bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparedness and Cognitive Legitimacy as Antecedents of New Venture Funding in Televised Business Pitches
Authors: Pollack Jeffrey M. , Rutherford Matthew W. , Nagy Brian G.
Published: June 2012

This research addresses the question of what specific entrepreneurs’ behavior increases the propensity for resource acquisition. Within the context of business “pitches,” we explore subtleties in the process via a theoretically derived model linking entrepreneurs’ preparedness behavior, perceived cognitive legitimacy, and amount of funding received. We test this model using data coded from two sources: 14 episodes of the television show “Shark Tank” that aired in 2009, as well as 84 episodes of “Dragons Den” that aired from 2005 to 2010. Within these episodes, we specifically examine the 113 individual business pitches that received funding. Overall, results suggest the relationship between entrepreneurs’ preparedness behavior and the amount of funding received is mediated by cognitive legitimacy. Specifically, entrepreneurs’ increased preparedness behavior was positively related to increased cognitive legitimacy. Cognitive legitimacy, in turn, was positively related to amount of funding received. We offer thoughts regarding implications from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
Xience Side Branch Access Stent for Treatment of Bifurcation Coronary Disease: A Review of Preclinical Data
Authors: RIZIK DAVID G. , HERMILLER JAMES B. , KLASSEN KEVIN J. , SHAH MAULIK
Published: June 2012

The Xience Side Branch Access (SBA) stent is an everolimus‐eluting stent designed specifically for branching coronary geometry, providing wire access into the side branch (SB) regardless of the planned treatment strategy. The stent is delivered via a low‐profile, dual‐lumen, and single‐tip catheter. A single inflation deploys the stent in the main branch (MB) and opens a portal into the SB. It is through this portal opening, allowing wire access into the SB, that this device differentiates itself from certain other dedicated bifurcation devices currently in various stages of development and testing. The Xience SBA stent was compared with a standard Multi‐Link Vision® stent using a provisional T‐stenting strategy in an ovine beating heart model. The Xience SBA stent tended to be deployed with less mean contrast usage (21.05 vs. 43.23 mL; P = 0.09), shorter fluoroscopy time (2.55 vs. 4.52 minute; P = 0.12), and lower rates of guidewire entanglement (16% vs. 100%) compared with the workhorse stent. As a result, the total procedure time with the Xience SBA stent was significantly shorter than that with the standard stent (5.46 vs. 8.65 minute; P = 0.01). The Xience SBA stent was also evaluated by four recently trained interventionalists who had no previous experience with the device. Using a perfused synthetic heart model, SB access time was reduced by 54%, average fluoroscopy time was reduced by 46%, and average contrast usage was lowered by 39% with the Xience SBA compared with the standard stent. Initial experience in the ovine model suggests that the Xience SBA stent is also amenable for use in distal left main coronary artery disease, regardless of whether it is deployed in the left ascending coronary artery or left circumflex artery and the portal opened in the opposing vessel. On the basis of these experimental results, the Xience SBA stent is an easy to use and versatile device for the purpose of SB access and potentially for the treatment of bifurcation coronary artery lesions. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:337–343)
Effect of the Composition of Atherosclerotic Plaques and Rate of Platelet Aggregation on Elevation of Serum Levels of Cardiac Troponin T After Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: ZHAO XIAO‐YAN , WANG XIAO‐FANG , ZHANG JIN‐YING , DU YOU‐YOU , YANG HAI‐BO
Published: June 2012

Purpose:
 Elevation of the levels of myocardial biomarkers after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has prognostic value in patients with coronary heart disease. We explored the relationship between elevation of the serum level of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) after PCI and platelet aggregation rate and coronary plaque composition.

Methods:
 Eighty patients with unstable angina pectoris underwent PCI and were divided into two groups according to serum cTnT level 24 hours after PCI: group I (cTnT ≥2 times the normal level) and group II (cTnT <2 times the normal level). Coronary plaque composition was measured with virtual histology‐intravascular ultrasound. Platelet aggregation rate was detected immediately before and 24 hours after PCI.

Results:
 Compared with the patients in group II, patients in group I showed more unstable plaques, a larger necrotic core area (20.88 ± 8.04% vs. 15.31 ± 5.48%, P < 0.05), higher platelet aggregation rate (51.47 ± 12.72% vs. 44.78 ± 13.29%, P < 0.05), and longer stents. The serum cTnT level 24 hours after PCI was positively correlated with the necrotic core area.

Conclusions:
 In patients with unstable angina pectoris, a large necrotic core, high rate of platelet aggregation, and stent length are predictors of cTnT elevation after PCI. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:433–438)
Safety of Temporary and Permanent Suspension of Antiplatelet Therapy After Drug Eluting Stent Implantation in Contemporary “Real‐world” Practice
Authors: KOVACIC JASON C. , LEE PAUL , KARAJGIKAR RUCHA , BABER USMAN , NARECHANIA BIRJU , SULEMAN JAVED , MORENO PEDRO R. , SHARMA SAMIN K. , KINI ANNAPOORNA S.
Published: June 2012

Objectives:
 To define the incidence of stent thrombosis (ST) and/or AMI (ST/AMI) associated with temporary or permanent suspension of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after coronary drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation in “real‐world” patients, and additional factors influencing these events.

Background:
 Adherence to DAPT is critical for avoiding ST following DES implantation. However, the outcomes of patients undergoing antiplatelet therapy withdrawal following DES implantation remain to be clearly described.

Methods:
 Patients receiving DES from 05/01/2003 to 05/01/2008 were identified from a single‐center registry. Complete follow‐up data were available for 5,681 patients (67% male, age 66 ± 11 years, duration 1,108 ±446 days) who were included in this analysis.

Results:
 Uninterrupted DAPT was maintained in 4,070/5,681 (71.6%) patients, with an annual ST/AMI rate of 0.43%. Antiplatelet therapy was commonly ceased for gastrointestinal‐related issues, dental procedures or noncardiac/nongastrointestinal surgery. Temporary DAPT suspension occurred in 593/5,681 (10.4%) patients for 17.6 ± 74.1 days, with 6/593 (1.0%) experiencing ST/AMI during this period. Of patients permanently ceasing aspirin (n = 187, mean 338 ± 411 days poststenting), clopidogrel (n = 713, mean 614 ± 375 days) or both agents (n = 118, mean 459 ± 408 days), ST/AMI was uncommon with an annual rate of 0.1–0.2%. Overall, independent predictors of ST/AMI were unstable initial presentation, uninterrupted DAPT and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. Factors predicting uninterrupted DAPT included diabetes, unstable presentation, prior MI, left main coronary PCI, and multivessel coronary disease.

Conclusions:
 In real‐world practice, rates of ST/AMI following DES implantation are low, but not insignificant, following aspirin and/or clopidogrel cessation. Use of uninterrupted DAPT appears more common in high‐risk patients. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:482–492)
Incidence of Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Adults Following Drug Overdose
Authors: Manini Alex F. , Nelson Lewis S. , Stimmel Barry , Vlahov David , Hoffman Robert S.
Published: June 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:843–849 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  Drug overdose is a leading cause of cardiac arrest and is currently the second leading cause of overall injury‐related fatality in the United States. Despite these statistics, the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events (ACVEs) in emergency department (ED) patients following acute drug overdose is unknown. With this study, we address the 2010 American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care update calling for research to characterize the incidence of in‐hospital ACVE following drug overdose.

Methods:  This was a prospective cohort study at two tertiary care hospitals over 12 months. Consecutive adult ED patients with acute drug overdose were prospectively followed to hospital discharge. The main outcome was occurrence of in‐hospital ACVE, defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following: myocardial injury, shock, ventricular dysrhythmia, and cardiac arrest.

Results:  There were 459 ED patients with suspected drug overdose, of whom 274 acute drug overdose qualified and were included for analysis (mean [±SE] age = 40.3 [±1.0] years; 63% male). Hospital course was complicated by ACVE in 16 patients (some had more than one): 12 myocardial injury, three shock, two dysrhythmia, and three cardiac arrest. The incidence of ACVE was 5.8% overall (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.6% to 9.3%) and 10.7% (95% CI = 6.6% to 16.9%) among inpatient admissions, with all‐cause mortality at 0.7% (95% CI = 0.2% to 2.6%).

Conclusions:  Based on this study of adult patients with acute drug overdose, ACVE may occur in up to 9.3% overall and up to 16.9% of hospital admissions. Implications for the evaluation and triage of ED patients with acute drug overdose require further study with regard to optimizing interventions to prevent adverse events.
All‐cause mortality and periodontitis in 60–70‐year‐old men: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Linden Gerard J. , Linden Katie , Yarnell John , Evans Alun , Kee Frank , Patterson Chris C.
Published: June 2012

Objective

To investigate the association between periodontitis and mortality from all causes in a prospective study in a homogenous group of 60‐ to 70‐year‐old West European men.

Methodology

A representative sample of 1400 dentate men, (mean age 63.8, SD 3.0 years), drawn from the population of Northern Ireland, had a comprehensive periodontal examination between 2001 and 2003. Men were divided into thirds on the basis of their mean periodontal attachment loss (PAL). The primary endpoint, death from any cause, was analysed using Kaplan–Meier survival plots and Cox's proportional hazards model.

Results

In total, 152 (10.9%) of the men died during a mean follow‐up of 8.9 (SD 0.7) years; 37 (7.9%) men in the third with the lowest PAL (<1.8 mm) died compared with 73 (15.7%) in the third with the highest PAL (>2.6 mm). The unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for death in the men with the highest level of PAL compared with those with the lowest PAL was 2.11 (95% CI 1.42–3.14), p < 0.0001. After adjustment for confounding variables (age, smoking, hypertension, BMI, diabetes, cholesterol, education, marital status and previous history of a cardiovascular event) the HR was 1.57 (1.04–2.36), p = 0.03.

Conclusion

The European men in this prospective cohort study with the most severe loss of periodontal attachment were at an increased risk of death compared with those with the lowest loss of periodontal attachment.
Knockdown of paraoxonase 1 expression influences the ageing of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Lee Yun Sun , Park Chang Ook , Noh Ji Yeon , Jin Shan , Lee Na Ra , Noh Seongmin , Lee Ju Hee , Lee Kwang Hoon
Published: June 2012

Skin is one of the most commonly studied tissues for microcirculation research owing to its close correlation of cutaneous vascular function, ageing and age‐related cardiovascular events. To elucidate proteins that determine this correlation between endothelial cell function and ageing in the vascular environment of the skin, we performed a proteomic analysis of plasma samples from six donors in their 20s (young) and six donors in their 60s (old). Among identified proteins, paraoxonase 1 (PON1) was selected in this study. To elucidate the role of PON1 on skin ageing and determine how it controls cellular senescence, the characteristics of PON1 in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) were determined. When the expression of endogenous PON1 was knocked‐down by small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting PON1, HDMECs showed characteristic features of cellular senescence such as increases in senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase stained cells and enlarged and flattened cell morphology. At 48 h post‐transfection, the protein expression of p16 in PON1 siRNA‐treated HDMECs was higher than that in scrambled siRNA‐treated HDMECs. In addition, the expressions of moesin and rho GTP dissociation inhibitor, additional age‐related candidate biomarkers, were decreased by PON1 knock‐down in HDMECs. In conclusion, these results suggest that PON1 functions as an ageing‐related protein and plays an important role in the cellular senescence of HDMECs.
An autoimmunity odyssey: how autoreactive T cells infiltrate into the CNS
Authors: Kawakami Naoto , Bartholomäus Ingo , Pesic Marija , Mues Marsilius
Published: June 2012

Summary:  Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a widely used animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), a human autoimmune disease. To explore how EAE and ultimately MS is induced, autoantigen‐specific T cells were established, were labeled with fluorescent protein by retroviral gene transfer, and were tracked in vivo after adoptive transfer. Intravital imaging with two‐photon microscopy was used to record the entire entry process of autoreactive T cells into the CNS: a small number of T cells first appear in the CNS leptomeninges before onset of EAE, and crawl on the intraluminal surface of blood vessels, which is integrin α4 and αL dependent. After extravasation, the T cells continue into the perivascular space, meeting local antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), which present endogenous antigens. This interaction activates the T cells and guides them to penetrate the CNS parenchyma. As the local APCs in the CNS are not saturated with endogenous antigens, exogenous antigens stimulate the autoreactive T cells more strongly and, as a result, exacerbate the clinical outcome. Currently, we are attempting to visualize T‐cell activation in vivo in both rat T‐cell‐mediated EAE and mouse spontaneous EAE models.
The genetics of multiple sclerosis: an up‐to‐date review
Authors: Gourraud Pierre‐Antoine , Harbo Hanne F. , Hauser Stephen L. , Baranzini Sergio E.
Published: June 2012

Summary:  Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that often leads to disability in young adults. Treatment options are limited and often only partly effective. The disease is likely caused by a complex interaction between multiple genes and environmental factors, leading to inflammatory‐mediated central nervous system deterioration. A series of genomic studies have confirmed a central role for the immune system in the development of MS, including genetic association studies that have now dramatically expanded the roster of MS susceptibility genes beyond the longstanding human leukocyte antigen (HLA) association in MS first identified nearly 40 years ago. Advances in technology together with novel models for collaboration across research groups have enabled the discovery of more than 50 non‐HLA genetic risk factors associated with MS. However, with a large proportion of the disease heritability still unaccounted for, current studies are now geared towards identification of causal alleles, associated pathways, epigenetic mechanisms, and gene–environment interactions. This article reviews recent efforts in addressing the genetics of MS and the challenges posed by an ever increasing amount of analyzable data, which is spearheading development of novel statistical methods necessary to cope with such complexity.
Integrated negative pressure wound therapy system with volumetric automated fluid instillation in wounds at risk for compromised healing
Authors: Gabriel Allen
Published: June 2012

Nearly all wounds are at risk for compromised healing due to excessive exudation, oedema, contaminants and presence of inflammatory mediators. Compromised wounds have the potential to develop complications, such as infection, which may lead to delayed wound healing, prolonged hospitalisation and more frequent readmissions. It is generally believed that the wound advances from contamination to colonisation when the bacteria on the wound's surface begin to replicate and increase their metabolic activity. Heavy bacterial bioburden increases the metabolic requirements, stimulates a proinflammatory environment and encourages the in‐migration of monocytes, macrophages and leukocytes – all of which can negatively impact wound healing. Bacteria also secrete harmful cytokines which can lead to vasoconstriction and decreased blood flow. Thus, controlling or preventing infections is essential for normal wound healing process to occur. While the mainstay of treating wound infection has historically included intravenous, oral and/or topical antimicrobials in addition to frequent gauze dressing changes, a shift towards wound management with advanced modalities, such as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), has occurred during the past decade. This review will provide expert opinion and scientific support for the use of NPWT with instillation (NPWTi; V.A.C. Instill® Wound Therapy and V.A.C. VeraFlo™ Therapy, KCI USA, Inc., San Antonio, TX) for the treatment of at‐risk and complicated wounds.
Total management of the open abdomen
Authors: Demetriades Demetrios
Published: June 2012

The management of complex abdominal problems with the ‘open abdomen’ (OA) technique has become a routine procedure in surgery. The number of cases treated with an OA has increased dramatically because of the popularisation of damage control for life‐threatening conditions, recognition and treatment of intra‐abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome and new evidence regarding the management of severe intra‐abdominal sepsis. Although OA has saved numerous lives and has addressed many problems related to the primary pathology, this technique is also associated with serious complications. New knowledge about the pathophysiology of the OA and the development of new technologies for temporary abdominal wall closure (e.g. ABThera™ Open Abdomen Negative Pressure Therapy; KCI USA Inc., San Antonio, TX) has helped improve the management and outcomes of these patients. This review will merge expert physician opinion with scientific evidence regarding the total management of the OA.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, RADICAL SCAVENGING, ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITIES OF ZATARIA MULTIFLORA BIOSS ESSENTIAL OIL AND AQUEOUS EXTRACT
Authors: MAHAMMADI PURFARD AMIN , KAVOOSI GHOLAMREZA
Published: June 2012

The composition, reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, hydrogen peroxide and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances scavenging, antibacterial and antifungal activities of aqueous extract and essential oil from Zataria multiflora was examined. Carvacrol (29.489%), thymol (25.701%), p‐cymene (11.247%), linalool (9.363%) and γ‐terpinene (8.054%) were detected as the main components of the oil. The inhibitory concentrations for total radical scavenging activities were between 1.92–3.15 and 2.46–4.58 µg/mL of aqueous extract and essential oil, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration for Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermi, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans were 2.65 ± 0.7, 2.72 ± 0.8, 2.85 ± 0.5, 3.02 ± 0.8, 3.53 ± 1, 3.65 ± 0.9, 2.2 ± 0.5 and 2.8 ± 0.8 µg/mL of essential oil. However, aqueous extract cannot inhibit all of the bacteria and fungi tested. Thus, Z. multiflora essential oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and can be used in the therapy of oxidative damage and in the therapy of infective diseases and can be used as a tea or additive in foods and traditional remedies for the treatment of infectious diseases.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Oxidative stress‐related and infective diseases are one of the most common health problems in the worldwide population. A large portion of the world's population currently uses traditional medicines and herbal therapy, which involves the use of the aqueous extract of a plant in the form of an herbal tea. Essential oil derived from herbal medicines that have been known for their biological activities for many decades and should not be toxic to man and could replace chemical antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal agents. This study clearly demonstrates the potential of essential oil from Zataria multiflora as antioxidant against reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and the potential of essential oil from Z. multiflora as antimicrobial against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermi, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The chemical composition of essential oil was identified. Thus, identification of such compounds also helps to discover of new antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal agents.
MULTIPLEX PCR FOR THE DETECTION OF CAMPYLOBACTER SPP. AND SALMONELLA SPP. IN CHICKEN MEAT
Authors: ALVES JULIANE , MARQUES VIVIANI VIEIRA , PEREIRA LUIZ FILIPE PROTASIO , HIROOKA ELISA YOKO , DE OLIVEIRA TEREZA CRISTINA ROCHA MOREIRA
Published: June 2012

The control of Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. in chicken meat is essential for avoiding sanitary barriers and preventing human disease. The aim of this study was to develop a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay (mPCR) for the rapid detection of these bacteria in raw chicken meat. The mPCR was developed using the Styinva‐JHO‐Right and Styinva‐JHO‐Left primers (specific for Salmonella spp.) and the OT1559 and 18‐1 primers (specific for Campylobacter spp.). The specificity of the assay was 100% and it was able to detect 102 cfu/mL of Campylobacter spp. after the selective enrichment and 1 cfu/mL of Salmonella spp. after nonselective enrichment. Fifty raw chicken meat samples were analyzed; 4% were contaminated with Salmonella spp. and 56% with Campylobacter spp. The results obtained using mPCR were confirmed by conventional culturing methods. The developed mPCR method is a relatively inexpensive and efficient means to detect these bacteria after 24 h of enrichment.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The developed multiplex polymerase chain reaction method (mPCR) is a relatively inexpensive and efficient means to detect Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. in chicken meat after 24 h of enrichment. The detection of these pathogens in a few hours allows the food supply chain to take appropriate measures quickly to prevent the distribution of contaminated food. Rapid and simultaneous detection of these bacteria in chicken meat can assist in the implementation of the preventive measures that can reduce contamination, which is very useful for Brazil, the third largest producer of chicken meat and the largest exporter of this product. Moreover, the developed mPCR may speed up the identification of suspected colonies of those bacteria on the selective media used in conventional culture methods.
Participation of putative glycoside hydrolases SlgC1 and SlgC2 in the biosynthesis of streptolydigin in Streptomyces lydicus
Authors: Gómez Cristina , Horna Dina H. , Olano Carlos , Méndez Carmen , Salas José A.
Published: June 2012

Two genes of the streptolydigin gene cluster in Streptomyces lydicus cluster encode putative family 16 glycoside hydrolases. Both genes are expressed when streptolydigin is produced. Inactivation of these genes affects streptolydigin production when the microorganism is grown in minimal medium containing either glycerol or d‐glucans as carbon source. Streptolydigin yields in S. lydicus were increased by overexpression of either slgC1 or slgC2.
Emerging Stars and Developed Neighbors: The Effects of Development Imbalance and Political Shocks on Mutual Fund Investments in China
Authors: Lin Shu , Tian Shu , Wu Eliza
Published: June 2012

This paper examines the influence of regional economic development on mutual funds investment decisions. Using fund holdings from 2003 to 2008, we find that Chinese mutual funds that collectively reside in the developed coastal region have the ability to select “star” firms from neighboring inland areas and overweight them in their portfolios. However, they present a clear local bias within the coastal region. Such investment behavior is robust to political interventions. In particular, changes in political climate make mutual funds seek fundamentals like growth prospects and diversification benefits. Overall, economic and political factors significantly influence mutual funds investment decisions in emerging China.
Not‐For‐Profit Ratios for Financial Resilience and Internal Accountability: A Study of Australian International Aid Organisations
Authors: Ryan Christine , Irvine Helen
Published: June 2012

Not‐for‐profit (NFP) financial ratio research has focused primarily on organisational efficiency measurements for external stakeholders. Ratios that also capture information about stability, capacity (liquidity), gearing and sustainability enable an assessment of financial resilience. They are thus valuable tools that can provide a framework of internal accountability between boards and management. The establishment of an Australian NFP regulator highlights the importance of NFP sustainability, and affirms the timeliness of this paper. We propose a suite of key financial ratios for use by NFP boards and management, and demonstrate its practical usefulness by applying the ratios to financial data from the 2009 reports of ACFID (Australian Council for International Development) affiliated international aid organisations.
Hydrocarbon Fuels From Gas Phase Decarboxylation of Hydrolyzed Free Fatty Acid
Authors: Wang Wei-Cheng , Roberts William L. , Stikeleather Larry F.
Published: June 2012

Gas phase decarboxylation of hydrolyzed free fatty acid (FFA) from canola oil has been investigated in two fix-bed reactors by changing reaction parameters such as temperatures, FFA feed rates, and H2-to-FFA molar ratios. FFA, which contains mostly C18 as well as a few C16, C20, C22, and C24 FFA, was fed into the boiling zone, evaporated, carried by hydrogen flow at the rate of 0.5–20 ml/min, and reacted with the 5% Pd/C catalyst in the reactor. Reactions were conducted atmospherically at 380–450 °C and the products, qualified and quantified through gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID), showed mostly n-heptadecane and a few portion of n-C15, n-C19, n-C21, n-C23 as well as some cracking species. Results showed that FFA conversion increased with increasing reaction temperatures but decreased with increasing FFA feed rates and H2-to-FFA molar ratios. The reaction rates were found to decrease with higher temperature and increase with higher H2 flow rates. Highly selective heptadecane was achieved by applying higher temperatures and higher H2-to-FFA molar ratios. From the results, as catalyst loading and FFA feed rate were fixed, an optimal reaction temperature of 415 °C as well as H2-to-FFA molar ratio of 4.16 were presented. These results provided good basis for studying the kinetics of decarboxylation process.
Study of Near-Stall Flow Behavior in a Modern Transonic Fan With Compound Sweep
Authors: Hah Chunill , Shin Hyoun-Woo
Published: June 2012

Detailed flow behavior in a modern transonic fan with a compound sweep is investigated in this paper. Both unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) and large eddy simulation (LES) methods are applied to investigate the flow field over a wide operating range. The calculated flow fields are compared with the data from an array of high-frequency response pressure transducers embedded in the fan casing. The current study shows that a relatively fine computational grid is required to resolve the flow field adequately and to calculate the pressure rise across the fan correctly. The calculated flow field shows detailed flow structure near the fan rotor tip region. Due to the introduction of compound sweep toward the rotor tip, the flow structure at the rotor tip is much more stable compared to that of the conventional blade design. The passage shock stays very close to the leading edge at the rotor tip even at the throttle limit. On the other hand, the passage shock becomes stronger and detaches earlier from the blade passage at the radius where the blade sweep is in the opposite direction. The interaction between the tip clearance vortex and the passage shock becomes intense as the fan operates toward the stall limit, and tip clearance vortex breakdown occurs at near-stall operation. URANS calculates the time-averaged flow field fairly well. Details of measured rms static pressure are not calculated with sufficient accuracy with URANS. On the other hand, LES calculates details of the measured unsteady flow features in the current transonic fan with compound sweep fairly well and reveals the flow mechanism behind the measured unsteady flow field.
Effect of Co-Flow on Near Field Shock Structure
Authors: Srinivasarao T. , Lovaraju P. , Rathakrishnan E.
Published: June 2012

This paper presents the experimental results of underexpanded jets delivered from a central nozzle surrounded by a co-flow. The co-flow is found to be effective in elongating the supersonic core length of the central jet, at all levels of underexpansion. However, the expansion level of the central jet dictates the elongation caused by the co-flow.
2.8 Million Years of Arctic Climate Change from Lake El’gygytgyn, NE Russia
Authors: Melles Martin , Brigham-Grette Julie , Minyuk Pavel S. , Nowaczyk Norbert R. , Wennrich Volker , DeConto Robert M. , Anderson Patricia M. , Andreev Andrei A. , Coletti Anthony , Cook Timothy L. , Haltia-Hovi Eeva , Kukkonen Maaret , Lozhkin Anatoli V. , Rosén Peter , Tarasov Pavel , Vogel Hendrik , Wagner Bernd
Published: June 2012

Crater Core

The high-northern latitudes of the Arctic have an important influence on climate and constitute a region with a unique array of complex feedbacks that make it difficult to understand the workings of its climate.

Melles
et al.

(p.
315
, published online 21 June) developed a 2.8-million-year record of Arctic climate, using a sediment core from a lake in northeastern Russia that was formed more than 3.5 million years ago by a meteorite impact. Pronounced glacial episodes began 2.6 million years ago but did not achieve orbital pacing for another 700,000 years.
The Periplasmic Nitrate Reductase Nap Is Required for Anaerobic Growth and Involved in Redox Control of Magnetite Biomineralization in Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense
Authors: Li Yingjie , Katzmann Emanuel , Borg Sarah , Schüler Dirk
Published: June 2012

The magnetosomes of many magnetotactic bacteria consist of membrane-enveloped magnetite crystals, whose synthesis is favored by a low redox potential. However, the cellular redox processes governing the biomineralization of the mixed-valence iron oxide have remained unknown. Here, we show that in the alphaproteobacteriumMagnetospirillum gryphiswaldense, magnetite biomineralization is linked to dissimilatory nitrate reduction. A complete denitrification pathway, including gene functions for nitrate (nap), nitrite (nir), nitric oxide (nor), and nitrous oxide reduction (nos), was identified. TranscriptionalgusAfusions as reporters revealed that except fornap, the highest expression of the denitrification genes coincided with conditions permitting maximum magnetite synthesis. Whereas microaerobic denitrification overlapped with oxygen respiration, nitrate was the only electron acceptor supporting growth in the entire absence of oxygen, and only the deletion ofnapgenes, encoding a periplasmic nitrate reductase, and not deletion ofnorornosgenes, abolished anaerobic growth and also delayed aerobic growth in both nitrate and ammonium media. While loss ofnosZornorCBhad no or relatively weak effects on magnetosome synthesis, deletion ofnapseverely impaired magnetite biomineralization and resulted in fewer, smaller, and irregular crystals during denitrification and also microaerobic respiration, probably by disturbing the proper redox balance required for magnetite synthesis. In contrast to the case for the wild type, biomineralization in Δnapcells was independent of the oxidation state of carbon substrates. Altogether, our data demonstrate that in addition to its essential role in anaerobic respiration, the periplasmic nitrate reductase Nap has a further key function by participating in redox reactions required for magnetite biomineralization.
Sierra de Catorce
Authors: Rafael Barboza-Gudiño José , Molina-Garza Roberto S. , Lawton Timothy F.
Published: June 2012

The Sierra de Catorce in northern San Luis Potosí, Mexico, represents an uplifted block with exposures of the oldest rocks of the region which include Upper Triassic turbidites interpreted as deposits of a submarine fan system (“Potosí Fan”) and overlying Lower Jurassic volcanic and volcaniclastic strata interpreted as a record of the Early-Middle Jurassic volcanic arc (“Nazas Arc”) of western North America. These lower Mesozoic units, recognized in several exposures in the region, are interpreted as remnants of the ancient western margin of Pangea prior to accretion of Late Jurassic—Early Cretaceous magmatic arc complexes and associated marginal basins that constitute the Guerrero composite terrane in western Mexico and that resulted in construction of a new Pacific margin. A field trip in the Sierra de Catorce and surrounding exposures of the Upper Triassic—Lower Jurassic succession allows observation and discussion of key features that demonstrate the sedimentary and tectonic history of the western equatorial margin of Pangea.
Late Pleistocene rhyolitic explosive volcanism at Los Azufres Volcanic Field, central Mexico
Authors: Arce José Luis , Macías José Luis , Rangel Elizabeth , Layer Paul , Garduño-Monroy Víctor Hugo , Saucedo Ricardo , García Felipe , Castro Renato , Pérez-Esquivias Héctor
Published: June 2012

Los Azufres Volcanic Field hosts the second most important geothermal field of Mexico, with a production of 188 MW of electricity. Based on fieldwork and new geochronological data (14C and 40Ar/39Ar) we define that activity at Los Azufres Volcanic Field started some 1.5 Ma with the emission of basaltic to rhyolitic lavas, and pyroclastic material. The late Pleistocene explosive activity in the southwest sector (Guangoche volcano area) of Los Azufres occurred in a narrow period of time between >31 and <26 ka. The pyroclastic stratigraphy of the S, SW, and W sectors is represented by diverse deposits of dacitic and rhyolitic composition, including a debris avalanche deposit related to a sector collapse of San Andrés volcano, several pyroclastic sequences associated with plateau forming lavas, and Guangoche volcano. Guangoche volcano was the focus of late Pleistocene eruptive activity with two Plin-ian and one subplinian events that deposited pumice-rich falls and pyroclastic flows and surges. These deposits are informally named the White Pumice (29 ka), which originated from a 23-km-high eruptive column and the ejection of 1.7 km3 of tephra that covered an area of at least 223 km2 with a mass discharge rate of 9 × 107 kg/s; the Ochre Pumice fall (<26 ka), deposited from a 16-km-high eruptive column involving 1.3 km3 of tephra at a mass discharge rate of 1.9 × 107 kg/s; and the Multilayered fallout (<<26 ka) that resulted from an 11-km-high eruptive column with 1 km3 of tephra at a mass discharge rate of 4.6 × 106 kg/s. The complete late Pleistocene stratigraphy suggests that explosive events at Los Azufres Volcanic Field have been intense. They are the subject of ongoing investigations to better understand this kind of large magnitude eruptions.
Recent explosive volcanism at the eastern Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt
Authors: Carrasco-Núñez G. , Dávila-Harris P. , Riggs N.R. , Ort M.H. , Zimmer B.W. , Willcox C.P. , Branney M.J.
Published: June 2012

The eastern Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt is characterized by a diversity of volcanoes that are related to different processes and eruptive styles. The spectacular exposures of late Pleistocene and Holocene volcanism provide a unique opportunity to explore a variety of volcanic features and deposits that may be relevant for volcanic hazard assessments within the area. This three-day field guide describes selected representative examples of the regional volcanism showing volcanic features including thick pyroclastic successions derived from the explosive activity of Los Humeros caldera volcano, caldera-rim effusions, alternating explosive and effusive activity of a vitrophyric rhyolite dome (Cerro Pizarro), and the eruptive activity of two composi-tionally contrasting maar volcanoes: Atexcac, a classic basaltic maar and Cerro Pinto, a rhyolitic tuff ring—dome complex.
Consumption of takeaway and fast food in a deprived inner London Borough: are they associated with childhood obesity?
Authors: Patterson Rachel , Risby Alexander , Chan Mei-Yen
Published: June 2012

Objective

A major concern is the ubiquitous presence of fast food and takeaway outlets within easy walking distance of schools, particularly in the light of the increasing burden of childhood obesity. Here, the associations between the schoolchildren's weights, their consumption of fast food and takeaway outlets were examined in a deprived inner London Borough.

Design

This is a cross-sectional study.

Participants

193 schoolchildren (aged between 11 and 14 years old) participated in this study.

Main outcome measures

Body mass index (BMI) percentiles specific for age and gender were obtained. Frequency of food and drinks purchased from fast food outlets and takeaway outlets over a weekly period and preferred types of drinks and food products usually consumed were measured.

Results

More than 50% of the children in our survey purchased food or drinks from fast food or takeaway outlets twice or more a week, with about 10% consuming fast food or drinks from these outlets daily. About 70% of these children from Black ethnic groups and 54% of Asians purchased fast food more than twice a week. BMI has a significantly inverse relationship to fast food consumption. However, when age and gender are accounted, the BMI age–gender percentile is no longer significantly related to fast food consumption.

Conclusions

This study revealed a very high frequency of fast food consumption among the schoolchildren. Taste, quick access and peer influence were major contributing factors. These schoolchildren are exposed to an obesogenic environment, and it is not surprising that in this situation, many of these children are already overweight and will likely become obese as adults.
Cost-effectiveness of Identification and Referral to Improve Safety (IRIS), a domestic violence training and support programme for primary care: a modelling study based on a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Devine Angela , Spencer Anne , Eldridge Sandra , Norman Richard , Feder Gene
Published: June 2012

Objective

The Identification and Referral to Improve Safety (IRIS) cluster randomised controlled trial tested the effectiveness of a training and support intervention to improve the response of primary care to women experiencing domestic violence (DV). The aim of this study is to estimate the cost-effectiveness of this intervention.

Design

Markov model-based cost-effectiveness analysis.

Setting

General practices in two urban areas in the UK.

Participants

Simulated female individuals from the general UK population who were registered at general practices, aged 16 years and older.

Intervention

General practices received staff training, prompts to ask women about DV embedded in the electronic medical record, a care pathway including referral to a specialist DV agency and continuing contact from that agency. The trial compared the rate of referrals of women with specialist DV agencies from 24 general practices that received the IRIS programme with 24 general practices not receiving the programme. The trial did not measure outcomes for women beyond the intermediate outcome of referral to specialist agencies. The Markov model extrapolated the trial results to estimate the long-term healthcare and societal costs and benefits using data from other trials and epidemiological studies.

Results

The intervention would produce societal cost savings per woman registered in the general practice of UK£37 (95% CI £178 saved to a cost of £136) over 1 year. The incremental quality-adjusted life-year was estimated to be 0.0010 (95% CI −0.0157 to 0.0101) per woman. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis found 78% of model replications under a willingness to pay threshold of £20 000 per quality-adjusted life-year.

Conclusions

The IRIS programme is likely to be cost-effective and possibly cost saving from a societal perspective. Better data on the trajectory of abuse and the effect of advocacy are needed for a more robust model.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials,ISRCTN74012786.
Balloon-assisted coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms is not associated with increased periprocedural complications
Authors: Santillan Alejandro , Gobin Y Pierre , Mazura Jan C , Meausoone Valerie , Leng Lewis Z , Greenberg Edward , Riina Howard A , Patsalides Athos
Published: June 2012

Background

The balloon-assisted coil embolization (BACE) technique represents an effective tool for the treatment of complex wide-necked intracranial aneurysms; however, its safety is a matter of debate. This study presents the authors' institutional experience regarding the safety of the BACE technique.

Methods

428 consecutive patients with 491 intracranial aneurysms (274 acutely ruptured and 217 unruptured) treated with conventional coil embolization (CCE) or with BACE were retrospectively reviewed. All procedure-related adverse events were reported, regardless of clinical outcome. Thromboembolic events, intraprocedural aneurysm ruptures, device-related complications, morbidity and mortality were compared between the CCE and BACE groups.

Results

The total rate of procedural and periprocedural adverse events was 9.6% (47/491 embolizations). Thromboembolic events, intraprocedural aneurysmal rupture and device-related complications occurred in 2.4%, 3.9% and 3.3% of procedures, respectively. The risk of thromboembolic events and device-related problems was similar between the CCE and BACE groups. A trend towards a higher risk of intraprocedural aneurysm rupture was observed in the BACE group (not statistically significant). The total cumulative morbidity and mortality for both groups was 2.6% (11/428 patients) and there was no statistically significant difference in the morbidity, mortality and cumulative morbidity and mortality rates between the two groups.

Conclusion

In this series of patients with acutely ruptured and unruptured aneurysms, the BACE technique allowed treatment of aneurysms with unfavorable anatomic characteristics without increasing the incidence of procedural complications.
Progressive control of FMD on a global scale
Authors: Sumption Keith , Domenech Joseph , Ferrari Giancarlo
Published: June 2012

This month, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) are launching a new global strategy for the control of foot‐and‐mouth disease. Keith Sumption, Joseph Domenech and Giancarlo Ferrari describe how the strategy has been based on a progressive control pathway for FMD and what it is hoped will be achieved
A porphycene-DNA hybrid and its DNA-templated interactions with a porphyrin
Authors: Haug Rüdiger , Richert Clemens
Published: June 2012

A porphycene with a hydroxyethyl side chain was coupled to the 3′-terminus of an oligodeoxynucleotide via solid-phase synthesis. The resulting porphycene-DNA hybrid binds to a complementary region of a DNA target strand with greater affinity than the unmodified control oligonucleotide, resulting in an increase of the UV-melting point of 12.7 °C. Duplex formation is accompanied by an increase in porphycene fluorescence at 640 nm by 18%. When a tetrakis(p-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin appended to the 5′-terminus of another DNA-strand is brought into close proximity of the porphycene by hybridizing it to the downstream-region of the template strand, 94% of the porphycene fluorescence is quenched. By quenching each others fluorescence to different degrees, porphycene and porphyrin, together, report on local DNA structure in a fashion reminiscent of that of molecular beacons. The introduction of porphycenes and the porphycene-porphyrin "two hybrid system'' to DNA-based structuring may open up new avenues to designed functional materials.
Reaction of cobalt porphycene with hydride reagents: spectroscopic detection of Co–H porphycene species and formation of Co–SnR3 porphycene species
Authors: Matsuo Takashi , Komatsuzaki Kunihiko , Tsuji Takanori , Hayashi Takashi
Published: June 2012

The reaction of tetrapropylporphycenatocobalt(III) with tributyltin hydride generates a cobalt(III)–hydride porphycene detectable by UV-vis spectroscopy under diluted conditions, whereas it is impossible to characterize hydride species of cobalt porphyrins. One of the reasons for the stability of the porphycene hydride species is that the porphycene ring has a lower LUMO energy level due to the decrease in the symmetry of the ligand character. However, the hydride species in a highly concentrated solution of the complex is easily converted into the cobalt(II) species via dimerization or reaction of the hydride with excess tributyltin hydride through hemolysis of the Sn–H/Co–H bonds. When the Co(III) porphycene is reacted with LiBHEt3 , the final product is the cobalt(III)–ethyl complex formed by β-rearrangement during the reaction of the hydride species and diethylborane in a solvent cage. In the reaction of tetrakistrifluoromethylporphycenatocobalt(III) with tributyltin hydride, the dominant reaction pathway includes one-electron reduction of the porphycene ring together with radical coupling of the tin reagent rather than the net hydride transfer. This finding suggests that the delicate control of the LUMO energy level influences the stability of the hydride species. The tetrapropylporphycenatocobalt(III) complex with tributyltin or triphenyltin hydride in the presence of AIBN produces the corresponding Co(III)– trialkyltin complex. This complex was characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy.
Electrochemistry of mono- and bis-porphyrins containing a β,β′-fused tetraazaanthracene group
Authors: Ou Zhongping , Zhu Weihua , Sintic Paul J. , Fang Yuanyuan , Crossley Maxwell J. , Kadish Karl M.
Published: June 2012

Electrochemical and thin-layer spectroelectrochemical properties of mono- and bis-porphyrins containing a β,β′-fused tetraazaanthracene (TA) group were examined in CH2Cl2, PhCN and pyridine containing 0.1 M tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate as supporting electrolyte. The investigated mono-porphyrins are represented as (PTA)M, where M = 2H, Cu(II) or Zn(II) and PTA = the dianion of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-6′,7′-dimethyl-1′,4′,5′,8′-tetraazaanthraceno-[2′,3′b]-porphyrin, while the bis-porphyrins are represented by M(P)-TA-(P)M, where M is H2, Cu(II) , Zn(II) , Ni(II) or Pd(II) and P is the dianion of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)porphyrin. The effect of the fused TA group on the redox potentials and UV-visible spectra of the neutral, electroreduced and electrooxidized porphyrins is discussed and the data compared to what is observed for related mono- and bis-quinoxalinoporphyrins of the type (PQ)M and (QPQ)M, where Q is a β,β′-fused quinoxaline group. Each TA-linked bis-porphyrin exhibits a strong interaction between the two equivalent porphyrin macrocycles, the magnitude of which is dependent upon the specific metal ion.