bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacteriophages with Potential for Inactivation of Fish Pathogenic Bacteria: Survival, Host Specificity and Effect on Bacterial Community Structure
Authors: Pereira Carla , Silva Yolanda J. , Santos Ana L. , Cunha Ângela , Gomes Newton C. M. , Almeida Adelaide
Published: November 2011

Phage therapy may represent a viable alternative to antibiotics to inactivate fish pathogenic bacteria. Its use, however, requires the awareness of novel kinetics phenomena not applied to conventional drug treatments. The main objective of this work was to isolate bacteriophages with potential to inactivate fish pathogenic bacteria, without major effects on the structure of natural bacterial communities of aquaculture waters. The survival was determined in marine water, through quantification by the soft agar overlay technique. The host specificity was evaluated by cross infection. The ecological impact of phage addition on the structure of the bacterial community was evaluated by DGGE of PCR amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments. The survival period varied between 12 and 91 days, with a higher viability for Aeromonas salmonicida phages. The phages of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and of A. salmonicida infected bacteria of different families with a high efficacy of plating. The specific phages of pathogenic bacteria had no detectable impact on the structure of the bacterial community. In conclusion, V. parahaemolyticus and A. salmonicida phages show good survival time in marine water, have only a moderated impact on the overall bacterial community structure and the desired specificity for host pathogenic bacteria, being potential candidates for therapy of fish infectious diseases in marine aquaculture systems.
Synthesis, Characterization, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition, Molecular Modeling and Antioxidant Activities of Some Novel Schiff Bases Derived from 1-(2-Ketoiminoethyl)piperazines
Authors: Salga Saleh M. , Ali Hapipah M. , Abdullah Mahmood A. , Abdelwahab Siddig I. , Wai Lam Kok , Buckle Michael J. C. , Sukumaran Sri Devi , Hadi A. Hamid A.
Published: November 2011

Some novel Schiff bases derived from 1-(2-ketoiminoethyl)piperazines were synthesized and characterized by mass spectroscopy, FTIR, UV-Visible, 1H and 13C-NMR. The compounds were tested for inhibitory activities on human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE), antioxidant activities, acute oral toxicity and further studied by molecular modeling techniques. The study identified the compound (DHP) to have the highest activity among the series in hAChE inhibition and DPPH assay while the compound LP revealed the highest activity in the FRAP assay. The hAChE inhibitory activity of DHP is comparable with that of propidium, a known AChE inhibitor. This high activity of DHP was checked by molecular modeling which showed that DHP could not be considered as a bivalent ligand due to its incapability to occupy the esteratic site (ES) region of the 3D crystal structure of hAChE. The antioxidant study unveiled varying results in 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. This indicates mechanistic variations of the compounds in the two assays. The potential therapeutic applications and safety of these compounds were suggested for use as human acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and antioxidants.
Therapeutic Interchange of Parenteral Anticoagulants: Challenges for Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committees
Authors: Amin Alpesh
Published: November 2011

This is a review of key factors for pharmacy and therapeutics committees to consider when developing a therapeutic interchange (TI) program for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. Recent patient safety initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired VTE may increase the prescribing of thromboprophylactic agents recommended in VTE management guidelines. As a result, more pharmacy and therapeutics committees may consider TI programs for parenteral anticoagulants. However, the TI of anticoagulants appears challenging at this time. Firstly, the therapeutic equivalence of the commonly prescribed parenteral anticoagulants, enoxaparin, dalteparin and fondaparinux, has not been established. Secondly, because of the wide range of clinical indications for these anticoagulants, a blanket agent-specific TI program could lead to off-label use. Use of an indication-specific TI program could be difficult to manage administratively, and may cause prescribing confusion and errors. Thirdly, careful dosing and contraindications of certain parenteral anticoagulants in special patient populations, such as those with renal impairment, further impact the suitability of these agents for inclusion in TI programs. Finally, although TI may appear to offer lower drug-acquisition costs, it is important to determine its effect on all cost parameters and ultimately ensure that the care of patients requiring VTE prophylaxis is not compromised.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Copper(II) 2D Coordination Polymers from a Fluorinated Flexible Ligand with Remarkable Clathration Ability
Authors: Beni Tomohiro , Kasai Kayoko
Published: November 2011

Two-dimensional (2D) grid coordination polymers were prepared by the reaction of 1,4-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)tetrafluorobenzene (bpf) with Cu(NO3)2 in the presence of aromatic compounds. Crystal structures of {[Cu(bpf)2(NO3)2]·(biphenyl)2}n (1), {[Cu(bpf)2(NO3)2]·(m-C6H4(OMe)2)2}n (2), {[Cu(bpf)2(NO3)2]·PhtBu}n (3) and {[Cu(bpf)2(NO3)(H2O)]NO3·(bpf)0.5}n (4) were determined. The grid networks were held together by C–H···O and C–H···F hydrogen bonds via the NO3− anions and the tetrafluorophenylene rings of bpf, respectively. Biphenyl, m-dimethoxybenzene, t-butylbenzene, and bpf molecules were clathrated in cyclic cavities of the grid networks through arene-perfluoroarene interactions. These coordination networks have remarkable clathration ability for aromatic compounds.
Energy Return on Energy Invested (EROI) for the Electrical Heating of Methane Hydrate Reservoirs
Authors: Callarotti Roberto Cesare
Published: November 2011

We model the low frequency electrical heating of submarine methane hydrate deposits located at depths between 1000 and 1500 m, and determine the energy return on energy invested (EROI) for this process. By means of the enthalpy method, we calculate the time-dependent heating of these deposits under applied electrical power supplied to a cylindrical heater located at the center of the reservoir and at variable depths. The conversion of the produced water to steam is avoided by limiting the heater temperature. We calculate the volume of methane hydrate that will melt and the energy equivalent of the gas thus generated. The partial energy efficiency of this heating process is obtained as the ratio of the gas equivalent energy to the applied electrical energy. We obtain EROI values in the range of 4 to 5, depending on the location of the heater. If the methane gas is used to generate the electrical energy required in the heating (in processes with a 33% efficiency), the effective EROI of the process falls in the range of 4/3 to 5/3.
Toward a Heat Recovery Chimney
Authors: Zhang Dan , Yang Yuelei , Pan Min , Gao Zhen
Published: November 2011

The worldwide population increase and subsequent surge in energy demand leads electricity producers to increase supply in an attempt to generate larger profit margins. However, with Global Climate Change becoming a greater focus in engineering, it is critical for energy to be converted in as environmentally benign a way as possible. There are different sustainable methods to meet the energy demand. However, the focus of this research is in the area of Waste Heat Recovery. The waste heat stored in the exiting condenser cooling water is delivered to the air flow through a water-air cross flow heat exchanger. A converging thermal chimney structure is then applied to increase the velocity of the airflow. The accelerated air can be used to turn on the turbine-generator installed on the top the thermal chimney so that electricity can be generated. This system is effective in generating electricity from otherwise wasted heat.
Early Immunomodulation by Intravenously Transplanted Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Functional Recovery in Spinal Cord Injured Rats
Authors: Seo Jung Hwa , Jang In Keun , Kim Hyongbum , Yang Mal Sook , Lee Jong Eun , Kim Hyo Eun , Eom Yong-Woo , Lee Doo-Hoon , Yu Ji Hea , Kim Ji Yeon , Kim Hyun Ok , Cho Sung-Rae
Published: November 2011

Although intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can enhance functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI), the underlying mechanisms have to be elucidated. In this study, we explored the mechanisms for functional recovery in SCI rats after intravenous transplantation of MSCs derived from human umbilical cord blood. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to receive either MSCs (1 × 106cells/0.5 ml) or PBS into the tail vein immediately after SCI. They were then evaluated by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale weekly for 8 weeks and by somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) 8 weeks after transplantation. MSC-treated rats showed a modest but significant improvement in BBB scores and latencies of SSEPs, compared with PBS controls. When human-specific Alu element was measured in the spinal cord, it was detected only 1 h after transplantation, suggesting transient engraftment of MSCs. Inflammatory cytokines were also determined using RT-PCR or Western blot in spinal cord extracts. In MSC-treated rats, the level of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β was decreased, but that of antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 was increased. MSCs also immediately suppressed IL-6 at 1 h posttransplantation. However, the response of IL-6, which has an immunoregulatory role, was increased 1–3 days after transplantation. In addition, we quantified microglia/macrophage stained with Iba-1 around the damaged spinal cord using immunohistochemistry. A proportion of activated microglia and macrophages in total Iba-1+cells was significantly decreased in MSC-treated rats, compared with PBS controls. These results suggest that early immunomodulation by intravenously transplanted MSCs is a potential underlying mechanism for functional recovery after SCI.
Synthesis of (−)-julocrotine and a diversity oriented Ugi-approach to analogues and probes
Authors: Neves Filho Ricardo A W , Westermann Bernhard , Wessjohann Ludger A
Published: November 2011

An improved total synthesis of (−)-julocrotine in three steps from Cbz-glutamine, in 51% overall yield, is presented. To demonstrate the potential of the heterocyclic moiety for diversity oriented synthesis, a series of (−)-julocrotine analogues was synthesized by employing the heterocyclic precursor as an amino input in Ugi four-component reactions (Ugi-4CR) Hulme, C.; Dietrich, J. Mol. Diversity 2009, 13, 195–207. doi:10.1007/s11030-009-9111-6.
The Effects of an Intensive Lifestyle Modification Program on Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Aldana Steven G. , Greenlaw Roger , Salberg Audrey , Merrill Ray M. , Hager Ron , Jorgensen Rick B.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

This study evaluated the effect of the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease on cardiovascular disease as measured by the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery and compared this effect to outcomes from patients participating in traditional cardiac rehabilitation.

Design.

Randomized clinical trial.

Setting.

SwedishAmerican Health System.

Subjects.

Ninety three patients with clinically confirmed coronary artery disease were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 46) or traditional cardiac rehabilitation (n = 47).

Intervention.

Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease.

Measures.

Ultrasound of the carotid artery and other cardiovascular risk factors were measured at baseline, 6, and 12 months.

Analysis.

Intent-to-treat analysis.

Results.

There was no significant reduction in the carotid intima-media thickness of the carotid artery in the Ornish group or the cardiac rehabilitation group. Ornish Program participants had significantly improved dietary habits (p < .001), weight (p < .001), and body mass index (p < .001) as compared with the rehabilitation group. The decrease in the number of patients with angina from baseline to 12 months was 44% in Ornish and 12% in cardiac rehabilitation.

Conclusions.

The Ornish Program appears to causes improvements in cardiovascular risk factors but does not appear to change the atherosclerotic process as it affects the carotid artery.
An Application of Survival Analysis to Population Health Management Program Evaluation
Authors: Long D. Adam , Perry Theodore L.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

Evaluating the financial impact of long-term lifestyle management interventions is difficult because of the variability across the program members' enrollment and participation levels. This variability is often referred to as “censored” health claims data. Survival analysis is designed to overcome censored data of various kinds (e.g., disenrollment, loss to follow-up, missing data).

Design.

A quasi-experimental program versus matched reference group study design was used. Participants (N = 142) in smoking cessation or weight management programs in 1997 were retrospectively matched to nonparticipants (N = 142).

Setting.

The study location was a regional hospital in Tennessee.

Subjects.

Hospital employees with health plan benefits served as subjects.

Intervention.

Program interventions included health risk appraisals, screenings, and telephonic health coaching for weight management and smoking cessation.

Measures.

The major dependent measure was paid claims information.

Results.

Program participants experienced more health care claims but significantly lower cost than nonparticipants. Nonparticipants averaged $40.77 more per claim than participants. Participants were less likely than nonparticipants to experience a high-cost or outlier claim event. For example, by month 72 nonparticipants had twice the probability of experiencing an outlier claim as participants.

Conclusions.

Effective lifestyle health management may increase low-cost health claims activity, because many patients improve at self-care. As demonstrated here, preventive initiatives result in lower cumulative costs and decrease the risk of high-cost or outlier claim events.
Satellite constraint for emissions of nitrogen oxides from anthropogenic, lightning and soil sources over East China on a high-resolution grid
Authors: Lin J.-T.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Vertical column densities (VCDs) of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) retrieved from space provide valuable information to estimate emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) inversely. Accurate emission attribution to individual sources, important both for understanding the global biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen and for emission control, remains difficult. This study presents a regression-based multi-step inversion approach to estimate emissions of NOx from anthropogenic, lightning and soil sources individually for 2006 over East China on a 0.25° long × 0.25° lat grid, employing the DOMINO product version 2 retrieved from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument. The nested GEOS-Chem model for East Asia is used to simulate the seasonal variations of different emission sources and impacts on VCDs of NO2 for the inversion purpose. Sensitivity tests are conducted to evaluate key assumptions embedded in the inversion process. The inverse estimate suggests annual budgets of about 7.1 TgN (±38%), 0.22 TgN (±46%), and 0.40 TgN (±48%) for the a posteriori anthropogenic, lightning and soil emissions, respectively, each about 24% higher than the respective a priori values. The enhancements in anthropogenic emissions are largest in cities and areas with extensive use of coal, particularly in the north in winter, as evident on the high-resolution grid. Derived soil emissions are consistent with recent bottom-up estimates. They are each less than 6% of anthropogenic emissions annually, increasing to about 13% for July. Overall, anthropogenic emissions are found to be the dominant source of NOx over East China with important implications for nitrogen control.
Long-range forecasting of intermittent streamflow
Authors: van Ogtrop F. F. , Vervoort R. W. , Heller G. Z. , Stasinopoulos D. M. , Rigby R. A.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. Long-range forecasting of intermittent streamflow in semi-arid Australia poses a number of major challenges. One of the challenges relates to modelling zero, skewed, non-stationary, and non-linear data. To address this, a statistical model to forecast streamflow up to 12 months ahead is applied to five semi-arid catchments in South Western Queensland. The model uses logistic regression through Generalised Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) to determine the probability of flow occurring in any of the systems. We then use the same regression framework in combination with a right-skewed distribution, the Box-Cox t distribution, to model the intensity (depth) of the non-zero streamflows. Time, seasonality and climate indices, describing the Pacific and Indian Ocean sea surface temperatures, are tested as covariates in the GAMLSS model to make probabilistic 6 and 12-month forecasts of the occurrence and intensity of streamflow. The output reveals that in the study region the occurrence and variability of flow is driven by sea surface temperatures and therefore forecasts can be made with some skill.
Surgery and Target Agents for Renal Cell Carcinoma Treatment: The Path between Proper Interaction
Authors: Ganini Carlo , Rovereto Bruno , Porta Camillo
Published: November 2011

Background

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 3% of all solid tumors and currently causes about 3,500 deaths/year in the UK. Once an orphan disease, it has undergone an impressive change in its natural history with an improvement in overall survival, thanks to the development of new target agents.

Introduction

In its management, renal cell carcinoma has been treated with both surgical and medical approaches. Nowadays, many more drugs are available, especially in the metastatic setting, so that we should reconsider the peculiar role of surgery and its interaction with target agents.

Conclusions

Cytoreductive nephrectomy still plays a major role in the management of the disease, though no really solid data have been still obtained. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings, instead, are still under evaluation, especially new adjuvant therapies involving the numerous target agents we have. Finally, metastasectomy has a controversial role, with some evidence of more efficacy than the medical treatment, though it shows too many biases to be considered certain. The picture that comes out suggests a complex frame, in which we have great power to act, but in which we need to better comprehend the interactions that could be created between surgery and medical therapies, to achieve an optimal multimodal treatment for renal cell carcinoma.
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy of Molten Metals: Influence of Sample Temperature
Authors: Vaculovič Tomáš , Zvěřina Zbyněk , Otruba Vítězslav , Kanický Viktor
Published: November 2011

The aim of this work was to determine the influence of sample temperature on the laser-induced microplasma (LIP) emission intensity and to ascertain the possibility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) utilization for the monitoring of impurities in molten metals. Pure low-melting metals (bismuth, gallium, indium, lead, tin, and zinc) were used for all experiments. It was found out that the LIP emission increases linearly with increasing temperature within the range 25 °C to 70 °C above the melting point of the metal. The slope of this change in LIP intensity is related to the transition probability of a given emission line. If the LIP intensity of given solid and molten metals are compared, then their relative change is related to the coefficient of thermal conductivity. The LIBS shows possibilities for the identification of impurities in molten metals. Amounts of impurities in the order of tens mg=kg can be identified.
Homotopy Analysis Method for Ablowitz–Ladik Lattice
Authors: Hon Benny Y. C. , Fan Engui , Wang Qi
Published: November 2011

In this paper, the homotopy analysis method is successfully applied to solve the systems of differential-difference equations. The Ablowitz-Ladik lattice system are chosen to illustrate the method. Comparisons between the results of the proposed method and exact solutions reveal that the homotopy analysis method is very effective and simple in solving systems of differential-difference equations.
N-tangle, Entangled Orthonormal Basis, and a Hierarchy of Spin Hamilton Operators
Authors: Steeb Willi-Hans , Hardy Yorick
Published: November 2011

An N-tangle can be defined for the finite dimensional Hilbert space H = C2N , with N = 3 or N even.We give an orthonormal basis which is fully entangled with respect to this measure.We provide a spin Hamilton operator which has this entangled basis as normalized eigenvectors if N is even. From these normalized entangled states a Bell matrix is constructed and the cosine-sine decomposition is calculated. If N is odd the normalized eigenvectors can be entangled or unentangled depending on the parameters.
Inner-Resonance for a Coupled Oscillator Arising in a Cubic Nonlinear Packaging System with Critical Component
Authors: Wang Jun , Duan Fang , Yang Rui-Hua , Li Zheng-Biao , Lu Li-Xin , Xiang Hong
Published: November 2011

In this paper, a dynamic model was proposed for a cushioning packaging system. Conditions for resonance were obtained by applying the variational iteration method (VIM), which should be avoided in the cushioning packaging design.
Variational Approach to Impulsive Differential Equations Using the Semi-Inverse Method
Authors: He Ji-Huan
Published: November 2011

The semi-inverse method is used to establish a variational principle for the Dirichlet boundary value problem with impulses. All the boundary conditions can be obtained as natural conditions by making the variational principle stationary.
Unsteady Three-Dimensional Flow in a Second-Grade Fluid Over a Stretching Surface
Authors: Hayat Tasawar , Safdar Ambreen , Awais Muhammad , Hendi Awatif A.
Published: November 2011

The three-dimensional unsteady flow induced in a second-grade fluid over a stretching surface has been investigated. Nonlinear partial differential equations are reduced into a system of ordinary differential equations by using the similarity transformations. The homotopy analysis method (HAM) has been implemented for the series solutions. Graphs are displayed for the effects of different parameters on the velocity field.
Practical Roadmap and Limits to Nanostructured Photovoltaics
Authors: Lunt Richard R. , Osedach Timothy P. , Brown Patrick R. , Rowehl Jill A. , Bulović Vladimir
Published: November 2011

The significant research interest in the engineering of photovoltaic (PV) structures at the nanoscale is directed toward enabling reductions in PV module fabrication and installation costs as well as improving cell power conversion efficiency (PCE). With the emergence of a multitude of nanostructured photovoltaic (nano‐PV) device architectures, the question has arisen of where both the practical and the fundamental limits of performance reside in these new systems. Here, the former is addressed a posteriori. The specific challenges associated with improving the electrical power conversion efficiency of various nano‐PV technologies are discussed and several approaches to reduce their thermal losses beyond the single bandgap limit are reviewed. Critical considerations related to the module lifetime and cost that are unique to nano‐PV architectures are also addressed. The analysis suggests that a practical single‐junction laboratory power conversion efficiency limit of 17% and a two‐cell tandem power conversion efficiency limit of 24% are possible for nano‐PVs, which, when combined with operating lifetimes of 10 to 15 years, could position them as a transformational technology for solar energy markets.
Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Dihydroxylation of Olefins in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Rosatella Andreia A. , Afonso Carlos A. M.
Published: November 2011

The trans‐dihydroxylation of olefins occurs efficiently by aqueous hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by p‐toluenesulfonic acid at 50 °C, allowing the catalyst reuse and an outstanding substrate functional group tolerance such as tert‐butoxycarbonylamino (BocNH), benzyloxycarbonylamino (CbzNH), benzyloxy (OBn), tosyloxy (OTs), hindered ketal, (2‐trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethoxy (OSEM), benzylamino (NBz), benzyloxy (OBz) and free amino acid.
The Application of a Recyclable Organocatalytic System to the Asymmetric Domino Michael/Henry Reaction in Aqueous Media
Authors: Chintala Poornima , Ghosh Subrata K. , Long Elizabeth , Headley Allan D. , Ni Bukuo
Published: November 2011

A new type of pyrrolidine‐based organocatalyst has been developed and found to be very effective for the domino Michael/Henry reaction in aqueous solvents. For the reaction involving pentane‐1,5‐dial and various nitroolefins, good yields (65–85%) and excellent enantioselectivities (99%) were obtained using this catalyst. In addition, the catalyst could be recycled up to four times resulting in good yields and up to seven times with good enantioselectivity.
Epoxidation Processes by Pyridoxal Dioxomolybdenum(VI) (Pre)Catalysts Without Organic Solvent
Authors: Pisk Jana , Agustin Dominique , Vrdoljak Višnja , Poli Rinaldo
Published: November 2011

Molybdenum(VI) pyridoxal thiosemicarbazonato complexes have proved to be efficient catalysts in the olefinic epoxidation of cyclooctene by aqueous TBHP in the absence of an organic solvent. High activity and selectivity have been obtained with a catalyst loading of just 0.05% molybdenum in the case of one mononuclear (pre)catalyst (TOF 3360 h−1) under solvent‐free conditions. The influence of methanol on the activity and selectivity has been studied.
The evolution of menstruation: A new model for genetic assimilation
Authors: Emera Deena , Romero Roberto , Wagner Günter
Published: November 2011

Why do humans menstruate while most mammals do not? Here, we present our answer to this long‐debated question, arguing that (i) menstruation occurs as a mechanistic consequence of hormone‐induced differentiation of the endometrium (referred to as spontaneous decidualization, or SD); (ii) SD evolved because of maternal–fetal conflict; and (iii) SD evolved by genetic assimilation of the decidualization reaction, which is induced by the fetus in non‐menstruating species. The idea that menstruation occurs as a consequence of SD has been proposed in the past, but here we present a novel hypothesis on how SD evolved. We argue that decidualization became genetically stabilized in menstruating lineages, allowing females to prepare for pregnancy without any signal from the fetus. We present three models for the evolution of SD by genetic assimilation, based on recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of endometrial differentiation and implantation. Testing these models will ultimately shed light on the evolutionary significance of menstruation, as well as on the etiology of human reproductive disorders like endometriosis and recurrent pregnancy loss.
Validity of the Korteweg–de Vries approximation for the two‐dimensional water wave problem in the arc length formulation
Authors: DÜll Wolf‐Patrick
Published: November 2011

We consider the two‐dimensional water wave problem in an infinitely long canal of finite depth both with and without surface tension. It has been proven by several authors that long‐wavelength solutions to this problem can be approximated over a physically relevant timespan by solutions of the Korteweg–de Vries equation or, for certain values of the surface tension, by solutions of the Kawahara equation. These proofs are formulated either in Lagrangian or in Eulerian coordinates. In this paper, we provide a new proof, which is simpler, more elementary, and shorter. Moreover, the rigorous justification of the KdV approximation can be given for the cases with and without surface tension together by one proof. In our proof, we parametrize the free surface by arc length and use some geometrically and physically motivated variables with good regularity properties. This formulation of the water wave problem has already been of great usefulness for Ambrose and Masmoudi to simplify the proof of the local well‐posedness of the water wave problem in Sobolev spaces. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Global well‐posedness of classical solutions with large oscillations and vacuum to the three‐dimensional isentropic compressible Navier‐Stokes equations
Authors: Huang Xiangdi , Li Jing , Xin Zhouping
Published: November 2011

We establish the global existence and uniqueness of classical solutions to the Cauchy problem for the isentropic compressible Navier‐Stokes equations in three spatial dimensions with smooth initial data that are of small energy but possibly large oscillations with constant state as far field, which could be either vacuum or nonvacuum. The initial density is allowed to vanish, and the spatial measure of the set of vacuum can be arbitrarily large; in particular, the initial density can even have compact support. These results generalize previous results on classical solutions for initial densities being strictly away from vacuum and are the first for global classical solutions that may have large oscillations and can contain vacuum states. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydroalumination of Bis(alkynyl)silanes: Generation of Chelating Lewis Acids, Their Application in the Coordination of Chloride Ions and a 1,1‐Carbalumination Reaction
Authors: Uhl Werner , Heller Denis , Kösters Jutta , Würthwein Ernst‐Ulrich , Ghavtadze Nugzar
Published: November 2011

Treatment of diphenyl–diethynylsilanes, (H5C6)2Si(C≡C–R′)2 (R′ = –C6H5, –4‐Me–C6H4), with two equivalents of dialkylaluminium hydrides, R2Al–H (R = –CMe3, –CH2CMe3), afforded the corresponding dialkenylsilanes (3–5) by hydroalumination. The mixed alkenyl–alkynyl compounds resulting from the reduction of only one C≡C triple bond occurred as intermediates. Two of these (1 and 2) were isolated and characterized by crystal structure determinations. They show close interactions of the α‐carbon atoms of the ethynyl groups with the coordinatively unsaturated aluminium atoms and a cis arrangement of H and Al atoms across the C=C double bonds. cis/trans Rearrangement took place upon the formation of the dialkenyl species 3–5 with an all‐trans configuration of the alkenyl groups. These compounds have two tricoordinate aluminium atoms and are ideally preorganized to be applied as chelating Lewis acids, as was shown with the chelating coordination of chloride ions (compound 6). Rearrangement and 1,1‐carbalumination was observed upon heating of a mixed alkenyl–alkynylsilane (7). A silacyclobutene derivative (8) was isolated, which has a SiC3 heterocycle and an endo‐ and an exocyclic C=C double bond. Quantum chemical calculations give insight into the reaction mechanism.
Development and application of whole-sediment toxicity test using immobilized freshwater microalgae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata
Authors: Zhang Li-Juan , Ying Guang-Guo , Chen Feng , Zhao Jian-Liang , Wang Li , Fang Yi-Xiang
Published: November 2011

A method for a whole-sediment toxicity test using alginate immobilized microalgae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata was developed using spiked sediments and applied to contaminated field sediment samples. For method development, a growth inhibition test (72 h) with algal beads was conducted for the sediments spiked with Cu or diuron. The method was validated by determining dose–response relationships for Cu and diuron in both fine-grained and coarse-grained sediments. The results of a spiked sediment toxicity test suggested that sediment particle size distribution (clay content) had a significant effect on the growth of P. subcapitata. The developed method using immobilized microalgae P. subcapitata beads was applied successfully in the toxicity test and toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) for the four field sediment samples. After a series of extractions with 0.01 M CaCl2 solution, acetone, and dichloromethane, the extracted sediment, which was shown to be nontoxic to algae, was used as the control and diluent for the same sediment in the whole-sediment toxicity test. The results showed that all investigated field sediment samples were found to be toxic to the immobilized algae P. subcapitata, with their median effective concentration (EC50) values ranging from 41.4 to 79.0% after 72 h exposure. In the whole sediment TIE, growth of P. subcapitata was improved to varying degrees after adding zeolite, resin, or activated charcoal, suggesting different contributions to toxicity from ammonia, metals, and organic contaminants in the tested sediments. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:377–386. © 2011 SETAC
The role of the characteristics of humic substances in binding with benzo[h]quinoline
Authors: Hsieh Ping-Chieh , Brimblecombe Peter , Lee Chon-Lin , Hsu Shih-Han
Published: November 2011

The binding constants (KDOC) of the mixture of benzo[h]quinoline and its protonated analog, benzo[h]quinolinium, to four types of humic substances obtained from the International Humic Substances Society were determined by the fluorescence quenching method. A simple mixing model was used to eliminate the fluorescent interference from the minor analog in the solution and to deduce Kmix, which represents the overall binding as the sum of that for the individual analogs. The characteristics of humic substances, especially their hydrophobicity and aromaticity, established by principal component analysis of structural and elemental compositions, were the main determinants of the binding affinity with both benzo[h]quinoline and benzo[h]quinolinium (KBQ and ) across a range of pH values. The strongest overall affinity of benzo[h]quinoline for humic substances is observed near pH 4 and with more hydrophobic humic substances, which suggests possible choices in attempts at remediation of benzo[h]quinoline containing particles with humic substances. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:246–252. © 2011 SETAC
Cellular and molecular effects of resveratrol in health and disease
Authors: Yu Wei , Fu Yu‐Cai , Wang Wei
Published: November 2011

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol abundantly found in grape skins and red wine, possesses diverse biochemical and physiological actions, including anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidation, anti‐proliferation and promotion of differentiation, and chemopreventive effects. Recently, it is attracting increased attention due to its health benefits, especially in common age‐related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and neurological conditions. In this review, we discuss the latest cellular and molecular findings that account for the beneficial actions of resveratrol. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 752–759, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphology of the european sea bass (dicentrarchus labrax) tongue
Authors: Abbate Francesco , Guerrera Maria Cristina , Montalbano Giuseppe , De Carlos Felix , Suárez Alberto Álvarez , Ciriaco Emilia , Germanà Antonino
Published: November 2011

The European sea bass, a member of the Moronidae family, is a food fish, considered one of the first models for the intensive breeding in salt water. It has nowadays an important and increasing presence in the international fishing markets. Sea basses are carnivorous, feeding on little fishes and invertebrates. Considering the important role of the tongue during the intraoral transport and the swallowing of food, scarce data are present in literature about its morphology. The aim of this study was to analyze the morphology of the tongue by means of scanning electron and light microscopy. Adult sea basses were obtained from the aquarium of the Sicilian Center of Experimental Ichthyiopathology of the University of Messina. The fishes were anaesthetized with MS 222 and the heads were then quickly removed and processed for the paraffin embedding and SEM processing. Three different tongue regions could be distinguished: an apex, a body, and a root. Scanning electron and light microscopy showed the presence of numerous canine‐like teeth, surrounded by taste buds and numerous fungiform and conical papillae. The teeth were curved and their tips were posteriorly oriented. The results confirm, in teleosts too, the fundamental role of the tongue in the mechanics of food ingestion. Moreover, the presence of taste buds demonstrates the interaction of food processing and taste. These data could be a potential source to identify new and better methods of nutrition in the breeding of this fish. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overexpression of survivin is correlated with increased invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Chu Xiao‐Yuan , Chen Long‐Bang , Wang Jing‐Hua , Su Quan‐Sheng , Yang Ji‐Rong , Lin Yong , Xue Li‐Jun , Liu Xiao‐Bei , Mo Xiao‐Bei
Published: November 2011

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of survivin expression with metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

RT‐PCR and Western blot assays were performed to detect survivin expression in CRC cells and normal intestinal epithelial cell. The expression of survivin gene was also detected in 15 CRC tissues, surrounding and adjacent colon tissues. Moreover, survivin expression in 48 CRC tissues with or without lymph node metastasis was analyzed. Multivariate analysis for lymph node metastasis was performed using logistic regression model. RNA interference was used to inhibit survivin expression in CRC cells and analyze its effect on invasion and metastasis of CRC cells.

Results

The expression levels of survivin mRNA and protein were higher in CRC cells than in normal intestinal epithelial cell line. The average levels of survivin mRNA and protein were higher in CRC tissues than surrounding or adjacent colon tissues (P < 0.05). High survivin expression was an independent factor for predicting lymph node metastasis of CRC (P = 0.043). RNAi‐mediated survivin knockdown could significantly inhibit in vitro invasion and in vivo metastasis of CRC cells, which might be inactivation of matrix metalloproteinases.

Conclusion

Targeting survivin will be a potential strategy to suppress metastasis of CRC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:520–528. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Searching for the main anti‐bacterial components in artificial Calculus bovis using UPLC and microcalorimetry coupled with multi‐linear regression analysis
Authors: Zang Qing‐Ce , Wang Jia‐Bo , Kong Wei‐Jun , Jin Cheng , Ma Zhi‐Jie , Chen Jing , Gong Qian‐Feng , Xiao Xiao‐He
Published: November 2011

The fingerprints of artificial Calculus bovis extracts from different solvents were established by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and the anti‐bacterial activities of artificial C. bovis extracts on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) growth were studied by microcalorimetry. The UPLC fingerprints were evaluated using hierarchical clustering analysis. Some quantitative parameters obtained from the thermogenic curves of S. aureus growth affected by artificial C. bovis extracts were analyzed using principal component analysis. The spectrum–effect relationships between UPLC fingerprints and anti‐bacterial activities were investigated using multi‐linear regression analysis. The results showed that peak 1 (taurocholate sodium), peak 3 (unknown compound), peak 4 (cholic acid), and peak 6 (chenodeoxycholic acid) are more significant than the other peaks with the standard parameter estimate 0.453, −0.166, 0.749, 0.025, respectively. So, compounds cholic acid, taurocholate sodium, and chenodeoxycholic acid might be the major anti‐bacterial components in artificial C. bovis. Altogether, this work provides a general model of the combination of UPLC chromatography and anti‐bacterial effect to study the spectrum–effect relationships of artificial C. bovis extracts, which can be used to discover the main anti‐bacterial components in artificial C. bovis or other Chinese herbal medicines with anti‐bacterial effects.
Petrous apex cholesterol granulomas: Endonasal versus infracochlear approach
Authors: Scopel Tiago Fernando , Fernandez‐Miranda Juan C. , Pinheiro‐Neto Carlos D. , Peris‐Celda Maria , Paluzzi Alessandro , Gardner Paul A. , Hirsch Barry E. , Snyderman Carl H.
Published: November 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the surgical anatomy of two different routes to access and drain petrous apex (PA) cholesterol granulomas: the expanded endonasal approach (EEA) and the transcanal infracochlear approach (TICA).

Study Design:

Anatomic and radiologic study.

Methods:

The EEA and TICA to the PA were performed in 11 anatomic specimens with the assistance of imaging guidance. The PA was categorized into three zones: superior PA, anterior‐inferior PA, and posterior‐inferior PA. The maximum drainage window achieved by each approach was calculated using the imaging studies of each anatomic specimen.

Results:

The EEA was able to reach superior PA and anterior‐inferior PA in all specimens and posterior‐inferior PA in 90%. The TICA did not provide access to superior PA in any case. The TICA was suitable to reach anterior‐inferior PA in 80% of specimens and posterior‐inferior PA in 60%. Based on the radiologic study, the EEA provided a drainage window three times larger than the TICA.

Conclusions:

The transnasal approach provides reliable access to the PA when combined with internal carotid artery exposure and allows for large drainage window. The transcanal approach is less versatile and more limited than the transnasal approach but provides access to the most posterior and inferior portion of the PA without Eustachian tube transection. Here we propose a new surgical classification that may help to decide the most suitable approach to the PA according to the location and extension of the lesion. Laryngoscope, 2012
Tracheotomy‐related catastrophic events: Results of a national survey
Authors: Das Preety , Zhu Hannah , Shah Rahul K. , Roberson David W. , Berry Jay , Skinner Margaret L.
Published: November 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To gather qualitative and semiquantitative information about catastrophic complications during and following tracheotomy.

Study Design:

National survey distributed to American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery members via the Academy weekly email newsletter during April and May 2011.

Methods:

A total of 478 respondents provided estimates of the number of four specific tracheotomy‐related complications (innominate artery fistula, esophageal fistula, acute tracheotomy occlusion, and obstructing granuloma), all catastrophic events, and events resulting in death or permanent disability encountered during their careers. There were 253 respondents who provided 405 free‐text descriptions of specific events.

Results:

The respondents experienced approximately one catastrophic event every 10 years and one event resulting in death or permanent disability every 20 years. More than 90% occurred more than 1 week after surgery. Categories of physicians who experienced more events per year included academic physicians and laryngologists. Pediatric otolaryngologists had twice as many innominate artery fistulas per year of practice as others. Qualitative (free‐text) descriptions of the most serious events demonstrated that more of these events involved loss of airway and volume bleeds, usually from innominate or carotid artery erosion. Many of the events due to airway loss involved potentially correctable deficits in family education, nursing care, home care, and other structural factors.

Conclusions:

Even when we allow for selection bias, these data suggest that a substantial number of tracheotomy complications leading to death or permanent disability occur at a national level. The vast majority of events occur more than 1 week after the procedure. Many of the described events were caused by factors that should be amenable to prospective system improvement strategies. Laryngoscope, 122:30–37, 2012
Effects of camptothecin and hydroxycamptothecin on insect cell lines Sf21 and IOZCAS‐Spex‐II
Authors: Zhang Lan , Zhang Yanning , He Weizhi , Ma Dejun , Jiang Hongyun
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: In recent years, concerns over the potential impact of synthetic pesticides on the environment have made the discovery and development of environmentally friendly pesticides a more pressing issue. Camptothecin (CPT) and its derivatives have attracted much attention owing to their unique mechanisms of action against insects. In this paper, two insect cell lines, Sf21 and IOZCAS‐Spex‐II, were used to conduct a preliminary investigation of the potential of CPT and hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) as inducers of apoptosis in insect cell lines, and to illustrate the mechanism of action of CPT on insects at the cellular level.

RESULTS: The results showed that both CPT and HCPT demonstrate potent cytotoxic effects to the tested insect cell lines in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. The DNA fragmentation, activation of caspases and cytochrome c release were observed in both IOZCAS‐Spex‐II and Sf21 treated with CPT and HCPT. There is no significant difference in cytotoxicity and caspase‐3 activation (P < 0.05, except when treated for 2 h) between CPT and HCPT, although the caspase‐3 activation was slightly stronger when treated with HCPT in both Sf21 and IOZCAS‐Spex‐II.

CONCLUSION: The results confirm the existence of the mitochondrial‐dependent pathway of apoptosis induced by CPT and HCPT in Sf21 and IOZCAS‐Spex‐II cell lines. Further investigations are required to reveal the mitochondrial mechanisms and regulation of caspase activation during apoptosis. These studies will provide basic knowledge needed to understand the mechanisms of action of CPT and to develop CPT and its derivatives as insecticides. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
“It should at least seem scientific!” Textual features of “scientificness” and their impact on lay assessments of online information
Authors: Thomm Eva , Bromme Rainer
Published: November 2011

The Internet is a convenient source of information about science‐based topics (e.g., health matters). Whereas experts are familiar with the conventions of “true” scientific discourse and the assessment of scientific information, laypeople may have great difficulty choosing among, evaluating, and deciding on the vast amount of information available online on the basis of their fragmentary understanding of science. The evaluation of science‐based text information may require an (at least rudimentary) understanding of the norms of scientific discourse. Two studies investigated whether laypeople have an adequate grasp of what makes a text scientific and whether their perceptions of text “scientificness” contribute to their evaluation of the credibility of online text information. Furthermore, we investigated whether laypeople distinguish between their own judgments of science‐based information and those they expect experts to make, indicating a divergence between their understanding of “official science” and their personal beliefs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 96:187–211, 2012