bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial biogenesis in cold-bodied fishes
Authors: O'Brien Kristin M.
Published: December 2010

Mitochondrial biogenesis is induced in response to cold temperature in many organisms. The effect is particularly pronounced in ectotherms such as fishes, where acclimation to cold temperature increases mitochondrial density. Some polar fishes also have exceptionally high densities of mitochondria. The net effect of increasing mitochondrial density is threefold. First, it increases the concentration of aerobic metabolic enzymes per gram of tissue, maintaining ATP production. Second, it elevates the density of mitochondrial membrane phospholipids, enhancing rates of intracellular oxygen diffusion. Third, it reduces the diffusion distance for oxygen and metabolites between capillaries and mitochondria. Although cold-induced mitochondrial biogenesis has been well documented in fishes, little is known about the molecular pathway governing it. In mammals, the co-transcriptional activator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) is thought to coordinate the three components of mitochondrial biogenesis: the synthesis of mitochondrial proteins, the synthesis of phospholipids and the replication of mitochondrial DNA. Some components of the mitochondrial biogenic pathway are conserved between fishes and mammals, yet the pathway appears more versatile in fishes. In some tissues of cold-acclimated fishes, the synthesis of mitochondrial proteins increases in the absence of an increase in phospholipids, whereas in some polar fishes, densities of mitochondrial phospholipids increase in the absence of an increase in proteins. The ability of cold-bodied fishes to fine-tune the mitochondrial biogenic pathway may allow them to modify mitochondrial characteristics to meet the specific needs of the cell, whether it is to increase ATP production or enhance oxygen diffusion.
The sugar oxidation cascade: aerial refueling in hummingbirds and nectar bats
Authors: Suarez Raul K. , M. L. Gerardo Herrera , Welch Kenneth C.
Published: December 2010

Most hummingbirds and some species of nectar bats hover while feeding on floral nectar. While doing so, they achieve some of the highest mass-specific values among vertebrates. This is made possible by enhanced functional capacities of various elements of the ‘O2 transport cascade’, the pathway of O2 from the external environment to muscle mitochondria. Fasted hummingbirds and nectar bats fly with respiratory quotients (RQs; ) of ∼0.7, indicating that fat fuels flight in the fasted state. During repeated hover-feeding on dietary sugar, RQ values progressively climb to ∼1.0, indicating a shift from fat to carbohydrate oxidation. Stable carbon isotope experiments reveal that recently ingested sugar directly fuels ∼80 and 95% of energy metabolism in hover-feeding nectar bats and hummingbirds, respectively. We name the pathway of carbon flux from flowers, through digestive and cardiovascular systems, muscle membranes and into mitochondria the ‘sugar oxidation cascade’. O2 and sugar oxidation cascades operate in parallel and converge in muscle mitochondria. Foraging behavior that favours the oxidation of dietary sugar avoids the inefficiency of synthesizing fat from sugar and breaking down fat to fuel foraging. Sugar oxidation yields a higher P/O ratio (ATP made per O atom consumed) than fat oxidation, thus requiring lower hovering per unit mass. We propose that dietary sugar is a premium fuel for flight in nectarivorous, flying animals.
Physiological, behavioral and biochemical adaptations of intertidal fishes to hypoxia
Authors: Richards Jeffrey G.
Published: December 2010

Hypoxia survival in fish requires a well-coordinated response to either secure more O2 from the hypoxic environment or to limit the metabolic consequences of an O2 restriction at the mitochondria. Although there is a considerable amount of information available on the physiological, behavioral, biochemical and molecular responses of fish to hypoxia, very little research has attempted to determine the adaptive value of these responses. This article will review current attempts to use the phylogenetically corrected comparative method to define physiological and behavioral adaptations to hypoxia in intertidal fish and further identify putatively adaptive biochemical traits that should be investigated in the future. In a group of marine fishes known as sculpins, from the family Cottidae, variation in hypoxia tolerance, measured as a critical O2 tension (Pcrit), is primarily explained by variation in mass-specific gill surface area, red blood cell hemoglobin–O2 binding affinity, and to a lesser extent variation in routine O2 consumption rate (). The most hypoxia-tolerant sculpins consistently show aquatic surface respiration (ASR) and aerial emergence behavior during hypoxia exposure, but no phylogenetically independent relationship has been found between the thresholds for initiating these behaviors and Pcrit. At O2 levels below Pcrit, hypoxia survival requires a rapid reorganization of cellular metabolism to suppress ATP consumption to match the limited capacity for O2-independent ATP production. Thus, it is reasonable to speculate that the degree of metabolic rate suppression and the quantity of stored fermentable fuel is strongly selected for in hypoxia-tolerant fishes; however, these assertions have not been tested in a phylogenetic comparative model.
The biological control of voluntary exercise, spontaneous physical activity and daily energy expenditure in relation to obesity: human and rodent perspectives
Authors: Garland Theodore , Schutz Heidi , Chappell Mark A. , Keeney Brooke K. , Meek Thomas H. , Copes Lynn E. , Acosta Wendy , Drenowatz Clemens , Maciel Robert C. , van Dijk Gertjan , Kotz Catherine M. , Eisenmann Joey C.
Published: December 2010

Mammals expend energy in many ways, including basic cellular maintenance and repair, digestion, thermoregulation, locomotion, growth and reproduction. These processes can vary tremendously among species and individuals, potentially leading to large variation in daily energy expenditure (DEE). Locomotor energy costs can be substantial for large-bodied species and those with high-activity lifestyles. For humans in industrialized societies, locomotion necessary for daily activities is often relatively low, so it has been presumed that activity energy expenditure and DEE are lower than in our ancestors. Whether this is true and has contributed to a rise in obesity is controversial. In humans, much attention has centered on spontaneous physical activity (SPA) or non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), the latter sometimes defined so broadly as to include all energy expended due to activity, exclusive of volitional exercise. Given that most people in Western societies engage in little voluntary exercise, increasing NEAT may be an effective way to maintain DEE and combat overweight and obesity. One way to promote NEAT is to decrease the amount of time spent on sedentary behaviours (e.g. watching television). The effects of voluntary exercise on other components of physical activity are highly variable in humans, partly as a function of age, and have rarely been studied in rodents. However, most rodent studies indicate that food consumption increases in the presence of wheels; therefore, other aspects of physical activity are not reduced enough to compensate for the energetic cost of wheel running. Most rodent studies also show negative effects of wheel access on body fat, especially in males. Sedentary behaviours per se have not been studied in rodents in relation to obesity. Several lines of evidence demonstrate the important role of dopamine, in addition to other neural signaling networks (e.g. the endocannabinoid system), in the control of voluntary exercise. A largely separate literature points to a key role for orexins in SPA and NEAT. Brain reward centers are involved in both types of physical activities and eating behaviours, likely leading to complex interactions. Moreover, voluntary exercise and, possibly, eating can be addictive. A growing body of research considers the relationships between personality traits and physical activity, appetite, obesity and other aspects of physical and mental health. Future studies should explore the neurobiology, endocrinology and genetics of physical activity and sedentary behaviour by examining key brain areas, neurotransmitters and hormones involved in motivation, reward and/or the regulation of energy balance.
The metabolic demands of endosymbiotic chemoautotrophic metabolism on host physiological capacities
Authors: Childress J. J. , Girguis P. R.
Published: December 2010

While chemoautotrophic endosymbioses of hydrothermal vents and other reducing environments have been well studied, little attention has been paid to the magnitude of the metabolic demands placed upon the host by symbiont metabolism and the adaptations necessary to meet such demands. Here we make the first attempt at such an evaluation, and show that moderate to high rates of chemoautotrophic or methanotrophic metabolism impose oxygen uptake and proton equivalent elimination demands upon the hosts that are much higher than is typical for the non-symbiotic annelid, bivalve and gastropod lineages to which they are related. The properties of the hosts are described and compared to determine which properties are associated with and predictive of the highest rates. We suggest that the high oxygen demand of these symbionts is perhaps the most limiting flux for the symbioses. Among the consequences of such demands has been the widespread presence of circulating and/or tissue hemoglobins in these symbioses that are necessary to support high metabolic rates in thioautotrophic endosymbioses. We also compare photoautotrophic with chemoautotrophic and methanotrophic endosymbioses to evaluate the differences and similarities in physiologies. These analyses suggest that the high demand for oxygen by chemoautotrophic and methanotrophic symbionts is likely a major factor precluding their endosymbiosis with cnidarians.
Nonshivering thermogenesis and its adequate measurement in metabolic studies
Authors: Cannon Barbara , Nedergaard Jan
Published: December 2010

Alterations in nonshivering thermogenesis are presently discussed as being both potentially causative of and able to counteract obesity. However, the necessity for mammals to defend their body temperature means that the ambient temperature profoundly affects the outcome and interpretation of metabolic experiments. An adequate understanding and assessment of nonshivering thermogenesis is therefore paramount for metabolic studies. Classical nonshivering thermogenesis is facultative, i.e. it is only activated when an animal acutely requires extra heat (switched on in minutes), and adaptive, i.e. it takes weeks for an increase in capacity to develop. Nonshivering thermogenesis is fully due to brown adipose tissue activity; adaptation corresponds to the recruitment of this tissue. Diet-induced thermogenesis is probably also facultative and adaptive and due to brown adipose tissue activity. Although all mammals respond to injected/infused norepinephrine (noradrenaline) with an increase in metabolism, in non-adapted mammals this increase mainly represents the response of organs not involved in nonshivering thermogenesis; only the increase after adaptation represents nonshivering thermogenesis. Thermogenesis (metabolism) should be expressed per animal, and not per body mass [not even to any power (0.75 or 0.66)]. A ‘cold tolerance test’ does not examine nonshivering thermogenesis capacity; rather it tests shivering capacity and endurance. For mice, normal animal house temperatures are markedly below thermoneutrality, and the mice therefore have a metabolic rate and food consumption about 1.5 times higher than their intrinsic requirements. Housing and examining mice at normal house temperatures carries a high risk of identifying false positives for intrinsic metabolic changes; in particular, mutations/treatments that affect the animal's insulation (fur, skin) may lead to such problems. Correspondingly, true alterations in intrinsic metabolic rate remain undetected when metabolism is examined at temperatures below thermoneutrality. Thus, experiments with animals kept and examined at thermoneutrality are likely to yield an improved possibility of identifying agents and genes important for human energy balance.
Removal of Electrostatically Deposited Powders Using High Intensity Low Frequency Sound Part 1: Experimental Deposition and Removal
Authors: Seiffert Gary , Gibbs Barry
Published: December 2010

This paper describes the controlled removal of powder layers using high intensity low frequency sound. The research has an industrial application, the cleaning of electrostatic precipitator filters in coal-fired power stations. The aim of the work is to quantify the sound pressure level and frequency content required to overcome adhesive and cohesive bonding forces formed when powder is electrostatically deposited onto a metal surface. In this, the first of two papers, a repeatable method for electrostatically depositing powder layers on to a metal surface is described. The design, construction and calibration of a high intensity wave tube also are described. The measured sound pressure level required for removal is compared with prediction. Measurements in a reverberant acoustic field using commercially available acoustic cleaning systems also are reported.
Wind Turbines and Bat Mortality: Rotor Detectability Profiles
Authors: Long Chloe V. , Flint James A. , Bakar M. Khairul A. , Lepper Paul A.
Published: December 2010

Bat mortality at wind turbine installations has been claimed to be an increasing problem and an obstacle to the growth of the wind industry, the mitigation of which is of great importance to the sector. The phenomenon of bat-turbine interaction appears widespread and is not well understood. This paper proposes the use of some fundamental analytical methods that estimate a bat's ability to detect and potentially avoid the moving blades of an operational turbine rotor. These equations are applied to selected models of existing turbines and microturbines. A ‘rotor rating’ system is proposed that could assist the evaluation of current and future turbine designs in terms of maximising the bat's chance of blade detection. It is shown that features such as rotor angular velocity, number of blades, blade width and bat species influence the likelihood of rotor detection.
Control Scheme for Mitigation of Output Power Fluctuations in Grid Connected Wound Rotor Induction Generator
Authors: VinothKumar K. , Selvan M. P.
Published: December 2010

Various dynamic slip control topologies for control of grid connected wound rotor induction generator (WRIG) are presented in this paper. An elegant control technique based on rotor voltage measurement for mitigation of output power fluctuations in grid connected schemes of WRIG, due to wind speed variation and tower shadow effect has been proposed and explained. The control of WRIG is achieved by employing the principle of chopper control for varying the rotor voltage (resistance). This technique has been utilized to achieve desired amount of real power flow into the grid from WRIG. The described dynamic slip control topologies and the control algorithm have been simulated using PSCAD/EMTDC software and are experimentally validated.
Athletes' Use of Reputation and Gender Information When Forming Initial Expectancies of Coaches
Authors: Manley Andrew , Greenlees Iain , Thelwell Richard , Smith Matthew
Published: December 2010

This study aimed to investigate the impact of coach reputation and gender on athletes' expectancies of coaching competency. Male and female athletes ( n = 304) viewed a coach profile (i.e., photograph and brief description of the target coach) before being asked to rate their expectancies of the coach's competency. Gender and reputation (i.e., successful vs. unsuccessful) of the target coach were manipulated. Multivariate and follow-up univariate analyses of variance revealed that successful coaches were rated as significantly more competent than unsuccessful coaches, while the female target coach was rated as significantly less competent than the male target coach on some competency dimensions. Athletes also reported that reputation influenced their expectancies more than gender. These findings indicate that athletes' expectancies of coaching competency are influenced by the coach's reputation and gender, but this impact appears to be more pronounced for reputation. Such results have implications for the development of effective coach-athlete relationships.
Talent Identification in Soccer: The Role of Maturity Status on Physical, Physiological and Technical Characteristics
Authors: Meylan César , Cronin John , Oliver Jon , Hughes Michael
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review around talent identification in soccer using physiological and technical testing procedures, and to summarise the issues associated with this process. The current research in soccer talent identification, among other sports, demonstrates a systematic bias in selection towards players born early in the year (i.e., relative age effect) and early maturers. From the studies investigating the physiological (e.g., power) and technical (e.g., dribbling) characteristics of players of different maturity status, early maturers had the tendency to perform better in these tests and therefore were likely to be more influential on the game and be recognised as more talented. When considering the current level of play and future success, elite youth and future professional players scored better in physiological and technical testing than recreational youth and future non-professional players, independently of maturity status. However, these testing procedures were not sensitive enough to distinguish youth elite from sub-elite or future national team from professional club players. Collectively, these studies demonstrated the need to use estimates of maturity status and subsequent appropriate analysis of data obtained from physiological and technical testing. When maturity is taken into account, these testing procedures can provide an indication of responsiveness to training load in youth players and an evaluation of potential to become a successful soccer player. However, these testing procedures should not be used as a marker of selection before full maturity is attainted and should be part of a multidimensional approach of talent identification considering the importance of other facets of the game at the highest level (e.g., perceptive-cognitive skills).
Coma After Overdose with Duloxetine
Authors: Kruithof Maartje K , Bruins Nynke A , van Roon Eric N
Published: December 2010

Objective

To describe a case of a patient who became comatose after taking an overdose of duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.

Case Summary:

A 49-year-old male ingested an overdose of duloxetine approximately 2 hours before presentation to the emergency department. On arrival he was drowsy, but easily awakened and oriented, with Glasgow Coma Score 14 (eyes 3, motor 6, verbal 5). immediately after admission, charcoal and magnesium sulfate were given to prevent further systemic absorption of medication through the gastrointestinal tract. No gastric lavage was pertormed. Six hours after drug intake the patient became unconscious (Glasgow Coma Score 7, eyes 2, motor 4, verbal 1). Full toxicologic screening showed a toxic duloxetine plasma concentration of 0.86 mg/L. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and, on arrival, urinary retention was noted. During ICU admission the patient remained hemodynamically stable; approximately 12 hours after ingestion of duloxetine, he regained consciousness. Over the next 3 days the urinary output decreased to 60 mL/day. After 4 days patient was discharged without any remaining symptoms. Based on repeated plasma duloxetine serum concentration determinations, a plasma half-life of duloxetine was calculated to be 18 hours (reference range 9-19).

Discussion:

The Naranjo probability scale suggested that duloxetine was the probable cause for the symptoms described.

Conclusion:

Overdose with duloxetine can induce coma several hours after intake, with a last reversal in our case.
Is Nigerian Pidgin English English?
Authors: Akande Akinmade T.
Published: December 2010

The major aim of this paper is to demonstrate through the grammar of the verb phrase in Standard English (StdE) and Nigerian Pidgin English (NPE) that NPE is a distinct language. The paper draws on data collected from 30 Nigerian University Graduates from three ethnolinguistic regions. Although many scholars have pointed out that NPE is a language (Agheyisi, West African Pidgin: Simplification and Simplicity, University of Stanford, 1971; Elugbe and Omamor, Nigerian Pidgins: Background and Prospects, Heinemann, 1991), not many of them have examined the verb phrase in NPE with a view to showing that its grammar is distinctive. It has been shown in this paper that the NPE verb phrase is sharply different from StdE verb phrase, and because the verb is at the centre of the clause and can determine its argument, it can be argued that NPE whose verbal grammar is radically different from that of English is a separate language. The pattern of clustering of NPE verb phrases with other NPE verb phrases or other crieterial features of NPE is also a demonstration that NPE is a distinct language. Finally, the subjects made sharp switches from StdE to NPE, speaking in blocks of first one code and then the other: this is like the behaviour of bilinguals moving from one language to another.
Mots et expressions qualifiant le mélange des langues en picard et en flamand de France
Authors: Carton Fernand
Published: December 2010

In this paper I have attempted to classify and explain 30 words and phrases representative of language medley in Northern France. They illustrate a mixture of Germanic and Romance languages: Flemish in French and Picard, French in Flemish, Picard in French and vice versa. I will discuss imagination, word-play and lexical creativity in code-switching situations, as well as the dynamics of regional variation in the epilinguistic data under consideration.
Quantification and Statistical Analysis of Structural Similarities in Dialectological Area-Class Maps
Authors: Rumpf Jonas , Pickl Simon , Elspaß Stephan , König Werner , Schmidt Volker
Published: December 2010

Dialect atlases comprise considerable numbers of linguistic feature maps, i.e. dialect maps representing one linguistic feature each. Large amounts of data like these are often difficult to handle. This article presents a new quantitative method for the automatic analysis of such large corpora of linguistic feature maps. It makes use of geographical similarities between single maps to establish a system of criteria for structural relatedness. Furthermore, it employs statistical techniques to test whether given linguistic relations between the maps coincide significantly with structural relations. To achieve this, each underlying point-symbol map is converted into an area-class map (with all the original information still available). These area-class maps yield additional information regarding their structural composition. Cluster analysis is then employed to obtain groupings of similar maps. Such groupings facilitate the search for language-internal factors that influence the geographical distribution of linguistic variants, as the relevance of any given linguistic parameter for spatial patterns can be tested using statistical methods. Moreover, language-external factors, such as topographical conditions, can be tested in the same way. Thus, this new method allows for a profound and substantiated investigation of the regularities that can be found in the geographical distributions of linguistic variants.
Applying Quantitative Analysis Techniques to La flexió verbal en els dialectes catalans
Authors: Perea Maria-Pilar , Ueda Hiroto
Published: December 2010

The Majorcan dialectologist Antoni M. Alcover (1862–1932) was the first researcher to record information for use in the study of the conjugation of Catalan verbs. He compiled almost 500,000 verb forms corresponding to the complete conjugation of 75 verbs in 149 localities in the Catalan-speaking area. These data were published under the title “La flexió verbal en els dialectes catalans”. From 1999, work began to complete and computerize these materials in order to make them accessible to scholars in the field and to the public. These computer applications have a descriptive character: they show dialectal and subdialectal areas, and isoglosses, in a graphic form. However, it is also possible to use these materials from an interpretative point of view.

The aim of this paper is to apply a suitable dialectometric analysis to the “Verbal flexion” materials, which can only be interpreted using quantitative analysis techniques. Taking multiple answers into account, we use the calculation of the Mean Degree of Confluence and we compare the results with the dialectometric analysis obtained applying Hans Goebl's methodology, which is based on the use of single answers.
CDKN1B V109G polymorphism a new prognostic factor in sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Pasquali Daniela , Circelli Luisa , Faggiano Antongiulio , Pancione Massimo , Renzullo Andrea , Elisei Rossella , Romei Cristina , Accardo Giacomo , Coppola Viviana Raffaella , De Palma Maurizio , Ferolla Piero , Grimaldi Franco , Colao Annamaria , Colantuoni Vittorio
Published: December 2010

Context

CDKN1B encodes the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1 and is mutated in multiple endocrine neoplasia-like syndromes. CDKN1B also harbors single nucleotide polymorphisms; the T/G transversion at nucleotide 326 (the V109G variant) has been reported to be protective in breast, hereditary prostate, and pancreatic tumors. Association of CDNK1B mutations or polymorphisms with sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has not been investigated yet.

Objective and design

We screened germline DNA from 84 patients affected by sporadic MTC and 90 healthy age- and gender-matched controls for CDKN1B mutations or polymorphisms by PCR amplification and sequencing of the amplicons. We also tested all germline and 50 tumor tissue DNA for RET proto-oncogene mutations. Computed tomography, ultrasound scans, and serum calcitonin were carried out before surgery and during the follow-up and associated with CDKN1B polymorphism and disease remission.

Results

The T/G transversion at nucleotide 326 was the only DNA variation detected. The overall frequency of the T/G and G/G alleles in combination was 46.4%. This variant (V109G) was correlated with post-operative calcitonin levels in the normal range and biochemical remission. Conversely, the wild-type (T/T) allele was associated with post-operative calcitonin levels above normal and a higher risk to develop clinical recurrence and distant metastases. Somatic RET mutations were significantly associated with a more aggressive behavior especially in wild-type allele-bearing patients.

Conclusions

Collectively, in sporadic MTC, the CDKN1B V109G polymorphism correlates with a more favorable disease progression than the wild-type allele and might be considered a new promising prognostic marker.
Alcohol Education Provided to Opioid Treatment Program Patients: Results of a Nationwide Survey
Authors: Strauss Shiela M. , Harris Gavin , Katigbak Carina , Rindskopf David M. , Singh Sheena , Greenblum Ilana , Brown Lawrence S. , Kipnis Steven , Kritz Steven A. , Parrino Mark W.
Published: December 2010

Alcohol-related problems are especially common among opioid treatment program (OTP) patients, suggesting that educating OTP patients about alcohol and its harmful effects needs to be a priority in OTPs. Using data collected in interviews with a nationwide U.S. sample of OTP directors ( N = 200) in 25 states, we identified factors that differentiate OTPs that provided this education to all OTP patients from those that did not. Findings indicate that these factors include (1) providing this education in a greater variety of ways, (2) having a larger percent of staff knowledgeable about alcohol–related issues, (3) having a director who views alcohol issues as a high priority, and (4) having a written OTP policy.
An Imputation Method for Interval Censored Time-to-Event with Auxiliary Information: Analysis of the Timing of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV
Authors: Brown Elizabeth R , Chen Ying Qing
Published: December 2010

The timing of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is critical in understanding the dynamics of MTCT. It has a great implication to developing any effective treatment or prevention strategies for such transmissions. In this paper, we develop an imputation method to analyze the censored MTCT timing in presence of auxiliary information. Specifically, we first propose a statistical model based on the hazard functions of the MTCT timing to reflect three MTCT modes: in utero, during delivery and via breastfeeding, with different shapes of the baseline hazard that vary between infants. This model also allows that the majority of infants may be immuned from the MTCT of HIV. Then, the model is fitted by MCMC to explore marginal inferences via multiple imputation. Moreover, we propose a simple and straightforward approach to take into account the imperfect sensitivity in imputation step, and study appropriate censoring techniques to account for weaning. Our method is assessed by simulations and applied to a large trial designed to assess the use of antibiotics in preventing MTCT of HIV.
Thermal degradation kinetics of nylon6/GF/crysnano nanoclay nanocomposites by TGA
Authors: Pashaei Shahryar , Siddaramaiah S , Avval Mansouji , Syed Ahmed
Published: December 2010

Nylon 6 is extensively used in engineering application because of its unique
characteristics such as low price, low viscosity, high toughness, shelf
lubricating behaviour and high chemical resistance. The nanocomposites based
on PA-6 were prepared by melt extrusion and an adjacent injection moulding
process. Mechanical and thermomechanical properties have been investigated
by tensile testing and dynamic mechanical analysis. To evaluate the
potential of crysnano nanoclays as a new candidate in the class of
nanofillers, the properties of the crysnano nanoclays nanocomposites has
been compared to those of glass fiber. Thermal characteristics were
performed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning
calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). As increase in
filler loading the enthalpy of melting (?Hm) obtained from DSC curves was
reduced as compared to pristine nylon 6. All the nanocompsoites were stable
upto 205?C. Degradation kinetic parameters have been calculated for thermal
degradation processes using the composites using three mathematical models
namely, Horowitz-Metzger, Coats-Redfern and Broido?s methods.
Cross-Border Cooperation on Security in Europe
Authors: Bogacka Emilia
Published: December 2010

Cross-Border Cooperation on Security in Europe

The aim of the article is to present cross-border cooperation on security. For this purpose, various problems in the European Union with respect to criminal policy must be described. The article consists of three parts. The first presents selected European institutions established to prevent and fight crime. The second concentrates on the control of external EU borders, quoting people's opinions on this matter and describing one of the EU programmes, the European Neighbourhood & Partnership Instrument: Cross-Border Cooperation. The third part focuses on security of the Polish borders as those which in recent years have witnessed serious political changes - Poland's accession to the European Union and the Schengen zone. The paper finishes with conclusions.
Estimation of Fatigue Properties of Composite Structures
Authors: Rodzewicz Miroslaw
Published: December 2010

Estimation of Fatigue Properties of Composite Structures

The paper presents the proposal of a simplified method of fatigue properties estimation for polymer composite structures.
Interactions between Liquid Slag and Graphite During the Reduction of Metallic Oxides
Authors: Migas P. , Karbowniczek M.
Published: December 2010

Interactions between Liquid Slag and Graphite During the Reduction of Metallic Oxides

High global demand for metallic elements such as Fe, Cr, Ti, Mn leads to an intensive technological development of metal recovery. One of the ways is to recover metals from metallurgical slag. The sessile drop method was adopted in order to study the interactions between liquid slag and graphite. Steelmaking slag was used during this research. The slag used included converter slag and slag from chrome steel melting as well as their mixtures with other modifiers. The analysis covered six types of slag in the temperature ranging from 1100°C to 1600°C in the argon atmosphere. In the course of research mass spectrometry and scanning microscope were used. The following were set for the examined samples during the reduction process: liquidus temperature and the nature of interactions (wettability or its lack). It was observed that the volume of slag samples dynamically changed in the course of the reduction of metallic oxides.
The Analysis of Multistage Deep Drawing of AA5754 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Paćko M. , Dukat M. , Śleboda T. , Hojny M.
Published: December 2010

The Analysis of Multistage Deep Drawing of AA5754 Aluminum Alloy

This work is focused on the multistage deep drawing of AA5754 aluminum alloy box-type part with flange. Both experimental and numerical analysis were performed in this study to predict causes of contraction and cracking occurring in deformed product in respect to the changes of friction conditions on tool-drawn part contact surface. The numerical simulations were performed using eta/DYNAFORM software and LS-DYNA® solver. The research showed, that the results of the simulation are in very good agreement with the results of the real multistage deep drawing processes. Moreover, this study showed, that proper conditions of friction on the tool-drawpiece contact surface is crucial for the correctness of the analyzed deep drawing process. Too large friction can restrict the material flow, particularly along the edge connecting the bottom and side-walls of the drawpiece, causing wrinkling and cracking.
Computer Control of a 3 MV Van de Graaff Accelerator
Authors: Lopes José , Alegria Francisco , Redondo Luís , Rocha Jorge , Alves Eduardo
Published: December 2010

Computer Control of a 3 MV Van de Graaff Accelerator

The development of accurate computer control of a 3 MV Van de Graaff accelerator operation is described. The developed system comprises the accelerator turn-on and turn-off procedures during a normal run, which includes the setting of the terminal voltage, ion source light up, beam focusing and control of ion beam current and energy during operation. In addition, the computer monitors the vacuum and is able to make a detail register of the most important events during a normal run. The computer control system uses a LabVIEW application for interaction with the operator and an I/O board that interfaces the computer and the accelerator system. For everyday operating conditions the control implemented is able to turn-on and off the machine in about the same time as a specialized technician. In addition, today more users can make experiments in the accelerator without the help of a specialized operator, which in turns increases the number of hours during which the accelerator can be used.
Verification of Flexray Start-Up Mechanism by Timed Automata
Authors: Malinský Jan , Novák Jiří
Published: December 2010

Verification of Flexray Start-Up Mechanism by Timed Automata

This contribution deals with the modelling of a selected part of a new automotive communication standard called FlexRay. In particular, it focuses on the mechanism ensuring the start-up of a FlexRay network. The model has been created with the use of timed automata and verified. For this purpose the UPPAAL software tool has been used that allows the modelling of discrete event systems with the use of timed automata, and subsequently the verification of the model with the use of suitable queries compiled in the so called computation tree logic. This model can be used to look for incorrect settings of time parameters of communication nodes in the network that prevent network start-up and subsequently the start of the car. The existence of this model also opens the way for finding possible errors in the standard. On the basis of the model, the work gives a case study of the start-up mechanism behaviour verification in a FlexRay network consisting of three communication nodes.
Immunohistochemical study of expression of immunoglobulins in canine B-cell lymphomas
Authors: Sokołowska J. , Micuń J. , Zabielska K. , Malicka E. , Lechowski R.
Published: December 2010

Immunohistochemical study of expression of immunoglobulins in canine B-cell lymphomas

Nineteen canine lymphomas were included in this study. Tumors were classified according to the updated Kiel classification adapted for canine lymphomas by Fournel-Fleury et al. Immunoglobulin light chains (κ and λ) and IgM and IgG expression were determined by immunohistochemical method. In all examined cases neoplastic cells were positive for one of the immunoglobulin light chains. Expression of λ light chains and κ light chains was observed in 18/19 and 1/19 tumors, respectively. In the majority of neoplastic cells in each examined specimen this reaction had a membranous pattern (sκ/sλ). In all examined cases the presence of immunoglobulin light chains was also observed in the cytoplasm of some neoplastic cells (cκ/cλ). These cells were usally rare and never constituted a dominant population. The expression of immunoglobulin was found in 13/19 cases. Most lymphomas were sIgM positive (11/13 cases). In one case expression of IgG was found, and in another lymphoma two populations of neoplastic cells with different expression of examined immunoglobulins (cells with IgM+and IgG+phenotypes) were observed. The reaction also had a membranous pattern. The cells containing cytoplasmic immunoglobulins were rare, and in most cases were of the same type as the surface immunoglobulins. Our study has confirmed that canine lymphomas are a monoclonal proliferation of B-cells usually expressing immunoglobulin λ light chains and that the vast majority of tumors deriving from B-cells express IgM. Our study also indicates a possibility of occurence of biclonal lymphomas in canine species.
The evaluation of Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI) test in dogs with Atopic Dermatitis (AD) treated with cyclosporine or prednisone
Authors: Taszkun I.
Published: December 2010

The evaluation of Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI) test in dogs with Atopic Dermatitis (AD) treated with cyclosporine or prednisone

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical state of dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) by use of CADESI test in own modification during the first visit in the Dermatology Consult Room as well as during the treatment. The study was performed in two groups (I-E and II-C) of 20 dogs in each group. In dogs which were qualified to the I-E group, as antiallergic, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic treatment, prednisone (oral preparation Encorton - Polfa Pabianice) at dose 0.5 mg/kg b.w./day was administered, while in dogs qualified to the II-C group - cyclosporine (oral preparation Sandimmun Neoral - Novartis Pharma) at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w./day; the treatment was continued for 6 weeks in both groups. During the study, skin lesions were assessed in 15 specified body areas using 4 parameters and 5-point scale. In group I-E and II-C the amount of received points in CADESI test was decreased by 82.26% and by 83% respectively, after the treatment. Statistical analyses of the results obtained revealed no statistically significant (P=0.05) differences between means of I-E and II-C groups in consecutive examinations, which indicates comparable clinical efficacy of both drugs. Statistically significant differences (P=0.05) of the parameters assessed were found after secondary dermatoses treatment, and after every two weeks of antipruritic and anti-inflammatory treatment.
The effect of progesterone on oxytocin-stimulated intracellular Ca2+ mobilisation and prostaglandin secretion in porcine endometrium
Authors: Kotwica G. , Oponowicz A. , Kurowicka B. , Franczak A. , Bogacka I.
Published: December 2010

The effect of progesterone on oxytocin-stimulated intracellular Ca2+ mobilisation and prostaglandin secretion in porcine endometrium

We have studied in the porcine endometrium the expression of oxytocin receptor (OTR) mRNA and the effect of progesterone (P4) on oxytocin/oxytocin receptor (OT/OTR) function concerning intracellular Ca2+mobilisation ([Ca2+]i), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and E2 (PGE2; PG) secretion. Tissue was taken from cyclic and early pregnant pigs (days 14-16). A higher expression of OTR mRNA (P<0.05) was observed in the endometrium of cyclic than pregnant pigs. The stimulatory (P<0.05) effect of OT (10-7 M) on [Ca2+]i mobilisation was noticed within 15-60 s and 30-60 s in endometrial stromal cells of cyclic and pregnant pigs, respectively. In the presence of P4 (10-5 M) basal and OT-stimulated [Ca2+]i concentrations decreased in stromal cells during luteolysis and pregnancy. In stromal cells P4 delayed mobilisation of [Ca2+]i in response to OT by 15 s during luteolysis and had no effect during pregnancy. In cyclic and pregnant epithelial cells OT stimulated mobilisation of [Ca2+]i in 45 s and 60 s, respectively. Oxytocin increased (P<0.05) PGF2α secretion during luteolysis and pregnancy and PGE2 during luteolysis from endometrial slices. Progesterone did not inhibit this stimulatory effect. During luteolysis OT increased (P<0.05) PGF2α in epithelial and stromal cells and PGE2 secretion in epithelial cells. In the presence of P4 this effect of OT was reduced only in stromal cyclic cells (6 h culture). The presence of P4 decreased the effect of OT on [Ca2+]i mobilisation only in stromal cells. We found that, in most conditions, P4 did not inhibit the OT-stimulated secretion of PG in the porcine endometrium.
Practical aspects of immunocytochemistry in canine lymphomas
Authors: Sapierzyński R.
Published: December 2010

Practical aspects of immunocytochemistry in canine lymphomas

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of immunocytochemistry in a standard veterinary practice and to determine the immunophenotype of tumor cells in cases of multicentric lymphoma in dogs by immunocytochemical analysis of fine-needle biopsy specimens. The study was performed on cytological samples collected from 54 dogs, in which multicentric lymphoma was recognised based on clinical data, cytology or cytology and histology, and follow-up information. Diagnosis of lymphoma was established according to the updated Kiel classification. Immunocytochemical assays were conducted using commercially available antibodies to the pan T-lymphocyte marker CD3 and B cell antigen receptor complex CD79 alpha. Among all animals examined B cell lymphoma was recognized in 42/54 (77.8%) of cases, while in the remaining 12/54 (22.2%) of dogs T cell lymphoma was recognized. In 11 animals with lymphoma recognized cytologically, in which an entire lymph node was obtained for histology, the results of routine cytology and immunocytochemistry fully corresponded with findings revealed by histology and immunohistochemistry. Immunocytochemistry can be successfully conducted in smears stored at room temperature for 24 hours without changes of staining results. It can be stated that application of standard cytopathological assessment in connection with immunocytochemistry of lymph nodes samples collected from dogs with lymphoma is a method of choice for establishing final diagnosis, and avoids the need for reexamination or collection of tissue samples for histopathology and immunohistochemistry during surgical procedures in ambiguous cases.
Effect of platelet activating factor (PAF) supplementation in semen extender on viability and ATP content of cryopreserved canine spermatozoa
Authors: Kordan W. , Lecewicz M. , Strzeżek R. , Dziekońska A. , Fraser L.
Published: December 2010

Effect of platelet activating factor (PAF) supplementation in semen extender on viability and ATP content of cryopreserved canine spermatozoa

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of platelet activating factor (PAF) on the quality characteristics of cryopreserved canine spermatozoa. Cryopreserved semen of 5 mixed-breed dogs was treated with different concentrations of exogenous PAF (1 × 10-3M, 1 × 10-4M, 1 × 10-5M and 1 × 10-6M) and examined at different time intervals (0, 30, 60 and 120 min). Cryopreserved semen treated without PAF was used as the control. Sperm quality was evaluated for motility (computer-assisted semen analysis, CASA), mitochondrial function (JC-1/PI assay) and plasma membrane integrity (SYBR-14/PI assay and Hoechst 33258). Also, ATP content of spermatozoa was determined using a bioluminescence assay. Treatment of cryopreserved semen with 1 × 10-3 M PAF at 120 min of incubation resulted in significantly higher total sperm motility compared with the control. It was observed that PAF-improved total sperm motility was concurrent with enhanced sperm motility patterns after treatment of cryopreserved semen. Treatment of cryopreserved semen with PAF did not improve either sperm mitochondrial function or plasma membrane integrity, as monitored by different fluorescent membrane markers. Furthermore, ATP content of cryopreserved spermatozoa was significantly higher when PAF was used at a concentration of 1 × 10-3 M compared with the control and other PAF treatments, regardless of the incubation time. The findings of this study indicated that treatment with 1 × 10-3 M PAF at 120 min of incubation rendered better quality of cryopreserved canine semen, which was associated with improved sperm motility parameters and ATP content. It can be suggested that exogenous PAF addition is beneficial as a supplement for canine semen extender used for.
Pharmacokinetics of tramadol and metabolites after injective administrations in dogs
Authors: Giorgi M. , Del Carlo S. , Łebkowska-Wieruszewska B. , Kowalski C. , Saccomanni G.
Published: December 2010

Pharmacokinetics of tramadol and metabolites after injective administrations in dogs

The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of tramadol and its main metabolites after IV and IM injections. The pharmacokinetic cross-over study was carried out on 6 healthy male beagle dogs. Tramadol was administered by intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) injection at 4 mg/kg. Tramadol and its main metabolites O-desmethyl-tramadol (M1), N-,N-didesmethyl-tramadol (M2) and N-,O-didesmethyl-tramadol (M5) concentrations were measured in plasma samples by a HPLC coupled with fluorimetric detection; pharmacokinetic evaluations were carried out with a compartmental and non-compartmental model for tramadol and its metabolites, respectively. The bioavailability of the drug, ranging between 84-102% (mean 92%), was within the generally accepted values for a positive bioequivalence decision of (80-125%). After the IM injection the mean plasma drug concentration peak was reached after a Tmax of 0.34 h with a Cmax of 2.52 μg/mL. No therapeutic relevant differences were observed between IM and IV administration. The minimal effective plasma concentration was reached after a few minutes and maintained for about 6-7 h in both administrations. M1 plasma concentration was low and the amounts of the other metabolites produced were analogous in both routes of administration. In conclusion, tramadol was rapidly and almost completely absorbed after IM administration and its systemic availability was equivalent to the IV injection. The different onset time and duration of action observed were very small and probably therapeutically irrelevant. The IM injection is a useful alternative to IV injection in the dog.