bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fear, Knowledge, and Efficacy Beliefs Differentially Predict the Frequency of Digital Rectal Examination Versus Prostate Specific Antigen Screening in Ethnically Diverse Samples of Older Men
Authors: Consedine Nathan S. , Horton David , Ungar Tracey , Joe Andrew K. , Ramirez Paul , Borrell Luisa
Published: May 2009

Emotional and cognitive characteristics have been studied in the context of women’s cancer screening but have received scant attention in the study of men’s screening behavior. Researchers know little about how such factors interact to predict screening or whether digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) screens are predicted by the same characteristics. This study examines the relevance of emotional and cognitive characteristics to DRE and PSA screening among 180 U.S.-born African American, U.S.- born European American, and immigrant Jamaican men. The study identifies the expected effects in which fear is negatively related and efficacy beliefs positively related to DRE and PSA screening. Greater efficacy and (marginally) knowledge appear to “offset” the negative impact of fear on screening, and fear appears particularly relevant to DRE frequency. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the development of health belief and self-regulatory models in the context of prostate cancer screening among minority men.
Confronting Racism and Sexism to Improve Men’s Health
Authors: Treadwell Henrie M. , Northridge Mary E. , Bethea Traci N.
Published: May 2009

Two fundamental determinants of men’s health are confronted—racism and sexism—that the authors believe underlie many of the health disparities documented between women and men and place men of color at particular disadvantage in U.S. society. In doing so, the authors contend that race and gender, as well as racism and sexism, are social constructs and, therefore, amenable to change. They hope to allay concerns that gains in the health of men will come at the expense of continued advances in the health of women. Instead, by better understanding how the harsh intersections of racism and sexism have contorted roles for men of color and damaged their social ties, a healing process in intimate relationships, extended families, and entire communities may be fostered. Only by reforming historical injustices and reuniting men with their partners, families, and communities will sustained improvements in their health and well-being be realized.
Physiology and Endocrinology of Hot Flashes in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Engstrom Christine A. , Kasper Christine E.
Published: May 2009

The purpose of this article is to integrate the physiology of the male reproductive system and the role of hormones in the pathophysiology and treatment of prostate cancer. The primary focus is to review hormonal changes associated with androgen ablation treatment and to integrate the available hormonal data into a hypothesis. This review used a systematic search of Medline references from 1990 to 2006. All sources were critically evaluated to arrive at an understanding of androgen deprivation symptoms, such as hot flushes/flashes, and to identify research needed in this area. Research is needed to explore the physiological mechanisms of hot flashes to develop better therapeutic treatment options to ameliorate side effects of hormonal treatment. Studies are needed to investigate all aspects of hot flashes in populations other than those with breast cancer, such as men with prostate cancer, carcinoid tumors, medullary thyroid tumors, pancreatic islet-cell tumors, renal cell carcinoma, and phenochromocytoma.
The Best of the Best Discourse on Health: Poetic Insights on How Professional Sport Socializes a Family of Men Into Hegemonic Masculinity and Physical Inactivity
Authors: Madill Leanna , Hopper Timothy F.
Published: May 2009

This study examines how 4 men from the same family, representing different generations, construct health from their perceptions of professional athletes. Many men are socialized and participate in sport discourses that promote certain truths about being a man that often have detrimental effects to their health. The capacity of research to inform men’s construction of health is limited. In an attempt to engage male participants within the research process and cause a form of catalytic validity, transcripts from interviews with the men were analyzed, and thematic findings were represented in a poetic form and shared with the participants for discussion and refinement. The findings revealed how the male participants reiterated messages that the media promotes, such as the importance of physical and mental strength for a man. More significantly, the men became aware that they assumed a narrow definition of health portrayed by professional athletics that perpetuated a hegemonic masculinity. Reflections on changes in the men’s lifestyle choices after engaging in the research process are offered in the conclusion.
Methodological Issues in Identifying Sexuality for Research
Authors: Ridner S. Lee , Topp Robert , Frost Karen L.
Published: May 2009

Sexuality is a complex concept that can be measured based on various aspects. Depending on the variable of interest, investigators may wish to focus on sexual behavior (activity), sexual orientation (attraction to a particular gender), or sexual identity (self-identification with a particular group of people). Further complicating the process is the fact that these aspects of sexuality are not always congruent with one another. Lesbian, gay, and bisexuals (LGB) are sexual minorities that have been identified as one of several groups that experience health disparities. For researchers working with the LGB population, properly identifying and defining which aspect of sexuality is of interest to the investigator is paramount in obtaining accurate outcomes.
An Integrated Model of Gay Men’s Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Josephson Gordon , Whiffen Valerie
Published: May 2009

A model of depressive symptoms in gay men is tested that links gender-related personality traits (agency and unmitigated communion) to peer harassment, self-discrepancies in agency, and cold-submissive interpersonal behavior, all of which were reported in previous research to contribute to depression. A sample of 510 gay men was recruited through the Internet. The integrated model was tested using half of the sample and validated with the other half. Significant zero order correlations between the gender-related personality traits and depressive symptoms were mediated by unassured-submissive behavior and self-discrepancies in agency. Recalled peer harassment was linked directly with depressive symptoms and indirectly through unassured-submissive interpersonal behavior.
The Assessment of Damage Limitation State in the Seismic Analysis of Monumental Buildings
Authors: Lagomarsino Sergio , Resemini Sonia
Published: May 2009

The structural safety evaluation of monumental and historical buildings in seismic prone areas requires the availability of appropriate verification tools, in order to ensure both a realistic estimation and the feasibility of the method. In the case of historical masonry structures, such as palaces or churches, local damage mechanisms often take place (e.g., out-of-plane overturning). A procedure to assess the seismic vulnerability of these mechanisms, focusing on the damage limitation state, is developed through equilibrium limit analysis. Moreover, the possibility of enriching the formulation, including constructive and technological aspects, which may modify structural response, is shown.
Beam-on-Nonlinear-Winkler-Foundation Modeling of Shallow, Rocking-Dominated Footings
Authors: Harden Chad W. , Hutchinson Tara C.
Published: May 2009

The nonlinear behavior of shallow foundations under large amplitude earthquake-induced loading can result in dissipation of seismic energy through the mechanism of soil yielding beneath the foundation. In addition, foundation uplifting may shift the period of the soil-foundation-structure system away from the damaging energy content of most earthquakes. However, this yielding and uplifting may lead to excessive transient and permanent deformations (settlement, rocking, and sliding). Therefore, modeling procedures that account for foundation nonlinearity and uplift are needed before these benefits can be realized in performance based earthquake engineering (PBEE) practice. This paper adopts a beam-on-nonlinear-Winkler-foundation (BNWF) simulation methodology for modeling shallow foundation-structure systems, where seismically-induced rocking plays a predominant role in their response. Numerical results demonstrate that reasonable comparison between the nonlinear Winkler-based approach, and experimental response in terms of moment-rotation, settlement-rotation, and shear-sliding displacement can be obtained, given an appropriate selection of model and soil properties.
Site Effects for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
Authors: Kishida Tadahiro , Boulanger Ross W. , Abrahamson Norman A. , Driller Michael W. , Wehling Timothy M.
Published: May 2009

Seismic site response and site effects models are presented for levees in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta where the subsurface soils include thick deposits of highly organic soils. Sources of uncertainty that contribute to the variation of seismic wave amplification are investigated, including variations in the input ground motions, soil profiles, and dynamic soil properties through Monte Carlo simulations of equivalent-linear site response analyses. Regression models for seismic wave amplification for levees in the Delta are presented that range from a function of peak outcrop acceleration alone to a vector of response spectra ordinates and soil profile parameters. The site effects models were incorporated into a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis for a representative location, and the relative impacts of the various models on the computed hazard are evaluated.
DIALECT DIFFERENCES IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA: REGIONAL DIALECT USE AND ADAPTATION BY AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE LOWER SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY
Authors: Bloomquist Jennifer
Published: May 2009

This study examines the sociohistorical acquisition and nonacquisition of the regional dialect by African Americans who are at least second-generation residents (i.e., natives) of Pennsylvania's Lower Susquehanna Valley (including Harrisburg, York, and Lancaster). The linguistic factors that are considered are region-specific elements of lexicon and syntax; social and historical factors involve the migrant African Americans' relationships to the European American community including physical location (rural vs. urban, integrated vs. segregated), socioeconomic status, rates and types of contact among speakers, and the connections maintained by the relocated members to their home communities. Findings show that European Americans still use substantially more of the local expressions, and that the region's rural African Americans are no more likely to integrate the local lexicon into their everyday usage than the African Americans who reside in the area's urban centers. Despite the fact that urban Lower Susquehanna Valley African Americans are often closely connected to larger African American communities and have decreased rates of contact with non-African Americans, they also show evidence of familiarity with and usage of the local lexicon and report more usage of regional syntactic patterns (e.g., the car needs washed) than do the rural African American participants.
EARLY USES AND ETYMOLOGY OFBLOTTO
Authors: Considine John
Published: May 2009

This article surveys the earliest attestations of blotto `drunk' and proposes a new etymology for it in their light. The first nine attestations of the form in English can be dated between July 1917 and the end of January 1919; eight of them, all with the sense `drunk', have a connection to World War I's Western Front. The odd one out, in which Blotto is used as a proper name and has no connection to intoxication, is from a story written by an Englishman residing in Paris. The article argues that none of the previously offered explanations of blotto is satisfactory and points out that none explains the nearly simultaneous emergence of the form in Western Front slang and as a fictional name. It proposes that blotto was likeliest suggested by the name of Blotto Frères, manufacturer of a well-known and often unstable delivery vehicle widely used in France in the early twentieth century.
Reproductive Abnormalities in Trout from Western U.S. National Parks
Authors: Schwindt Adam R. , Kent Michael L. , Ackerman Luke K. , Simonich Staci L. Massey , Landers Dixon H. , Blett Tamara , Schreck Carl B.
Published: May 2009

Reproductive disruption is well documented in polluted areas, such as below sewage treatment plants, but not in ecologically protected environments, such as national parks. In a majority of subalpine lakes sampled in Rocky Mountain and Glacier National parks, we observed intersex male cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii and brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis at frequencies of 9‐33%. Intersexuality, one form of reproductive disruption, is the presence of both male and female reproductive structures in the same animal. Male cutthroat trout, rainbow trout O. mykiss, and brook trout from these parks also produced elevated levels of the estrogen‐responsive protein vitellogenin, another indicator of reproductive disruption. We did not find reproductive abnormalities in national parks of the Sierra Nevada, Cascades, Olympics, Brooks, or Alaska ranges. To determine whether gonad abnormalities were evident in mountain ecosystems before the production of organic pollutants, we sampled various species of the family Salmonidae collected from the preorganic pollutant era (pre‐1930s). In these museum collections, we observed intersex male greenback cutthroat trout O. clarkii stomias collected in the late 1800s from Twin Lakes, Colorado, in the Rocky Mountains. Our current results suggest that reproductive disruption is occurring in some national parks. The abnormalities were observed in remote, high‐elevation locations, suggesting that they might have resulted from airborne contaminants. Our observation of intersex greenback cutthroat trout from the late 1800s suggests that organic pollutants are not the only factors inducing reproductive disruption. The causes and population‐level consequences of reproductive disruption in these lakes remain to be determined.
Modeling Stream Network‐Scale Variation in Coho Salmon Overwinter Survival and Smolt Size
Authors: Ebersole Joseph L. , Colvin Mike E. , Wigington Parker J. , Leibowitz Scott G. , Baker Joan P. , Church M. Robbins , Compton Jana E. , Miller Bruce A. , Cairns Michael A. , Hansen Bruce P. , La Vigne Henry R.
Published: May 2009

We used multiple regression and hierarchical mixed‐effects models to examine spatial patterns of overwinter survival and size at smolting in juvenile coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch in relation to habitat attributes across an extensive stream network in southwestern Oregon over 3 years. Contributing basin area explained the majority of spatial variation (R2 = 0.57‐0.63) in coho salmon overwinter survival (range = 0.02‐0.63), with highest survival rates observed in smaller headwater and intermittent streams. Other habitat attributes, including proportional pool area, percent exposed bedrock substrate, percent broadleaf canopy cover, and adult salmon carcass density, were relatively poor predictors of survival. Indices of individual fish condition, including fall parr fork length, condition factor, and parasite infestation rates, were also relatively uninformative in coho salmon overwinter survival models. Coho salmon smolt length was primarily a function of length at the time of fall tagging, but stream type, contributing basin area (positive effect), thermal history (positive effect), and black spot infestation (i.e., trematode metacercariae; negative effect) were also important. The consistent, broad spatial gradients in overwinter survival observed in this study can help guide efforts designed to enhance coho salmon production in coastal streams and suggest that habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement strategies will be best guided by a whole‐basin context.
Linking Habitat Quality with Trophic Performance of Steelhead along Forest Gradients in the South Fork Trinity River Watershed, California
Authors: McCarthy Sarah G. , Duda Jeffrey J. , Emlen John M. , Hodgson Garth R. , Beauchamp David A.
Published: May 2009

We examined invertebrate prey, fish diet, and energy assimilation in relation to habitat variation for steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss (anadromous rainbow trout) and rainbow trout in nine low‐order tributaries of the South Fork Trinity River, northern California. These streams spanned a range of environmental conditions, which allowed us to use bioenergetics modeling to determine the relative effects of forest cover, stream temperature, season, and fish age on food consumption and growth efficiency. Evidence of seasonal shifts in reliance on aquatic versus terrestrial food sources was detected among forest cover categories and fish ages, although these categories were not robust indicators of O. mykiss condition and growth efficiency. Consumption estimates were generally less than 20% of maximum consumption, and fish lost weight in some streams during summer low‐flow conditions when stream temperatures exceeded 15°C. Current 100‐year climate change projections for California threaten to exacerbate negative growth patterns and may undermine the productivity of this steelhead population, which is currently not listed as endangered or threatened. To demonstrate the potential effect of global warming on fish growth, we ran three climate change scenarios in two representative streams. Simulated temperature increases ranging from 1.4°C to 5.5°C during the summer and from 1.5°C to 2.9°C during the winter amplified the weight loss; estimated average growth for age‐1 fish was 0.4‐4.5 times lower than normal (low to high estimated temperature increase) in the warm stream and 0.05‐0.8 times lower in the cool stream. We conclude that feeding rate and temperature during the summer currently limit the growth and productivity of steelhead and rainbow trout in low‐order streams in the South Fork Trinity River basin and predict that climate change will have detrimental effects on steelhead growth as well as on macroinvertebrate communities and stream ecosystems in general.
Do Blue Crab Spawning Sanctuaries in North Carolina Protect the Spawning Stock
Authors: Eggleston David B. , Bell Geoffrey W. , Searcy Steven P.
Published: May 2009

Spawning sanctuaries located at the five major inlets to Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, as well as various harvest controls, have not been adequate to protect the spawning stock of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus. We conducted an extensive trawl survey within Pamlico and Croatan sounds as well as five inlet spawning sanctuaries during 2002 to quantify the spatiotemporal use of spawning sanctuaries by mature female blue crabs and to identify potential migration corridors to spawning grounds. The abundance of mature females was highest along the northwestern portion of Pamlico Sound, suggesting this is an important staging area for females before their seaward migration; however, there was no clear evidence of specific migration corridors. Mature female abundance was no different inside inlet sanctuary boundaries versus 1‐2 km outside sanctuary boundaries, and sanctuaries only protect 44.9% and 0.7% of the current local inlet and Pamlico Sound‐wide spawning populations, respectively, of mature female blue crabs. In general, the abundance of mature female blue crabs was higher at inlets located to the extreme north or south in Pamlico Sound than at inlets located in the central portion of the sound. The results from this study suggest that the particular geometry and placement of inlet spawning sanctuaries are not adequate to protect the North Carolina blue crab spawning stock, and other management options should be considered, such as (1) a double sanctuary and migration corridor system located in northern and southern portions of Croatan and Pamlico sounds coupled with either (2) reduction of fishery effort on females or (3) seasonal closures.
Steelhead Life History on California's Central Coast: Insights from a State‐Dependent Model
Authors: Satterthwaite William H. , Beakes Michael P. , Collins Erin M. , Swank David R. , Merz Joseph E. , Titus Robert G. , Sogard Susan M. , Mangel Marc
Published: May 2009

SteelheadOncorhynchus mykissdisplay a dizzying array of life history variation (including the purely resident form, rainbow trout). We developed a model for female steelhead in coastal California (close to the southern boundary of their range) in small coastal streams. We combined proximate (physiological) and ultimate (expected reproductive success) considerations to generalize the notion of a threshold size for emigration or maturity through the development of a state‐dependent life history theory. The model involves strategies that depend on age, size or condition, and recent rates of change in size or condition during specific periods (decision windows) in advance of the actual smolting or spawning event. This is the first study in which such a model is fully parameterized based on data collected entirely from California steelhead populations, the majority of data coming from two watersheds the mouths of whose rivers are separated by less than 8 km along the coast of Santa Cruz County. We predicted the occurrence of resident life histories and the distribution of sizes and ages at smolting for steelhead rearing in the upstream habitats of these streams. We compared these predictions with empirical results and show that the theory can explain the observed pattern and variation.
Seasonal Patterns of Abundance, Growth, and Site Fidelity of Juvenile Steelhead in a Small Coastal California Stream
Authors: Sogard Susan M. , Williams Thomas H. , Fish Heidi
Published: May 2009

Populations of steelheadOncorhynchus mykissthroughout the central California coast are currently listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. To better understand demographic processes during the juvenile freshwater stage, we quantified abundance, movement, and growth of juvenile steelhead among five reaches in a primary spawning area of Soquel Creek. We used mark‐recapture methods to examine seasonal, density‐dependent, and size‐dependent patterns in these population metrics. Many trends were stronger in age‐0 fish than in age‐1 and older fish. Estimated survival and retention within a reach were generally highest in summer and lowest in winter‐spring. Density dependence was evident only in age‐0 fish, with lower survival occurring at higher densities. Survival was typically size‐dependent, with lower survival of smaller fish in both age‐classes. Immigration, based on movement of untagged fish into our sites between sampling periods, was higher in winter‐spring compared with summer and fall. Immigration was generally independent of density but was size‐dependent, with smaller fish more likely to move than larger fish. Average growth rates were low, rarely exceeding 0.3 mm/d. Growth was fastest in winter‐spring, potentially a function of higher flow rates and increased food availability. Growth was generally size‐dependent, with smaller fish growing faster than larger fish. A negative effect of fish density on growth was apparent only for age‐0 fish in summer. High site fidelity was evident in high recapture rates of tagged fish. Recaptures over periods of up to 4 years suggested likely expression of a nonanadromous life history by some individuals. The growth rates in this system suggest that fish rearing in upstream habitats cannot undergo smoltification and emigrate until they are at least age 2. Our results provide a valuable baseline of demographic patterns for juvenile steelhead in representative freshwater habitat of the Central California Coast Steelhead Distinct Population Segment.
Pea (Pisum sativum) seed production as an assay for reproductive effects due to herbicides
Authors: Olszyk David , Pfleeger Thomas , Lee E. Henry , Plocher Milton
Published: May 2009

Even though herbicide drift can affect plant reproduction, current plant testing protocols emphasize effects on vegetative growth. In this study, we determined whether a short-growing season plant can indicate potential effects of herbicides on seed production. Pea (Pisum sativum cv. Dakota) plants were grown in mineral soil in pots under greenhouse conditions. Plants were treated with a variety of herbicides (dicamba, clopyralid, glufosinate, glyphosate, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, primisulfuron, or sulfometuron) at below standard field application rates applied at a vegetative stage of growth (∼14 d after emergence) or at flowering (∼20 d after emergence). Pea seed production was greatly reduced by sulfometuron at the minimum concentration used (0.001 × field application rate), with an effective concentration producing a 25% reduction in seed dry weight of 0.00007 × field application rate. Primisulfuron and glyphosate had a 25% reduction in seed dry weight for seed dry weight of 0.0035 and 0.0096 × field application rate, respectively. Clopyralid and dicamba reduced pea seed dry weight at a 25% reduction in seed dry weight of approximately 0.07 × field application rate. Glufosinate only reduced pea seed weight in one experiment, with a 25% reduction in seed dry weight of 0.07 and 0.008 × field application rate at vegetative growth and flowering stages, respectively. Pea seed dry weight was not affected by 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid. Plant developmental stage had no consistent effect on herbicide responses. Reduced seed production occurred with some herbicides (especially acetolactate synthase inhibitors), which caused little or no reduction in plant height or shoot biomass and little visible injury. Thus, pea may be a model species to indicate seed reproductive responses to herbicides, with seed production obtained by extending plant growth for usually only 7 d longer than the period usually used in the vegetative vigor test.
Chemical and toxicological characterization of an unresolved complex mixture-rich biodegraded crude oil
Authors: Melbye Alf G. , Brakstad Odd G. , Hokstad Jorunn N. , Gregersen Inger K. , Hansen Bjørn H. , Booth Andy M. , Rowland Steven J. , Tollefsen Knut E.
Published: May 2009

Chemical and toxicological characterization of unresolved complex mixtures in the water-soluble fraction of an artificially weathered Norwegian Sea crude oil was determined by a combination of chemical analysis and toxicity testing in fish in vitro bioassays. The water-soluble fraction of the crude oil was separated into 14 increasingly polar fractions by preparative high-pressure liquid chromatography. The in vitro toxicity (7-ethoxyresorufin <O-deethylase activity, estrogenicity, and metabolic inhibition) of these fractions was characterized in a primary culture of liver cells (hepatocytes) from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The main contributor to toxicity was one of the most polar fractions, accounting gravimetrically for more than 70% of the organic material in the water-soluble fraction and dominated by an unresolved complex mixture. Chemical analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography—time of flight—mass spectrometry identified a large number of cyclic and aromatic sulfoxide compounds and low amounts of benzothiophenes (<0.1% of total mass) in this fraction. Commonly monitored toxic components of crude oil (e.g., naphthalenes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and alkylated phenols) eluted in less polar fractions, characterized by somewhat lower toxicity. Normalization of in vitro responses to the mass in each fraction demonstrated a more even distribution of toxicity, indicating that toxicity in the individual fractions was related to the amount of material present. Although polar and nonpolar compounds contribute additively to crude oil toxicity, the water-soluble fraction was dominated by polar compounds because of their high aqueous solubility and the high oil—water loading. Under these conditions, the polar unresolved complex mixture—rich fraction might account for a large portion of crude oil toxicity because of its high abundance in the water-soluble fraction.
Nonlinear Analysis of Heterogeneous Model for an Industrial Ammonia Reactor
Authors: Mancusi Erasmo , Maffettone Pier Luca , Gioia Francesco , Crescitelli Silvestro
Published: May 2009

Ammonia production is generally carried out in multiphase catalytic reactors. In this paper we analyze an industrial reactor for ammonia production with a dynamic heterogeneous model that accounts for transport resistance both inside and outside catalyst pellets. The work is aimed at investigating the possible appearance of periodic solutions in normal operating conditions for their relevance in terms of safety and control strategy. The analysis is based on a continuation approach to determine the bifurcational characterization of model predictions. This description is compared with that derived in a previous work (Mancusi et al. 2000), which was based on a simpler pseudo-homogeneous model of the same process.
Design of Dynamics of a Recuperative Catalytic Combustor: Enhancement in Operation and Control
Authors: Budzianowski Wojciech M. , Miller Ryszard
Published: May 2009

The current contribution is aimed to describe and design the dynamics of the recuperative catalytic combustor. The step responses of the combustible concentration, fuel flow rate, fuel temperature and three manipulated variables are determined for the non-controlled combustor. The time delays, time constants and gains are determined for the temperatures measured in two points in the catalytic zone and its dependencies on the process and geometrical parameters are discussed. The frequency response analysis conducted shows that in the combustor with a higher time constant medium term input disturbances are effectively attenuated. In order to handle long term impulses of lean or rich fuels, the control strategy dedicated to the current combustor is proposed. It is verified in the example in which the frequently used control algorithm is applied to simulate the process control. The results show that the improvement is attained in combustor transient operation and control.
Determination of Kinetic and Stoichiometric Parameters of Pseudomonas putida F1 by Chemostat and In Situ Pulse Respirometry
Authors: Oliveira Catarina S , Ordaz Alberto , Alba Joel , Alves Madalena , Ferreira Eugénio C , Thalasso Frederic
Published: May 2009

The applicability of pulse respirometry, for the estimation of kinetic and stoichiometric parameters in pure cultures was evaluated by comparison with traditional chemostat method. Pseudomonas putida F1 was cultured in a continuous stirred tank reactor, using glucose as sole carbon source. The reactor was operated under steady-state with six dilution rates, ranging from 0.06 to 0.35 h-1. Substrate and biomass concentration were measured and used to estimate kinetic and stoichiometric parameters, according to the Monod model. An in situ respirometry method was also applied to the reactor, with the injection of pulses of glucose from 19 to 97 mg L-1. The respirograms obtained were used to estimate the kinetic and stoichiometric parameters according to ASM1 and ASM3 models. No significance difference was observed between parameters estimated by chemostat and respirometric methods. The glucose affinity constant was from 0.4 to 0.7 mg L-1, the maximum specific growth rate was from varying from 0.14 to 0.20 h-1, and the growth yield was from 0.41 to 0.67. These results confirm that in situ pulse respirometry is a suitable method for kinetic and stoichiometric parameters estimation.
Instability transitions and ensemble equivalence in diffusive flow
Authors: Ha Meesoon
Published: May 2009

We investigate the critical behavior of one-dimensional (1D) stochastic flow with competing nonlocal and local hopping events, in context of the totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (TASEP) with a defect site in a 1D closed chain. The defect site can effectively generate various boundary conditions, controlling the total number of particles in the system. Both open and periodic-like setups exhibit dynamic instability transitions from a populated finite density phase to an empty road (ER) phase as the nonlocal hopping rate increases. In the stationary populated phase, strong clustering promoted by nonlocal skids drives such transitions and determines their scaling properties. By static and dynamic simulations, we locate such transition points, and discuss their nature and scaling properties. In the open TASEP variant, we numerically establish that the instability transition into the ER phase is second order in the regime where the entry point reservoir controls the current, while it is first order in the regime where the bulk controls the current. Since it is well known that such transitions are absent in the periodic TASEP variant, we compare our results in the open setup with those in the periodic-like setup, and discuss the issue of the ensemble equivalence. Finally, the same discussion is extended to the symmetric cases.
The effect of anastrozol on spatial memory in adult rats
Authors: Hodosy Július , Celec Peter , Ostatníková Daniela , Cagánová Marieta , Putz Zdeněk , Baláž Peter , Kúdela Matúš
Published: May 2009

Androgens are known to affect cognitive functions via organizational and activational effects. It is unknown whether the effects are mediated via the androgen receptor or after conversion to estradiol with aromatase via estrogen receptors. The aim of our study was to find out whether testosterone affects spatial memory directly or through its metabolite estradiol. Rats were treated with testosterone; with testosterone and the aromatase blocker anastrozole or saline. An 8 radial arm maze was used for testing spatial memory twice daily for 4 days. Each arm was baited with food, and the ability of animals to learn the location of food was assessed. Testosterone treated rats and control rats achieved comparable coefficients of spatial memory, although the plasma levels of testosterone differed markedly. Anastrozole treatment resulted in the worst performance in the maze. The differences between groups did not reach the level of significance. It can be concluded that aromatase and, thus, the conversion of testosterone to estradiol may play a role in spatial memory, as pharmacological blockade of aromatase led to a decrease in maze performace of adult male rats. Detailed molecular mechanisms should be the focus of further studies.
Ligand structure controlled allostery in cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit
Authors: Kuznetsov Aleksei , Järv Jaak
Published: May 2009

Protein kinase A (cAMP dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit, EC 2.7.11.11) binds simultaneously ATP and a phosphorylatable peptide. These structurally dissimilar allosteric ligands influence the binding effectiveness of each other. The same situation is observed with substrate congeners, which reversibly inhibit the enzyme. In this review these allosteric effects are quantified using the interaction factor, which compares binding effectiveness of ligands with the free enzyme and the pre-loaded enzyme complex containing another ligand. This analysis revealed that the allosteric effect depends upon structure of the interacting ligands, and the principle “better binding: stronger allostery” observed can be formalized in terms of linear free-energy relationships, which point to similar mechanism of the allosteric interaction between the enzyme-bound substrates and/or inhibitor molecules. On the other hand, the type of effect is governed by ligand binding effectiveness and can be inverted from positive allostery to negative allostery if we move from effectively binding ligands to badly binding compounds. Thus the outcome of the allostery in this monomeric enzyme is the same as defined by classical theories for multimeric enzymes: making the enzyme response more efficient if appropriate ligands bind.
Primary production dynamics of dominant hydrophytes in Lake Provala (Serbia)
Authors: Nikolić Ljiljana , Pajević Slobodanka , Ljevnaić Branka
Published: May 2009

The objective of this investigation was to analyze the primary production of the dominant hydrophytes by monitoring levels of organic matter and organic carbon and estimating photosynthetic potential via the total chlorophyll content. The survey was conducted in Lake Provala (Serbia) throughout the peak vegetation period of the year 2000. The contents of organic matter and organic carbon for Myriophyllum spicatum L. were 105.11 g m−2 and 73.66 g m−2, Nymphoides peltata (Gmel.) Kunt. were 95.51 g m−2 and 45.26 g m−2 and Ceratophyllum demersum L. were 52.17 g m−2 and 29.75 g m−2. Chlorophyll A (Chl a) and chlorophyll A+B (Chl a+b) pigments ranged from 1.54 mg g−1(Chl a) and 2.1 mg g−1(Chl a+b) in M. spicatum to 5.27 mg g−1(Chl a) and 7.53 mg g−1(Chl a+b) in C. demersum. At full leaf out, the latter aquatic plants exceeded 50% cover of the open water surface. All species achieved maximum growth in June, but significant differences in growth dynamics were observed. At the end of the vegetation period, these plants sink to the bottom and decompose
The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the testis and epididymis of rats with a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) deficiency
Authors: Kolasa Agnieszka , Marchlewicz Mariola , Kurzawa Rafał , Głąbowski Wojciech , Trybek Grzegorz , Wenda-Różewicka Lidia , Wiszniewska Barbara
Published: May 2009

In our previous studies, we showed that a finasteride-induced DHT deficiency may cause changes in the morphology of the seminiferous epithelium without any morphological alteration of the epididymis. In this study, we demonstrated the constitutive immunoexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the testis and epididymis of Wistar rats treated with finasteride for 28 days (the duration of two cycles of the seminiferous epithelium) and 56 days (the duration of one spermatogenesis). We noted that a 56-day finasteride treatment mainly caused a decrease in the level of circulating DHT, as well as a statistically insignificant decrease in the level of T. The hormone deficiency also led to a change in the iNOS immnoexpression in the testis and epididymis of the finasteride-treated rats. In vitro, DHT did not modify NO production by the epithelial cells of the caput epididymis even when stimulated with LPS and IFNγ, but it did give rise to an increase in NO production by the epithelial cells of the cauda epididymis without the stimulation. DHT did not have a statistically significant influence on estradiol production by cultured, LPS- and IFNγ-stimulated epithelial cells from the caput and cauda epididymis. In conclusion, our data clearly indicates that a finasterideinduced DHT deficiency intensifies the constitutive expression of iNOS in most rat testicular and epididymal cells, so it can be expected that the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) could be regulated by DHT. On the other hand, the profile of the circulating DHT and T levels strongly suggests that the regulation of constitutive iNOS expression is complex and needs more detailed study.
Comparison of isothermal and non-isothermal chemiluminescence and differential scanning calorimetry experiments with benzoyl peroxide
Authors: Rychlý Jozef , Kocer Aysegul , Tanis Fathy , Matisová-Rychlá Lyda , Janigová Ivica , Csomorová Katarína
Published: May 2009

Difference in the kinetics of chemiluminescence (CL) and differential scanning calorimetry records for decomposition of originally solid benzoyl peroxide continuing as a melt reaction was outlined. While the main portion of heat measured by DSC is released in the spontaneous decomposition of benzoyl peroxide starting as a homolytic scission of peroxidic bonds, the CL light emission in oxygen comes presumably from the subsequent disproportionation reaction of polyphenyl peroxyl radicals and monitors the induced decomposition of peroxide. Thermogravimetry revealed that oxygen remains partially bound to the products of benzoyl peroxide decomposition.
Estimation of composition, coordination model, and stability constant of some metal/phosphate complexes using spectral and potentiometric measurements
Authors: Abu-Shandi Khalid , Al-Wedian Fadel
Published: May 2009

Complexation reactions in a binary metal/phosphate system were studied. Protolytic equilibria of phosphate in the presence of cobalt, nickel, iron, copper, chromium and silver metal ions were investigated by potentiometric titrations in the pH range of 2–11. Stability constants of the metal/phosphate complexes were determined by computer analysis of the potentiometric titration. Potentiometric titrations suggest that the presence of metal phosphate and metal hydrogen phosphate provides the solutions with stability constants logK c 2.21, 2.11, 2.23, 2.34, 1.96, and 2.14 of Co, Ni, Fe, Ag, Cr, and Cu/phosphate, respectively. The results of infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and equilibrium studies were used to reveal the mode of interaction between the metal ions and phosphate. Metal phosphates with a hydrogen phosphate anion and fully nonprotonated phosphate could be isolated under the reaction conditions.
Preparation and characterization of porous cordierite for potential use in cellular ceramics
Authors: Valášková Marta , Martynková Gražyna
Published: May 2009

Cordierite porous ceramics Z, X, and K were prepared using three mixtures of clay minerals: Z from kaolinite, talc, and aluminum hydroxide, X from kaolinite, talc, vermiculite, and aluminum hydroxide, and K from kaolinite, talc, and magnesium oxide. Ceramics were different in porosity, specific surface area, cordierite polymorphs, and secondary crystalline phases. Vermiculite influenced textural architecture of calcined cordierite ceramics X and predestinated crystallization of the high-temperature hexagonal α-cordierite with secondary minerals enstatite, spinel and corundum. Ceramics Z contained low-temperature orthorhombic β-cordierite, enstatite, and corundum, K was diphase of β-cordierite and forsterite. Total pore area (TPA) and specific surface area (SSA) of X, in spite of the higher porosity and the pore size distribution in the range of 300–1000 nm, were smaller in comparison with TPA and SSA of Z. Ceramics K retained high porosity, two maxima at 300–1000 nm and 50–200 nm in the pores size distribution, and the highest TPA and SSA compared to those observed in ceramics Z and X.
QSAR study of 2,4-disubstituted phenoxyacetic acid derivatives as a CRTh2 receptor antagonists
Authors: Jain Abhishek , Ravichandran Veerasamy , Singh Rajesh , Mourya Vishnukanth , Agrawal Ram
Published: May 2009

In pursuit of better CRTh2 receptor antagonist agents, QSAR studies were performed on a series of 2,4-disubstituted phenoxyacetic acid derivatives. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to derive QSAR models which were further evaluated for statistical significance and predictive power by internal and external validation. The best QSAR model was selected; having the correlation coefficient R = 0.904, standard error of estimation SEE = 0.456 and the cross validated squared correlation coefficient Q 2 = 0.739. Predictive ability of the selected model was also confirmed by the leave one out cross validation method and by leave 33 % out Q 2 = 0.688. The QSAR model indicates that the descriptors (logP, SI3, LM, and DVZ) play an important role in the CRTh2 receptor antagonist activities. Results of the present study may be useful in the designing of more potent 2,4-disubstituted phenoxyacetic acid derivatives as CRTh2 receptor antagonist agents.
Fatty acid profile of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. seed oil
Authors: Wang Weifen , Wang Lanzhou , Jiang Jiaxin
Published: May 2009

Fatty acid profile data for refined cold-pressed Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. seed oil, in comparison to other commercially available oils — olive, rapeseed and camellia, are presented. Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. seed oil has high oleic and linoleic acid content and high polyunsaturated acid content. Squalene elutes as a distinct peak in the GC chromatograph. For a positive identification, MS detection was used. In the samples analyzed, squalene occurred in the range of 57.4–68.2 mg g−1.
Synthesis, characterization, and anti-tumor activities of some transition metal(II) complexes with podophyllic acid hydrazide
Authors: Qu Jian-Qiang , Qu Ling , Yang Qiu-Hua , Wang Liu-Fang
Published: May 2009

Four transition metal(II) complexes with podophyllic acid hydrazide (HL) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, complexometric titration, thermal analysis, conductivity, IR, and 1H NMR. The complexes have the general formula ML2 · nH2O, where M = Zn, Cu, Co, and Ni, n = 2 or 0. Anti-tumor activities of podophyllotoxin, HL, ZnL2 · 2H2O, and NiL2 were tested by both the MTT and the SRB method. The results show that the activities of the complexes against the tumor cells tested are superior to HL and the anti-tumor activity of NiL2 is even similar to that of podophyllotoxin.
Tocopherol content, weight loss and instrumental color analysis of Iberian dry-cured ham as affected by rearing and feeding systems
Authors: Isabel Beatriz , Cordero Gustavo , López-Bote Clemente , Daza Argimiro
Published: May 2009

The effects of rearing (outdoor vs indoor) and feeding systems (acorn and grass vs mixed diets) on ham quality from Duroc x Iberian pigs were studied. Seven groups of 5 females each were used. One group was reared under freerange conditions and fed with acorns and grass (outdoor pigs). Six group were fed mixed diets in confinement (indoor pigs) under a factorial design 3 x 2 with three types of dietary fat: monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and medium (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) and two levels of α-tocopheryl-acetate. The α-and γ-tocopherol contents were higher (P < 0.05) in hams from outdoor pigs than in hams from indoor pigs. The hams from indoor pigs were lighter than hams from outdoor pigs and redness values were larger in hams from outdoor pigs than in hams from indoor pigs. At 4 days of storage ham samples from outdoor pigs showed a tendency (P < 0.10) to lower weight loss than those from pigs fed a basal level of vitamin E. These results indicate that rearing outdoor and feeding Iberian pigs by acorn and grass increase the α-and γ-tocopherols and improve color and weight losses in dry-cured hams.
Effect of pasture on chestnut or acorn on fatty acid composition and aromatic profile of fat of Cinta Senese dry-cured ham
Authors: Pugliese Carolina , Sirtori Francesco , Ruiz Jorge , Martin Diana , Parenti Silvia , Franci Oreste
Published: May 2009

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pasture on oak and chestnut grove on chemical and aromatic traits of Cinta Senese cured ham. Fifteen Cinta Senese barrows (124 kg of l.w. on average) were allotted to three groups: one group (MI) was reared outdoors in confined area and fed commercial feedstuff. The other two groups were raised under free-range conditions on acorn (AC) or chestnut (CH) woods. At slaughtering (148 kg of l.w.) the right thighs were seasoned for 360 days, on average, to obtained cured hams. Results demonstrated that subcutaneous fat of ham of CH and AC groups, respect to CONC group, was the richest in MUFA (51.3 and 53.9 vs 49.5% respectively), because of the higher content of oleic acid (48.4 and 50.8 vs 46.2%, respectively). AC showed a lower percentage of PUFA than CH and CONC (13.8 vs 15.4 and 16.3%, respectively). As regard volatile compounds, AC, respect to CH and MI groups, showed the highest value of aldehydes (44.1 vs 30.3 and 33.5% respectively) and ethers (4.04 vs 1.15 and 1.71% respectively).