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As an alternative to commercial GPS tracking collars, a low-cost GPS Herd Activity and Well-being Kit (GPS HAWK) was developed to monitor locomotion behavior of cattle at a high sampling frequency (20 s). The operational goal of the GPS HAWK was to collect GPS location data at a user-specified frequency and store the data in a secure format (compact flash media) for retrieval and optimize power consumption to extend the sampling period. The GPS HAWK uses a Garmin 12-channel low-power GPS receiver powered by a sealed-lead acid battery housed in an aluminum enclosure on a shoulder-mounted harness. Data gathered by the GPS HAWKs were used to determine individual daily travel distance (DTD) and the effect of sample interval (SI) on this measurement. Differences (P < 0.0001) were shown in DTD across four days using animals with available data. The Angus cows (Bos Tarus L.) averaged 4.05 ± 0.14 km/d (2.52 ± 0.09 mi/d) during the four days. Sample interval (SI) had an effect on DTD. Differences in DTD were detected for all SIs (P < 0.0001) except between the 60- and 120-s intervals. By changing the SI from 20 s to 20 min, the mean DTD decreased by 1.68 km or 44%. Significant errors in estimates of cattle energetics from GPS monitoring can be introduced by increasing sampling interval. Therefore, researchers must account for increasing error in DTD due to undersampling as SI is increased to save battery power and to increase the interval between animal handling periods. Holding the GPS system in place consistently with a shoulder mounted harness proved to be somewhat challenging.

In planning for a new library construction project for the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, graduate students enrolled in the University of Oklahoma (OU) School of Library and Information Studies collaborated in an innovative effort to develop a commons-based reference service. By first considering a philosophical approach to the need for a commons, blending in the experiences of other libraries that have created similar spaces, and focusing on the workflow issues likely to be encountered by the graduate assistants staffing the commons itself, this planning team developed an uncommon peer-to-peer approach to reference and education services, one focused on the patron as student.

This research examined whether U.S. network TV newscasts over time have shown less strike coverage, even adjusting for lesser numbers of strikes. They did not, but fluctuated wildly based on when sports and other entertainment strikes occurred. The project indicated a strike-impact-on-consumers focus with an element of social class that also may be at play. Network TV coverage opted for more time devoted to higher-class effects (airline strikes) as opposed to lower-class effects (intercity bus strikes). These results suggest a more nuanced understanding of strike news beyond points raised by political economy theory and declining resources for coverage. Labor disputes involve workers banding together for increased power as a means to seek a redress of grievances (pay, benefits, working conditions) from employers. Employers tend to exert more overall power in a society, and have strong poUtical connections to those in government. Strikes thus are moments of intense conflict, clashes that are newsworthy, but present special challenges for news organizations. For example, reporters themselves are workers and may even belong to a union. They may be drawn to the worker grievances as a focus of the story. Publishers may lean more to the management perspective, the disruption the strike creates for the affected businesses. Publishers may not take a role in day-to-day, story-by-story decisions, but they do set a tone for the overall editorial direction of the publication. Editors may find themselves in the middle and take a safe, middle course of emphasizing neither the grievances of workers nor the perspective of the business, but the strike's effect on consumers and the general public. Lippmann noted, "If you study the way many a strike is presented in the press, you will find, very often, that the issues are rarely in the headlines, barely in the leading paragraphs, and sometimes not even mentioned anywhere."1 Lippmann cited several factors: news routine, skill of the reporters, scarcity of resources, time and space constraints, and perceived audience involvement. He claimed those factors cause editors "to prefer the indisputable fact and a treatment more readily adapted to the reader's interest. The indisputable fact and the easy interest are the strike itself and the reader's inconvenience."2 Upton Sinclair lambasted press unfairness to labor in The Brass Check,3 presenting several incidents supporting his claim "whenever there is a 'show-down' between labor and capital, the press is openly or secretly for capital."4 He further saw in coverage "deliberate and long-continued campaigns to render them [strikers] odious to the public."5 In particular, Sinclair criticized the Associated Press for exaggerating strike violence to turn public opinion against strikers.6 Many new media forms, significant concentration of media ownership, and a large amount or research, critique, and theory related to news and labor all have happened since Lippmann and Sinclair launched their press critiques. This research seeks to answer whether their observations about strike coverage hold up when one quantitatively examines a significant U.S. news source over the past forty years: network television newscasts. Literature Review This literature review begins with the broadest questions of how labor coverage fits into both political economy of communication and the propaganda model of news. This literature review then summarizes specific claims and findings about labor and strike coverage. A political economy approach to communication posits: Messages are situated within political and cultural assumptions about what is normal and acceptable within the society. In news production these include beliefs about hierarchies of access, about who has the right to speak, what are the key political institutions and what is "acceptable" behavior. On an everyday level, the television, press and radio also provide information about specific events which tacitly relate to these unspoken assumptions. …

The use of bedded hoop barns in finishing systems for beef cattle has not been widely researched. In this management system, beef cattle are confined to hoop barns throughout finishing, and bedding is used to absorb animal waste, which results in minimal effluent. The objective of this study was to compare the performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef steers (n = 1,428) managed in a bedded hoop-barn management system vs. an open-feedlot system with shelter. Six feeding trials were conducted over a 3-yr period. Three trials were conducted during summer-fall and 3 trials were conducted during winter-spring. Crossbred steers were allotted to 3 pens in the hoop-barn system and to 3 pens in the open-lot system (approximately 40 steers per pen in both facility systems). Stocking densities for the steers were 4.65 m(2) per steer in the hoop-barn system and 14.7 m(2) per steer in the open-lot system. The steers were begun on trial weighing 410 and 411 kg (SD = 21), were fed for 102.3 and 103.0 d (SD = 3.8), and were weighed off test at 595 and 602 kg (SD = 21) for the hoop-barn and open-lot systems, respectively. Steer performance measures consisted of ADG, DMI, and G:F. Carcass characteristics were HCW, fat thickness, LM area, KPH percentage, marbling score, USDA yield grade, and USDA quality grade. No year, season, or pen (management system) main effects, or season x management system and year x management system interactions were observed for any of the items measured related to cattle performance or carcass characteristics (P > 0.05). Final mud scores (a subjective evaluation of the amount of soil and manure adhering to the hair coat of the animals) were greater for the steers from the open-lot system compared with those from the hoop-barn system (P < 0.02), suggesting steers in the hoop-barn system carried less mud than steers from the open-lot system. Average daily cornstalk bedding use in the hoop-barn system was 2.3 kg/steer during summer-fall and 2.6 kg/steer during winter-spring. The performance of finishing cattle managed in a hoop-barn system was not different from the performance of cattle managed in an open-feedlot system with shelter during summer and winter. Managing beef cattle in hoop barns required more bedding but resulted in decreased mud scores compared with cattle managed in an open-lot system with shelter. Hoop barns are a viable alternative housing management system for finishing beef cattle.

Demand for nonsolar energy and con- cern about the implications of fossil fuel combustion have encouraged examination of energy use associated with agriculture. The United States is a global leader in pig production, and the United States swine industry is centered in Iowa. Feed is the largest individual input in pig production, but the energy consumption of the Iowa swine feed production chain has yet to be critically examined. This analysis examines nonsolar energy use and resulting 100-yr global warming potential (GWP) associated with the swine feed production chain, begin- ning with cultivation of crops and concluding with diet formulation. The nonsolar energy use and accompany- ing 100-yr GWP associated with production of 13 com- mon swine feed ingredients are estimated. Two diet for- mulation strategies are considered for 4 crop sequence × ingredient choice combinations to generate 8 crop sequence × diet formulation scenarios. The first formu- lation strategy (simple) does not include synthetic AA or phytase. The second strategy (complex) reduces CP content of the diet by using l-lysine to meet standard- ized ileal digestibility lysine requirements of pigs and includes the exogenous enzyme phytase. Regardless of crop sequence × diet formulation scenario, including the enzyme phytase is energetically favorable and re- duces the potential excretion of P by reducing or re- moving inorganic P from the complete diet. Including l-lysine reduces the CP content of the diet and requires less nonsolar energy to deliver adequate standardized ileal digestible lysine than simply feeding soybean meal. Replacing soybean meal with full-fat soybeans is not energetically beneficial under Iowa conditions. Swine diets including dried distillers grains with solubles and crude glycerol require approximately 50% more nonso- lar energy inputs than corn-soybean meal diets or corn- soybean meal diets including oats. This study provides essential information on cultivation, processing, and manufacture of swine feed ingredients in Iowa that can be coupled with other models to estimate the nonsolar energy use and 100-yr GWP of pig production.

The community assessment model (CAM) for odor dispersion is a tool to assist in the siting of swine production facilities. CAM considers the size and type of a swine production system, local historical weather conditions, and odor control implementation. It predicts the number of hours of exposure to various levels of odor, by month, for each receptor in a given community. A follow-up survey of all CAM users since 2005 was conducted. The survey was designed to provide: 1) formative feedback for programming adjustments to improve Extension efficiency, usability, and reduce costs; and 2) summative feedback used to provide an indirect baseline assessment of the broader impact that CAM has had on reducing odor-related conflict. For the majority of producers who used CAM, the potential impacts to their neighbors factored heavily into decisions. CAM was believed to be very important to the siting process. A high majority (95%) of producers clearly understood the model results. Over half communicated these results to their neighbors where a third of these were considered positive interactions. Overall, for producers who went on to build at sites that were modeled there was a significant improvement in neighbor relations. CAM continues to evolve as a tool, with the addition of more refined odor dispersion parameters and the ability to include cattle and poultry. The state of Iowa has passed legislation that would, when funding is made available, integrate the use of CAM into odor management policy.

BACKGROUND: We developed a technique for ultrasound-guided paravertebral block, which was subsequently applied in the clinical setting. METHODS: An initial cadaver study was used to develop a technique that was used in the clinical setting on patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. RESULTS: Paravertebral catheters were correctly placed in the cadaveric trial in 8 of 10 attempts. In the clinical study, all blocked patients (n = 9) had evidence of thoracic wall sensory block and analgesia postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Determined by anatomical dissection, we have described the ultrasound features of the thoracic paravertebral space and performed clinically successful ultrasound-guided paravertebral block.

A strategy for providing partial biofiltration of a critical minimum amount of ventilation air (CMVR) from a hybrid ventilated swine finishing facility was developed and tested. The CMVR, defined as the minimum treated exhaust air that suppressed nighttime curtain opening movement, was set at 81 m3 h-1 pig-1 with the intention of providing enough fan ventilation to suppress inlet curtain movement during stable atmospheres, providing biofiltering for a high percentage of exhaust air. Two side-by-side 300-head hybrid ventilated deep-pit swine finishing rooms were used for this research, one room as the control (CTL) with the other treatment (TRT). The TRT room was fitted with a wood-chip based biofilter for scrubbing the CMVR. In terms of total room emissions, the TRT room had an average odor emission 37% less than the CTL room. Ammonia emission was 58% lower for the TRT room as compared to the CTL room. The results presented indicate that a strategy of partial biofiltration can result in significant reductions in odor and ammonia emissions when applied to hybrid ventilated swine finishing barns.

Hoop structures have been used quite widely for animal production in the U.S. due to their lower capital costs and multi-purpose versatility. Hoop barns for grower-finisher (G-F) swine production have attracted attention in China as an alternative, environmentally friendly, and water-saving production system. This study was conducted to assess concentrations and emissions of ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gases (GHGs) for a hoop G-F pig barn at a commercial pig operation in suburban Beijing, China. The NH3 and GHG concentrations and emissions of the facility were measured for three consecutive days during spring and summer seasons. The results revealed the following hourly gaseous concentrations (mean ±SD, mg m-3): 5.9 ±2.7 NH3, 2,183 ±1,376 CO2, and 4.0 ±2.5 CH4 in spring, and 6.8 ±3.4 NH3, 1,530 ±364 CO2, and 5.0 ±2.3 CH4 in summer. The estimated gaseous emissions averaged, in g pig-1 d-1, 22.7 NH3, 2,003 CO2, and 6.7 CH4, or in g AU-1 d-1 (AU = 500 kg), 124 NH3, 11,264 CO2, and 36.2 CH4. The emission values from this study, while being generally comparable with those reported in the literature, add new information concerning emissions from alternative swine housing system.

Research was conducted from May 2004 through September 2005 to investigate the concentration of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at the perimeter of nine swine operations across the state of Iowa and the ammonia (NH3) and H2S concentrations near and inside residences located in the community of swine operations and in one area of the state not associated with animal agriculture. The nine sources monitored ranged from sites that housed approximately 1,800 to 4,000 finishing pigs. The results indicated that at the perimeter of all nine sources monitored, the overall average H2S concentration ranged from 1.9±2.7 ppb to 26.3±32.3 ppb (mean±S.D.). Downwind samples, or samples collected during calm periods, resulted in average H2S concentrations that ranged from 7.4±6.9 ppb to 45.8±31.8 ppb. In both cases, the maximum H2S concentration was recorded at a finishing site where an earthen basin and a concrete formed below-grade basin existed in close proximity to the livestock housing. Measurements of H2S and NH3 were also conducted at five residences, four of which were located near the swine operation sites for perimeter H2S levels, with one located in an urban setting far removed from animal agriculture. The overall daily average NH3 concentration measured inside the homes ranged from 28.6±12.8 ppb to 94.7±28.1 ppb. The overall daily average NH3 concentration measured in the ambient air outside the homes ranged from 11.7±5.3 ppb to 55.1±20.6 ppb. The NH3 concentration inside the homes were significantly higher than in the ambient air outside of the homes (p

Catastrophic regional losses of poultry and livestock have caused environmental officials in North America to seek emergency on-farm disposal alternatives that pose less pollution risk to soil and shallow groundwater than burial. Bio-decomposition of remains followed by land application of the resulting product is used throughout the U.S. and Canada for management of routine poultry, swine, and cattle mortalities, and is often cited as being more environmentally friendly than burial since it recycles nutrients and other potential pollutants into the topsoil and crop production cycle, rather than placing them deeper in the ground and closer to groundwater. During emergencies, however, when time and resources are limited, bio-reduction is likely to be done in unsheltered windrows constructed on unprotected soil—conditions that could cause localized soil pollution. Pollution associated with emergency bio-reduction procedures was assessed by comparing pre- and post-bio-reduction concentrations in soil beneath the bio-reduction sites. Small but statistically significant (p

Objective: To report the first single port access (SPA) adrenalectomy to minimize patient discomfort through a less invasive procedure. Methods/Results: We performed the first SPA in a 63-year-old, otherwise healthy Caucasian female who had a 4.5-cm left adrenal mass that was incidentally discovered on computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis. Through a 2-cm single longitudinal supraumbilical incision extended down to the abdominal fascia, three 5-mm ports were placed through separate facial entry points, to make a triangular port arrangement. The adrenal vein was identified and ligated using hemoclips. The remainder of the dissection was done using hemocoagulation. The adrenal gland was extracted via an EndoCatch bag device by removing one 5-mm port and upsizing to a 12-mm port. Conclusion: We report on the first SPA adrenalectomy. Although this technology is still in its infancy, the use of a single port for surgery provides a means to provide a potentially better patient outcome with a less i...

With the wide application of low-k and ultra-low-k dielectric materials at the 90 nm technology node and beyond, the long-term reliability of such materials is rapidly becoming a critical challenge for technology qualification. Low-k time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) is usually considered as one of the most important reliability issues during Cu/low-k technology development because low-k materials generally have weaker intrinsic breakdown strength than traditional SiO2 dielectrics. This problem is further exacerbated by the aggressive shrinking of the interconnect pitch size due to continuous technology scaling. In this paper, three critical issues of low-k TDDB characteristics during low-k development and qualification will be reviewed. In the first part, a low-k TDDB field acceleration model and its determination will be discussed. In the second part, low-k dielectric time-to-breakdown (tBD) statistical distribution and TDDB area scaling law for reliability projection will be examined. In the last part, as low-k TDDB has been found to be sensitive to all aspects of integration, the effects of process variations on low-k TDDB degradation will be demonstrated. Some key aspects which need to be carefully addressed to control overall low-k TDDB performance from process and integration side will be discussed.

A Mobile Ambient Laboratory (MAL) was placed at a residence in a community with two swine-barn emission sites and one land application area to observe real-time atmospheric stability, ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentrations surrounding and within the residence during a 12-week period. Significant differences in NH3 and H2S concentrations with atmospheric stability were found. For NH3, significantly higher concentrations were measured inside the residence compared to ambient NH3 concentrations, and these levels were not correlated with outside ambient conditions. For H2S, significantly higher levels were measured outside the residence for downwind occurrences during low wind (=0.45 m s-1) and low solar (

Finishing pig growth in hoop and confinement buildings during summer and winter was evaluated using serial ultrasound measurements of backfat (BF) thickness, loin muscle area (LMA), and serial weighing. Pigs (16 to 124 kg) were housed in a hoop building (9.1 × 18.3 m) or mechanically ventilated, totally slotted confinement building. Forty-eight pigs from each building were scanned and weighed every 14 d during the last 56 d before market. In summer, BF accretion rates were greater for hoop pigs than confinement pigs 80 to 90 kg (P < 0.05), but did not differ 95 to 115 kg. In winter, BF accretion rates were similar 80 to 105 kg, but hoop pigs had less BF accretion 110 and 115 kg (P < 0.05). In summer, LMA accretion rates were similar 80, 85, and 100 to 115 kg, but were less for hoop pigs 90 and 95 kg (P < 0.001). In winter, the hoop pigs had greater LMA accretion rates 80 to 115 kg (P < 0.05). In summer, bodyweight gain was similar 80 to 95 kg, and was greater for hoop pigs 100 to 115 kg (P < 0.05). In winter, bodyweight gain was similar 100 to 115 kg, but was less for hoop pigs 80 to 95 kg (P < 0.05). Finishing pig growth is dependent on thermal environment. Hoop-reared pigs (particularly in winter) may compensate for an early lag with faster muscle growth and slower fat deposition later in finishing.

The objective was to document a bedded hoop barn for feeding market beef cattle. A comparison between a bedded hoop barn (15.2 × 36.6 m) and an open-front feedlot building (11.0 × 61.0 m) was conducted in southwest Iowa. The hoop barn was oriented north-south on a ridge with no windbreak. In summer, temperature was relatively consistent between the structures and ambient conditions, although the north end of the hoop barn had a slightly elevated dew point temperature. A summer temperature-humidity index showed that the hoop barn had fewer hours in "alert" category than either open front or ambient conditions. In winter, a cold stress index showed that the open-front barn provided the most shelter for the cattle with 92% of the hours classified as "no impact," compared with the hoop barn at 77% and ambient at 51%. Both ends of the hoop barn were open, except for piled big round bales for a windbreak during winter. Growth, feed-to-gain, and dry matter intake for the cattle were similar between housing systems. Quality and yield grades were similar. Mud scores may be less for cattle from the bedded hoop barn compared with the open-front feedlot where mud was possible. Labor usage was similar for the hoop barn and the open-front feedlot. Labor occurred throughout the feeding period for the hoop barn because manure cleaning occurred weekly. Bedded hoop barns offer a viable alternative for feeding beef cattle and may reduce feedlot runoff.

The tendency of U.S. daily newspapers to endorse Republican presidential candidates is well documented. Editor & Publisher magazine has tracked presidential endorsements since 1940; in only three of the elections (1964, Goldwater vs. Johnson; 1992, Clinton, Bush and Perot; 2004 Kerry vs. Bush) did the majority of endorsing dailies fail to pick the GOP nominee.1The endorsement tendencies at the middle and bottom of the ballot are not quite so well documented. This article reviews what is known about U.S. daily newspaper non-presidential endorsements. The past work suggests a series of expectations, especially tendencies to favor Republicans, conservatives and incumbents. These expectations are tested against a national sample of endorsements from the 2002,2004 and 2006 general elections.Literature ReviewPast research reveals not only clues about national endorsement patterns, but also reasons that newspaper endorsements are important. Candidates certainly regard newspaper endorsements as "the single greatest free media support."2 Voters responding to one survey found Orlando Sentinel endorsements useful. Twenty-three percent said the endorsements had helped them decide for whom to vote; 47 percent considered the endorsements very or somewhat helpful. About one in three could name at least one candidate recommended by the newspaper.3The trade and popular press teem with testimonials to the value of newspaper endorsements. Recently newspaper endorsements have been credited with tightening the general election for U.S. Senate in New Jersey.4 However, the eventual winner, Jon Corzine, survived without getting major newspaper endorsements in both the primary and the general election.5Even those who doubt much endorsement influence admit some small effect, even if only a fraction of a percentage point.6 Of course, a fraction of a percentage point may be all that is needed to sway a very close election.Case studies make up much of the early work about non-presidential endorsements, and generally these found little, if any, effect. Howard Scarrow and Steve Borman, for example, focused on a November 1977 contest for Suffolk County, N.Y., district attorney. A twice-weekly paper, Suffolk Life, was distributed free in the eastern part of the county and claimed 98 percent coverage. The paper endorsed and promoted extensively the Democratic incumbent, Henry O'Brien, in a Long Island county dominated by Republicans. O'Brien carried the eastern part of the county, but lost the West and the election. The authors accounted for several potential alternate explanations, but still found an endorsement effect. They also warned that this race was unusually controversial, and casual one-shot endorsements in other low-key local races appeared to be worthless.7A previous case study in New York, the U.S. senatorial race in 1970, used an election night telephone poll of 1,000 voters. The authors, Irving Roshwalb and Leonard Resnicoff, concluded published polls, newspaper endorsements and endorsements by leading political figures can influence appreciable numbers of voters, but only when there is substantial indecision. The authors also warned that the direction of influence is not always predictable, and other issues and events will have greater effect.8Paul Raymond also surveyed voters about reasons for selecting candidates. He used the 1985 city council elections in Lexington, Ky. Active campaigning, radio and newspaper ads, campaign literature and conversations with family and friends all were factors, but newspaper endorsements were not.9These one-shot case studies-one newspaper or one election-generally failed to find much influence for newspaper endorsements. However, some multiple-election studies did ferret out some effect. Joel lieske collected and analyzed data on 103 Cincinnati city council campaigns in five successive elections over a ten-year time frame. He calculated that each newspaper endorsement was worth from 10,000 to 13,000 votes and speculated that endorsements add both legitimacy and name recognition. …

The authors analyze all 1,582 Meet the Presscongressional guests from the program's inception in 1947 until 2004. The guests were coded in terms of gender, state, party, and ideological orientation as measured by Americans for Democratic Action (ADA). The program generally followed the partisan and ideological patterns of the Congress itself in who showed up as guests. There was a clear tendency to exaggerate partisan differences, meaning slightly more liberal than typical Democratic guests and slightly more conservative than typical Republican guests. The program also drew heavily from a “golden rolodex” of predictable and frequent guests, often members of Congress with leadership titles.

The effects of gestation housing systems on sow and litter performance were evaluated for 2.5 yr in southwest Iowa. Gestation housing system treatments were as follows: 1) individual gestation stalls in a mechanically ventilated confinement building with a partially slatted floor and a manure flush system and 2) group pens with individual feed stalls in deep-bedded, naturally ventilated hoop barns. In all, 957 litters from 353 sows were evaluated. Number of pigs born alive per litter differed for the 2 housing treatments (P = 0.002). Sows gestated in hoop barns gave birth to more live pigs per litter (10.0 +/- 0.2 pigs) than sows gestated in stalls (9.3 +/- 0.2 pigs). Preweaning mortality was not different for the 2 housing treatments (P = 0.70). Cross-fostering was done to equalize litter size within 24 h of birth, which resulted in an equal number of weaned pigs per sow (P = 0.50) regardless of gestation housing treatment. The weaning-to-breeding interval was different (P = 0.01), with sows kept in stalls (4.3 +/- 0.6 d) returning to estrus sooner than sows gestated in hoop barns (6.0 +/- 0.6 d). These results indicate that gestating sows can be housed as groups in deep-bedded hoop barns equipped with individual feeding stalls and will perform comparably to gestating sows housed in confinement systems with individual gestation stalls.

Acute Pain Services (APS) evolved in response to the desire for improved management of postoperative pain.To assess the status of APS in teaching hospitals in Ireland. This information has not previously been available.Postal questionnaires were sent to all teaching hospitals in the Republic of Ireland (n = 40). The questionnaire dealt with current and future APS.Thirty-one out of the 40 teaching hospitals returned a completed questionnaire (78% response). Seventy-one per cent of respondents had formalised APS of which 85% were established after 1990. Ninety percent of respondents selected postoperative pain as their primary target. Pain was included in quality assurance in 73% of hospitals and 87% of clinicians believed the trend in pain consultations is increasing.Despite a growing trend in pain management and publication of guidelines, only 71% (22/31) of teaching hospitals in the Republic of Ireland have such services. Further resources are needed to address this deficiency.

Ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block combined with general anaesthesia facilitates inguinal herniorrhaphy in an ambulatory setting by improving analgesia and reducing opioid requirements. Case reports in children indicate the possibility of colonic puncture and associated morbidity with blind ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric blockade. To investigate the feasibility of ultrasound guided ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block. Pilot study of four patients where ultrasound imaging was used to identify the ASIS, anterior abdominal muscle layers, the peritoneum and to guide local anaesthetic infiltration in patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery and appendicectomy. All patients had successful blocks, without complications. Mean visual analogue scores were 2/10 in the post anaesthesia care unit. Mean opioid consumption was 10 mg of intramuscular morphine in the first 24 h. Ultrasound guidance for ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block in the inguinal region is both feasible and a promising technique.

Construction and operating costs for two gestation housing systems were compared to assess their impact on cost per weaned pig produced. The systems compared were: 1) individual gestation stalls in a mechanically ventilated confinement building with slatted floor and 2) group pens with individual feed stalls in deep-bedded naturally ventilated hoop barns. Previous work has shown that reproductive performance of group-housed sows in hoop barns is equal to individually stalled sows, and for some measures, may be improved. Hoop barn gestation facilities can be constructed for 70% of the cost of typical confinement facilities with gestation stalls. Fuel and electricity use in mechanically ventilated gestation buildings is more than utility use in hoop barns, although bedding costs only occur in hoop barns. Assuming equal prolificacy, feed cost per pig weaned is 7% more for sows gestated in hoop barns, but total cost per pig weaned is 3% less for pigs produced by sows gestated as groups in hoop barns compared to pigs from individual stall gestation systems. When the reported increase (0.7 pigs/litter) in live pigs born for litters following hoop gestation was included in the cost analysis, the group housing in hoop barns for gestation resulted in a weaned pig cost that was 10% less than the cost of a weaned pig from the individual stall confinement system. In the upper Midwest United States, group housing of gestation sows in deep-bedded hoop barns may produce pigs at a lower cost than individual gestation stalls in confinement facilities if the bedded group housing system is managed optimally.

The livestock and poultry production industry lacks a current, science-based guide for evaluation of air quality mitigation technologies. Therefore, we performed a science-based review of mitigation technologies using practical, stakeholders-oriented evaluation criteria to identify knowledge gaps/needs and focuses for future research efforts on technologies and areas with the greatest impact potential. Our objectives were to (1) present a recently completed Literature Database, and (2) identify and rank research needs and knowledge gaps based on the Literature Database. The Air Management Practices Tool (AMPAT) is web-based (available at www.agronext.iastate.edu/ampat) and provides an objective overview of mitigation practices best suited to address odor, gaseous, and particulate matter (PM) emissions at livestock operations. This tool helps livestock and poultry producers compare and explore different mitigation technologies. Simultaneously, a literature review of 267 papers was performed to evaluate mitigation technologies performance for emissions of odor, VOCs, NH 3 , H 2 S, PM, and GHGs and inform future research needs. Swine production systems were the most researched with 52% of the data entries. Housing and manure storage were the most researched sources of emissions with 41 and 43% of the data entries respectively. Biofilters were the most popular and farm tested technology for reducing emissions from animal housing. Aeration, anaerobic digestion, composting, diet manipulation and covers were the most researched technologies for reducing emission during manure storage and handling, with aeration being the most effective means of odor reduction farm scale tested. Injection or incorporation was the most farm tested and effective technology researched for land application.

Energy is an input cost to agricultural production. Knowing typical values can help farmers to evaluate management options. Diesel, propane, and electrical energy used on the farm during selected field operations, crop drying, and in swine housing were measured on Iowa State University research and demonstration farms. Baseline values were measured and tractor operation management styles were compared. Strategies for saving fuel were demonstrated in 30 of 35 tractor operation comparisons. Comparisons of gear/engine speed, tillage depth, travel speed, and use of front-wheel-assist averaged 29, 27, 15, and 14% more energy used than the fuel-saving alternative. Single drive wheels used 8% more energy than duals, but results were mixed when comparing different tire inflation pressures. Energy used in high-temperature drying in bins ranged from 4.67 to 7.70 Mj/kg (2010 to 3310 Btu/lb). Most energy was used from propane (96%). Propane use averaged 0.0027 L/kg (0.018 gal/bu) per percentage point of moisture removed. Minimum ventilation fans had the highest duty factor in a curtain-sided swine finishing barn. Electrical use was greater in tunnel-ventilated than curtain-sided barns (29.0 vs. 20.9 kWh/pig space-yr) and propane use was greater in wean-to-finish than finish-only operations(10.6 L vs. 2.5 L/pig space-yr, 2.8 gal vs. 0.67 gal/pig space-yr).

Thermal environment (TE) in livestock production systems effects the animal’s thermal comfort, feed efficiency, and the producer’s operating costs. Accurate assessment of the radiative component of TE requires Mean Radiant Temperature (t mr ) measurement with a Black Globe Thermometer (BGT); however, these devices are cost prohibitive (if multiple are needed), have limited commercial availability, and lack confidence for a range of conditions commonly found in a swine facility. The objectives were to design, construct and commission a novel and well-documented TE simulation system named Animal Thermal Environment Replication and Measurement System (AThERMS). Simulations of different combinations of dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, and airspeeds while independently controlling chamber surface temperature (t s ) can be evaluated. AThERMS is a 1.04 x 1.17 x 1.04 m chamber inside a large Insulated Enclosure (IE) where air supplied by an air handling unit provides unique TEs to both AThERMS and the IE. Commissioning of AThERMS prior to BGT assessment included a qualitative (smoke visualization) and quantitative (three-dimensional traverse and CFD model) velocity characterization in the central region of the chamber and verification of similar and stable t s for all six surfaces. Analysis of velocity contours sliced in different x, y, z planes surrounding the BGT at three nominal flowrates indicated steady patterns and helped guide placement of the airspeed sensor used to derive the impact of convection on measured BGT temperature. Results also showed at three nominal t s (13°C, 23°C, and 33°C), during a 2 h steady state operation, that maximum mean difference between any two t s measured by six digital IR sensors was 0.26°C with standard deviations less than 0.11°C. Determination of the time constant (I„) for cooling and heating the surfaces showed the time to reach steady-state (3I„, ~95%) to be 85.4 and 42 min, respectively. AThERMS can be used to simulate different TEs a housed animal may experience and function as a reference to calibrate or verify TE measurements.

Infiltration is an integral part of the ventilation system and process. Infiltration affects the quality of the barn environment and can also increase the winter heating cost. Precise data on infiltration is very important in the design of ventilation systems for animal barns. Many researchers have suggested that ASHRAE’s ‘crack’ method is not suitable for predicting infiltration of animal barns. Among the available methods, pressurization methods are commonly used in infiltration quantification and the power law model gives the best prediction of the infiltration rate. For this research project, 18 swine finishing rooms and three swine gestation rooms were tested for their infiltration characteristics. At 20 Pa pressure difference across the room envelope, the average as-is leakage rate for the 18 swine finishing rooms was 6.43±1.68 ACH; whereas, the average leakage rates through curtains, fans and other components were 1.47±0.71 ACH (about 23% of as-is), 1.63±0.77 ACH (about 25% of as-is) and 3.33±1.23 ACH (about 52% of as-is), respectively. Of the three "filtered" sow barns that were monitored where air tightness is very important to prevent entry of viruses like PRRV, the more conventional designed facilities, where filters are only added to the ceiling attic inlets, were not very tight (roughly 2 ACH). A much tighter barn, with an infiltration value of 0.1 ACH, was obtained in a specially designed large sow building where the filters were built into the ends of the building and an extensive amount of foam sealant was used.

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), an arachidonic acid (AA) metabolite synthesized by cytochrome P-450 ω-oxidases, is reported to produce vasoconstriction in the cerebral circulation. However, we find that like 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-EET), 20-HETE produces dilation of mouse basilar artery preconstricted with U-46619 in vitro. Indomethacin inhibited the vasodilation produced by 20-HETE but not by 14,15-EET, suggesting a cyclooxygenase (COX)-dependent mechanism. Metabolic studies indicated several mechanisms that may play a role in this process. Mouse brain endothelial cells (MBEC) converted 20-HETE to 20-OH-PGE2, which was as potent as PGE2in dilating the basilar artery. 20-HETE also stimulated AA release and PGE2and 6-keto-PGF1αproduction in MBEC. Furthermore, the basilar artery converted 20-HETE to 20-COOH-AA, which also produced COX-dependent dilation of the basilar artery. 20-COOH-AA increased AA release and PGE2and 6-keto-PGF1αproduction by the MBEC, but to a lesser extent than 20-HETE. Whereas the conversion of 20-HETE to 20-OH-PGE2and production of endogenous prostaglandins probably are primarily responsible for vasodilation, the production of 20-COOH-AA also may contribute to this process.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) omega-oxidases convert arachidonic acid (AA) to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), a lipid mediator that modulates vascular tone. We observed that a microsomal preparation containing recombinant human CYP4F3B, which converts AA to 20-HETE, converted eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to 20-OH-EPA. Likewise, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was converted to 22-OH-DHA, indicating that human CYP4F3B also can oxidize 22-carbon omega-3 fatty acids. Consistent with these findings, addition of 0.5-5 microM EPA, DHA or omega-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) to incubations containing 0.5 microM [3H]AA inhibited [3H]20-HETE production by 15-65%. [3H]20-OH-EPA was rapidly taken up by COS-7 cells, and almost all of the incorporated radioactivity remained as unmodified 20-OH-EPA. The 20-OH-EPA stimulated luciferase activity in COS-7 cells that express peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, indicating that this EPA metabolite may function as a lipid mediator. These findings suggest that some functional effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be due to inhibition of 20-HETE formation or the conversion of EPA to the corresponding omega-oxidized product.

SummaryBackground and objective: Astrocytes exposed to hypoxia produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulate intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on cerebral endothelium. This study investigated the effects of midazolam on this response. Methods: Mouse astrocytes were exposed to 4 h of hypoxia and 24 h of reoxygenation. Astrocyte-conditioned medium were applied to mouse cerebral endothelial cell cultures for 4 h and 24 h in normoxia. Endothelial cells were pre-incubated for 1 h with midazolam (0, 5, 50 μg L−1). Flow cytometry was used to estimate endothelial ICAM-1 expression. IL-1β concentrations were measured with ELISA. Repeated comparisons were made using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey Test as appropriate. Data are mean (SD). Results: Mouse cerebral endothelial cell ICAM-1 expression was greater after 24 h exposure to hypoxia–reoxygenation astrocyte-conditioned medium compared to normoxic astrocyte-conditioned medium (mean channel flouresence 112.5 (9.5) vs. 81.5 (7.5), P = 0.01). ICAM-1 expression was decreased by midazolam (5 μg L−1) compared to control (mean channel flouresence 81.35 (7.5) vs. 112.5 (9.5), P = 0.01). Supernatant IL-1β concentrations (pg mL−1) in astrocytes exposed to hypoxia–reoxygenation were greater than those exposed to normoxia (16.41 (2.35) vs. 10.5 (2.13), P = 0.01). Conclusion: We conclude that decreased cerebral endothelial ICAM-1 expression in response to activated glial cell compartment by midazolam may decrease post ischaemic brain inflammation and secondary brain injury.

A secondary analysis of the European and World Values Surveys finds heavy television viewers are less likely than light television viewers to select an anti-acquisition national goal. Heavy viewers were also more likely than light viewers to report they are unhappy and dissatisfied both with their financial state and life overall. A nation-by-nation analysis of ‘affluenza’ (consumerist/materialist/acquisition values purportedly spread by heavy exposure to television) found few links to television viewing, but nations with heavier television viewing also were less happy. Television viewing, age, income and religiosity had little predictive value for pro-acquisition sentiments. The author concludes cultivation theory is too simple and inexact to explain any ‘affluenza’ effect. The author finds tantalizing clues of such an effect, and suggests techniques for future research.

The increasing use of low- k dielectrics as inter/intralevel insulation materials and the aggressive scaling of advanced interconnects generate new challenges for thermal and electromigration (EM) solutions. Accurate specification of design rules and EM reliability modeling for interconnect systems require knowledge of the thermal behavior of the systems. A key parameter that characterizes thermal behavior is the thermal conductivity of the inter/intralevel dielectric (ILD). In practical, very large scale integration (VLSI) applications, the metal interconnects are fully embedded in a stacked, composite ILD media, which present challenges for the accurate determination of thermal conductivity. This article uses the “effective thermal conductivity” concept to model such complicated composite media, and to introduce a simple methodology that accurately measures effective and bulk thermal conductivities of various thin dielectric layers in integrated circuits (IC). We present measured effective conductivities of several composite media, including various Cu/low- k dielectric configurations: Cu/SiCOH, Cu/spin-on organic dielectric (SOD), Cu/fluorinated silicate glass (FSG), and a hybrid stack with Cu lines in SOD and Cu vias in undoped silicate glass (USG). Recorded temperature measurements ranged from 30 to 120 °C using a unique combination of fully embedded Cu lines as heater/thermometers, wafer-level temperature–voltage–power measurements, and the Harmon–Gill (H–G) quasi-analytical heat conduction model. We demonstrated optimal agreement between an experimental method and a finite element simulation, which suggests that this unique technique yields accurate and simple thermal conductivity measurements for complicated systems. Our observations show that thermal conductivities of all films in this study increased with rising substrate temperature.

Objective : To examine the needs and practices of rural GPs and their relationships with local acute mental health services, particularly in the provision of care to depressed patients. Design : Postal survey. Setting : Rural general practices. Subjects: Ninety-nine GPs (63 males, 36 females) from the Hunter Valley region of NSW, Australia. Main outcome measures : GPs’ self-reported contact rates, confidence, needs and beliefs. Results : Depression was the most commonly seen mental disorder, with an average of 1.44 patients per GP per month referred to local acute mental health services, most commonly for suicidality. The preferred form of feedback after the referral of a depressed patient was a follow-up letter, while the most requested type of patient management support was cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) groups. GPs were most confident in recognising depression, compared to other mental disorders except anxiety, and they were most confident in treating depression, compared to all other mental disorders. The most common barrier to providing care for depressed patients was reported to be ‘time constraints’ on GPs. Conclusions : The challenge for mental health services is to develop ways to collaborate more effectively with GPs in the provision of psychological services for depressed patients in rural communities.

An acute inflammatory response associated with cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion contributes to the development of brain injury. Aprotinin has potential, though unexplained, neuroprotective effects in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.Human neutrophil CD11 b/CD18, endothelial cell intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression and endothelial interleukin (IL)-1beta supernatant concentrations in response to in vitro hypoxia-reoxygenation was studied in the presence or absence of aprotinin (1600 KIU mL(-1)). Adhesion molecule expression was quantified using flow cytometry and IL-1beta concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analysed using ANOVA and post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls test as appropriate.Exposure to 60-min hypoxia increased neutrophil CD11b expression compared to normoxia (170+/-46% vs. 91+/-27%, P = 0.001) (percent intensity of fluorescence compared to time 0) (n = 8). Hypoxia (60 min) produced greater upregulation of CD11b expression in controls compared to aprotinin-treated neutrophils [(170+/-46% vs. 129+/-40%) (P = 0.04)] (n = 8). Hypoxia-reoxygenation increased endothelial cell ICAM-1 expression (155+/-3.7 vs. 43+/-21 mean channel fluorescence, P = 0.0003) and IL-1beta supernatant concentrations compared to normoxia (3.4+/-0.4 vs. 2.6+/-0.2, P = 0.02) (n = 3). Hypoxia-reoxygenation produced greater upregulation of ICAM- 1 expression [(155+/-3.3 vs. 116+/-0.7) (P = 0.001)] and IL-1beta supernatant concentrations [(3.4+/-0.3 vs. 2.6+/-0.1) (P = 0.01)] in controls compared to aprotinin-treated endothelial cell preparation (n = 3).Hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced upregulation of neutrophil CD11b, endothelial cell ICAM-1 expression and IL-1beta concentrations is decreased by aprotinin at clinically relevant concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Lidocaine has actions potentially of benefit during ischaemia-reperfusion. Neutrophils and endothelial cells have an important role in ischaemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Isolated human neutrophil CD11b and CD18, and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) ICAM-1 expression and supernatant IL-1beta concentrations in response to hypoxia-reoxygenation were studied in the presence or absence of different concentrations of lidocaine (0.005, 0.05 and 0.5 mg mL(-1)). Adhesion molecule expression was quantified by flow cytometry and IL- 1beta concentrations by ELISA. Differences were assessed with analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls as appropriate. Data are presented as mean+/-SD. RESULTS: Exposure to hypoxia-reoxygenation increased neutrophil CD11b (94.33+/-40.65 vs. 34.32+/-6.83 mean channel fluorescence (MCF), P = 0.02), CD18 (109.84+/-35.44 vs. 59.05+/-6.71 MCF, P = 0.03) and endothelial ICAM-1 (146.62+/-16.78 vs. 47.29+/-9.85 MCF, P < 0.001) expression compared to normoxia. Neutrophil CD18 expression on exposure to hypoxia-reoxygenation was less in lidocaine (0.005 mg mL(-1)) treated cells compared to control (71.07+/-10.14 vs. 109.84+/-35.44 MCF, P = 0.03). Endothelial ICAM-1 expression on exposure to hypoxia-reoxygenation was less in lidocaine (0.005 mg mL(-1)) treated cells compared to control (133.25+/-16.05 vs. 146.62+/-16.78 MCF, P = 0.03). Hypoxia-reoxygenation increased HUVEC supernatant IL-1beta concentrations compared to normoxia (3.41+/-0.36 vs. 2.65+/-0.21 pg mL(-1), P = 0.02). Endothelial supernatant IL-1beta concentrations in lidocaine-treated HUVECs were similar to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine at clinically relevant concentrations decreased neutrophil CD18 and endothelial ICAM-1 expression but not endothelial IL-1beta concentrations.

This article examines the 2000 U.S. presidential primaries as a case study in "casting" by early journalistic and polling choices. Casting is a strong series of candidate expectations expressed by news organizations early in campaigns. Often casting choices are based significantly on early polls (and campaign cash), and sometimes they can become self-fulfilling prophecies as campaign coverage and elections move forward. The author argues that casting occurs in regularly scheduled and significant news stories. The news choices fulfill both organizational needs and the routines of dramatic storytelling. The researcher examined polls and news coverage in the primary season from January 1 until March 14, 2000. News coverage was determined by daily keyword searches on Lexis-Nexis for each of nine candidates. The researcher tracked not only overall news coverage, but also news attention per polling point. Casting was clear: Al Gore and George W. Bush as extensively-covered front runners, a "serious candidates" ...

The authors analyze the content of CNN World Report submissions from Polish and former Soviet states before and after the fall of communist systems of broadcast organization. One clear marker emerged for the dramatic system changes, and that marker was source work. The work of these contributors features significantly more source work after the change to a capitalistic system. Furthermore, the Polish submissions also had more hard news, more stories concerned with issues, fewer stories tagged to specific events, and greater identification of a conflict or problem.

We have investigated the role of endothelial cells in the metabolism of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), a vasoactive mediator synthesized from arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 omega-oxidases. Porcine coronary artery endothelial cells (PCEC) incorporated 20-[(3)H]HETE primarily into the sn-2 position of phospholipids through a coenzyme A-dependent process. The incorporation was reduced by equimolar amounts of arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic or 8,9-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, but some uptake persisted even when a 10-fold excess of arachidonic acid was available. The retention of 20-[(3)H]HETE increased substantially when methyl arachidonoyl fluorophosphonate, but not bromoenol lactone, was added, suggesting that a Ca(2+)-dependent cytosolic phospholipase A(2) released the 20-HETE contained in PCEC phospholipids. Addition of calcium ionophore A23187 produced a rapid release of 20-[(3)H]HETE from the PCEC, a finding that also is consistent with a Ca(2+)-dependent mobilization process. PCEC also converted 20-[(3)H]HETE to 20-carboxy-arachidonic acid (20-COOH-AA) and 18-, 16-, and 14-carbon beta-oxidation products. 20-COOH-AA produced vasodilation in porcine coronary arterioles, but 20-HETE was inactive. These results suggest that the incorporation of 20-HETE and its subsequent conversion to 20-COOH-AA in the endothelium may be important in modulating coronary vascular function.

Both insulin and glucagon stimulate steady-state levels of Sp1 transcription factor, but only insulin stimulates transcription of the calmodulin (CaM) gene in liver. Because O-glycosylation of Sp1 by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine ( O-GlcNAc) is thought to regulate its ability to activate transcription, we assayed the levels of Sp1 with anti-Sp1 and anti- O-GlcNAc antibodies in Western blots by use of extracts of H-411E liver cells treated with insulin (10,000 μU/ml) or glucagon (1.5 × 10-5M). We also assessed subcellular localization of the native and glycosylated Sp1 in H411E cells treated with either hormone in the presence of deoxynorleucine (DON, an indirect inhibitor of O-glycosylation) or streptozotocin (STZ, an indirect stimulator of O-glycosylation). Insulin stimulated both total and O-GlcNAc-modified Sp1 primarily in the nucleus and induced CaM gene transcription ( P < 0.0001). In contrast, glucagon promoted accumulation of Sp1 in the cytoplasm but not the nucleus, without significantly stimulating ( P = not significant) either its O-glycosylation or transcription of the CaM gene. DON inhibited O-glycosylation of Sp1 and its ability to migrate to the nucleus and transactivate CaM gene transcription. In contrast, cotreatment of cells with STZ and glucagon enhanced O-glycosylation of Sp1, promoting its migration to the nucleus and resulting in increased CaM gene transcription. Thus O-glycosylation of Sp1 by insulin, but not glucagon, apparently enhances its (Sp1) nuclear recruitment and results in activation of CaM gene transcription.

UNLABELLED Clomethiazole (CMZ), a neuroprotective drug, has antiinflammatory actions. We investigated the effects of CMZ administration on plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and neutrophil adhesion molecule expression during experimental extracorporeal circulation. Five healthy volunteers each donated 500 mL of blood, which was subsequently divided into equal portions. Identical extracorporeal circuits were simultaneously primed with donated blood (250 mL) and circulated for 2 h at 37 degrees C. CMZ was added to 1 of the circuits of each pair to achieve a total plasma concentration of 40 micro mol/L. Blood samples were withdrawn at (i) donation, (ii) immediately after addition of CMZ, and at (iii) 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after commencing circulation. Plasma concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were less in the CMZ group compared with control after 60 min of circulation (2.2 [0.3] versus 3.2 [0.4], 14.9 [4.8] versus 21.9 [18.4], 63.3 [43.5] versus 132.2 [118.9] pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). After 120 min of circulation, neutrophils from CMZ-treated circuits showed significantly less CD18 expression compared with control (237.5 [97.4] versus 280.5 [111.5], P = 0.03). The addition of CMZ to experimental extracorporeal circuits decreases the inflammatory response. This effect may be of clinical benefit by decreasing inflammatory-mediated neurological injury during cardiopulmonary bypass. IMPLICATIONS Enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid(A)-mediated effects by clomethiazole (CMZ) and associated neuroprotection has been established in animal models of cerebral ischemia. In an ex vivo study, we demonstrated antiinflammatory activity of CMZ in experimental extracorporeal circulation. This represents a potential neuroprotective mechanism of CMZ in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

Performance of finishing pigs in hoop structures or confinement during winter and summer was evaluated in Iowa. Hoops are large, tent-like shelters with cornstalks or straw for bedding. During summer and winter seasons for 3 yr (1998 to 2001), six trials were conducted using three hoop barns (designed for 150 pigs per pen, one pen per hoop) or a mechanically ventilated confinement barn with slatted floors (designed for 22 pigs per pen, six pens in the barn). A total of 3,518 pigs started the trials. Summer trials were June through October, and winter trials were December through April. Target stocking density was 1.11 m2/pig in hoops and 0.74 m2/pig in confinement. Identical corn-based diets were fed ad libitum from 16 to 118 kg for 127 d. Pigs were scanned before harvest for backfat and loin muscle area. When seasons were merged (season x housing interaction, P > or = 0.05), hoop-fed pigs had more backfat (21.8 +/- 0.3 vs 20.8 +/- 0.2 mm; P < 0.001), smaller loin muscle area (41.3 +/- 0.3 vs 43.0 +/- 0.2 cm2; P < 0.001), less lean percentage (51.1 +/- 0.2 vs 52.1 +/- 0.1%; P < 0.001), and less yield (74.9 vs 75.8 +/- 0.1%; P < 0.001) than confinement-fed pigs. When season x housing type interactions were observed (P < 0.004), summer hoop-fed pigs had greater ADG (834 +/- 5 vs 802 +/- 3 g/d; P < 0.001), required fewer days to 113 kg (174.9 +/- 0.9 vs 178.5 +/- 0.6 d; P < 0.01), had similar ADFI (2.40 +/- 0.03 vs 2.35 +/- 0.02 kg/d, as-fed basis) and gain:feed (G:F; 348 +/- 4 vs 342 +/- 3 g/kg) compared with confinement-fed pigs. Lean gain/day and efficiency of lean gain did not differ between housing systems. During winter, hoop-fed pigs had similar ADG (794 +/- 5 vs 801 +/- 3 g/ d), required more days to 113 kg (176.7 +/- 0.9 vs 172.9 +/- 0.6 d; P < 0.01), had greater ADFI (2.54 +/- 0.03 vs 2.35 +/- 0.02; P < 0.001), less G:F (313 +/- 4 vs 341 +/- 3; P < 0.001), less lean gain/day (312 +/- 2 vs 322 +/- 1 g/d; P < 0.01), and less efficiency of lean gain (130 +/- 2 vs 144 +/- 1 g lean gain/kg feed; P < 0.01) than confinement-fed pigs. Percentage of mortalities and culls did not differ between housing systems. During summer, there was a trend for fewer light pigs at marketing (< 100 kg) from hoops (0.8 vs 1.7%; P = 0.10). During winter, there were more light pigs at marketing from hoops (3.9 vs 1.3%; P = 0.01) than from confinement. Bedding use in hoops was 92 and 122 kg/pig for summer and winter, respectively. Performance of finishing pigs in bedded hoop structures depends in part on thermal environment.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 2,2-diphenyl-5-(4-{[(1E)-pyridin-3-yl-methylidene]-amino}piperazin-1-yl)pentanenitrile (SC-26196), a Δ6-desaturase inhibitor, on PUFA metabolism in human cells. SC-26196 inhibited the desaturation of 2 μM [1-14C] 18∶2n−6 by 87–95% in cultured human skin fibroblasts, coronary artery smooth muscle cells, and astrocytes. By contrast, SC-26196 did not affect the conversion of [1-14C]20∶3n−6 to 20∶4 in the fibroblasts, demonstrating that it is selective for Δ6-desaturase. The IC50 values for inhibition of the desaturation of 2 μM [1-14C] 18∶3n−3 and [3-14C]24∶5n−3 in the fibroblasts, 0.2–0.4 μM, were similar to those for the inhibition of [1-14C] 18∶2n−6 desaturation, and the rates of recovery of [1-14C] 18∶2n−6 and [3-14C] 24∶5n−3 desaturation after removal of SC-26196 from the culture medium also were similar. SC-26196 reduced the conversion of [3-14C] 22∶5n−3 and [3-14C] 24∶5n−3 to DHA by 75 and 84%, respectively, but it had no effect on the retroconversion of [3-14C] 24∶6n−3 to DHA. These results demonstrate that SC-26196 effectively inhibits the desaturation of 18- and 24-carbon PUFA and, therefore, decreases the synthesis of arachidonic acid, EPA, and DHA in human cells. Furthermore, they provide additional evidence that the conversion of 22∶5n−3 to DHA involves Δ6-desaturation.

As the largest organ of the body, human skin acts as a protective barrier from environmental elements and serves as the body’s primary defense against infection [1]. In the United States alone there are roughly 6.5 million cases of chronic wounds reported each year, with treatment costs totaling 25 billion dollars annually. The number of cases will continue to increase due to the growing number of associated diseases, such as diabetes that result in chronic wounds. Rising costs will also ensue due to increasing insurance costs [2]. In addition to chronic wounds, wounds attributed to acute trauma from burns or other injuries contribute to the growing need for more effective wound-healing treatments. Tissue engineering offers advanced therapies with the use of stem cells, biomaterials, and biological factors to regenerate skin tissue. Nanofiber matrices, with their intrinsic biomimcry to native extracellular matrix (ECM), are a popular strategy for creating synthetic ECM scaffolds. Electrospinning has become a widely used approach for the creation of nanofiber matrices for skin tissue engineering. The use of synthetic and natural polymers to create nanofiber matrices is a simple way to create scaffolds with high surface area and enhanced porosity. Nanofibers also have the potential to pave way for advancing skin regeneration through incorporation of drugs, antimicrobial agents, or growth factors. While the future of skin regeneration is unknown, the prospect looks bright. With various options in polymer choices, and the growth and differentiation of stem cells becoming more controlled, regenerated skin will be more than a concept, but rather a customizable product to be used to treat dermal wounds caused by burns, diabetes, ulcers, and much more.