bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcome of Patients With Coexistent Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies and Antibodies Against Glomerular Basement Membrane
Authors: Lindič Jelka , Vizjak Alenka , Ferluga Dušan , Kovač Damjan , Aleš Andreja , Kveder Radoslav , Ponikvar Rafael , Bren Andrej
Published: July 2009

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and antibodies against glomerular basement membrane (anti‐GBM) rarely coexist. Both antibodies may be associated with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage. We describe the clinical, serological and histological features of our patients with dual antibodies. From 1977 to 2008, 48 patients with anti‐GBM antibody‐associated renal disease were observed. Eight out of the 30 tested patients (26.7%), all females, had positive myeloperoxidase (MPO)‐ANCA coexistent with anti‐GBM antibodies. The patients' mean age was 63.4 ± 7.8 years. Five presented with pulmonary‐renal syndrome, all but one were dialysis‐dependent on admission. They had constitutional symptoms and different organ involvement. The kidney biopsies revealed intense linear staining for immunoglobulin G and C3 along the glomerular and distal tubular basement membrane associated with irregular diffuse or focal extracapillary crescentic glomerulonephritis with necrosis of varying extent. Lesions of varying ages were characteristically expressed. Seven patients were treated with methylprednisolone and plasma exchange, four with cyclophosphamide, and one with intravenous immunoglobulin. After 28–74 months, there were three dialysis‐dependent survivors and one patient with stable chronic renal disease. Two clinical relapses with pulmonary involvement and MPO‐ANCA positivity without anti‐GBM antibodies occurred in two dialysis‐dependent patients. In summary, screening for ANCA and anti‐GBM antibodies should be undertaken in patients with clinical signs of systemic vasculitis. In dialysis‐dependent patients, the goal of treatment is to limit the damage of other involved organs and not to preserve renal function. Careful follow‐up is necessary due to the relapsing nature of the ANCA component of the disease.
Blood Pressure Measurements and Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ekart Robert , Hojs Radovan , Pečovnik‐Balon Breda , Bevc Sebastjan , Dvoršak Benjamin
Published: July 2009

In hemodialysis (HD) patients, routine dialysis center blood pressure (BP) measurements may be a poor indicator of BP control. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) improves the predictability of BP as a risk factor for target organ damage. Carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) is an important indicator of asymptomatic atherosclerosis and a predictor of cardiovascular events. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the possible association between different BP measurements and carotid IMT in HD patients. Eighty‐five HD patients were included in our study. BP was measured with a standard mercury sphygmomanometer before and after each HD session. The average one‐monthly values of routine BP measurements were also analyzed. 24‐ and 48‐h ABPM was performed after the end of each HD session using non‐invasive ABPM. The average values of systolic and diastolic BP were analyzed separately for the first (HD) and second (interdialytic) days ABPM, and for both days together. Using B‐mode ultrasonography, carotid IMT was measured and plaque occurrence investigated. We found a statistically significant correlation between carotid IMT and the average one‐monthly pre‐HD diastolic BP (P < 0.05), diastolic BP on the HD‐day ABPM, the interdialytic‐day ABPM, and during 48‐h ABPM (P < 0.05). By multiple regression analysis, we found a statistically significant correlation only between carotid IMT and diastolic BP on the HD‐day ABPM, the interdialytic‐day ABPM, and during 48‐h ABPM (P < 0.05). Only longer BP measurements (24‐ and 48‐h ABPM) were associated with carotid IMT in HD patients.
Antioxidant Enzymes Show Adaptation to Oxidative Stress in Athletes and Increased Stress in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Knap Bojan , Prezelj Marija , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Ponikvar Rafael , Bren Andrej F
Published: July 2009

The aim of the study is to compare oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients in controls and in rowers. The patients are a model of decreased antioxidant capacity, and the athletes (rowers) are a model of the highest antioxidant capacity due to their chronic adaptation to demanding training. Thirty‐five subjects participated in the study, 9 patients with end‐stage renal disease treated by hemodialysis, 12 healthy young subjects from the normal population, and 14 rowers. The antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as non‐transferrin‐bound iron as a promoter of free radical damage, were determined. Blood analysis was taken in dialysis patients in the morning, before the dialysis procedure. There was significantly higher activity of catalase in dialysis patients (catalase 4.26 ± 0.35 mkat/g Hb) compared to the controls (catalase 2.73 ± 0.38 mkat/g Hb) and rowers (catalase 1.71 ± 0.30 mkat/g Hb). Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly lower (10.42 ± 1.46 µkat/g Hb) than in the controls (11.94 ± 1.18 µkat/g Hb) and rowers (14.09 ± 0.92 µkat/g Hb). There was no significant differences between glutathione peroxidase activities in the three groups. Superoxide dismutase and Se were higher in rowers than in dialysis patients (P < 0.05). The concentrations of both non‐transferrin‐bound iron and ferritin were significantly higher in dialysis patients. Hemodialysis patients might have increased oxidative stress, which is characterized by significantly higher erythrocyte enzyme activity of catalase and lower activity of superoxide dismutase. Top rowers had increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, perhaps because of adaptation during training, which was not the case in dialysis patients and controls.
Regional Citrate Anticoagulation for Intermittent Predilution Online Hemofiltration
Authors: Gubenšek Jakob , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Škofic Nataša , Ponikvar Rafael
Published: July 2009

There is no consensus on the optimal renal replacement treatment in intensive care units. Among intermittent dialysis methods, hemofiltration (HF) is preferred by some because of better hemodynamic stability and cytokine removal. We report our experience with regional citrate anticoagulation for intermittent predilution online HF. Forty‐one patients (age 69 ± 10 years, 73% male) with acute renal failure and an increased bleeding risk in intensive care units were included in this retrospective analysis. Citrate anticoagulation was performed with 4% citrate (starting at 400 mL/h) and 1 mol/L calcium chloride (starting at 7 mL/h). Calcium‐containing (1.25 mmol/L) infusate, prepared online, was used. Anticoagulation was assessed visually after HF in a subgroup of 36 procedures using a score of 5 (no clotting) to 1 (total occlusion). The duration of the 94 HF sessions performed was 4 h 50 min ± 47 min, and the infusate volume reached was 77 ± 9 L. During HF, ionized calcium increased (1.01 ± 0.14 to 1.13 ± 0.09 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and the increases in sodium (141 ± 5 to 143 ± 3 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and bicarbonate (23 ± 6 to 25 ± 4 mmol/L, P < 0.01) were significant, but small. There were two cases of metabolic alkalosis (pH > 7.5) not requiring any intervention. None of the circuits clotted. The mean anticoagulation assessment scores were 4.6 ± 0.6 at the arterial bubble trap, 4.2 ± 1.0 at the dialyzer, and 4.2 ± 0.9 at the venous bubble trap. To conclude, regional citrate anticoagulation for predilution online hemofiltration with calcium‐containing infusate provides a good anti‐thrombotic effect and has rare metabolic side effects.
Comparison of Citrate Anticoagulation During Plasma Exchange With Different Replacement Solutions
Authors: Antonič Manja , Gubenšek Jakob , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Ponikvar Rafael
Published: July 2009

The aim of our retrospective study was to compare the application of regional citrate anticoagulation and citrate‐related side‐effects in plasma exchange (PE) with different replacement solutions. We included 35 patients treated with PE with regional citrate anticoagulation and divided them into three groups according to the replacement solution used: human albumin (HA) group (40 PE treatments), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) group (86 PE treatments), or a combination of the two (63 PE treatments). The citrate anticoagulation parameters, ionized calcium and metabolic consequences of citrate were compared. The blood flow and citrate infusion rates were similar in all groups. To maintain comparable values of ionized calcium during PE, significantly more calcium was replaced in the combination group (7.6 ± 1.3 vs. 6.2 ± 2.7 mL/h, P < 0.001) and even more in the FFP group (10.8 ± 1.7 vs. 6.2 ± 2.7 mL/h, P < 0.001) as compared to the HA group. The pH increased significantly and comparably in all groups, but the increase in bicarbonate was significantly higher in the FFP group (4.4 ± 3.0 vs. 2.6 ± 2.1 mmol/L, P = 0.01). A short, heparin‐free hemodialysis session was performed after the PE treatment, because of significant metabolic alkalosis (mainly with pH ≥ 7.5), significantly more often in the FFP group (14/86 PE, P < 0.01) as compared to the HA group (0/40), and only rarely in the combination group (2/63). To conclude, when FFP is used as a replacement solution during PE with citrate anticoagulation, significantly more calcium needs to be replaced and the increase in bicarbonate is greater during PE. The additional citrate contained in FFP, combined with frequent PE treatments, often causes significant metabolic alkalosis, which can be efficiently corrected with a short heparin‐free hemodialysis.
Preoperative Ultrasonographic Mapping of Blood Vessels Before Arteriovenous Fistula Construction in Elderly Patients With End‐stage Renal Disease
Authors: Peršič Vanja , Ponikvar Rafael , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka
Published: July 2009

The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the ultrasonographic mapping of both arm and forearm vessels before primary arteriovenous fistula (AVF) construction in elderly patients with end‐stage renal disease. There were 129 patients aged 75 ± 6 (65–93) years, 58% men, 37% diabetics, who participated in the study. The inner diameter of veins (under compression) and arteries, and the arterial peak systolic velocity (PSV) were measured. The presence of arterial calcifications was noted. The positions for possible native AVF construction (radiocephalic and brachiocephalic) were suggested and an AVF was constructed by a trained nephrologist. An adequate cephalic vein was present in 76 (59%) patients (diameter 4.9 ± 1.1 mm) in the right arm, and in 83 (64%) patients (4.7 ± 1.2 mm) in the left arm. Suitable veins in the forearm were recorded in 73 (57%) patients on the right (3.7 ± 0.7 mm) and in 76 (59%) patients on the left (3.5 ± 1.0 mm) side. The inner arterial diameter was: brachial—right 4.6 ± 0.6 mm (calcifications in 26%), left 4.6 ± 0.7 mm (calcifications in 20%); radial—right 2.3 ± 0.4 mm (calcifications in 36%), left 2.3 ± 0.5 mm (calcifications in 29%). In 32% of patients, one native AVF was possible, in 17% two, in 23% three and in 18% four, while in 10% no AVF was possible. In 84% of patients an AVF was constructed, with no significant difference in non‐diabetic vs. diabetic patients (88% vs. 80%) or females vs. males (87% vs. 83%). Native AVF can be constructed in the majority of elderly patients, often in multiple positions, with no significant differences in terms of sex or diabetic status.
Ultimate synchrotron cut-off in gamma-ray spectra of blazars as a signature of the converter mechanism
Authors: Stern Boris E. , Tikhomirova Yana Y.
Published: July 2009

There is a robust upper limit on the energy of synchrotron radiation in high-energy astrophysics: ∼mec2/α, where α= 1/137 is the fine structure constant and the value refers to the comoving frame of the fluid. This is the maximal energy of synchrotron photons which can be emitted by an electron having an arbitrarily high initial energy after it turns by angle ∼π in the magnetic field. This upper limit can be naturally reached if the converter mechanism contributes to the jet radiation and can be imprinted in spectra of some blazars as a cut-off or a dip in the GeV range. We use numerical simulations to probe the range of parameters of a radiating jet where the ultimate synchrotron cut-off appears. We reproduce the variety of spectra depending on the source luminosity and on the scale of the emission site. We also compare our results with the EGRET blazar spectra in order to illustrate that the agreement is possible but still not statistically significant. The predicted feature, if it exists, should be observed by Fermi in spectra of some blazars.
No visible optical variability from a relativistic blast wave encountering a wind termination shock
Authors: Van Eerten H. J. , Meliani Z. , Wijers R. A. M. J. , Keppens R.
Published: July 2009

Gamma-ray burst afterglow flares and rebrightenings of the optical and X-ray light curves have been attributed to both late-time inner engine activity and density changes in the medium surrounding the burster. To test the latter, we study the encounter between the relativistic blast wave from a gamma-ray burster and a stellar wind termination shock. The blast wave is simulated using a high-performance adaptive mesh relativistic hydrodynamic code, amrvac, and the synchrotron emission is analysed in detail with a separate radiation code. We find no bump in the resulting light curve, not even for very high density jumps. Furthermore, by analysing the contributions from the different shock wave regions we are able to establish that it is essential to resolve the blast wave structure in order to make qualitatively correct predictions on the observed output and that the contribution from the reverse shock region will not stand out, even when the magnetic field is increased in this region by repeated shocks. This study resolves a controversy in the recent literature.
QUALITY OF ORANGE JUICE DRINK SUBJECTED TO A PREDICTIVE MODEL‐BASED PASTEURIZATION PROCESS
Authors: GABRIEL ALONZO A. , AZANZA MARIA PATRICIA V.
Published: July 2009

The utility of a previously developed predictive model for the decimal reduction time (D72C) of Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 13311) in citrus systems was validated by establishing a pasteurization process (P72C) for Philippine native orange juice drink (POD). Quality characteristics of the pasteurized POD were evaluated and used as bases for assessing the utility of the developed model. The pP72C for POD was calculated by multiplying the model‐generated D72C of the reference strain with the recommended order of lethality (m) of 5.00 log10 cycles. A aP72C was likewise calculated based on D72C that resulted from actual thermal inactivation study of the reference strain on POD. Pasteurization resulted to PODs with significantly (P < 0.05) altered color, microbial quality and sensory profile. Except for the overall quality, differences in the consumer acceptance of various unpasteurized and pasteurized PODs quality characteristics were found to be not significant.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A mathematical model was developed to estimate the thermal death times of the pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 13311) from the pH, titratable acidity (% citric acid) and soluble solid (°Brix) values of suspending citrus systems. In this study, the utility of this model in establishing a pasteurization process for a test orange juice drink was determined. As the establishment of specific thermal process schedule for individual food products can be difficult, utilization of the validated model shall be a convenient alternative to the traditional but rigorous process.
OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESSING CONDITIONS FOR KUNUN‐ZAKI, A SPONTANEOUSLY FERMENTED CEREAL‐BASED BEVERAGE
Authors: EDEMA MOJISOLA OLAYINKA , ANETOR OBEHI HELEN
Published: July 2009

Kunun‐zaki production was monitored at six sites for the evaluation of microbiological quality, potential hazards and identification of critical control points, with the aim of setting critical limits for process optimization. Samples were collected at various stages of production and examined microbiologically for potential pathogens, before and after optimization. Critical limits were established for the critical control points identified, and two producers were selected for testing the effectiveness of corrective actions in an optimized process. Samples of kunun‐zaki recorded total viable counts ranging from 3.84 to 4.80 log10 cfu/mL. Bacillus cereus, salmonellae and staphylococci were isolated in samples at 0.00–0.01, 0.57–0.76 and 1.70–2.04 log10 cfu/mL, respectively. The application of corrective measures, such as hand‐washing practices, washing of processing areas and utensils, hygienic handling of materials during processing and pasteurization of final product proved effective in significantly reducing (up to 80%) the microbiological hazards associated with kunun‐zaki.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The findings of this study have shown that with minimum hygienic food‐handling practices, the incidence of food‐borne pathogens in local foods and drinks can be reduced if not eliminated, even at household level of production. The work itself is practicable at the current level of kunun‐zaki production and holds application for pilot‐scale processing. The results can be used to set national standards for this and other related drinks. It also provides baseline data for standardization of kunun‐zaki production, the focus of ongoing research by the authors.
Studies of Water Velocity in the Capillary Fringe: The Point Velocity Probe
Authors: Berg S.J. , Gillham R.W.
Published: July 2009

The point velocity probe (PVP) is a device that can measure groundwater velocity at the centimeter scale, and unlike devices that measure velocity within well screens, the PVP operates while in direct contact with the porous medium. Because of this feature, it was postulated that the PVP could be effective in measuring velocity within the capillary fringe. This hypothesis was tested using a laboratory flow‐through cell filled with a medium‐fine sand from Canadian Forces Base Borden. The cell was constructed to simulate conditions such that the PVP was positioned from 2.5 cm below the water table to 79 cm above the water table. As the water table was lowered, the PVP gave highly consistent values of velocity over the range equivalent to 2.5 cm below the water table to 44 cm above the water table, the approximate extent of the capillary fringe. The average measured velocity was 11.3 cm/d ± 11.6%, somewhat higher than that calculated based on the measured discharge through the cell (7.5 cm/d ± 5.5%). With a further decline in the water table there was a progressive decrease in the measured velocity values, consistent with the declining hydraulic conductivity as the sand material drained. Readings could not be made beyond about 57 cm, where the water content was approximately 75% of saturation. These experiments showed that the PVP is capable of measuring groundwater velocity within the saturated zone above the water table and possibly into the unsaturated zone. Currently, this is the only instrument available with this capability.
Using gaming workshops to prepare nursing students for caring for older people in clinical practice
Authors: McLafferty Ella , Dingwall Lindsay , Halkett Ann
Published: July 2009

mclafferty e., dingwall l. & halkett a. (2009) Using gaming workshops to prepare nursing students for caring for older people in clinical practice.International Journal of Older People Nursing 5, 51–60 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2009.00176.x

Background. Older people are the least satisfied with the care they receive when they are acutely ill. Furthermore, within nurse education, nursing older people has been submerged rather than embedded in the acute focus of nursing curricula. Lecturers designed a 1‐day gaming workshop to stimulate interest in nursing older people.

Aim. To explore the influence of gaming workshops on undergraduate nursing students’ learning about nursing older people.

Methods. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. A survey questionnaire was distributed pre‐ and postgaming workshops to a cohort of second year nursing students (n = 100, 86% response rate). Students (n = 9) were invited to participate in a semi‐structured interview on completion of their placement.

Findings. Responses were significantly more positive for the questionnaire postworkshop when compared with the responses of preworkshop. Five themes were identified from the interviews, they included teacher interaction; level of student engagement with the topic; the effect of the teaching method; influence of the workshops on practice; working with older people.

Implications for practice. Nursing students preferred this novel teaching method to lectures. They learned about appropriate and relevant care of older people, however, they seem to struggle to apply concepts related to caring for older people in the acute settings.
Use of Defatted Soybean Meal and Blue Mussel Meat as Substitute for Fish Meal in the Diet of Tiger Puffer, Takifugu rubripes
Authors: Kikuchi Kotaro , Furuta Takeshi
Published: July 2009

A feeding experiment was conducted to examine the potential use of defatted soybean meal (SBM) and freeze‐dried meat of blue mussel (BM) as partial replacement of fish meal in the diet of tiger puffer. Eight experimental diets were formulated, in which 0, 20, 40 and 60% fish meal protein were replaced with SBM (S0B0, S20B0, S40B0, and S60B0), and 40 and 60% with a combination of SBM and BM (S30B10, S20B20, and S45B15, S30B30). Fish of 11 g initial body weight were fed the diets to satiation twice daily, 6 d/wk for 8 wk at 20 C. Specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of fish fed diets containing SBM as an alternative protein source for fish meal decreased with increasing level of SBM, and these parameters of fish fed S40B0 and S60B0 diets were significantly lower than those of the control. Growth of fish in dietary groups containing BM were statistically identical to those in the control, and tended to increase with increasing level of dietary BM both at 40 and 60% substitution levels. Growth and feed utilization of fish fed S20B20 were almost the same to those in the control.
Sedimentation of Soils from Three Physiographic Regions of Alabama at Different Salinities
Authors: Ozbay Gulnihal , Lambert Mary S. , Polioudakis Emanuel
Published: July 2009

This study evaluated the rate of sedimentation from water under various salinities, over a time period of 72 h. The particles come from soils that are commonly found in shrimp growing areas of Alabama: Black Belt Prairie, Piedmont Plateau, and Upper Coastal Plain. Different salinity treatments and settling times resulted in significant differences (P≤ 0.05) in the reduction of turbidity and TSS for each soil type. Solutions containing 2 ppt salinity had a similar rate of turbidity reduction as the solutions with 5, 10, or greater ppt treatments. Concentrations of turbidity and TSS decreased rapidly between 1 and 12 h of sedimentation; very little decline was observed during the time intervals 12–72 h. Higher salinity treatments yielded settling patterns similar to the 2 ppt salinity treatment. After 1 h, turbidity was removed by 65% in the control compared with 85% salinity treated samples. Variations in turbidity and TSS among the three sediments suggest that finer particles, the Piedmont Plateau soils, settled at a slower rate than larger particles. This difference occurs because the percentage of turbidity and TSS removed was significantly higher in mineralized waters compared to freshwater. Therefore, a small amount of salt, 2 ppt, can be used in pond aquaculture treatments to reduce the turbidity and TSS concentrations in shrimp ponds.
Dietary Lipid Requirements for Optimal Egg Quality of Redclaw Crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus
Authors: Rodríguez‐González Hervey , Villarreal Humberto , García‐Ulloa Manuel , Hernández‐Llamas Alfredo
Published: July 2009

The effect of three crude dietary lipid levels (4, 8, and 12%) on egg quality of the female redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, was evaluated. Three replicate groups of 40 crayfish (mean initial weight ± SD, 23.0 ± 3.0 g) per diet treatment were stocked in 15,000 ‐L tanks, at 28 C. After 75 d of culture, there were significant differences (P < 0.001) in egg area (3.52–3.90 mm2), volume (34.0–39.3 mm3), weight (4.81–5.36 mg), and diameter (2.15–2.27 mm) in response to dietary lipids in the diet. Using the quadratic equation, the maximum responses of these parameters corresponded to lipid levels from 8.60–8.84%. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in survival (82.1–86.9%), final weight (41.0–43.7 g), number of spawning females (18.12–27.38%), and fecundity (9.07–10.31 eggs/g female). Additionally, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in egg mean protein (2306.87 ± 440.08 μg/egg), lipid (441.95 ± 83.23 μg/egg) and carbohydrate (74.81 ± 10.12 μg/egg) contents, and energy (13.49 ± 2.25 kcal/egg). The optimum overall response was obtained for dietary lipid content of 8.7%, which we recommend to optimize egg quality of this freshwater crayfish.
Compensatory Growth of Olive Flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, Fed the Extruded Pellet with Different Feeding Regimes
Authors: Cho Young Jin , Cho Sung Hwoan
Published: July 2009

This study was performed to determine compensatory growth of juvenile olive flounder fed the extruded pellet (EP) with different feeding regimes. Seven treatments with triplicates of different feeding regimes were prepared; α fish was daily fed for 6 d a week throughout 8 wk (8WF); α fish was starved for 1 wk and then fed for 3 wk twice [(1WS + 3WF) × 2]; β fish was starved for 2 wk and then fed for 6 wk (2WS + 6WF); χ fish was starved for 5 d and then fed for 9 d four times [(5DS + 9DF) × 4]; δ fish was starved for 10 d and then fed for 18 d twice [(10DS + 18DF) × 2]; δ fish was starved for 2 d, fed for 5 d, starved for 3 d, and then fed for 4 d four times [(2DS + 5DF + 3DS + 4DF) × 4]; and φ fish was starved for 4 d, fed for 10 d, starved for 6 d, and then fed for 8 d twice [(4DS + 10DF + 6DS + 8DF) × 2], respectively. Total feeding day was all same, 36 d except for control group (48 d). Weight gain of flounder in the 8WF treatment was higher than that of fish in other treatments. And weight gain of flounder in the 2WS + 6WF treatment was higher than that of fish in the (5DS + 9DF) × 4 and (4DS + 10DF + 6DS + 8DF) × 2 treatments. Feed consumption of flounder in the 8WF treatment was higher than that of fish experienced feed deprivation. Feed efficiency ratio (FER), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and protein retention (PR) were not significantly different among treatments. Chemical composition of the whole body of fish with and without liver, except for moisture content of liver, was not different among treatments. T3 level of fish in the 8WF and 2WS + 6WF treatments was higher than that of fish in the (5DS + 9DF) × 4 treatment. It can be concluded that juvenile olive flounder achieved better compensatory growth at 6‐wk refeeding after 2‐wk feed deprivation compared with that of fish with different feeding regimes. And T3 level of fish seemed to partially play an important role in achieving compensatory growth.
Effects of the Prebiotics GroBiotic®‐A and Inulin on the Intestinal Microbiota of Red Drum, Sciaenops ocellatus
Authors: Burr Gary , Gatlin Delbert M. , Hume Michael
Published: July 2009

Two separate feeding trials examined the effects of dietary supplementation of the prebiotics GroBiotic®‐A and inulin on growth performance and gastrointestinal tract microbiota of the red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus. In the first feeding trial, fish meal‐based diets without prebiotics or supplemented with either GroBiotic®‐A or inulin at 1% of dry weight were fed to triplicate groups of juvenile red drum (initial weight of 2.6 g) in 110‐L aquaria operated as a brackish water (7 ppt) recirculating system for 8 wk. In the second feeding trial, soybean meal/fish meal‐based diets supplemented with either GroBiotic®‐A or inulin at 1% of dry weight were fed to triplicate groups of red drum (initial weight of 15.8 g) in 110‐L aquaria operated as either a common recirculating water system or closed system with individual biofilters (independent aquaria) for 6 wk. Supplementation of the prebiotics in either feeding trial did not alter weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, or protein efficiency ratio of red drum fed the various diets. In the second feeding trial, the culture system significantly affected weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, and protein efficiency ratio although there were no effects of dietary treatments on fish performance or whole‐body protein, lipid, moisture, or ash. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of the gastrointestinal tract microbial community showed no effect of the dietary prebiotics as the microbial community appeared to be dominated by a single organism with very low diversity when compared with other livestock and fish species. DGGE of the microbial community in the biofilters of the independent aquariums showed a diverse microbial community that was not affected by the dietary prebiotics.
Adhesion determinants of the Streptococcus species
Authors: Moschioni Monica , Pansegrau Werner , Barocchi Michèle A.
Published: July 2009

Streptococci are clinically important Gram‐positive bacteria that are capable to cause a wide variety of diseases in humans and animals. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA sequences of the streptococcal species reveal a clustering pattern, reflecting, with a few exceptions, their pathogenic potential and ecological preferences. Microbial adhesion to host tissues is the initial critical event in the pathogenesis of most infections. Streptococci use multiple adhesins to attach to the epithelium, and their expression is regulated in response to environmental and growth conditions. Bacterial adhesins recognize and bind cell surface molecules and extracellular matrix components through specific domains that for certain adhesin families have been well defined and found conserved across the streptococcal species. In this review, we present the different streptococcal adhesin families categorized on the basis of their adhesive properties and structural characteristics, and, when available, we focus the attention on conserved functional domains.
Nature versus nurture in two highly enantioselective esterases fromBacillus cereusandThermoanaerobacter tengcongensis
Authors: Grosse Stephan , Bergeron Hélène , Imura Akihiro , Boyd Jason , Wang Shaozhao , Kubota Kazuo , Miyadera Akihiko , Sulea Traian , Lau Peter C. K.
Published: July 2009

There is an increasing need for the use of biocatalysis to obtain enantiopure compounds as chiral building blocks for drug synthesis such as antibiotics. The principal findings of this study are: (i) the complete sequenced genomes ofBacillus cereusATCC 14579 andThermoanaerobacter tengcongensisMB4 contain a hitherto undescribed enantioselective and alkaliphilic esterase (BcEST and TtEST respectively) that is specific for the production of (R)‐2‐benzyloxy‐propionic acid ethyl ester, a key intermediate in the synthesis of levofloxacin, a potent antibiotic; and (ii) directed evolution targeted for increased thermostability of BcEST produced two improved variants, but in either case the 3–5°C increase in the apparent melting temperature (Tm) of the mutants over the native BcEST that has aTmof 50°C was outperformed by TtEST, a naturally occurring homologue with aTmof 65°C. Protein modelling of BcEST mapped the S148C and K272R mutations at protein surface and the I88T and Q110L mutations at more buried locations. This work expands the repertoire of characterized members of the α/β‐fold hydrolase superfamily. Further, it shows that genome mining is an economical option for new biocatalyst discovery and we provide a rare example of a naturally occurring thermostable biocatalyst that outperforms experimentally evolved homologues that carry out the same hydrolysis.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Propensity of marine reserves to reduce the evolutionary effects of fishing in a migratory species
Authors: Dunlop Erin S. , Baskett Marissa L. , Heino Mikko , Dieckmann Ulf
Published: July 2009

Evolutionary effects of fishing can have unwanted consequences diminishing a fishery’s value and sustainability. Reserves, or no‐take areas, have been proposed as a management tool for reducing fisheries‐induced selection, but their effectiveness for migratory species has remained unexplored. Here we develop an eco‐genetic model to predict the effects of marine reserves on fisheries‐induced evolution under migration. To represent a stock that undergoes an annual migration between feeding and spawning grounds, we draw model parameters from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in the northern part of its range. Our analysis leads to the following conclusions: (i) a reserve in a stock’s feeding grounds, protecting immature and mature fish alike, reduces fisheries‐induced evolution, even though protected and unprotected population components mix on the spawning grounds; (ii) in contrast, a reserve in a stock’s spawning grounds, protecting only mature fish, has little mitigating effects on fisheries‐induced evolution and can sometimes even exacerbate its magnitude; (iii) evolutionary changes that are already underway may be difficult to reverse with a reserve; (iv) directly after a reserve is created or enlarged, most reserve scenarios result in yield losses; and (v) timescale is very important: short‐term yield losses immediately after a reserve’s creation can give way to long‐term gains.
Western Australian cigarette smokers have fewer small lung nodules than North Americans on CT screening for lung cancer
Authors: Murray CP , Wong PM , Louw J , Waterer GW
Published: July 2009

To determine the prevalence of small lung nodules on low‐dose helical computed tomography (CT) in a Western Australian cohort of asymptomatic long‐term cigarette smokers and to compare this with a large, similarly derived cohort of North Americans from the Mayo Clinic Lung Cancer Screening Trial. Forty‐nine asymptomatic long‐term cigarette smokers of minimum age 50 years underwent a low‐dose 64‐slice helical CT of the lungs. Images were viewed on a soft copy reporting station with thin section axial and coronal images, maximum intensity projection images, and advanced image manipulation tools. The prevalence of all nodules was 39%, significantly lower than the Mayo Clinic cohort prevalence of 51% (P < 0.01, Fisher's exact test), despite the use of more advanced imaging technology and image manipulation designed to increase the sensitivity for nodules. The prevalence of small nodules in asymptomatic long‐term cigarette smokers in Western Australia is high, though significantly less than that found in a large study in North America. The authors postulate this is due to the relatively low rates of mycobacterium tuberculosis and soil‐derived fungal pulmonary infections in Western Australia, as well as a lower degree of urban air pollution.
The Geneva prognostic score and mortality in patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism by CT pulmonary angiogram
Authors: Subramaniam RM , Mandrekar J , Blair D , Peller PJ , Karalus N
Published: July 2009

This study prospectively evaluates whether a previously established adverse outcome score (the Geneva prognostic score) predicts 3 and 12‐month overall mortality among the patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism (PE) by a CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA). Five hundred twenty‐three consecutive patients who had CTPA for suspected PE were recruited prospectively from March 2003 to October 2004. The Geneva prognostic score was calculated for all patients. Twelve‐month follow up was completed in all patients in December 2005. There were 105 patients diagnosed with PE. The mean score was 2.71 (standard deviation (SD) 1.25) for those patients who had died (n = 7) and 1.14 (SD 1.19) for those patients who were alive (n = 98) at 3‐month follow up (P < 0.001). The mean scores were 2.69 (SD 0.95) for those who had died (n = 13) and 1.04 (SD 1.15) for those patients who were alive (n = 92) at 12‐month follow up (P < 0.001). At 3‐month follow up, among the 88 patients with a score of 2 or less, three patients (3.4%) died and among 17 patients with a score of greater than 2, four patients (23.5%) died (P = 0.01). At 12‐month follow up, five patients (5.7%) with a score of 2 or less died and eight patients (47.1%) with a score of three or more died (P < 0.0001). The Geneva prognostic score stratifies patients with low and high risk for overall mortality at 3 and 12 months among patients diagnosed with PE by CTPA.
Rapid identification of thousands of copperhead snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) microsatellite loci from modest amounts of 454 shotgun genome sequence
Authors: CASTOE TODD A. , POOLE ALEXANDER W. , GU WANJUN , JASON de KONING A. P. , DAZA JUAN M. , SMITH ERIC N. , POLLOCK DAVID D.
Published: July 2009

Optimal integration of next‐generation sequencing into mainstream research requires re‐evaluation of how problems can be reasonably overcome and what questions can be asked. One potential application is the rapid acquisition of genomic information to identify microsatellite loci for evolutionary, population genetic and chromosome linkage mapping research on non‐model and not previously sequenced organisms. Here, we report on results using high‐throughput sequencing to obtain a large number of microsatellite loci from the venomous snake Agkistrodon contortrix, the copperhead. We used the 454 Genome Sequencer FLX next‐generation sequencing platform to sample randomly ∼27 Mbp (128 773 reads) of the copperhead genome, thus sampling about 2% of the genome of this species. We identified microsatellite loci in 11.3% of all reads obtained, with 14 612 microsatellite loci identified in total, 4564 of which had flanking sequences suitable for polymerase chain reaction primer design. The random sequencing‐based approach to identify microsatellites was rapid, cost‐effective and identified thousands of useful microsatellite loci in a previously unstudied species.
Mallard ducks – a waterfowl species with high risk of distributing Escherichia coli pathogenic for humans
Authors: Ewers Christa , Guenther Sebastian , Wieler Lothar H. , Schierack Peter
Published: July 2009

Mallard ducks may pose a so far underestimated risk to human and animal health by transmitting pathogenic Escherichia coli via their faecal deposits to various environmental sources. We processed Mallard duck faecal samples for E. coli and unique clones, as defined by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), were subsequently investigated for their virulence genotype and phylogenetic background. Multilocus sequence typing and in vivo experiments were performed for selected clones. Of 60 clones identified among 142 E. coli isolated from 175 samples, 15 (25%) were recovered from multiple individuals (up to 23 per clone). None of the clones harboured stx1 and stx2 genes and other intestinal pathogenic E. coli virulence‐associated genes were only occasionally identified in the collection. In contrast, the clones possessed considerable numbers of VAGs (up to 30) linked with extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). Their pathogenic potential was confirmed in chicken infection experiments. Moreover, selected clones were assigned to sequence types (STs) being most prominent for human ExPEC strains, including ST95 and ST73. One clone exhibited a multi‐resistant phenotype against several antibiotics including beta‐lactams, tetracyclines and sulfonamides. Mallard ducks have therefore to be considered as an important reservoir for zoonotic E. coli strains, thus serving as a substantial non‐point source especially of strains capable of causing extraintestinal diseases.
Experimental Investigation and Theoretical Model for Subcooled Flow Boiling Pressure Drop in Microchannel Heat Sinks
Authors: Lee Jaeseon , Mudawar Issam
Published: July 2009

This study examines the pressure drop characteristics of subcooled two-phase microchannel heat sinks. A new model is proposed, which depicts the subcooled flow as consisting of a homogeneous two-phase flow layer near the heated walls of the microchannel and a second subcooled bulk liquid layer. This model is intended for conditions where subcooled flow boiling persists along the entire microchannel and the outlet fluid never reaches bulk saturation temperature. Mass, momentum, and energy control volume conservation equations are combined to predict flow characteristics for thermodynamic equilibrium qualities below zero. By incorporating a relation for apparent quality across the two-phase layer and a new criterion for bubble departure, this model enables the determination of axial variations in two-phase layer thickness and velocity as well as pressure drop. The model predictions are compared with HFE 7100 pressure drop data for four different microchannel sizes with hydraulic diameters of 176–416 μm, mass velocities of 670–5550 kg/m2 s, and inlet temperatures of 0°C and −30°C. The pressure drop database is predicted with a mean absolute error of 14.9%.
Effect of Warpage of Flip Chip Packages Due to the Underfill Encapsulating Process on Interconnect Reliability
Authors: Katsurayama Satoru , Tohmyoh Hironori
Published: July 2009

In flip chip packages, it is common practice for interconnects to be encapsulated with a liquid underfill material. This paper describes the effects of different underfill processes, i.e., the conventional capillary-flow underfill and two no-flow underfill processes, on flip chip packaging. The warpage of the package was examined, and the value of this during three different underfill encapsulating processes was measured. In addition, the interconnect reliability of the bump bonds after thermal-cycling was evaluated using a test circuit. The warpage of the package before curing varied depending on the assembly process, but that after curing was almost the same for all the processes studied. It was found that the interconnect reliability is closely related to the differences in the warpage arising from the assembly process, and that the smaller change in warpage introduced by the curing process gave a higher interconnect reliability for the bump bonds. Based on these findings, lower curing temperatures are considered to be more effective for improving the mountability of the package and the interconnect reliability.
Direct Concentration Approach of Moisture Diffusion and Whole-Field Vapor Pressure Modeling for Reflow Process—Part II: Application to 3D Ultrathin Stacked-Die Chip Scale Packages
Authors: Xie B. , Fan X. J. , Shi X. Q. , Ding H.
Published: July 2009

In the present study, the direct concentration approach (DCA) and the whole-field vapor pressure model developed in Part I of this work (Xie et al., 2009 “Direct Concentration Approach of Moisture Diffusion and Whole Field Vapor Pressure Modeling for Reflow Process: Part I–Theory and Numerical Implementation,” ASME J. Electron. Packag., 131, p. 031010) is applied to 3D ultrathin stacked-die chip scale packages to investigate wafer-level die-attach film cohesive failures during the reflow process. Oversaturation, which refers to the film that absorbs more moisture when reflow process begins, is observed using the DCA. The modeling results suggest that the moisture transport and escape through the substrate during the reflow is responsible for the film rupture. A small reduction in substrate thickness could result in a significant decrease in moisture concentration and vapor pressure in bottom layer film and therefore reduce failure rate greatly. A slight improvement in reflow profile while still meeting specification allows a significant amount of moisture loss during the reflow; hence failure rate could also be reduced greatly. The mechanism of soft film rupture at reflow due to moisture is discussed in detail. The simulation results are consistent with the published experimental data.
Squeezing Flow of a Power Law Fluid Between Grooved Plates
Authors: Davidson Drew A. , Sammakia Bahgat G.
Published: July 2009

Surface microchannels can accelerate squeezing flow of a fluid in a thin gap between parallel plates. Using a computational model and restricting attention to power law fluid, a parametric study is made of the influence of channel size for a certain family of channel patterns, with results tabulated for general use. An approximate heat conduction model is used to estimate the effect of channel size and pattern on resistance to heat flow normal to the fluid layer.
Summer Comfort Features and Fabric Performance in Next-to-Skin Fabrics—Wear Tests With Cotton and Dacron®/Orlon® Fabrics
Authors: Wallenberger F. T. , Franz K. , Dullaghan M. E. , Schrof W. E. J.
Published: July 2009

In several wear and preference tests with T- and tennis shirts, low dpf 75/25 Dacron®/Orlon® blends were significantly preferred over 100% cotton under both cool/dry and hot/humid conditions. The two major factors which correlate with overall comfort preferences are (1) the soft tactility of Dacron®/Orlon® fabrics relative to the crisp tactility of cotton-containing fabrics and (2) the fact that Dacron®/Orlon® garments transport moisture through the respective fabric structures more effectively than cotton-containing garments and that Dacron®/Orlon® garments were perceived to cling less and dry faster when wet from perspiration. A discussion of Hollies’ wear test protocols is appended.
Structure—Property Relations in Free Machining Steels
Authors: Ramalingam S. , von Turkovich B. F.
Published: July 2009

Variations in machining characteristics accompany differences in microstructure in resulfurized free machining steels. In this paper a relation between machining properties of this class of steels and their principal microstructural features has been derived. The quantitative relation obtained takes into account the dispersion parameters associated with the free machining inclusions, oxides and other phases. Preliminary testing of the model with available data demonstrates that the proposed model is adequate and satisfactory.
Limit Analysis of Flow Through Inclined Converging Planes
Authors: Kiuchi M. , Avitzur B.
Published: July 2009

A variety of mathematical models may be used to analyze plastic deformation during a metal-forming process. One of these methods—limit analysis—places the estimate of required power between an upper bound and a lower bound. The upper- and lower-bound analysis are designed so that the actual power or forming stress requirement is less than that predicted by the upper bound and greater than that predicted by the lower bound. Finding a lower upper-bound and a higher lower-bound reduces the uncertainty of the actual power requirement. Upper and lower bounds will permit the determination of such quantities as required forces, limitations on the process, optimal die design, flow patterns, and prediction and prevention of defects. Fundamental to the development of both upper-bound and lower-bound solutions is the division of the body into zones. For each of the zones there is written either a velocity field (upper bound) or a stress field (lower bound). A better choice of zones and fields brings the calculated values closer to actual values. In the present work, both upper- and lower-bound solutions are presented for plane-strain flow through inclined converging dies. For the upper bound, trapezoidal velocity fields, uni-triangular velocity fields, and multi-triangular velocity fields have been dealt with and the solutions compared to previously published work on cylindrical velocity fields. It was found that in different domains of the various combinations of the process parameters, different patterns of flow (cylindrical, triangular, etc.) provide lower upper-bound solutions. The lower-bound solution for plane-strain flow through inclined converging planes is newly developed.