bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with survival of neonatal foals with bacteremia and racing performance of surviving Thoroughbreds: 423 cases (1982–2007)
Authors: Sanchez L. Chris , Giguère Steeve , Lester Guy D.
Published: November 2008

Objective—To identify factors associated with short-term survival in bacteremic neonatal foals, evaluate the racing performance of Thoroughbred survivors, and evaluate changes in causative organisms and their antimicrobial susceptibility.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—423 bacteremic foals.

Procedures—Medical records of foals that were hospitalized in 1982 through 2007 were reviewed, and those with bacteremia were included in the study. Data retrieved included signalment, physical examination and clinicopathologic findings at admission, localized infections, concurrent illnesses, duration of hospitalization, and outcome (survival to discharge from the hospital vs nonsurvival). The number, identity, and antimicrobial susceptibility of organisms isolated from blood samples were also obtained. Racing records for surviving Thoroughbred foals and maternal siblings were examined.

Results—Of 423 bacteremic foals, 254 survived. Odds of survival were negatively associated with age at admission, septic arthritis, band neutrophil count, and serum creatinine concentration and positively associated with year of admission, diarrhea, rectal temperature, neutrophil count, and arterial blood pH. Overall, microbial culture of blood samples yielded 554 isolates; Escherichia coli was consistently isolated most frequently. Percentage of isolates susceptible to enrofloxacin, but no other antimicrobial, decreased over time. Surviving Thoroughbred foals did not differ from siblings with regard to percentage of starters, percentage of winners, or number of starts; however, surviving foals had significantly fewer wins and total earnings.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—During the study period, microbial resistance to antimicrobials commonly used to treat bacteremic foals did not develop. Surviving bacteremic Thoroughbred foals were as likely to start races as their siblings but earned less money.
Associations of sex, breed, and age with cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy in horses: 811 cases (1974–2007)
Authors: Levine Jonathan M. , Ngheim Peter P. , Levine Gwendolyn J. , Cohen Noah D.
Published: November 2008

Objective—To determine sex, breed, and age distributions in a population of horses with cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM), compared with contemporaneous control horses.

Design—Retrospective case-control study.

Animals—811 horses with CVCM and 805 control horses.

Procedures—The Veterinary Medical Database was searched to identify horses with CVCM and contemporaneous control horses registered between July 1974 and August 2007. Admission date, admitting institution, sex, breed, age at the time of registration in the database, weight, and discharge status (alive, died, or euthanized) were recorded for each case and control horse.

Results—On the basis of results of multivariable logistic regression analysis, geldings and sexually intact males had a significantly higher likelihood of having CVCM than females (odds ratio [OR], 2.0 [95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 2.6]; and OR, 2.4 [95% confidence interval, 1.8 to 3.2], respectively). Thoroughbreds, Tennessee Walking Horses, and Warm-bloods were overrepresented in the CVCM group, compared with Quarter Horses. Horses that ranged from < 6 months to < 7 years of age had significantly higher odds of having CVCM, compared with horses ≥ 10 years of age.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Sex, breed, and age predilections were detected in horses with CVCM. Improved understanding of these factors will aid clinical recognition of the disease in groups that may have a high prevalence of CVCM or were previously not recognized to be commonly affected. The results may also stimulate future investigations to further delineate etiopathogenesis, such as breed-related genetic causality.
Comparison of the histological methods in the diagnostic of deer cysticercosis
Authors: Goldová M. , Tóth Š. , Letková V. , Mojžišová J. , Kožarová I. , Pomfy M.
Published: November 2008

Histochemical methods for the detection and diagnosis of the developmental stages of the canine tapeworm, from the genus Taenia found in the heart and lungs of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) hunted in Eastern Slovakia, is presented here. Detailed morphology of cysticerci (Cysticercus spp.), based on microscopic and histochemical analysis is described. For confirmation and demonstration of PAS-positive substances in the body of parasitic tissue (tegument and mesenchyme) the McManus — PAS method was used. The histochemical method according to Van Kossa was very effective for confirmation of calcareous corpuscles, which are one of the most important histological markers of cestode tissues (larva or adult).
Difference posets as commutative directoids with sectional antitone involutions
Authors: Chajda Ivan
Published: November 2008

It is shown that every difference poset can be converted into a total algebra in a manner similar to that which is used for difference lattices. As a tool applied here we have commutative directoids and posets with sectional antitone involutions.
Random fixed points of asymptotically nonexpansive random operators on unbounded domains
Authors: Beg Ismat , Abbas Mujahid
Published: November 2008

The aim of this paper is to prove some random fixed point theorems for asymptotically nonexpansive random operator defined on an unbounded closed and starshaped subset of a Banach space.
Topological properties of the multifunction space L(X) of cusco maps
Authors: Holá Ľ. , Jain Tanvi , McCoy R.
Published: November 2008

A set-valued mapping F from a topological space X to a topological space Y is called a cusco map if F is upper semicontinuous and F(x) is a nonempty, compact and connected subset of Y for each x ∈ X. We denote by L(X), the space of all subsets F of X × ℝ such that F is the graph of a cusco map from the space X to the real line ℝ. In this paper, we study topological properties of L(X) endowed with the Vietoris topology.
Highlights from the 1st Firmenich Innovation Through Synthesis (FITS) Symposium, Geneva, Switzerland, 26–27th June 2008
Authors: Robvieux Fabrice
Published: November 2008

This conference report highlights the different lectures that took place for Geneva for the first organic synthesis symposium organized by Firmenich.
Prevention, identification, and treatment of perioperative spinal cord injury
Authors: Ahn Henry , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: November 2008

Object

In this report, the authors suggest evidence-based approaches to minimize the chance of perioperative spinal cord injury (POSCI) and optimize outcome in the event of a POSCI.

Methods

A systematic review of the basic science and clinical literature is presented.

Results

Authors of clinical studies have assessed intraoperative monitoring to minimize the chance of POSCI. Furthermore, preoperative factors and intraoperative issues that place patients at increased risk of POSCI have been identified, including developmental stenosis, ankylosing spondylitis, preexisting myelopathy, and severe deformity with spinal cord compromise. However, no studies have assessed methods to optimize outcomes specifically after POSCIs. There are a number of studies focussed on the pathophysiology of SCI and the minimization of secondary damage. These basic science and clinical studies are reviewed, and treatment options outlined in this article.

Conclusions

There are a number of treatment options, including maintenance of mean arterial blood pressure > 80 mm Hg, starting methylprednisolone treatment preoperatively, and multimodality monitoring to help prevent POSCI occurrence, minimize secondary damage, and potentially improve the clinical outcome of after a POSCI. Further prospective cohort studies are needed to delineate incidence rate, current practice patterns for preventing injury and minimizing the clinical consequences of POSCI, factors that may increase the risk of POSCI, and determinants of clinical outcome in the event of a POSCI.
Activated autologous macrophage implantation in a large-animal model of spinal cord injury
Authors: Assina Rachid , Sankar Tejas , Theodore Nicholas , Javedan Sam P. , Gibson Alan R. , Horn Kris M. , Berens Michael , Sonntag Volker K. H. , Preul Mark C.
Published: November 2008

Object

Axonal regeneration may be hindered following spinal cord injury (SCI) by a limited immune response and insufficient macrophage recruitment. This limitation has been partially surmounted in small-mammal models of SCI by implanting activated autologous macrophages (AAMs). The authors sought to replicate these results in a canine model of partial SCI.

Methods

Six dogs underwent left T-13 spinal cord hemisection. The AAMs were implanted at both ends of the lesion in 4 dogs, and 2 other dogs received sham implantations of cell media. Cortical motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were used to assess electrophysiological recovery. Functional motor recovery was assessed with a modified Tarlov Scale. After 9 months, animals were injected with wheat germ agglutinin–horseradish peroxidase at L-2 and killed for histological assessment.

Results

Three of the 4 dogs that received AAM implants and 1 of the 2 negative control dogs showed clear recovery of MEP response. Behavioral assessment showed no difference in motor function between the AAM-treated and control groups. Histological investigation with an axonal retrograde tracer showed neither local fiber crossing nor significant uptake in the contralateral red nucleus in both implanted and negative control groups.

Conclusions

In a large-animal model of partial SCI treated with implanted AAMs, the authors saw no morphological or histological evidence of axonal regeneration. Although they observed partial electrophysiological and functional motor recovery in all dogs, this recovery was not enhanced in animals treated with implanted AAMs. Furthermore, there was no morphological or histological evidence of axonal regeneration in animals with implants that accounted for the observed recovery. The explanation for this finding is probably multifactorial, but the authors believe that the AAM implantation does not produce axonal regeneration, and therefore is a technology that requires further investigation before it can be clinically relied on to ameliorate SCI.
The role of heat shock proteins in spinal cord injury
Authors: Reddy Sangala Jaypal , La Marca Frank , Park Paul
Published: November 2008

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are normal intracellular proteins that are produced in greater amounts when cells are subjected to stress or injury. These proteins have been shown to play a key role in the modulation of the secondary injury that occurs after the initial spinal cord injury (SCI). Heat shock proteins normally act as molecular chaperones and are called protein guardians because they act to repair partially damaged proteins. Normally intracellular, HSPs can also be liberated into the systemic circulation to act as important inflammatory mediators. In the setting of SCI, HSP induction has been shown to be beneficial. These proteins are liberated primarily by acutely stressed microglial, endothelial, and ependymal cells. Heat shock proteins have also been shown to assist in the protection of motor neurons and to prevent chronic inflammation after SCI. In animal models, several experimental drugs have shown neuroprotective effects in the spinal cord and appear to function by modulating HSPs.
Ultrastructure protection and attenuation of lipid peroxidation after blockade of presynaptic release of glutamate by lamotrigine in experimental spinal cord injury
Authors: Tufan Kadir , Oztanir Namik , Ofluoglu Ebru , Ozogul Candan , Uzum Nuket , Dursun Ayse , Pasaoglu Hatice , Pasaoglu Aydin
Published: November 2008

Object

Lamotrigine is an antiepileptic drug that inhibits presynaptic voltage-gated sodium channels and reduces the presynaptic release of glutamate in pathological states. Neuroprotective effects of this drug have already been demonstrated in cerebral ischemia models. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of presynaptic glutamate release inhibition on experimental spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

A total of 66 adult Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 6 groups. Group I was the control group used to obtain normal blood samples and spinal cord specimens. Spinal cord injury was introduced by using the extradural clip compression technique, but no medication was given to Group II (trauma group) rats. Group III was treated with vehicle, and the same amount of dimethyl sulfoxide used in treatment groups was administered to these rats. A dose of 50 mg/kg lamotrigine was administered intraperitoneally to Group IV (pretreatment), Group V (peritreatment), and Group VI (posttreatment) rats 30 minutes before, during, and 30 minutes after SCI, respectively. Oxidative stress parameters and transmission electron microscopic findings were examined.

Results

Blockade of presynaptic release of glutamate by lamotrigine treatment yielded protective effects on the spinal cord ultrastructure even when administered after the SCI, but it prevented oxidative stress only when it was administered before or during the SCI.

Conclusions

Currently, no available agent has been identified, that can block all the glutamate receptors at the same time. To prevent excitotoxicity in SCI, inhibiting glutamate release from the presynaptic buttons instead of blocking the postsynaptic glutamate receptors seems to be a more rational approach. Further research, such as neurobehavioral assessment, is warranted to demonstrate the probable neuroprotective effects of presynaptic glutamate release inhibition in SCI.
Perioperative complications of primary posterior lumbar interbody fusion for nonisthmic spondylolisthesis: analysis of risk factors
Authors: Hosono Noboru , Namekata Masato , Makino Takahiro , Miwa Toshitada , Kaito Takashi , Kaneko Noriyoshi , Fuji Takeshi
Published: November 2008

Object

Although posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is an excellent procedure to attain circumferential decompression, it is technically demanding and can lead to various surgical complications. The authors retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with nonisthmic spondylolisthesis who underwent PLIF to reveal the incidence and risk factors for perioperative complications of PLIF.

Methods

A total of 240 patients underwent PLIF. The fusion level was at L4–5 in 220, L3–4 in 18, and L5–S1 in 2. The medial walls of the fusion segment's facet joints were resected, and the VSP Spine System was used for the pedicle screw instrumentation. The operations were performed by 7 surgeons, who were divided into 4 groups according to their level of experience with spinal surgery.

Results

The average operation time was 175 ± 49 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 746 ± 489 ml. A total of 90 patients (37.5%) experienced complications; 41 (17%) experienced transient neurological complications, and 18 (7.5%) experienced permanent neurological complications. The mean neurological score according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association improved from 14.3 ± 3.8 to 24.7 ± 4.0 in the patients without complications and from 14.8 ± 3.6 to 24.0 ± 3.9 in the patients with complications. Multivariate analysis concerning the relationship between complications and risk factors (operation time, estimated intraoperative blood loss, and surgeon experience) revealed that operation time was the only significant risk factor for complications.

Conclusions

Perioperative complications of PLIF were more frequent in this homogeneous study group than in other studies of various implants. Total excision of the facet joints might preclude neurological complications.
Lumbar nerve root compression due to extradural, intraforaminal lipoma. An underdiagnosed entity?
Authors: Zevgaridis Dimitris , Nanassis Kimon , Zaramboukas Thomas
Published: November 2008

Intraspinal extradural lipomas, not associated with spinal dysraphism, are rare lesions. True adult lipomas have to be distinguished from angiolipomas and from epidural lipomatosis. The authors report a unique case of a patient with unilateral lumbar nerve root compression caused by extradural, intraforaminal, true adult lipoma. A 62-year-old woman suffered severe left L-5 radiculopathy that progressively worsened during the 12 months prior to presentation. She did not experience improvement with conservative therapy. An MR imaging study of the lumbar spine revealed shifting of the left L-5 nerve root caused by a small extradural intrarecessal (that is, the beginning of the intravertebral foramen)/intraforaminal mass with MR imaging characteristics of fatty tissue. No other relevant intraspinal pathology could be identified. A left L4–5 fenestration was carried out. A small fatty intrarecessal/intraforaminal mass compressing severely the left L-5 root was identified and completely resected. The histological examination revealed a lipoma. The patient recovered completely and is fully mobile and symptom free 1 year after the operation. Intraspinal lipomas should be considered in cases of radiculopathy, especially in the absence of relevant degenerative or tumorous pathology and in the presence of nerve root shifting caused by fatty tissue.
Charcot spinal disease after spinal cord injury
Authors: Morita Masahiro , Miyauchi Akira , Okuda Shinya , Oda Takenori , Yamamoto Tomio , Iwasaki Motoki
Published: November 2008

Object

The authors investigated the background, risk factors, and treatment strategies for Charcot spinal disease (CSD) after spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

The authors retrospectively examined the clinical and radiological findings in 9 patients with a total of 10 Charcot spine lesions that occurred after SCI. The mean age of the 9 patients was 54 years, and all patients presented with complete SCIs. In all but 1 patient, symptoms did not develop until 10 years postinjury. All 10 Charcot spine lesions were located below the thoracolumbar junction. Surgical treatment was performed in 7 patients (7 lesions), and the mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 84 months.

Results

All patients reported audible noises when changing posture, 5 of 9 patients reported low-back pain, and 7 patients displayed increasing instability while sitting. In 8 patients, spasticity disappeared and limbs became flaccid several years after SCI. Two patients had associated bacterial infections in the Charcot spine lesions, and 1 patient complained of autonomic dysreflexic symptoms associated with trunk movements. Although postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients, all patients who underwent surgical treatment made a good recovery and were able to return to daily life in a wheelchair. On lateral radiography, the mean range of motion at the lesion site was 43°, and fluid collections between the involved vertebrae were observed in 8 patients on MR images; ankylosing spinal hyperostosis was observed in 7 patients. Charcot spine lesions tended to occur at the junction between or at the end of an ankylosing spinal hyperostotic lesion. Postoperatively, solid arthrodesis was obtained within 6 months in all surgically treated lesions.

Conclusions

Disappearance of spasticity in the lower extremities is thought to be an important physical sign suggestive of CSD after SCI. Sitting imbalance and the fluid volume of the Charcot spinal lesions are related to range of motion at the lesion site. In addition to a combined approach, a single posterior approach with acquisition of anterior support is an option for surgical treatment even in cases of infected CSD.
Spontaneous herniation of the spinal cord: operative technique and follow-up in 10 cases
Authors: Hassler Werner , Al-Kahlout Eyad , Schick Uta
Published: November 2008

Object

The authors report on a series of 10 patients with spontaneous thoracic cord herniation, provide the longterm follow-up, and propose a surgical strategy.

Methods

All 10 patients had a defect in the ventral dura mater. They were all treated surgically with wide excision of the dura around the defect, repositioning of the cord, and reconstruction with a ventral patch. Five patients were followed up for > 4 years.

Results

Surgery improved motor power in 4 patients and pain in 2 patients, although sensory disturbances remained unchanged in all but 1 patient. One patient's condition deteriorated secondarily due to edema and syringomyelia.

Conclusions

Microsurgical treatment may halt the exacerbation of neurological symptoms and should be performed with progressive deficits. Long-term results are good regarding the motor function.
Cosmetic and functional outcomes following paramedian and anterolateral retroperitoneal access in anterior lumbar spine surgery
Authors: Jagannathan Jay , Chankaew Ekawut , Urban Peter , Dumont Aaron S. , Sansur Charles A. , Kern John , Peeler Benjamin , Elias W. Jeffrey , Shen Francis , Shaffrey Mark E. , Whitehill Richard , Arlet Vincent , Shaffrey Christopher I.
Published: November 2008

Object

In this paper, the authors review the functional and cosmetic outcomes and complications in 300 patients who underwent treatment for lumbar spine disease via either an anterior paramedian or conventional anterolateral retroperitoneal approach.

Methods

Seven surgeons performed anterior lumbar surgeries in 300 patients between August 2004 and December 2006. One hundred and eighty patients were treated with an anterior paramedian approach, and 120 patients with an anterolateral retroperitoneal approach. An access surgeon was used in 220 cases (74%). Postoperative evaluation in all patients consisted of clinic visits, assessment with the modified Scoliosis Research Society–30 instrument, as well as a specific questionnaire relating to wound appearance and patient satisfaction with the wound.

Results

At a mean follow-up of 31 months (range 12–47 months), the mean Scoliosis Research Society–30 score (out of 25) was 21.2 in the patients who had undergone the anterior paramedian approach and 19.4 in those who had undergone the anterolateral retroperitoneal approach (p = 0.005). The largest differences in quality of life measures were observed in the areas of pain control (p = 0.001), self-image (p = 0.004), and functional activity (p = 0.003), with the anterior paramedian group having higher scores in all 3 categories. Abdominal bulging in the vicinity of the surgical site was the most common wound complication observed and was reported by 22 patients in the anterolateral retroperitoneal group (18%), and 2 patients (1.1%) in the anterior paramedian group. Exposures of ≥ 3 levels with the anterolateral approach were associated with abdominal bulging (p = 0.04), while 1- or 2-level exposures were not (p > 0.05). Overall satisfaction with incisional appearance was higher in patients with an anterior paramedian incision (p = 0.001) and with approaches performed by an access surgeon (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Patients who undergo an anterior paramedian approach to the lumbar spine have a higher quality of life and better cosmetic outcomes than patients undergoing an anterolateral retroperitoneal approach.
Anterior approach to thoracic and lumbar spine lesions: results in 145 consecutive cases
Authors: D'Aliberti Giuseppe , Talamonti Giuseppe , Villa Fabio , Debernardi Alberto , Sansalone Cosimo Vincenzo , LaMaida Andrea , Torre Massimo , Collice Massimo
Published: November 2008

Object

The authors report on a series of 145 consecutive patients with different types of spine lesions surgically treated via an anterior approach (AA) at the thoracic and lumbar levels during the past 10 years. Indications, techniques, and surgical results are described.

Methods

This series included 92 patients with fractures, 30 with neoplasms, 13 with thoracic disc hernias, and 10 with spinal infections. Based on the lesion to be addressed, the AA was used for lesion excision, corpectomy, vertebral body reconstruction with cages, realignment, and/or plating or screwing. The approach was extracavitary in 55 patients and intracavitary in 90. In 126 patients (86.8%), neural decompression and spine stabilization were achieved via a stand-alone AA (SA-AA), whereas 19 patients (13.1%) were treated using a 2-stage anteroposterior approach. This circumferential approach was reserved for select cases of severe traumatic dislocation, particular types of tumors, or specific anatomical locations. The authors developed a simple neuronavigation-based method of identifying the severely injured patients who were eligible for the SA-AA by evaluating the angle of lateral dislocation.

Results

There were no deaths and no instances of major surgery-related morbidity. Minor morbidity was almost always transitory and was reported in 13 patients (8.9%). Neurological improvement was reported in 20% of injured patients with a preoperative incomplete lesion. Postoperatively, all patients were able to stand or at least sit without load pain. During the follow-up (mean ± standard deviation 3.8 ± 2.4 years), there were no cases of failure, fracture, dislocation, or bending of the anterior instrumentation, and the rate of pseudarthrosis was 0%.

Conclusion

The anterior route provides direct access to most spine diseases and allows optimal neural decompression and the possibility of adequate realignment and strong reconstruction/fixation. Stability of the vertebral column is achieved, resolution of clinical pain is rapid and almost complete, and the rate of surgical complications is very low. The authors assert that the SA-AA offers so many advantages and has such good results that the 2-stage anteroposterior approach can be reserved for a minority of select cases and that the time for using the posterior approach alone is over.
The biomechanics of vertebroplasty in multiple myeloma and metastatic bladder cancer: a preliminary cadaveric investigation
Authors: Oakland Robert J. , Furtado Navin R. , Timothy Jake , Hall Richard M.
Published: November 2008

Object

The vertebral column is the most common site for secondary bone metastases and lesions arising from hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma (MM). These infiltrations can be lytic in nature and cause severe weakening of the vertebral body, an increased risk of fracture, and spinal cord compression leading to neurological deficit. Qualitatively it is apparent that increasing infiltration of these lytic lesions will have a deleterious effect on the mechanical behavior of the vertebrae. However, there is little quantitative information about the relationship between tumor deposits and the impact on the mechanical behavior of the vertebrae. In addition, there have been limited biomechanical assessments of the use of vertebroplasty in the management of these malignancies. The purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the mechanical behavior of lesion-infiltrated vertebrae from 2 malignant cancers and to investigate the effectiveness of vertebroplasty with and without tumor debulking.

Methods

Individual vertebrae from 2 donor spines—one with MM and another with bone metastases secondary to bladder cancer—were fractured under an eccentric flexion load, from which failure strength and stiffness were derived. Alternate vertebrae defined by spinal level were assigned to 2 groups: Group 1 involved removal of lesion material with Coblation (ArthroCare Corp.) preceding vertebroplasty; Group 2 received no Coblation prior to augmentation. All vertebrae were fractured postaugmentation under the same loading protocol. Micro-CT assessments were undertaken to investigate vertebral morphology, fracture patterns, and cement distribution.

Results

Multiple myeloma involvement was characterized by several small lesions, severe bone degradation, and multiple areas of vertebral shell compromise. In contrast, large focal lesions were present in the vertebrae with metastatic bladder cancer, and the shell generally remained intact. The mean initial failure strength of the vertebrae with metastases secondary to MM was significantly lower than in vertebrae with bone metastases secondary to bladder cancer (Load = 950 ± 300 N vs 2200 ± 750 N, p < 0.0001). A significant improvement in relative fracture strength was found postaugmentation for both lesion types (1.4 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). Coblation provided a marginally significant increase in the same parameter postaugmentation (p = 0.08) and qualitatively improved the ease of injection and guidance of cement.

Conclusions

In the vertebral column, metastatic lesions secondary to bladder cancer and MM showed variations in the pattern of infiltration, both of which led to significant reductions in fracture strength. Account should be taken of these differences to optimize the vertebroplasty intervention in terms of the cement formulation, delivery, and any additional surgical procedure.
Distribution of blue-green algae in soils of Chittagong University campus and their nitrogen fixing capacity
Authors: Gafur MA , Parvin Soltana
Published: November 2008

Occurrence of blue-green algae in plain land, pond side, hilly area and dry rice field soils of Chittagong University Campus and N2 fixation of some of them have been studied. Twenty four species under 20 genera were identified and their number varied from 0.11Ã104/g to 2.8Ã104/g soil. Anabaena oryzae, Calothrix sp., Cylindrospermum majus and Hapalosiphon hibernicus and Nostoc spongiaeforme were selected for their nitrogen fixing potential. Maximum amount of total nitrogen was recorded in Nostoc spongiaeforme followed by Hapalosiphon hibernicus, Cylindrospermum majus, Anabaena oryzae and Calothrix sp. after 30 days growth in batch cultures. Â  Key words: BGA, Distribution, Nitrogen fixation doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i1.1563 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(1): 49-53, 2008 (June)
A Review of Virtual Sensing Algorithms for Active Noise Control
Authors: Moreau Danielle , Cazzolato Ben , Zander Anthony , Petersen Cornelis
Published: November 2008

Traditional local active noise control systems minimise the measured acoustic pressure to generate a zone of quiet at the physical error sensor location. The resulting zone of quiet is generally limited in size and this requires the physical error sensor be placed at the desired location of attenuation, which is often inconvenient. To overcome this, a number of virtual sensing algorithms have been developed for active noise control. Using the physical error signal, the control signal and knowledge of the system, these virtual sensing algorithms estimate the error signal at a location that is remote from the physical error sensor, referred to as the virtual location. Instead of minimising the physical error signal, the estimated error signal is minimised with the active noise control system to generate a zone of quiet at the virtual location. This paper will review a number of virtual sensing algorithms developed for active noise control. Additionally, the performance of these virtual sensing algorithms in numerical simulations and in experiments is discussed and compared.
Informational Entropy of B-ary Trees after a Vertex Cut
Authors: Jäntschi Lorentz , Bolboacă Sorana  D.
Published: November 2008

Together with stars and paths, b-ary trees are one of the most studied acyclic graph structures. As any other structure, a b-ary tree can be seen as containing information. The aim of the present research was to assess through informational entropy the structural information changes in b-ary trees after removal of an arbitrary vertex.
Extracts from Cladiella australis, Clavularia viridis and Klyxum simplex (Soft Corals) are Capable of Inhibiting the Growth of Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Liang Chia-Hua , Wang Guey-Horng , Liaw Chih-Chuang , Lee Mei-Feng , Wang Shih-Hao , Cheng Da-Long , Chou Tzung-Han
Published: November 2008

Many biomedical products have already been obtained from marine organisms. In order to search more therapeutic drugs against cancer, this study demonstrates the cytotoxicity effects of Cladiella australis, Clavularia viridis and Klyxum simplex extractson human oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC4, SCC9 and SCC25) cells using cell adhesion and cell viability assay. The morphological alterations in SCCs cells after treatment with three extracts, such as typical nuclear condensation, nuclear fragmentation and apoptotic bodies of cells were demonstrated by Hoechst stain. Flow cytometry indicated that three extracts sensitized SCC25 cells in the G0/G1 and S-G2/M phases with a concomitant significantly increased sub-G1 fraction, indicating cell death by apoptosis. This apoptosis process was accompanied by activation of caspase-3 expression after SCC25 cells were treated with three extracts. Thereby, it is possible that extracts of C. australis, C. viridis and K. simplex cause apoptosis of SCCs and warrant further research investigating the possible anti-oral cancer compounds in these soft corals.
A Solid Trap and Thermal Desorption System with Application to a Medical Electronic Nose
Authors: Xu Xuntao , Tian Fengchun , Yang Simon  X. , Li Qi , Yan Jia , Machacek Jianwei
Published: November 2008

In this paper, a solid trap/thermal desorption-based odorant gas condensation system has been designed and implemented for measuring low concentration odorant gas. The technique was successfully applied to a medical electronic nose system. The developed system consists of a flow control unit, a temperature control unit and a sorbent tube. The theoretical analysis and experimental results indicate that gas condensation, together with the medical electronic nose system can significantly reduce the detection limit of the nose system and increase the system’s ability to distinguish low concentration gas samples. In addition, the integrated system can remove the influence of background components and fluctuation of operational environment. Even with strong disturbances such as water vapour and ethanol gas, the developed system can classify the test samples accurately.
Bioavailability of Cd, Zn and Hg in Soil to Nine Recombinant Luminescent Metal Sensor Bacteria
Authors: Bondarenko Olesja , Rõlova Taisia , Kahru Anne , Ivask Angela
Published: November 2008

A set of nine recombinant heavy metal-specific luminescent bacterial sensors belonging to Gram-negative (Escherichia and Pseudomonas) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus and Bacillus) genera and containing various types of recombinant metalresponse genetic elements was characterized for heavy metal bioavailability studies. All nine strains were induced by Hg and Cd and five strains also by Zn. As a lowest limit, the sensors were detecting 0.03 μg·L-1 of Hg, 2 μg·L-1 of Cd and 400 μg·L-1 of Zn. Limit of determination of the sensors depended mostly on metal-response element, whereas the toxicity of those metals towards the sensor bacteria was mostly dependent on the type of the host bacterium, with Gram-positive strains being more sensitive than Gram-negative ones. The set of sensors was used to evaluate bioavailability of Hg, Cd and Zn in spiked soils. The bioavailable fraction of Cd and Zn in soil suspension assay (2.6 – 5.1% and 0.32 – 0.61%, of the total Cd and Zn, respectively) was almost comparable for all the sensors, whereas the bioavailability of Hg was about 10-fold higher for Gram-negative sensor cells (30.5% of total Hg), compared to Gram-positive ones (3.2% of the total Hg). For Zn, the bioavailable fraction in soil-water suspensions and respective extracts was comparable (0.37 versus 0.33% of the total Zn). However, in the case of Cd, for all the sensors used and for Hg concerning only Gram-negative sensor strains, the bioavailable fraction in soilwater suspensions exceeded the water-extracted fraction about 14-fold, indicating that upon direct contact, an additional fraction of Cd and Hg was mobilized by those sensor bacteria. Thus, for robust bioavailability studies of heavy metals in soils any type of genetic metal-response elements could be used for the construction of the sensor strains. However, Gram-positive and Gram-negative senor strains should be used in parallel as the bioavailability of heavy metals to those bacterial groups may be different.
Selective D3 Receptor Antagonist SB-277011-A Potentiates the Effect of Cocaine on Extracellular Dopamine in the Nucleus Accumbens: a Dual Core-Shell Voltammetry Study in Anesthetized Rats
Authors: Congestri Francesco , Formenti Francesca , Sonntag Viviana , Hdou Gael , Crespi Francesco
Published: November 2008

Dopamine (DA) D3 receptors have been associated with drug intake and abuse and selectively distribute in the brain circuits responding to drug administration. Here we examined the effects of an acute systemic administration of cocaine (15 mg/kg) alone or preceded by treatment with the selective D3 receptor antagonist SB-277011-A (10 mg/kg) on DA levels concurrently in the rat nucleus accumbens shell and core sub-regions (NAcshell and NAccore, respectively). It is shown that cocaine increases extracellular DA in both compartments and that blocking D3 receptors with SB-277011-A, although the latter is devoid of dopaminergic effects per se, potentiates these effects. No differences in the amplitude of the response were observed between NAcshell and NAccore compartments, though the dopaminergic response in the NAcshell was transient whereas that in the NAccore rose slowly to reach a plateau. These results demonstrate the feasibility to use multiprobe voltammetry to measure discrete monoaminergic responses in discrete areas of the brain and confirm the effect of D3 receptors antagonist at modifying the neurochemical effects of cocaine.
Tafonomía sobre asociaciones de vertebrados registradas en trampas fluviales de la Región Pampeana (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Authors: Pomi L. H. , Scanferla C. A.
Published: November 2008

Se da a conocer un nuevo modo tafonómico reconocido en un sistema fluvial ubicado en la Región Pampeana (provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina). Éste se encuentra asociado a cavidades verticales (marmitas) desarrolladas en terrazas del canal principal del río Quequén Grande. Se estudió una asociación de vertebrados actuales (en su mayoría de hábitos acuáticos) acumulados en estas cavidades, las cuales actuaron como trampas para los especímenes. El estudio de la muestra y observaciones realizadas in situ, sugieren que dicha trampa acumuló individuos completos (vivos o muertos) y especímenes aislados durante eventos de alto régimen hídrico (lluvias torrenciales). La representación de partes anatómicas indica una selección de elementos. Se comparó la supervivencia diferencial de cada elemento con diferentes variables (densidad ósea estructural, representación original en el esqueleto, tamaño, forma y volumen), concluyendo que la selección observada se produjo por la capacidad de flotación de los elementos ausentes (p. ej., vértebras).
[ARTÍCULO DESAUTORIZADO] Estudio bibliométrico de las publicaciones relacionadas con el péndulo entre los años 1629 y 1885
Authors: Moreno-Cabo Magdalena , Solaz-Portolés Joan Josep
Published: November 2008

[ARTÍCULO DESAUTORIZADO POR EL EDITOR]

La Revista Española de Documentación Científica, en aplicación de las directrices marcadas por los comités internacionales de ética editorial, y las normas de buenas prácticas en la publicación científica, sólo admite artículos originales e inéditos, es decir, no publicados previamente total o parcialmente en una o varias revistas, tanto en versión impresa como electrónica. Tampoco acepta los trabajos que se hayan enviado o estén en proceso de evaluación para su publicación en otra revista.

Por tanto, la dirección de la Revista Española de Documentación Científica ha decidido proceder a la desautorización formal del siguiente trabajo:

Moreno-Cabo, M. y Solás-Portolés, J.J. Estudio bibliométrico de las publicaciones relacionadas con el péndulo entre los años 1629 y 1885. Revista Española de Documentación Científica, 2008, vol. 31, n 4, p. 639-645. doi: 10.3989/redc.2008.4.647

Ya que se trata de una duplicación exacta (salvo tres párrafos de la introducción) de otro publicado previamente:

Solas-Portolés, J.J.; Moreno Cabo, M.; Sanjosé López, V. Aprendiendo cómo se construye la ciencia: el caso del péndulo. Latin American Journal of Physics Education, 2008, vol. 2, nº 1, p.47-50.

El trabajo se envió casi simultáneamente a ambas revistas. En la REDC se recibió en el 20 de noviembre de 2007, y se publicó en el último número del año 2008 (octubre-diciembre), y en LAJPE, se recibió el 12 de diciembre de 2007, y se publicó el 9 de enero de 2008.

En ninguno de los trabajos se hace referencia al otro, ni se indican las razones que estimaron los autores para enviar un duplicado a dos revistas diferentes. Además, el hecho de haber cambiado el título, el orden de los autores, y haber incluido un tercer autor en el primer trabajo que se publicó, no puede ocultar el contenido idéntico de ambos artículos.

Esta nota editorial se incorpora a la versión electrónica del artículo y se publicará en el próximo número impreso de la Revista Española de Documentación Científica, v. 34, nº 1, de 2011.

Madrid, 26 de enero de 2011.
La gestión de información en las sedes web de los ayuntamientos españoles
Authors: Chaín Navarro Celia , Muñoz Cañavate Antonio , Más Bleda Amalia
Published: November 2008

La Administración electrónica española ha experimentado un considerable avance desde la generalización de Internet, que ha facilitado que los procesos de comunicación de ciudadanos y empresas con las Administraciones Públicas hayan dado un considerable giro. El estudio realizado ha tenido como objetivo los webs de los ayuntamientos españoles de las ciudades capitales de provincia y de las dos ciudades autónomas (Ceuta y Melilla), y en concreto qué contenidos se ofrecen y quiénes se encargan de su creación, desarrollo, mantenimiento y actualización. Así, para el estudio sobre los contenidos y servicios que ofrecen los websites se elaboró un cuestionario aplicado mediante observación directa. Y para conocer quiénes se encargan de la gestión técnica del website y de la gestión de los contenidos se confeccionó un test que fue enviado por correo electrónico y fax a los responsables de estos nuevos servicios al ciudadano, y que respondieron 33 de los 52 ayuntamientos. Se concluye que a nivel municipal estamos todavía inmersos en la etapa de la oferta informativa aunque algunas administraciones locales avanzan más rápidamente que otras hacia la administración electrónica, y que aún estamos muy lejos del gobierno electrónico.
Nanoarchitecturing of Activated Carbon: Facile Strategy for Chemical Functionalization of the Surface of Activated Carbon
Authors: Xu Yi‐Jun , Weinberg Gisela , Liu Xi , Timpe Olaf , Schlögl Robert , Su Dang Sheng
Published: November 2008

Nanoarchitecturing of carbon nanospheres onto the surface of activated carbon (AC) gives birth to a new composite carbon material that features a hierarchical structure with macro‐ and nanometer dimensions of the respective carbon components and exhibits a remarkably enhanced adsorption capability for heavy‐metal ions (${\rm CrO}_4^{2 - }$ and Fe3+) from aqueous solution as compared to AC. Thus, we first propose that nanoarchitecturing of AC can be utilized not only as a flexible method for the synthesis of novel, hybrid, nanostructured composite carbon materials but also as a new and “green‐route” strategy for functionalization of the surface of AC in an effective manner. Hence, there is scope for a possible new concept in the functionalization of industrial AC for specific applications.
Free Energy Control of Charge Photogeneration in Polythiophene/Fullerene Solar Cells: The Influence of Thermal Annealing on P3HT/PCBM Blends
Authors: Clarke Tracey M. , Ballantyne Amy M. , Nelson Jenny , Bradley Donal D. C. , Durrant James R.
Published: November 2008

The function of organic solar cells is based upon charge photogeneration at donor/acceptor heterojunctions. In this paper, the origin of the improvement in short circuit current of poly(3‐hexylthiophene)/6,6‐phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT/PCBM) solar cells with thermal annealing is examined. Transient absorption spectroscopy is employed to demonstrate that thermal annealing results in an approximate two‐fold increase in the yield of dissociated charges. The enhanced charge generation is correlated with a decrease in P3HT's ionization potential upon thermal annealing. These observations are in excellent quantitative agreement with a model in which efficient dissociation of the bound radical pair into free charges is dependent upon the bound radical state being thermally hot when initially generated, enabling it to overcome its coulombic binding energy. These observations provide strong evidence that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level offset of annealed P3HT/PCBM blends may be only just sufficient to drive efficient charge generation in polythiophene‐based solar cells. This has important implications for current strategies to optimize organic photovoltaic device performance based upon the development of smaller optical bandgap polymers.
Nanocrystalline Magnesium Oxide‐Stabilized Molybdenum: An Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols to Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Kantam M. Lakshmi , Yadav Jagjit , Laha Soumi , Sreedhar Bojja , Bhargava Suresh
Published: November 2008

A nanocrystalline magnesium oxide‐stabilized molybdenum(VI) complex catalyzed the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to carbonyl compounds in excellent yields using molecular oxygen as stoichiometric oxidant. The nanomaterials with their three‐dimensional structure and defined size and shape act as suitable supports for metal complexes. The catalyst can be reused for four runs without any significant loss of activity.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed [4+2] Annelation/Nucleophilic Addition Sequence: Stereoselective Synthesis of Functionalized Bicyclo[4.3.0]nonenes
Authors: Böhringer Sebastian , Gagosz Fabien
Published: November 2008

The gold(I)‐catalyzed isomerization of readily available 1,8‐dien‐4‐ynes allows the rapid construction of a variety of synthetically useful bicyclo[4.3.0]nonenes by a stereoselective sequence involving a [4+2] annelation/nucleophilic addition process.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Heck Coupling‐Hydrogenation: Highly Efficient One‐Pot Synthesis of Dibenzyls and Alkyl Phenyl Esters
Authors: Kantam M. Lakshmi , Chakravarti Rajashree , Chintareddy Venkat Reddy , Sreedhar B. , Bhargava Suresh
Published: November 2008

An efficient method for the synthesis of industrially important dibenzyls and alkyl phenyl esters via sequential Heck coupling and hydrogenation of the alkenyl double bond in one pot with a single recyclable catalyst under mild conditions has been realised. The catalyst was recovered by simple filteration and reused for several cycles with consistent activity.
Copper(I)‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Synthesis of 2‐Iminobenzo‐ 1,3‐oxathioles from ortho‐Iodophenols and Isothiocyanates
Authors: Lv Xin , Liu Yunyun , Qian Weixing , Bao Weiliang
Published: November 2008

A novel and efficient formation of 2‐iminobenzo‐1,3‐oxathioles from readily available precursors via a copper(I)‐catalyzed one‐pot cascade process has been developed. Various 2‐iminobenzo‐1,3‐oxathioles, which might be useful in pharmaceutical and biochemical areas, were conveniently synthesized in good to excellent yields.
Palladium on Calcium Carbonate Combined to 2‐Hydroxypropyl‐α/β‐cyclodextrins: A Selective Catalytic System for Aqueous Heck Coupling and Hydroarylation
Authors: Senra Jaqueline D. , Malta Luiz Fernando B. , Souza Andréa Luzia F. , Aguiar Lúcia C. S. , Antunes O. A. C.
Published: November 2008

An efficient, selective and recoverable catalytic system for ligand‐free aqueous Heck reactions using hydroxypropylated cyclodextrins (HPCDs) and palladium on calcium carbonate (Pd/CaCO3) is highlighted. Remarkably, stereo‐ and chemoselectivities could be tuned by the cavity size of cyclodextrins, exploiting the relevance of host‐guest interactions. UV‐Vis experiments have led to strong evidence concerning an interplay between Pd(II) and α‐HPCD, possibly ascribed to a reduction/stabilization effect of CDs. Unexpectedly, hydroarylation was the favored pathway with acrylonitrile which provided access to 3‐phenylpropionitrile derivatives without usual hydride donors. Finally, determination of soluble Pd(0/II) via AAS enabled the definition of a predominant homogeneous mechanism in which TONs over 5000 were observed.