 and maternal 2.32 mg GSH/g Hb). There was no relationship between glutathione stability and glutathione synthetase levels.
In vitro Observations on the Function of the Sino-Atrial Node in the Human Fetus, with a Comment on the Fetal Heart Rate throughout Pregnancy
Authors: Walker David
Published: September 2009

Right and left atria from the human fetal heart maintained in an organ bath at 38 °C, show an age-dependent decrease in their rate of beating. This activity is temperature dependent, but is not affected by the degree to which the tissue is stretched, or by decreasing the amount of tissue present in the organ bath. It is proposed that the fall in the rate of beating results from cellular changes within the developing myocardium, and that this phenomenon may explain part of the decrease in fetal heart rate which occurs during pregnancy.
Substrate Oxidation and Enzyme Activities of Ketone Body Metabolism in the Developing Pig
Authors: Kahng Myong Won , Sevdalian David A. , Tildon Tyson
Published: September 2009

Utilization of β-hydroxybutyrate-3-14C was studied in developing pig brain, heart and kidney slices by following the incorporation of 14C into CO2. All three tissues showed the ability to utilize β-hydroxybutyrate for energy purposes. Succinyl-CoA: 3-ketoacid CoA transferase (CoA transferase) and acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase activities were measured in those tissues. Although ketone body concentrations in pig blood are low in fed or fasting conditions, the extrahepatic tissues possess the enzymatic machinery for the ketone body utilization. The ratios of the CoA transferase activity to the rate of substrate oxidation indicate that CoA transferase is a significant enzyme in the ketone body oxidation in pig heart. On the other hand, the results suggest that a second enzyme, acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase, may also be important in the metabolism of ketone bodies in pig brain and kidney.
Lipid Absorption in Newborn Young of Guinea Pigs Fed a Protein-Deficient Diet during Gestation
Authors: Zeman Frances J. , Widdowson Elsie M.
Published: September 2009

Absorption of 14C-oleic acid and 14C-triolein was measured in newborn young of guinea pigs which had been adequately nourished or deprived of protein in the last half of pregnancy. The young of protein-deprived dams absorbed significantly greater amounts of both substances on the basis of amount per gram of intestinal tissue per minute or per gram of body weight per minute. In animals in the deficient group, villi of the jejunum were longer, narrower, and more numerous than in the controls, providing a morphological basis for some of the observed increase.
The Glucose/Oxygen Quotient of the Term Human Fetus
Authors: Morriss, jr. F.H. , Makowski E.L. , Meschia G. , Battaglia F.C.
Published: September 2009

Glucose/oxygen quotients were obtained at repeat elective cesarean section from appropriately grown, normoxemic term human fetuses. The mean glucose/oxygen quotient for these 11 fetuses was 0.81. Umbilical arterial glucose concentration and the maternal-fetal glucose concentration gradient were found to be functions of the maternal venous glucose concentration. Umbilical blood samples obtained following labor and vaginal delivery may not represent the normal metabolism of the fetus prior to the onset of labor. Similarly, samples obtained at cesarean section may not be representative if fetal hypoxemia associated with transient maternal hypotension occurs.
Skinfold Thickness in Neonates
Authors: McGowan A. , Jordan M. , MacGregor J.
Published: September 2009

Birth weight as an index of neonatal health needs to be supplemented by other objective measurements, particularly in the case of light-for-dates neonates, where inaccuracies in estimates of gestation confound the problem. Skinfold thicknesses were taken using a Harpenden caliper to obtain further indices of neonatal well-being. The reproducibility of measurements was good with most of the error due to manipulation of the caliper by the operator and not to site selection. In a series of ‘normal’ neonates, sex differences were found, particularly in the flank and quadriceps measurements. These two sites also distinguish best between a small group of light-for-dates subjects and the ‘normal’ group.
Estriol Excretion in the First-Voided Urine of Male Newborns
Authors: Fenner A. , Lange G.-U. , Moenkemeier D. , Ohlenroth G.
Published: September 2009

Estriol concentration values in the first urine of 161 asymptomatic premature and mature newborns (mean birth weight, BW=3,312 g, range 1,350–4,320 g; mean gestational age, GA = 39.08 weeks, range 28–42 weeks) showed a positive correlation with increasing BW(r = 0.401, p < 0.001) as well as with GA (r = 0.432 p < 0.001). When urinary estriol levels were related to creatinine concentrations (estriol-creatinine ratio = E/C ratio) in order to correct for possible differences in renal functional capacity, the respective correlation coefficients were r = 0.307 (p < 0.001) for BW and r = 0.284 (p < 0.001) for GA. In a small group of unequivocal cases of the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) comprising a total of 13 infants (mean BW = 1,871 g, range 1,260–2,890 g, mean GA = 32.38 weeks, range 28–38 weeks) a statistically significant correlation could not be proved between urinary estriol levels and either, BW or GA (r = 0.487 for BW; r = 0.441 for GA). The reason for this may be the small number of cases tested. When urinary estriol levels are again related to urinary creatinine concentration, the correlation does become significant: r = 0.704, p < 0.01 for E/C ratio over BW; r = 0.738 p < 0.01 for E/C ratio over GA. For a given stage of maturity, estriol excretion (E/C ratio) is reduced in very premature RDS babies when compared with healthy controls. As maturity is approached, the differences gradually disappear. It is concluded that in the present series the pattern of increase in estriol excretion with advancing pregnancy is similar in healthy and in RDS patients. Thus a significant asphyxial insult contributing to the pathogenesis of the disease may have occurred during late labour and/or delivery. Had asphyxia been present prior to the onset of labour, a more pronounced drop in fetal urinary estriol and analogously in neonatal urinary estriol excretion would have had to be expected.
Epinephrine-Induced Hyperglycemia and Glycogenolysis in Fed and Fasted Neonatal Swine
Authors: Stanton H.C. , Mueller R.L.
Published: September 2009

Epinephrine-induced hyperglycemia and liver and skeletal muscle glycogenolysis were measured in fed and fasted swine varying in age from 3 h to 39 days. Fed, newborn piglets were less sensitive to epinephrine-induced hyperglycemia or liver glycogenolysis than animals 7, 14 and 39 days of age. The hyperglycemic potency of epinephrine (0.5–125 μg/kg, i.v.) decreased with age in fasted swine. A hypoglycemic component was observed 40 min after the smaller doses of the catecholamine. Epinephrine did not alter skeletal muscle glycogen levels in these experiments.
Fatty Acid Synthesis in Developing Brain
Authors: Gross Ian , Warshaw Joseph B.
Published: September 2009

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.2) activity in the supernatant fraction of the rat brain is highest during the first 2 weeks of postnatal life, coincident with the period of maximal brain growth, and then declines by 50% to adult levels. As its in vitro activity is similar to that of fatty acid synthetase, it does not appear to be the rate-limiting step in de novo fatty acid synthesis in brain. Both acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthetase activities are significantly inhibited by palmityl-CoA. Comparison of the Km (acetyl-CoA) of newborn and adult rat brain supernatant fractions reveals a fourfold difference, but this is probably not significant enough to indicate the presence of a newborn isoenzyme.
Plasma Cholesterol Ester Formation in the Neonatal Lamb
Authors: Noble R.C.C. , Crouchman M.L. , Moore J.H.
Published: September 2009

Investigations have been made into the activity of the lecithin-cholesterol-acyltransferase (LCAT) enzyme in the formation of the cholesteryl esters in the plasma of the newborn lamb. Although LCAT activity is present in the plasma immediately after birth, within 24 h a large increase in the activity of the LCAT system occurs. This increase in LCAT activity during the first 24 h after birth is associated with increased concentrations of lipid substrates in the plasma. However, evidence is provided to show that severe inhibition occurs in the relative efficiency with which the LCAT mechanism operates in the plasma of the lamb immediately after birth.
Characterization and Quantitation of the Five Major Plasma Protein Fractions in Seven-Day-Old Piglets
Authors: Le Gal Y.M.
Published: September 2009

Cellulose acetate electrophoresis was applied to resolve, characterize and quantitate the five major plasma protein fractions of 7-day-old pigs. Purified Cohn fractions were added to the piglets plasma and the individual fractions characterized by similarities in mobilities. All mobilities were expressed relative to albumin. Relative percentages and concentrations of the electrophoretically separated plasma proteins were also calculated. The respective mean values for the plasma concentration of albumin, α-, β-, γ-globulin and fibrinogen obtained from 45 piglets were 1.98, 0.93, 0.27, 0.60 and 1.49 g/100 ml, respectively.
Effects of DDT Homologs Administered to Female Rats during the Perinatal Period
Authors: Gellert Ronald J. , Heinrichs LeRoy
Published: September 2009

The administration of estrogen to female rats during the perinatal period induces a masculine pattern of hypothalamic differentiation resulting in persistent vaginal estrus (PVE) and anovulation. 10 mg day of the estrogenic homologs op′-DDT, op′-DOE, and DDA, as well as allegedly nonestrogenic forms of the pesticide, pp′-DDT and op′-DDD, were given by gavage from days 15–19 of pregnancy. 1-mg doses of the homologs were also given SQ daily to female rats on the second, third, and fourth days of life. Vaginal opening was delayed by 2 days in rats derived from the dams gavaged with o,p′-DDD. Periodic examination of estrous cycles in the rats treated neonatally with op′-DDD revealed PVE by 209 days of age, and absence of corpora lutea by 258 days of age. Prior to 4 months of age, estrous cycles were normal in these animals. The remaining pesticide homologs tested, regardless of the mode of administration, had no significant effect on the estrous cycles or on endocrine gland weights.
Glimpsing Native American Historiography: The Cellular Principle in Sixteenth-Century Nahuatl Annals
Authors: Townsend Camilla
Published: September 2009

This article argues that if we are to make progress in understanding pre-conquest notions of history among the Nahuas, we must study the earliest alphabetic annals at least as seriously as we have studied the pictorials, including not only those treating the pre-conquest period, but also those treating the authors' own times, the colonial sixteenth century. Placing the hitherto understudied Annals of Juan Bautista and Annals of Tecamachalco in the context of the well-studied Historia Tolteca-Chichimeca, Annals of Cuauhtitlan, and Codex Aubin, the author concludes that there is direct evidence that Nahuatl historical annals originally were not, as has been supposed, purely linear texts recounting the history of a single altepetl, but rather, constructions based on an accumulation of cellular contributions from multiple subentities. Historical truth was understood to require multiple perspectives.
“You See Your Culture Coming Out of the Ground Like a Power”: Uncanny Narratives in Time and Space on the Northwest Coast
Authors: Boyd Colleen E.
Published: September 2009

In 2003, construction began on a graving dock that would bring marine projects to the Olympic Peninsula and provide family-wage jobs. It appeared to be a good fit for the city of Port Angeles, Washington, and its surrounding communities. Shortly after construction began, workers unearthed an approximately 2,700–year-old Coast Salish village and cemetery, claimed by the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe as an ancestral site. Significantly, indigenous reports of being haunted by the spirits of their disturbed ancestors and nonnative desires to bury the past and move forward resulted in intercultural conflicts and misunderstandings. Such struggles speak to the contested nature of history and the deeply rooted concerns about the region's socioeconomic future following the decline of natural resource industries.
Temperature and Hydrogen Concentration Limits for Delayed Hydride Cracking in Irradiated Zircaloy
Authors: Schofield JS , Darby EC , Gee CF
Published: September 2009

Critical temperatures for delayed hydride cracking (DHC) initiation during cooling (TRIT) and crack arrest during heating (TDAT) have been measured in experiments on specimens from a Zircaloy-2 electron beam weld irradiated to a fluence of 3 to 5 > 1025 n ∙ m-2 (E > 1 MeV) and then hydrided to concentrations of 35 and 55 ppm. The experimental observations are shown to be consistent with a simple model based on previously determined hydrogen terminal solid solubility data for dissolution and precipitation, which describes conditions for sustained hydride precipitation at the crack tip. When plotted against bulk hydrogen concentration in solution, both TRIT and TDAT fall below the dissolution solvus temperature and above the precipitation solvus temperature. A key assumption in the model is that, while the local crack tip stress concentration causes local enhancement of the hydrogen concentration in solution, the hydride precipitation solvus is unaffected by stress. The good agreement obtained between measured and predicted critical temperatures provides strong support for this assumption.
About the Mechanisms Governing the Hydrogen Effect on Viscoplasticity of Unirradiated Fully Annealed Zircaloy-4 Sheet
Authors: Rupa N , Clavel M , Bouffioux P , Domain C , Legris A
Published: September 2009

It has been observed that hydrogen either in solid solution or precipitated under the form of hydrides has an impact on the viscoplasticity of CWSR Zircaloy-4 cladding tubes, increasing significantly the creep resistance. The use of TEM on the structurally complex CWSR material being unlikely to identify the deformation mechanisms, it has been decided to complete this R&D program on recrystallized material. A study has been carried out on fully annealed unirradiated Zircaloy-4 sheet used for the manufacturing of the fuel subassembly grids. Mechanical tests were performed for large ranges of temperatures (300 to 400°C), stresses (120 to 250 MPa), and strain rates (2 ∙ 10-7 to 2 ∙ 10-3 s-1) on as-received and hydrided specimen. The results emphasize: • Hydrogen in solid solution induces a softening of the material. The TEM observations have revealed identical structure of dislocations for both as-received and hydrided specimens. The softening has been particularly observed when dynamic strain aging is activated. It is assumed that atomic hydrogen decreases the dislocation pinning caused by interstitial and/or enhances the intrinsic mobility of the dislocations. With respect to abinitio calculation, atomic hydrogen might be trapped easily by the core of the dislocation, this phenomenon contributing to decrease the lattice friction and to enhance planar glide. • Precipitated hydrides induce a hardening of the material as observed for CWSR Zircaloy 4. The magnitude of the phenomenon depends upon temperature and stress. An analysis of the unload sequences for tension tests and of the secondary strain rates for creep tests leads to the conclusion that hydrides change the kinematics hardening by increasing the internal stress with respect to the as-received material. TEM observation combined with this viscoplasticity approach has revealed that: first, as long as the internal stress is increasing versus plastic strain, hydride are obstacles to the dislocation glide; second, once the internal stress reaches saturation, the hydrides can be jumped over by the dislocations.
Irradiation Creep Behavior of Zr-Base Alloys
Authors: Soniak A , L'Hullier N , Mardon J-P , Rebeyrolle V , Bouffioux P , Bernaudat C
Published: September 2009

This paper deals with the irradiation creep behavior of Zr-base alloys, both under normal operating and power transient conditions. The first part is devoted to the creep experiments, which were conducted in the OSIRIS or SILOE metallurgical test reactors using argon internally pressurized cladding tubes to simulate the normal operating conditions in PWRs. The studied materials are the following Zr-base alloys: stress-relieved (SRA) and fully recrystallized (RXA) low tin Zircaloy-4, the RXA Zr-SnFeV M4 alloy and the FRAMATOME-ANP Zr-l%NbO (M5™). The effects of the alloy composition and metallurgical condition, temperature (280 to 380°C), stress level (0 to 120 MPa), and fast neutron flux (1 to 2 × 1018 n/m2s, E > 1 MeV) on the irradiation creep kinetics are discussed. These irradiation creep results confirm the lower creep rate of RXA Zy-4, M4, and M5™ with respect to SRA Zy-4.

In the second part, this paper relates to the clad behavior under pellet-cladding interaction conditions. To this end, a specific irradiation device operated at a nominal temperature of 350°C is used to strain a cladding tube sample at high stress level (about 400 MPa by internal pressure) and under neutron flux (2 × 1018 n/m2s, E > 1 MeV). The diameter elongation is measured online versus time. The results are compared to those obtained during out-of-pile creep tests on irradiated specimens using similar temperature and stress conditions. This experiment allows discussion of the contribution of irradiation-induced creep with respect to the thermal creep at high stress levels relevant to PCI conditions.
The Fatigue Response of Polyvinyl Chloride and Polyethylene Pipe Systems
Authors: Bowman Jeremy A.
Published: September 2009

Fluctuating internal pressures induce fatigue stresses in pipes and fittings. The influence of these fatigue loadings on the strength of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) and polyethylene (PE) pipe systems is examined. The fatigue response of UPVC pipe is well defined. For PE pipe systems elevated temperature fatigue tests identify fittings and joints as the prefered failure sites. The literature indicates that PE pipe systems, jointed by butt fusion in particular, have the best projected fatigue lifetimes, and are capable of withstanding significant surge fatigue stressing at 20/23°C.
Peripheral insulin-like factor 3 concentrations are reduced in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus: effect of glycemic control and visceral adiposity on Leydig cell function
Authors: Ermetici F , Donadio F , Iorio L , Malavazos A E , Dolci A , Peverelli E , Barbieri A M , Morricone L , Chiodini I , Arosio M , Lania A , Beck-Peccoz P , Ambrosi B , Corbetta S
Published: September 2009

Background and aim

Hypogonadism frequently occurs in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), while the role of glycemic control and visceral obesity is still unclear. This study aimed to assess the Leydig cell function, including the new sensitive marker insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3), in T2DM patients without overt hypogonadism and the influence of either glycemic control or visceral adiposity.

Subjects and methods

Thirty T2DM patients (age 57.1±6.2 years, body mass index (BMI) 28.0±4.3) without overt hypogonadism and 30 age- and BMI-matched controls were studied. Anthropometric, glycometabolic parameters and testosterone, SHBG, LH, INSL3 levels, bioavailable and free testosterone (BT and cFT) were evaluated. The human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) test was also performed.

Results

Patients had lower total testosterone (452.6±130.0 vs 512.6±117.3 ng/dl, P=0.06), BT (189.7±36.4 vs 237.1±94.1 ng/dl, P=0.002), cFT (8.1±1.6 vs 10.1±4.0 ng/dl, P=0.002), and higher LH levels (3.5±1.6 vs 2.6±1.2 mU/ml, P=0.01) versus controls. Serum INSL3 concentrations were also lower in patients (1.1±0.3 vs 1.5±0.7 ng/ml, P=0.01). These hormonal parameters, including INSL3, did not differ between T2DM patients with poor or good glycemic control (HbA1c>9 or <7% respectively). In patients, waist circumferences (97.9±12.4 cm) negatively correlated with INSL3 (P=0.03) and basal, as well as hCG-stimulated testosterone levels (P=0.04 and 0.004 respectively). Basal or stimulated hormonal levels and INSL3 concentrations were not different between patients with (40%) or without erectile dysfunction.

Conclusions

An early impairment of the overall Leydig cell function is present in men with T2DM, mainly related to visceral adiposity rather than to glycemic control.