bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production ofPseudomonas aeruginosaIntercellular Small Signaling Molecules in Human Burn Wounds
Authors: Que Yok-Ai , Hazan Ronen , Ryan Colleen M. , Milot Sylvain , Lépine François , Lydon Martha , Rahme Laurence G.
Published: March 2011

Pseudomonas aeruginosahas developed a complex cell-to-cell communication system that relies on low-molecular weight excreted molecules to control the production of its virulence factors. We previously characterized the transcriptional regulator MvfR, that controls a major network of acute virulence functions inP. aeruginosathrough the control of its ligands, the 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinolines (HAQs)—4-hydroxy-2-heptylquinoline (HHQ) and 3,4-dihydroxy-2-heptylquinoline (PQS). Though HHQ and PQS are produced in infected animals, their ratios differ from those in bacterial cultures. Because these molecules are critical for the potency of activation of acute virulence functions, here we investigated whether they are also produced during humanP. aeruginosaacute wound infection and whether their ratio is similar to that observed inP. aeruginosa-infected mice. We found that a clinically relevantP. aeruginosaisolate produced detectable levels of HAQs with ratios of HHQ and PQS that were similar to those produced in burned and infected animals, and not resembling ratios in bacterial cultures. These molecules could be isolated from wound tissue as well as from drainage liquid. These results demonstrate for the first time that HAQs can be isolated and quantified from acute human wound infection sites and validate the relevance of previous studies conducted in mammalian models of infection.
Effect of dried distillers' grain, soybean meal and grain or canola meal and grain-based supplements on forage intake and digestibility
Authors: Van De Kerckhove A. Y. , Lardner H. A. , Yu P. , McKinnon J. J. , Walburger K.
Published: March 2011

Van De Kerckhove, A. Y., Lardner, H. A., Yu, P., McKinnon J. J. and Walburger, K. 2011. Effect of dried distillers' grain, soybean meal and grain or canola meal and grain-based supplements on forage intake and digestibility. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 123–132. Four ruminally cannulated beef heifers (72 wk of age) were individually fed a basal ration of 75% ground barley straw and 25% ground bromegrass hay [total digestible nutrients=46.3, crude protein (CP)=7.5 (% dry matter (DM))]. Heifers were supplemented with either (1) no supplement (CONT); (2) dried distillers' grains plus solubles [70:30 wheat:corn blend; dried distillers' grains plus solubles (DDGS)]; (3) commercial range pellet (COMM); or (4) barley grain and canola meal (BAR+CM). Forage intake, apparent total tract digestibility, passage rate, rate and extent of forage degradation, rumen pH and rumen ammonia nitrogen were measured. Forage intake, passage rate, and apparent total tract digestibility of DM, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were unaffected (P>0.41) by treatment. Apparent total tract digestibility of CP was increased (P=0.02) with supplements as compared with CONT, but did not differ (P>0.05) among DDGS, COMM, and BAR+CM. Ruminal pH was not affected (P=0.20) by treatment, but rumen ammonia-N was increased (P<0.01) with all three supplements. Potentially degradable and undegradable forage fractions were decreased (P<0.02) and there was a tendency (P=0.06) for the rate of forage DM degradation to increase with supplementation. Supplementing forage diets with either DDGS, grain-soybean-canola- or grain-canola-based supplements did not increase the intake or digestibility of a forage-based diet. More research, however, is required to study the feasibility of feeding these supplements at greater levels with forage-based beef cattle diets.
Comparison of the fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability and nutritive value of barley and corn silages ensiled with or without a mixed bacterial inoculant
Authors: Addah W. , Baah J. , Groenewegen P. , Okine E. K. , McAllister T. A.
Published: March 2011

Addah, W., Baah, J., Groenewegen, P., Okine, E. K. and McAllister, T. A. 2011. Comparison of the fermentation characteristics, aerobic stability and nutritive value of barley and corn silages ensiled with or without a mixed bacterial inoculant. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 133–146. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and corn (Zea mays) silage are the most commonly used forages in feedlot diets in western Canada, and are often inoculated in an effort to improve their preservation and quality. However, the relative value of these two forages in feedlot diets or their responses to inoculation have not previously been compared. Whole-crop barley (B) and corn (C) forage were ensiled for 63 and 77 d, respectively, in both mini silos and Ag Bags® without and with inoculation [Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus acidilactici at 1.0×105 CFU g-1 forage; inoculated barley (IB), inoculated corn (IC)]. At the end of the ensiling period in mini silos, the pH of C and IC was lower (P<0.001) than B and IB silage, but lactate:acetate was higher (P<0.001) in IB than other silages (8:1 vs. ∼4:1). Inoculation did not affect dry matter (DM) loss during ensiling, but losses in barley were higher (P<0.001) than in corn silage. Barley silage appeared to be more stable than corn after 2 d of aerobic exposure. Inoculation of barley or corn did not affect in situ organic matter disappearance (OMD) or DM intake, average daily gain (ADG) or feed efficiency of steers. However, steers fed barley silage had a higher (P=0.037) DM intake, ADG (P=0.002) and improved (P=0.002) feed efficiency compared with those fed corn silage. The inoculant was more effective at improving the fermentation and aerobic stability of barley as compared with corn, and growth and feed efficiency of cattle fed barley silage was superior to those fed corn silage.
Local emergency management systems in the United States and Korea
Authors: Ha, PhD, CEM Kyoo-Man , Ahn, MD Ji-Young
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this article is to contribute to emergency management by systematically comparing the similarities and differences between the United States and Korean local emergency management systems and subsequently drawing related inferences. For this purpose, three major factors have been carefully compared: (1) local government and policy, (2) home and strategy, and (3) volunteers and activity in the two nations. The major tenets of this article are as follows: the United States has been managing local emergencies more comprehensively than Korea, although the United States has had its share of failures. Also, more American homeowners establish and practice family emergency plans. On the other hand, in Korea, the local government should try to deal with all types of emergencies. It is necessary for Korean homeowners to set up and practice emergency plans, recognize the different types of emergencies, and learn how to deal with them by incorporating interdisciplinary studies. In addition, volunteers should receive further systematic training in the communities, and at the same time the correlation between the extent of government support and the level of voluntary activity should be utilized.
Three-dimensional model evaluation of the Ozone Depletion Potentials for n-propyl bromide, trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene
Authors: Wuebbles D. J. , Patten K. O. , Wang D. , Youn D. , Martínez-Avilés M. , Francisco J. S.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The existing solvents trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) and proposed solvent n-propyl bromide (nPB) have atmospheric lifetimes from days to a few months, but contain chlorine or bromine that could affect stratospheric ozone. Several previous studies estimated the Ozone Depletion Potentials (ODPs) for various assumptions of nPB emissions location, but these studies used simplified modeling treatments. The primary purpose of this study is to reevaluate the ODP for n-propyl bromide (nPB) using a current-generation chemistry-transport model of the troposphere and stratosphere. For the first time, ODPs for TCE and PCE are also evaluated in a three-dimensional, global atmospheric chemistry-transport model. Emissions representing industrial use of each compound are incorporated on land surfaces from 30° N to 60° N. The atmospheric chemical lifetime obtained for nPB is 24.7 days, similar to past literature, but the ODP is 0.0049, lower than in our past study of nPB. The derived atmospheric lifetime for TCE is 13.0 days and for PCE is 111 days. The corresponding ODPs are 0.00037 and 0.0050, respectively.
Understanding the transport of Patagonian dust and its influence on marine biological activity in the South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Johnson M. S. , Meskhidze N. , Kiliyanpilakkil V. P. , Gassó S.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The supply of bioavailable iron to the high-nitrate low-chlorophyll (HNLC) waters of the Southern Ocean through atmospheric pathways could stimulate phytoplankton blooms and have major implications for the global carbon cycle. In this study, model results and remotely-sensed data are analyzed to examine the horizontal and vertical transport pathways of Patagonian dust and quantify the effect of iron-laden mineral dust deposition on marine biological productivity in the surface waters of the South Atlantic Ocean (SAO). Model simulations for the atmospheric transport and deposition of mineral dust and bioavailable iron are carried out for two large dust outbreaks originated at the source regions of northern Patagonia during the austral summer of 2009. Model-simulated horizontal and vertical transport pathways of Patagonian dust plumes are in reasonable agreement with remotely-sensed data. Simulations indicate that the synoptic meteorological patterns of high and low pressure systems are largely accountable for dust transport trajectories over the SAO. According to model results and retrievals from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO), synoptic flows caused by opposing pressure systems (a high pressure system located to the east or north-east of a low pressure system) elevate the South American dust plumes well above the marine boundary layer. Under such conditions, the bulk concentration of mineral dust can quickly be transported around the low pressure system in a clockwise manner, follow the southeasterly advection pathway, and reach the HNLC waters of the SAO and Antarctica in ~3–4 days after emission from the source regions of northern Patagonia. Two different mechanisms for dust-iron mobilization into a bioavailable form are considered in this study. A global 3-D chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem), implemented with an iron dissolution scheme, is employed to estimate the atmospheric fluxes of soluble iron, while a dust/biota assessment tool (Boyd et al., 2010) is applied to evaluate the amount of bioavailable iron formed through the slow and sustained leaching of dust in the ocean mixed layer. The effect of iron-laden mineral dust supply on surface ocean biomass is investigated by comparing predicted surface chlorophyll-a concentration ([Chl-a]) to remotely-sensed data. As the dust transport episodes examined here represent large summertime outflows of mineral dust from South American continental sources, this study suggests that (1) atmospheric fluxes of mineral dust from Patagonia are not likely to be the major source of bioavailable iron to ocean regions characterized by high primary productivity; (2) even if Patagonian dust plumes may not cause visible algae blooms, they could still influence background [Chl-a] in the South Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean.
Integrating field sampling, geostatistics and remote sensing to map wetland vegetation in the Pantanal, Brazil
Authors: Arieira J. , Karssenberg D. , de Jong S. M. , Addink E. A. , Couto E. G. , Nunes da Cunha C. , Skøien J. O.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Development of efficient methodologies for mapping wetland vegetation is of key importance to wetland conservation. Here we propose the integration of a number of statistical techniques, in particular cluster analysis, universal kriging and error propagation modelling, to integrate observations from remote sensing and field sampling for mapping vegetation communities and estimating uncertainty. The approach results in seven vegetation communities with a known floral composition that can be mapped over large areas using remotely sensed data. The relationship between remotely sensed data and vegetation patterns, captured in four factorial axes, were described using multiple linear regression models. There were then used in a universal kriging procedure to reduce the mapping uncertainty. Cross-validation procedures and Monte Carlo simulations were used to quantify the uncertainty in the resulting map. Cross-validation showed that accuracy in classification varies according with the community type, as a result of sampling density and configuration. A map of uncertainty derived from Monte Carlo simulations revealed significant spatial variation in classification, but this had little impact on the proportion and arrangement of the communities observed. These results suggested that mapping improvement could be achieved by increasing the number of field observations of those communities with a scattered and small patch size distribution; or by including a larger number of digital images as explanatory variables in the model. Comparison of the resulting plant community map with a flood duration map, revealed that flooding duration is an important driver of vegetation zonation. This mapping approach is able to integrate field point data and high-resolution remote-sensing images, providing a new basis to map wetland vegetation and allow its future application in habitat management, conservation assessment and long-term ecological monitoring in wetland landscapes.
Urban hydrology in mountainous middle eastern cities
Authors: Grodek T. , Lange J. , Lekach J. , Husary S.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The Mediterranean climate together with the type of urban setting found in mountainous Middle Eastern cities generate much lower runoff yields than previously reported and than usually estimated for urban design. In fact, a close analysis shows that most of the rainwater remains within the cities as a possible source for urban groundwater recharge. The present study examined two locales – Ramallah, an old traditional Palestinian Arab town, and Modiin, a new township in Israel – both situated on the karstic Yarkon Taninim aquifer. This aquifer supplies the only high-quality drinking water in the region (one quarter of the Israeli-Palestinian water demand), which is characterized by dense populations and limited water resources. This paper provides the first measured information on the hydrological effects of urbanization in the area. It was found that the shift of the mountainous natural steep slopes into a series of closed-terraces with homes and gardens create areas that are disconnected from the urban runoff response. Roofs drained into the attached gardens create favorable recharge units. Mainly low-gradient roads became the principal source for urban runoff already following 1–4 mm of rainfall. Parallel roads converted single peak hydrographs towards multi-peak runoff responses, increasing flow duration and reducing peak discharges. The remaining urban area (public parks, natural areas, etc.) generated runoff only as a result of high-magnitude rainstorms. All of the above conditions limited urban runoff coefficients to an upper boundary of only 35% and 30% (Ramallah and Modiin, respectively). During extreme rainstorms (above 100 mm) similar runoff coefficients were measured in urban and natural catchments as a result of the limited areas contributing to runoff in the urban areas, while natural terrain does not have these artificial limits. Hence, the effects of urbanization decrease with event magnitude and there is significant potential for urban groundwater recharge. However, frequent low-magnitude rainstorms often generate highly polluted stormwater in urban sewer systems and this water should only be used with great caution.
Exploring the potentials and limitations of the time-reversal imaging of finite seismic sources
Authors: Kremers S. , Fichtner A. , Brietzke G. B. , Igel H. , Larmat C. , Huang L. , Käser M.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The characterisation of seismic sources with time-reversed wave fields is developing into a standard technique that has already been successful in numerous applications. While the time-reversal imaging of effective point sources is now well-understood, little work has been done to extend this technique to the study of finite rupture processes. This is despite the pronounced non-uniqueness in classic finite source inversions. The need to better constrain the details of finite rupture processes motivates the series of synthetic and real-data time reversal experiments described in this paper. We address questions concerning the quality of focussing in the source area, the localisation of the fault plane, the estimation of the slip distribution and the source complexity up to which time-reversal imaging can be applied successfully. The frequency band for the synthetic experiments is chosen such that it is comparable to the band usually employed for finite source inversion. Contrary to our expectations, we find that time-reversal imaging is useful only for effective point sources, where it yields good estimates of both the source location and the origin time. In the case of finite sources, however, the time-reversed field does not provide meaningful characterisations of the fault location and the rupture process. This result cannot be improved sufficiently with the help of different imaging fields, realistic modifications of the receiver geometry or weights applied to the time-reversed sources. The reasons for this failure are manifold. They include the incomplete recording of wave field information at the surface, the excitation of large-amplitude surface waves that deteriorate the depth resolution, the absence of a sink that should absorb energy radiated during the later stages of the rupture process, the invisibility of small slip and the neglect of prior information concerning the fault geometry. The condensed conclusion of our study is that the limitations of time-reversal imaging – at least in the frequency band considered here – start where the seismic source stops being effectively point-localised.
International Activities of Korean Foundations in East Asia
Authors: Ko Sangtu
Published: March 2011

DOI: 10.5564/mjia.v0i13.8Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.13 2006 pp.60-67
Mongolia and the Nuclear Age
Authors: Enkhsaikhan J
Published: March 2011

This XXI century is a nuclear century since our security, development and progress depends to a certain extent on how we humans are dealing with the nuclear issues. Mongolia, as member of the world family of nations, and especially sandwiched between two nuclear-weapon powers, is directly affected by nuclear issues. There is no escape. We have to make a choice either to be passively affected by the perils of nuclear age or play an active role, to the extent possible, in shaping our own future. That depends to a great extent on us, Mongolians.Nuclear issues could be addressed from the following angles: national security, security of the people’s health and environment and energy security. DOI: 10.5564/mjia.v0i14.22Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.14 2007 pp.43-50
Confidence building measures – necessary component establishing Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in the region
Authors: Nemov Alexander
Published: March 2011

DOI: 10.5564/mjia.v0i14.25Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.14 2007 pp.64-67
Limited Nuclear Weapons Free Zone-Northeast Asia: Overview
Authors: Gourley Bernard
Published: March 2011

DOI: 10.5564/mjia.v0i14.30Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.14 2007 pp.102-105
Does the Shanghai Cooperation Represent an Example of a Military Alliance?
Authors: Tugsbilguun T
Published: March 2011

DOI: 10.5564/mjia.v0i15-16.32Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.15-16 2008-2009 pp.106-115
Dream a Little Dream
Authors: Morris Mark
Published: March 2011

Does the protocell require too great a leap in scalar imagination for architects? A detail of a building is manageable but what about something smaller than the microscopic? Mark Morris encourages designers to scale down to the diminutive level of the nanoscale by providing them with some inspiring precedents in architectural theory and popular culture. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capacity expansion planning through augmented Lagrangian optimization and scenario decomposition
Authors: Li Zukui , Ierapetritou Marianthi G.
Published: March 2011

Stochastic programming is a typical method for addressing the uncertainties in capacity expansion planning problem. However, the corresponding deterministic equivalent model is often intractable with considerable number of uncertainty scenarios especially for stochastic integer programming (SIP) based formulations. In this article, a hybrid solution framework consisting of augmented Lagrangian optimization and scenario decomposition algorithm is proposed to solve the SIP problem. The method divides the solution procedure into two phases, where traditional linearization based decomposition strategy and global optimization technique are applied to solve the relaxation problem successively. Using the proposed solution framework, a feasible solution of the original problem can be obtained after the first solution phase whereas the optimal solution is obtained after the second solution phase. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is verified through a numerical example of two stage stochastic integer program and the capacity expansion planning examples. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Design and control of an ideal reactive divided‐wall distillation process
Authors: Wang San‐Jang , Huang Hsiao‐Ping , Yu Cheng‐Ching
Published: March 2011

Reactive distillation and divided‐wall distillation are two promising technologies achieving substantial economical benefits from process intensification. In this study, a novel reactive divided‐wall distillation process, procuring technical advantages from both reactive distillation and divided‐wall distillation, is designed with different degrees of thermal coupling to achieve possible energy saving for an ideal quaternary reaction system with the least favorable relative volatility ranking under excess‐reactant design. Simulation results demonstrate that reactive divided‐wall distillation can provide better energy efficiency than reactive distillation without thermal coupling. Energy efficiency increases with the degree of thermal coupling.

Proper selection and pairing of controlled and manipulated variables chosen for three control objectives are determined by using steady‐state analysis. Temperature control in the reactive distillation column is used to maintain reactant inventory in the process. Product purities are maintained by the temperature control loops in the divided‐wall column. Stage temperatures that have modest sensitivity to manipulated variables and have little variations with respect to throughput rate changes are selected as controlled variables. Dynamic tests show that the proposed control scheme can maintain high product purity and stoichiometric balance between the reactant feeds for throughput rate changes. Copyright © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells in Melatonin‐Mediated Inhibition of Murine Gastric Cancer Cell Growth In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Liu Hui , Xu Li , Wei Jian‐En , Xie Mei‐Rong , Wang Shi‐E , Zhou Rui‐Xiang
Published: March 2011

Melatonin is an important immune modulator with antitumor functions, and increased CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been observed in tumor tissues of patients and animal models with gastric cancer. However, the relationship between melatonin and Tregs remains unclear. To explore this potential connection, we performed an in vivo study by inoculating the murine foregastric carcinoma (MFC) cell line in mice and then treated them with different doses of melatonin (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) for 1 week. The results showed that melatonin could reduce the tumor tissue and decrease Tregs numbers and Forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) expression in the tumor tissue. An in vitro study was also performed to test the effects of purified Tregs on melatonin‐mediated inhibition of MFC cells. The cell cultures were divided into three groups: 1) MFC+ Tregs; 2) MFC only; and 3) MFC+CD4+CD25− T cells. After treatment with different concentrations of melatonin (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mM) for 24 h, a dose‐dependent apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase was detected in melatonin‐treated MFC at melatonin concentration higher than 4 mM. There were no significant differences in the rates of apoptosis and cell cycle distributions of MFC among the three groups. In conclusion, the antigastric cancer effect of melatonin is associated with downregulation of CD4+CD25+ Tregs and its Foxp3 expression in the tumor tissue. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Calretinin and Somatostatin Immunoreactivities Label Different Human Submucosal Neuron Populations
Authors: Kustermann Andreas , Neuhuber Winfried , Brehmer Axel
Published: March 2011

In human myenteric plexus, calretinin (CALR) and somatostatin (SOM) coexist in Dogiel Type II neurons, which were considered as intrinsic primary afferent neurons in the guinea pig. The aims of this study were to test if also human submucosal neurons costain immunohistochemically for CALR and SOM and whether these or other neurons display Type II morphology. Two sets of submucosal wholemounts of small and large intestine from 29 patients (median age 65 years) were triple stained for CALR, SOM, and human neuronal protein Hu C/D (HU, a pan‐neuronal marker) as well as for CALR, SOM, and peripherin (PER), respectively. Only exceptionally, neurons coreactive for both CALR and SOM were found. The three major groups of neurons were CALR‐/HU‐coreactive (CALR‐neurons), SOM‐/HU‐coreactive (SOM‐neurons), and HU‐alone‐positive neurons. We observed significantly more CALR‐neurons in the external submucosal plexus (ESP) of all regions and more SOM‐neurons in the internal submucosal plexus (ISP), although with substantial interindividual variations. Comparisons of small vs. large intestine revealed more SOM‐neurons (ESP: 29% vs. 4%, ISP: 40% vs. 13%) but fewer CALR‐neurons (ESP: 37% vs. 77%, ISP: 21% vs. 67%) in small intestine. Morphologically, CALR‐neurons had multiple processes; in some cases, we identified multidendritic/uniaxonal neurons. In contrast, SOM‐neurons had mostly only one process. The functions of both populations as possible primary afferent neurons, interneurons, secretomotor neurons, or vasomotor neurons are discussed. Future morphochemical distinction of these groups may reveal different subgroups. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Timetable for Upper Eyelid Development in Staged Human Embryos and Fetuses
Authors: Byun Tae Ho , Kim Jeong Tae , Park Hyoung Woo , Kim Won Kyu
Published: March 2011

In this study, we examined the development of the upper eyelids to provide a basic understanding of gross anatomical structures and information relative to mechanisms of congenital anomalies in the upper eyelids. We studied the upper eyelids by external and histological observation in 48 human embryos and in fetuses from 5 to 36 weeks postfertilization. The upper eyelid fold began to develop at Stage 18. Upper and lower eyelids fused from the lateral cantus at Stage 22, and fusion was complete by 9 weeks of development. Mesenchymal condensations forming the orbital part of the orbicularis oculi (OO), tarsal plate, and the eyelashes and their appendages, were first seen at Week 9. Definite muscle structures of the upper eyelid, such as the orbital part of the OO and the levator palpebrae superioris and its aponeurosis, and the Müller's muscle were observed at 12 and 14 weeks, respectively. In addition, orbital septum, arterial arcade and orbital fat pad, and tarsal gland (TG) were apparent at 12, 14, and 18 weeks, respectively. Opening of the palpebral fissure was observed at Week 20. In addition, we defined the directional orientation between the levator aponeurosis and orbital septum and the growth pattern of the TG. Our results will be helpful in understanding the normal development of the upper eyelid and the origins of upper eyelid birth defects. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of extremely low‐frequency electric fields on the growth of Vigna radiata seedlings
Authors: Costanzo Evelina
Published: March 2011

The biological effects of extremely low‐frequency electric fields (ELF) on living organisms have been explored in many studies, but the results are controversial and only a few studies investigated the influence of the intensity of the applied field on seedling growth. Here we assess the effects of a 50 Hz sinusoidal electric field on the early growth of Vigna radiata seedlings while varying the field intensity. Experiments performed in a dark, constant‐climate chamber on several thousands of seedlings show that the field produces an inhibitory effect at a low field intensity and an enhancing one at a higher intensity. The maximum negative effect occurs at about 450 V/m, which is an intensity much lower than the exposure limits currently in force in the safety regulations. Bioelectromagnetics 32:589–592, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the superoxide anion radical scavenging activity by tetracycline antibiotics in aprotic media
Authors: Kładna Aleksandra , Kruk Irena , Michalska Teresa , Berczyński Paweł , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: March 2011

The tetracycline family antibiotics are widely used as human and veterinary treatments. The drugs are effective as antibiotics and also show antimicrobial and non‐microbial action. However, the antioxidant properties of tetracyclines have not been characterized in aprotic media. To better understand their biological functions, the in vitro superoxide anion radical () scavenging activities of tetracycline, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline and methacycline were characterized, along with a very efficient scavenger, tiron, in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), using ultra‐weak chemiluminescence (CL). We found that tetracycline, chlortetracycline and doxycycline efficiently inhibited CL from the ‐generating system at concentration levels of 0.02–1.0 mmol/L. Methacycline and oxytetracycline were the scavengers at concentration levels of 0.01–0.1 mmol/L, whereas when their concentration was lowered the drugs were capable of generating , leading to CL enhancement. For all the data obtained in this study, the scavenging activity for the compounds tested decreased in the following order: tetracycline > doxycycline > chlortetracycline > tiron methacycline > oxytetracycline. These results indicate that the tetracycline drugs directly alter redox chemistry in aprotic media. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized clinical trial of combined preincisional infiltration and intraperitoneal instillation of levobupivacaine for postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Hilvering B , Draaisma W A , van der Bilt J D W , Valk R M , Kofman K E , Consten E C J
Published: March 2011

Background

Postoperative pain is one of the main reasons for a prolonged hospital stay after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Reduced postoperative pain might result in faster recovery and establish LC as a day-care surgical procedure. Peroperative local anaesthesia has been suggested to reduce postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of combined subcutaneous infiltration and intraperitoneal instillation of levobupivacaine before the start of LC on postoperative abdominal pain up to 24 h after surgery.

Methods

Patients eligible for elective LC were randomized to receive preincisional infiltration and preoperative intraperitoneal instillation of 80 ml of either 0·125 per cent levobupivacaine (experimental group) or normal saline (placebo group). The primary outcome measure was abdominal pain estimated by means of a visual analogue scale at 0·5, 2, 4, 8 and 24 h after surgery.

Results

Eighty of the 101 patients assessed for eligibility were randomized. There was no significant reduction in postoperative abdominal pain with levobupivacaine compared with placebo during the 24-h follow-up; the overall difference in pain score was 2·2 (95 per cent confidence interval − 4·9 to 9·3; P = 0·540). The duration of operation, use of anaesthesia, use of rescue analgesia, shoulder pain, duration of hospital stay and time to resumption of normal daily activities did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusion

Combined subcutaneous and intraperitoneal administration of levobupivacaine did not influence postoperative abdominal pain after LC. Registration number: NCT01199406 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Advances in the Catalytic Asymmetric Arylation of Imines using Organoboron Reagents: An Approach to Chiral Arylamines
Authors: Marques Carolina S. , Burke Anthony J.
Published: March 2011

The production of chiral amines by means of catalytic asymmetric synthesis is a current challenge in the field of drug discovery and is discussed in this review. The use of cheap, easily handled, and low toxic organoboron reagents, such as boronic acids and derivatives, and easily prepared imine substrates, such as diphenylphosphinoyl, N‐Boc, N‐tosylaryl, N‐nosylaryl, or dimethylsulfamoyl imines, together with rhodium and palladium catalysts give the corresponding chiral amine products in excellent yields and enantioselectivities. A diverse range of chiral ligands, such as phosphines, phosphites, phosphoramidites, P,O‐ligands, olefins, NHCs, and N,N‐ligands can be used with this method, showing, therefore, its versatility. The application of aliphatic imine substrates and with the use of different palladium complexes show, on the other hand, the versatility of the method described.
Seed‐Mediated Synthesis of Gold Octahedra in High Purity and with Well‐Controlled Sizes and Optical Properties
Authors: Kim Do Youb , Li Weiyang , Ma Yanyun , Yu Taekyung , Li Zhi‐Yuan , Park O Ok , Xia Younan
Published: March 2011

We report a facile method for the synthesis of uniform Au octahedra with well‐controlled sizes and optical properties by seed‐mediated growth. Starting from single‐crystal seeds of Au spheres with a uniform size, we could reproducibly obtain Au octahedra with a narrow size distribution (<7 % in standard deviation) and in high purity (>90 %). Moreover, the edge lengths of these Au octahedra could be readily tuned in a controllable fashion from 16 to 77 nm by varying the amount of seeds, the concentration of HAuCl4, or both. We have also investigated the effects of water and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) in the system, as well as the reaction temperature, on the evolution of octahedral shape.
The CFD driven optimisation of a modified venturi for cavitational activity
Authors: Bashir Tausif A. , Soni Advait G. , Mahulkar Amit V. , Pandit Aniruddha B.
Published: March 2011

This work presents CFD‐based optimisation of the important geometrical parameters of a cavitating venturi. The parameters for optimisation were selected based on the analysis of the steps involved in the cavitation process like cavity inception, cavity growth, and cavity collapse. It was seen that the ratio of the perimeter of the venturi to the cross‐sectional area of its constriction quantifies the possible location of the inception of the cavity. The ratio of the throat length to its height (in the case of a slit venturi) controls the maximum size of the cavity and the angle of the divergence section controls the rate of collapse of a cavity. Based on the numerical study, it was concluded that a slit venturi (α = 2.7) with the slit length equal to its height (1:1) and a half angle of divergence section of 5.5° is an optimum geometry for best cavitational activity.
Optimising the lipid production of the green alga Neochloris oleoabundans using box–behnken experimental design
Authors: Wang Bei , Lan Christopher Q.
Published: March 2011

A systematic approach involving factor grouping, factorial design and response surface analysis was demonstrated to be an effective method for studying the effects of a large number of nutrients on cell growth and lipid production of the green alga Neochloris oleoabundans for the purpose of medium optimisation. Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) was used for factorial experimental design and response surface method (RSM) was used for data analysis. The optimised medium obtained was able to support a lipid yield of 641.4 mg lipid/L and a cell density of 2.54 g/L, which were 4.5‐ and 2.2‐fold of that obtained with the basic medium, modified Bristol medium (MBM), respectively.
Comparative analysis for three different immobilisation strategies in the hexavalent chromium biosorption process using Bacillus sphaericus S‐layer
Authors: Carrero Diana Marcela , Morales Johanna Maritza , Garcia Andrea Carolina , Florez Nathalia , Delgado Paula Andrea , Dussan Jenny , Uribe Andrés Córdoba , Barrios Andrés Fernando González
Published: March 2011

Hexavalent chromium constitutes an important water pollutant due to its cancerogenic properties. In countries such as Colombia it is widely used as a preservative in the leather industry. Bacillus sphaericus S‐layer exhibits high metal‐binding capacity hence the use of this microorganism to remove metals such as chromium from polluted regions based on immobilised cells systems is suggested to be an interesting proposal. The paper describes thermodynamic adsorption process of Cr(VI) on immobilised biomass of B. sphaericus cells on polyurethane foam, sol–gel, and sawdust. The adsorption isotherms describe different immobilisation mechanisms regarding the support utilised. For example, polyurethane and sawdust immobilisation process were described with the classical Langmuir model while sol–gel followed Generalised Freundlich–Kiselev behaviour. Moreover, through determining breakthrough curves in packed columns with each medium we found surface diffusion and mass bulk transfer rate as crucial factors when scaling‐up the process.
Solar Water Splitting: Progress Using Hematite (α‐Fe2O3) Photoelectrodes
Authors: Sivula Kevin , Le Formal Florian , Grätzel Michael
Published: March 2011

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells offer the ability to convert electromagnetic energy from our largest renewable source, the Sun, to stored chemical energy through the splitting of water into molecular oxygen and hydrogen. Hematite (α‐Fe2O3) has emerged as a promising photo‐electrode material due to its significant light absorption, chemical stability in aqueous environments, and ample abundance. However, its performance as a water‐oxidizing photoanode has been crucially limited by poor optoelectronic properties that lead to both low light harvesting efficiencies and a large requisite overpotential for photoassisted water oxidation. Recently, the application of nanostructuring techniques and advanced interfacial engineering has afforded landmark improvements in the performance of hematite photoanodes. In this review, new insights into the basic material properties, the attractive aspects, and the challenges in using hematite for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting are first examined. Next, recent progress enhancing the photocurrent by precise morphology control and reducing the overpotential with surface treatments are critically detailed and compared. The latest efforts using advanced characterization techniques, particularly electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, are finally presented. These methods help to define the obstacles that remain to be surmounted in order to fully exploit the potential of this promising material for solar energy conversion.
Rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis in aspirate, effusions, and cerebrospinal fluid by immunocytochemical detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex specific antigen MPT64
Authors: Purohit Manju Raj , Mustafa Tehmina , Wiker Harald G. , Sviland Lisbet
Published: March 2011

The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of immunocytochemical staining for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex‐specific antigen MPT64, in tuberculous lymph node aspirates, cerebrospinal fluid, and effusions from pleura and abdomen. One hundred ninety patients with a diagnosis of tuberculosis (cases) and 80 patients with nontuberculous lesions (controls) were enrolled and differentiated on the basis of clinical features, histology, cytology, clinical biochemistry, Ziehl‐Neelsen staining, Lowenstein‐Jensen culture, and response to antituberculous therapy. Cervical lymph nodes fine‐needle aspirate (n = 150), cerebrospinal fluid (n = 27), pleural fluid (n = 41), and peritoneal fluid (n = 52) were collected and stained with anti‐MPT64 and anti‐BCG antibodies using immunocytochemistry. Nested‐PCR for IS6110 was done for comparison and to calculate the diagnostic indices of the ICC staining. ICC staining with anti‐MPT64 was positive in 128/190 (67.4%) tuberculous smears and in 4/80 (5%) control smears thus giving sensitivity of 67.4% and the specificity of 95%, while anti‐BCG was positive in 112 (58.9%) tuberculous smears and in 16/80 (20%) control smears with sensitivity of 58.9% and specificity of 80%. When diagnostic validation of ICC was done using PCR as the gold standard, the overall sensitivity, specificity, positive‐ and negative‐predictive values for ICC staining in smears with anti‐MPT64 was 96, 96, 95, and 97%, respectively, while the corresponding values for anti‐BCG were 87, 88, 86, and 88%. ICC staining using anti‐MPT64 represents a robust and simple method for establishing an early etiological diagnosis of M. tuberculosis complex infection in extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of LKB1‐SAD/MARK pathway in neuronal polarization
Authors: Shelly Maya , Poo Mu‐Ming
Published: March 2011

The formation of axon/dendrite polarity is critical for the neuron to perform its signaling function in the brain. Recent advance in our understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of neuronal polarity has been greatly facilitated by the use of the culture system of dissociated hippocampal neurons. Among many polarization‐related proteins, we here focus on the mammalian LKB1, the counterpart of the C. elegans Par‐4, which is an upstream regulator among six Par (partitioning‐defective) genes that act as master regulators of cell polarity in different cell types across evolutionary distant species. Recent studies have identified LKB1 and its downstream targets SAD/MARK kinases (mammalian homologs of Par‐1) as key regulators of neuronal polarization and axon development in cultured neurons and in developing cortical neurons in vivo. We will review the properties of and interactions among proteins in this LKB1‐SAD/MARK pathway, drawing upon information obtained from both neuronal and non‐neuronal systems. Due to central role of the protein kinase A ‐ dependent phosphorylation of LKB1 in the activation of this pathway, we will review recent findings on how cAMP and cGMP signaling may serve as antagonistic second messengers for axon/dendrite development, and how these cyclic nucleotides may mediate the action of extracellular polarizing factors by modulating the activity of the LKB1‐SAD/MARK pathway. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 508–527, 2011
Pbx homeodomain proteins: TALEnted regulators of limb patterning and outgrowth
Authors: Capellini Terence D. , Zappavigna Vincenzo , Selleri Licia
Published: March 2011

Limb development has long provided an excellent model for understanding the genetic principles driving embryogenesis. Studies utilizing chick and mouse have led to new insights into limb patterning and morphogenesis. Recent research has centered on the regulatory networks underlying limb development. Here, we discuss the hierarchical, overlapping, and iterative roles of Pbx family members in appendicular development that have emerged from genetic analyses in the mouse. Pbx genes are essential in determining limb bud positioning, early bud formation, limb axes establishment and coordination, and patterning and morphogenesis of most elements of the limb and girdle. Pbx proteins directly regulate critical effectors of limb and girdle development, including morphogen‐encoding genes like Shh in limb posterior mesoderm, and transcription factor‐encoding genes like Alx1 in pre‐scapular domains. Interestingly, at least in limb buds, Pbx appear to act not only as Hox cofactors, but also in the upstream control of 5′ HoxA/D gene expression. Developmental Dynamics 240:1063–1086, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Snow accumulation following forest disturbance
Authors: Boon Sarah
Published: March 2011

Mountain pine beetle (MPB) infestation and salvage logging create a post‐disturbance landscape composed of a patchwork of alive, dead, and clearcut forest stands. Subsequent impacts on runoff generation in snowmelt‐dominated hydrological regimes are largely a function of the proportion of landscape covered by each stand type, but basic information on snow accumulation variations between stand types following beetle infestation is lacking. This study examines snow accumulation in the post‐disturbance landscape of northern interior British Columbia, Canada, to quantify the effects of MPB‐related forest cover change. Field measurements collected in a live and a dead coniferous plot during the 2007 and 2008 winters are compared with those collected in a clearcut (canopy‐free control) to identify inter‐plot differences in snow depth, density, and water equivalent. Interannual variability in snow density and water equivalent is significantly affected by interannual variability in meteorological conditions. In high snow years, the dead and alive plots behave similarly due to the ability of large snowfalls to exceed the interception capacity of the canopy. In low‐to‐average snow years, however, distinct differences in snow accumulation between the dead and alive plots are observed. These are largely due to the canopy structure in the dead plot, which differs significantly from that in the healthy plot largely due to defoliation (needle drop) and the loss of fine branches and stems following beetle infestation. Research results provide key process information for modelling studies examining the effects of these changes on runoff generation at the watershed scale. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Importance of groundwater and macrophytes for the nutrient balance at oligotrophic Lake Hampen, Denmark
Authors: Oliveira Ommen Daniela A. , Kidmose Jacob , Karan Sachin , Flindt Mogens R. , Engesgaard Peter , Nilsson Bertel , Andersen Frede Ø.
Published: March 2011

An ecohydrological study was carried out at an oligotrophic seepage lake, Lake Hampen, Denmark, to determine the seepage in and out of the lake and determine the mass budgets for nutrients. The lake is primarily surrounded by forest, although there are agricultural fields bordering a small portion of the lake perimeter. The water and mass balances indicate that there is a groundwater input of 1643 × 103 m3 year−1 into the lake (∼70% of total input) and a groundwater output of 1997 × 103 m3 year−1. The groundwater input carries with it 2253 kg N year−1 (∼67% of total input) and 40 kg P year−1 (∼85% of total input). The majority of the nitrogen is leached from the agricultural fields bordering the lake. Concentrations as high as 1750 µM nitrate were measured in the rhizosphere of the littoral zone at this location. It is estimated that the macrophytes are able to take up 1695 kg N year−1 (∼50% of the input). The phosphorus uptake by plants was 310% of the input, indicating that plants are highly dependent on accumulated and remineralized phosphorus in the lake. The nutrients lost through recharge was much lower than input through groundwater discharge entailing a high retention of nutrients in the lake (92–96%). A significant part of the retained nitrogen may be lost through denitrification. Although the plant uptake may have slowed the eutrophication of the lake, the excess nutrients may over time give rise to eutrophication and a shift towards pelagic production. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.