bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building Validity Evidence for Scores on a State‐Wide Alternate Assessment: A Contrasting Groups, Multimethod Approach
Authors: Elliott Stephen N. , Compton Elizabeth , Roach Andrew T.
Published: May 2007

The relationships between ratings on the Idaho Alternate Assessment (IAA) for 116 students with significant disabilities and corresponding ratings for the same students on two norm‐referenced teacher rating scales were examined to gain evidence about the validity of resulting IAA scores. To contextualize these findings, another group of 54 students who had disabilities, but were not officially eligible for the alternate assessment also was assessed. Evidence to support the validity of the inferences about IAA scores was mixed, yet promising. Specifically, the relationship among the reading, language arts, and mathematics achievement level ratings on the IAA and the concurrent scores on the ACES‐Academic Skills scales for the eligible students varied across grade clusters, but in general were moderate. These findings provided evidence that IAA scales measure skills indicative of the state's content standards. This point was further reinforced by moderate to high correlations between the IAA and Idaho State Achievement Test (ISAT) for the not eligible students. Additional evidence concerning the valid use of the IAA was provided by logistic regression results that the scores do an excellent job of differentiating students who were eligible from those not eligible to participate in an alternate assessment. The collective evidence for the validity of the IAA scores suggests it is a promising assessment for NCLB accountability of students with significant disabilities. The methods of establishing this evidence have the potential to advance validation efforts of other states' alternate assessments.
A Geographic Data Model for Representing Ground Water Systems
Authors: Strassberg Gil , Maidment David R. , Jones Norm L.
Published: May 2007

The Arc Hydro ground water data model is a geographic data model for representing spatial and temporal ground water information within a geographic information system (GIS). The data model is a standardized representation of ground water systems within a spatial database that provides a public domain template for GIS users to store, document, and analyze commonly used spatial and temporal ground water data sets. This paper describes the data model framework, a simplified version of the complete ground water data model that includes two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional (3D) object classes for representing aquifers, wells, and borehole data, and the 3D geospatial context in which these data exist. The framework data model also includes tabular objects for representing temporal information such as water levels and water quality samples that are related with spatial features.
A Visual Basic Spreadsheet Macro for Geochemical Background Analysis
Authors: Nakić Zoran , Posavec Kristijan , Bačani Andrea
Published: May 2007

A Visual Basic macro entitled BACKGROUND calculates geochemical background values of chemical parameters and estimates threshold values separating background data from anomalies. The macro uses two statistical methods, the iterative 2‐σ technique and the calculated distribution function, and integrates these model‐based objective methods into a widely accessible platform (i.e., MS Excel). The macro offers the possibility for automated processing of geochemical data and enables an automated generation of background range and threshold values for chemical parameters.
On the Relation Between Steep Monoclinal Flexure Zones and Steep Hydraulic Gradients
Authors: Yechieli Y. , Kafri U. , Wollman S. , Lyakhovsky V. , Weinberger R.
Published: May 2007

Steep hydraulic gradients are found in association with steep monoclinal flexures. However, the physics of the reduction of the hydraulic conductivity, which is responsible for the steep gradients, has seldom been studied. We present results of hydrological and mechanical modeling aiming to study the effect of such steep hydraulic gradients demonstrated in the Judea Group Aquifer system, Israel. The hydrological configuration of steep dips and anisotropy between flows parallel and perpendicular to the bedding planes was simulated using the FEFLOW code. It exhibited a situation whereby part of the flow is oblique to the bedding planes and therefore some steepening of the hydraulic gradients occurred due to actual conductivity reduction. However, this reduction is not enough to account for the steeper gradients observed. The effect of a deep‐seated reverse fault under the monocline on the permeability distribution within the structure was examined by numerical mechanical simulations. It exhibited a compressional stress distribution in the steep part of the monocline, which, due to shortening and closure of joints and voids, is presumably responsible for a significant pressure‐induced permeability reduction. This process by itself in a layered structure, including interlayering of thin marl layers, could be responsible for the steep hydraulic gradients in the steep part of the monocline.
Geochemical and Hydrogeological Impacts of a Wood Particle Barrier Treating Nitrate and Perchlorate in Ground Water
Authors: Robertson W.D. , Ptacek C.J. , Brown S.J.
Published: May 2007

Detailed distribution of nitrate (NO3) adjacent to a permeable reactive layer comprising coarse wood particles with high hydraulic conductivity (K∼ 1 cm/s) showed that ground water converged into the layer, allowing treatment of aquifer zones located up to 1.1 m below the bottom of the layer. NO3‐N of 6 to 99 mg/L was highly attenuated (generally <0.1 mg/L) within the first third of the 4‐m‐wide reactive layer. Hydraulic retention time estimates based on borehole dilution velocity values indicated a nitrate reaction rate of approximately 10 mg N/L/d at the ground water temperature of 10°C. In addition to denitrification, sulfate reduction, reductive dissolution of ferric and manganic oxyhydroxide minerals, and calcite dissolution likely occurred within the layer. The plume water continued to evolve in the downgradient area, where geochemical modeling suggested that CO2 degassing likely occurred, resulting in pH increase and possibly the precipitation of calcite, siderite, and rhodochrosite. At a distance of 4 to 6 m downgradient, the plume water had returned to a composition similar to the upgradient ground water, but with lower NO3, SO4, and Ca concentrations. The reactive layer was also successful in treating trace quantities (∼1 μg/L) of perchlorate (ClO4) present in the aquifer. The wood particle layer used in this study was of low cost and was simple to install and maintain; thus larger scale aquifer remediation could be feasible, particularly at sites where nitrate contamination occurs at shallow depths.
In Situ Dechlorination of TCE during Aquifer Heating
Authors: Truex M. , Powell T. , Lynch K.
Published: May 2007

Laboratory and field efforts were undertaken to examine trichloroethene (TCE) dechlorination as a function of temperature as an aquifer is heated to temperatures approaching boiling. Experiments were conducted using sediment samples and during electrical resistance heating (ERH) treatment at the East Gate Disposal Yard (Fort Lewis, Washington), which contains nonaqueous phase TCE and hydrocarbon contamination. Laboratory microcosms with these sediments showed TCE dechlorination at 70°C with measured products of acetylene, ethene, and ethane, indicating an abiotic component of the degradation. In contrast, TCE was dechlorinated to cis‐1,2‐dichloroethene in experiments at 10°C, likely by biological reductive dechlorination. The observed products at 70°C suggest dechlorination catalyzed by reduced sediment iron. Indications of in situ dechlorination were observed in periodic ground water samples collected during field‐scale ERH from an average ambient temperature of about 19°C to near boiling. Dechlorination indicators included an increase in chloride concentration at the onset of heating and observation of acetylene, ethene, and methane at elevated temperatures. The data collected in this study suggest that dechlorination can occur during ERH. The overall cost‐effectiveness of ERH may be enhanced by fortuitous in situ dechlorination and, potentially, could be further enhanced by specifically designing and operating ERH to maximize in situ dechlorination.
Current understanding and management of hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Krbec Amanda C
Published: May 2007

Purpose: To review the diagnosis and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in primary care.

Data sources: Review of current literature from journals and textbooks as well as clinical experience.

Conclusions: HS, a chronic disease causing scarring and pus formation to the skin bearing apocrine glands, requires continual management by the primary care manager and often deems referral to a dermatologist or surgeon.

Implications for practice: If misdiagnosed or poorly managed, HS has detrimental effects on patients’ quality of life and self‐esteem.
A model of HIV disclosure: Disclosure and types of social relationships
Authors: Bairan Annette , Taylor Gloria Ann Jones , Blake Barbara J. , Akers Timothy , Sowell Richard , Mendiola Rick
Published: May 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess perceptions of HIV positive (+) persons regarding disclosure of their serostatus to others with the goal of developing a model of HIV disclosure that could be used by healthcare providers (HCPs) in HIV prevention.

Data sources: Data were collected through 13 focus groups from 104 HIV+ participants. The groups were formed based on three HIV risk exposure categories—men who have sex with men, high‐risk heterosexuals, and substance users.

Conclusions: Data analysis revealed three themes: disclosure of one’s HIV+ serostatus depends on type of social relationships, fear, and stigma, with social relationships being the major theme. A model of HIV disclosure emerged from the data analysis of social relationships. In the model, social relationships were categorized as sexual and nonsexual, with varying degrees of HIV disclosure—depending on the social relationship with the person to whom one did or did not disclose. Results indicated that HIV is still a fearful and stigmatizing disease, and disclosure of HIV status is a complex phenomenon embedded in various types of social relationships.

Implications for practice: Results of this study provide a “Model of HIV Disclosure” that can be utilized by nurse practitioners and other HCPs in clinical practice when providing treatment, counseling, and prevention education for HIV+ clients and for prevention education for HIV negative clients—especially for family, friends, sexual partners, and employers of HIV+ clients.
Luminal leptin inhibits intestinal sugar absorption in vivo
Authors: Iñigo C. , Patel N. , Kellett G. L. , Barber A. , Lostao M. P.
Published: May 2007

Aim:  We have previously demonstrated that leptin inhibits galactose absorption in rat intestinal everted rings and that leptin receptors are present in the apical membrane of the enterocytes. This adipocyte‐derived hormone is also secreted by gastric mucosal cells and is able to reach the intestinal lumen. The goal of the present study was to prove whether luminal leptin acts on intestinal sugar absorption in vivo both at low (basal state) and high sugar concentration (post‐prandial state).

Methods:  In vivo intestinal sugar absorption in rat was measured with recirculating and single‐pass perfusion systems. Sugar disappearance in the perfusate was measured by radioactivity and biochemical methods. Luminal leptin effect on intestinal absorption mediated by sodium‐dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) as well as intestinal permeability (mannitol absorption) was determined.

Results:  Luminal leptin inhibited intestinal sugar absorption at low galactose concentrations, which indicates that leptin regulates SGLT1 activity in vivo. The inhibition was reversed in the absence of hormone in the intestinal lumen, suggesting that it was produced by post‐translational regulation processes. At high luminal glucose concentrations, leptin also inhibited the phloretin‐insensitive component of sugar absorption mediated by SGLT1. There was no significant effect on the apical GLUT2 component of absorption. Leptin did not modify in vivo intestinal permeability determined with 14C‐mannitol.

Conclusion:  These observations support the view that gastric leptin exerts a regulatory role on intestinal sugar absorption in the postprandial state by modifying the active component of absorption.
Effect of Hexanal Vapor on the Growth of Postharvest Pathogens and Fruit Decay
Authors: Song Jun , Hildebrand Paul D. , Fan Lihua , Forney Charles F. , Renderos Willy E. , Campbell‐Palmer Leslie , Doucette Craig
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  The effect of the natural volatile hexanal was studied as an antifungal agent on the major postharvest fungal pathogens Botrytis cinerea, Monilinia fructicola, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Alternaria alternata, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The antifungal effect of hexanal vapor was dependent on concentration and treatment duration, but sensitivity of the pathogens varied. All spores of B. cinerea and M. fructicola were killed after exposure to 900 μL/L for 12 h at 20 °C, and almost all were killed after a 24‐h exposure to 450 μL/L. Only moderate numbers of spores were killed at a concentration of 200 μL/L. Mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum on agar was completely inhibited after a 12‐h exposure to 900 μL/L, but only slight inhibition occurred at 450 μL/L and none at 200 μL/L. Mycelium of A. alternata and C. gloeosporioides appeared more sensitive, with strong inhibition occurring after a 12‐h exposure at 450 μL/L. Similar trends in spore viability and mycelial growth were observed at 7 °C. The antifungal effect of hexanal vapor was further tested on raspberry fruit naturally infected with B. cinerea and on peach fruit inoculated with spores of M. fructicola. Decay was markedly reduced in raspberry and almost completely controlled in peach after exposure to 900 μL/L hexanal vapor for 24 h. The potential of hexanal for postharvest decay control is discussed.
Hydrology and Water Budget for a Forested Atlantic Coastal Plain Watershed, South Carolina1
Authors: Harder Scott V. , Amatya Devendra M. , Callahan Timothy J. , Trettin Carl C. , Hakkila Jon
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Increases in timber demand and urban development in the Atlantic Coastal Plain over the past decade have motivated studies on the hydrology, water quality, and sustainable management of coastal plain watersheds. However, studies on baseline water budgets are limited for the low‐lying, forested watersheds of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The purpose of this study was to document the hydrology and a method to quantify the water budget of a first‐order forested watershed, WS80, located within the USDA Forest Service Santee Experimental Forest northeast of Charleston, South Carolina. Annual Rainfall for the 2003 and 2004 periods were 1,671 mm (300 mm above normal) and 962 mm (over 400 mm below normal), respectively. Runoff coefficients (outflow as a fraction of total rainfall) for the 2003 and 2004 periods were 0.47 and 0.08, respectively, indicating a wide variability of outflows as affected by antecedent conditions. A spreadsheet‐based Thornthwaite monthly water balance model was tested on WS80 using three different potential evapotranspiration estimators [Hamon, Thornthwaite, and Penman‐Monteith (P‐M)]. The Hamon and P‐M‐based methods performed reasonably well with average absolute monthly deviations of 12.6 and 13.9 mm, respectively, between the measured and predicted outflows. Estimated closure errors were all within 9% for the 2003, 2004, and seasonal water budgets. These results may have implications on forest management practices and provide necessary baseline or reference information for Atlantic Coastal Plain watersheds.
Kinematic Analysis and Prototyping of a Partially Decoupled 4-DOF 3T1R Parallel Manipulator
Authors: Richard Pierre-Luc , Gosselin Clément M. , Kong Xianwen
Published: May 2007

A four-degree-of-freedom (DOF) 3T1R parallel manipulator is presented in this paper. This manipulator generates the family of so-called Schönflies motions, SCARA motions or 3T1R motions, in which the moving platform can translate in all directions and rotate around an axis of a fixed direction. The kinematic analysis of this architecture is presented, including the study of the constraint singular configurations, kinematic singular configurations, and the determination of the workspace. A prototype (the Quadrupteron) is also presented and demonstrated. The characteristics of the proposed prototype are (a) there is no constraint singularity, (b) its input-output equations are partially decoupled, (c) its kinematic singular configurations can be expressed using an equation in the angle of rotation of the moving platform and are thus easy to avoid at the design stage, and (d) its forward displacement analysis requires the solution of a univariate quadratic equation and can therefore be solved efficiently.
Predicting Productivity Index of Horizontal Wells
Authors: Wang Shaojun , Eaton Joe
Published: May 2007

The popular Joshi model slightly overestimated the flow resistance of a horizontal well. As a result of this, the Joshi model underpredicts the productivity index (PI) of a horizontal well by a few percent. In the extreme case in which vertical permeability goes to zero, the Joshi model predicts a 0.0 stb∕day-psi PI, which is wrong. In this paper, the flow for a horizontal well is divided into three flows: the flow in the reservoir above the horizontal wellbore, the flow in the reservoir with a thickness of 2rw containing the horizontal wellbore, and a flow in the reservoir below the horizontal well bore. The second flow is assumed to be pure horizontal flow. The first and third flows can be further divided into a horizontal flow and a vertical flow. In this paper, the equation for each flow is provided, and then combining these flows we give the equation to calculate the effective PI of horizontal wells. In addition, when the horizontal wellbore is not located at the h∕2 midpoint of a reservoir, the Joshi model predicts an increasing PI, which is intuitively and mathematically an incorrect trend. This paper derives a new equation to compute the PI of horizontal wells when the wellbore is eccentric relative to the reservoir midpoint. The new equation generates the correct trend.
Influence of the Gas and Particle Residence Time on Fast Pyrolysis of Lignite
Authors: Cui Lijie , Song Wenli , Zhang Jiayuan , Yao Jianzhong , Lin Weigang
Published: May 2007

Coal resource is abundant in China, while the reserves of natural gas and petroleum are limited. Due to the rapid increase in the number of automobiles, a competitive way to produce liquid fuels from coal is urgently needed in China. A so-called “coal topping process” is under development at the Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, from which liquid products can be obtained by flash pyrolysis in an integrated circulating fluidized bed system. In order to achieve a high yield of liquid products from high volatile coal, controlling the residence time of coal particles and produced gas may be of importance for minimizing the degree of the secondary reactions; i.e., polymerization and cracking of the liquid products. Experiments of the flash pyrolysis of coal have been conducted in an entrained bed reactor, which is especially designed to study the influence of the coal particle residence time on the product distribution. The results show that the gaseous, liquid, and solid product distribution, the gas compositions as well as the liquid compositions depend strongly on the gas and particle residence time.
THE IR STUDY OF AMORPHOUS THIN FILMS OF MIXED OXIDES In2O3–SnO2 SYSTEM
Authors: ANWAR M. , SIDDIQI S. A. , GHAURI I. M.
Published: May 2007

The IR spectra of thin amorphous films of mixed oxides In 2 O 3– SnO 2 system have been studied in the spectral range 4000–400 cm-1 by Fourier transform infrared technique. The effects of changes in composition, film thickness, substrate temperature and annealing on the IR absorption bands are observed. A shift in frequency and intensity of the bands with varying preparation parameters and an increase in ordering at higher annealing temperatures are observed in the infrared curves. Some new peaks appear, which reveal the presence of lower valency states both in In 2 O 3 and SnO 2. The disappearance of bands at higher annealing temperatures is assigned to the removal of point defects in which oxygen plays an important role. The shift in band frequency with an increase in (i) the Sn content is attributed to the incorporation of Sn 4+ ions in the In 2 O 3 lattice, (ii) the film thickness is attributed to the large concentration of donor centers, (iii) the substrate temperature is attributed to the increase in diffusion of Sn atoms from interstitial locations into the In cation sites, and (iv) the annealing temperature is attributed to the oxygen vacancies and indium interstitials.
BENCHMARKING PATTERSON ANALYSIS IN HELIUM ATOM SCATTERING
Authors: SHUTTLEWORTH IG.
Published: May 2007

The technique of Patterson analysis has proven to be a powerful tool in the deduction of structures, both in 2- and 3-D. Using the standard formulation of the Patterson function, the process has been benchmarked for the Helium Atom Scattering (HAS) experiment. Analytically expanding the Patterson function reveals a straightforward Fourier series, whose coefficients are explicit functions of the surface corrugation and the momentum exchange during scattering. Examples based on this formulation reveal that in surface scattering experiments, the Patterson formulation may not be directly interpreted as a map of the inter-nuclear distances, but as a function of surface corrugation and perpendicular momentum exchange.
LOW ENERGY ION SCATTERING
Authors: SAMAVAT FERIDOUN , KING BRUCE V. , O'CONNOR D. JOHN
Published: May 2007

Low energy ion scattering (LEIS) is the study of the composition and structure of a surface by the detection of low energy ions with energies ranging from 100 eV to 10 keV elastically scattered off the surface. The extreme sensitivity to the outermost atomic layer makes it as a unique tool for surface analysis. In this paper, concepts of shadowing, blocking, and also polar and azimuthal scans have been described. Surface order and surface atom spacings are revealed by using these concepts and measuring the intensity of backscattered projectiles as a function of the incident and azimuthal angles.
PREPARATION OF POLYMER BRUSHES FROM POLY(VINYLIDENE FLUORIDE) SURFACES BY UV IRRADIATION PRETREATMENT
Authors: DENG QILAN , CHEN YIWANG , SUN WEI
Published: May 2007

Grafting of polymer brushes from the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) surfaces was carried out. The active species, such as peroxide and hydroperoxide, on the surface were generated via ultraviolet (UV) irradiation pretreatment in nitrogen, followed by air exposure. Homopolymer brushes of methyl methacrylate (MMA) were prepared by the surface-initiated free radical polymerization from the peroxide initiators on the PVDF surface. The peroxides formed on UV-treated and air-exposed PVDF surfaces were determined quantitatively by the reaction with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in toluene. The chemical composition and topography of the graft-functionalized PVDF surfaces were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FT-IR spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). ATR FT-IR revealed an increase in the graft concentration of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) on PVDF surfaces with an increase of the UV irradiation pretreatment time. Water contact angles on PVDF surfaces were reduced by surface grafting of PMMA.
VALENCE ELECTRON STRUCTURE ANALYSIS OF INTERFACE OF FeAl/TiN COMPOSITES
Authors: PANG L. X. , SUN K. N. , REN S. , BI J. Q. , FAN R. H.
Published: May 2007

Based on Pauling's nature of chemical bond, the valence electron structures of TiN and FeAl have been constructed, and the relative electron density differences (REDD) between the low index plane of TiN and FeAl , respectively, have been calculated. [110] FeAl //[110] TiN crystallography orientation has been set up from the minimization of the electron density difference across the interface. From the viewpoint of improving the mechanical properties of composites, the formation of such structures must been engineered in the fabrication processing.
NONLINEAR OPTICAL RECTIFICATION OF A COUPLING WURTZITEGaN-BASED QUANTUM WELL WITH BUILT-IN ELECTRIC FIELDS
Authors: ZHANG L.
Published: May 2007

Taking the strong built-in electric field into consideration, the optical-rectification (OR) coefficient in a nitride semiconductor coupling quantum well (CQW) has been theoretically investigated by using the compact density matrix approach. The electronic eigenstates in a nitride CQW are exactly solved based on the built-in electric field model already constituted in the recent reference. Numerical calculations on the typical GaN / InxGa1-xN CQW are performed. The calculated results reveal that the OR coefficients of the CQW are not monotonic functions of the well width, barrier width, and the doped concentration of the CQW systems but have complicated dependent relations on them. Our calculation shows that a strong OR effect can be obtained in the nitride CQW by choosing optimized structural parameters and a relatively low doped fraction.
FABRICATION OF TRUE-COLOR MICROPATTERNS BY 2D STEPWISE CONTRACTION AND ADSORPTION NANOLITHOGRAPHY (SCAN)
Authors: LI HAI , ZHANG XIAO-DONG , ZHANG YI , OUYANG ZHEN-QIAN , HU JUN
Published: May 2007

Fabrication of structures on the micro- and nanometer scales is of great importance for both fundamental research and potential applications. While microlithography methods are relatively established, the production of multi-component micro- and nanostructures with high density still presents difficulties. In this paper, a novel strategy termed as two-dimensional (2D) stepwise contraction and adsorption nanolithography (SCAN) is used to fabricate true-color micropatterns through a series of size-reduction process based on the physical elasticity of elastomer. Faithful multicolor patterns with feature size about 30 times smaller than the initial ones can be fabricated by employing the 2D SCAN. The simplicity and high throughput capability of SCAN make it a competitive alternative to other micro- and nanolithography techniques.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF Sm-DOPED Bi2Ti2O7 THIN FILMS
Authors: YANG DONGMEI , YANG CHANGHONG , YUAN CHUNXUE , YIN XIN , HAN JIANRU
Published: May 2007

Crack-free Sm-doped Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7( Sm : Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7) thin films with a strong (111) orientation have been prepared on p-Si (111) by chemical solution deposition (CSD). The structural properties and crystallizations were studied by X-ray diffraction. The surface morphology and quality were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The dielectric constant and loss factor at different frequencies were also evaluated at room temperature. Their insulation was studied, too. The films exhibit better insulating property than does the pure Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7.
PREPARATION OF (100)- AND (110)-ORIENTED LaNiO3 THIN FILMS BY CHEMICAL SOLUTION DEPOSITION
Authors: WANG PILONG , WU WEIBING , HU GUANGDA , FAN SUHUA , DING YANXIA , WU HAITAO
Published: May 2007

LaNiO 3(LNO) thin films were prepared on Si(100) substrates by a chemical solution deposition method. The orientation of LNO films was controlled by changing the acetic acid amount, concentration of the precursor solutions and pre-annealing time. The highly (100)- and (110)-oriented LNO films were obtained by optimizing these processing conditions. The orientation factors of the optimized (100)- and (110)-oriented LNO films were more than 0.99 and 0.93. Their room-temperature resistivities were 5.1 × 10-4Ωcm and 5.4 × 10-4Ωcm, respectively. The growth mechanisms of the (110)- and (100)-oriented LNO films were discussed.
Role of TRPV1 and intracellular Ca2+ in excitation of cardiac sensory neurons by bradykinin
Authors: Wu Zi-Zhen , Pan Hui-Lin
Published: May 2007

Bradykinin is an important mediator produced during myocardial ischemia and infarction that can activate and/or sensitize cardiac spinal (sympathetic) sensory neurons to trigger chest pain. Because a long-onset latency is associated with the bradykinin effect on cardiac spinal afferents, a cascade of intracellular signaling events is likely involved in the action of bradykinin on cardiac nociceptors. In this study, we determined the signal transduction mechanisms involved in bradykinin stimulation of cardiac nociceptors. Cardiac dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in rats were labeled by intracardiac injection of a fluorescent tracer, 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine percholate (DiI). Whole cell current-clamp recordings were performed in acutely isolated DRG neurons. In DiI-labeled DRG neurons, 1 μM bradykinin significantly increased the firing frequency and lowered the membrane potential. Iodoresiniferatoxin, a highly specific transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) antagonist, significantly reduced the excitatory effect of bradykinin. Furthermore, the stimulating effect of bradykinin on DiI-labeled DRG neurons was significantly attenuated by baicalein (a selective inhibitor of 12-lipoxygenase) or 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate [an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) antagonist]. In addition, the effect of bradykinin on cardiac DRG neurons was abolished after the neurons were treated with BAPTA-AM or thapsigargin (to deplete intracellular Ca2+ stores) but not in the Ca2+-free extracellular solution. Collectively, these findings provide new evidence that 12-lipoxygenase products, IP3, and TRPV1 channels contribute importantly to excitation of cardiac nociceptors by bradykinin. Activation of TRPV1 and the increase in the intracellular Ca2+ are critically involved in activation/sensitization of cardiac nociceptors by bradykinin.
Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Prostate Cancer among 12,682 Men with Normal Digital Rectal Examination, Low PSA Levels (≤4 ng/ml) and Percent Free PSA Cutoff Values of 15 and 20%
Authors: Pepe Pietro , Panella Paolo , Savoca Francesco , Cacciola Antonio , D’Arrigo Letterio , Dibenedetto Giuseppe , Pennisi Michele , Aragona Francesco
Published: May 2007

Aim: To report prevalence and clinical relevance of T1c prostate cancers (PCa) in a selected population of men with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels ≤4 ng/ml enrolled in a multicenter case-finding protocol. Patients andMethods: A number of 16,298 men, aged 40–75 years, from the urology units they had been referred to, in most cases (81.6%) for lower urinary tract symptoms, were evaluated. Eighty percent of them had PSA ≤4 ng/ml and about 40% PSA ≤2.5 ng/ml. Patients with PSA ≤2.5 ng/ml and PSA between 2.6 and 4 ng/ml and with percent free PSA ≤15 and ≤20%, respectively, were eligible for biopsy; 28 patients refused it, and 11 patients were excluded from the study because of an abnormal digital rectal examination. Among 403 biopsied men, 82 had PSA ≤2.5 ng/ml (group A) and 321 PSA between 2.6 and 4 ng/ml (group B). Results: A PCa was found in 109 cases (27.0%): 21 in group A and 88 in group B. 48 (44%) of the 109 patients with a PCa underwent radical prostatectomy: all cancers had a volume >0.5 cm3, and 41% had a final Gleason sum ≧7; the PCa was organ confined in 34 patients (70.8%) and locally advanced in 14 patients (29.1%), and in 12 patients (25%) positive surgical margins were found. Conclusions: Using percent free PSA thresholds of 15 and 20%, 25.6% of the men with PSA ≤2.5 ng/ml and 27.4% of the men with PSA between 2.6 and 4 ng/ml were found to have a PCa, respectively. Most of these cancers, when submitted to radical prostatectomy, were found to be clinically significant. As these cancers are mostly organ confined, these patients are ideal candidates for curative nerve-sparing surgery.
Patients with Low Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels (≤4 ng/ml) Would Benefit from a Twelve-Core Biopsy Protocol for Prostate Cancer Detection
Authors: Thiesler Thore , Trinkler Felix , Horcic Milo , Willi Niels , Cathomas Gieri , Hailemariam Seife
Published: May 2007

Introduction: Prostate biopsy protocols using twelve cores rather than the standard six cores have consistently shown improved prostate cancer detection rates. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the improved rate of prostate cancer detection in patients with low prostate-specific antigen levels warrants the standardization of a twelve-core biopsy protocol in this group. Patients and Methods: The clinical and pathological records from 241 patients treated between 2000 and 2003 were evaluated, and the impact of a twelve-core biopsy protocol on the prostate cancer detection rate relative to prostate-specific antigen levels compared to the standardized six-core biopsies was analyzed. Results: Prostate cancer was detected in 34% (81/241) of the patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy. An additional 23.5% (19/81) of the carcinomas were diagnosed using the twelve-core biopsy protocol, and 84.2% (16/19) of these fulfilled the clinical significance criterion developed by Epstein and coworkers (see text). Interestingly, the greatest increase was found in the patient group with prostate-specific antigen levels ≤4 ng/ml. Conclusions: Patients with low prostate-specific antigen levels (≤4 ng/ml) would benefit from the standardized use of a twelve-core biopsy protocol using peripheral cores.
Percentage of Cancer in Prostate Biopsies as Prognostic Factor for Staging and Postoperative Biochemical Failure after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Villamón-Fort Rafael , Martínez-Jabaloyas José M. , Soriano-Sarriá Pilar , Ramos-Soler David , Pastor-Hernández Francisco , Gil-Salom Manuel
Published: May 2007

Objective: To assess if the percentage of cancer in prostate needle biopsies provides independent prognostic information for predicting pathological stage and/or biochemical relapse after radical prostatectomy. Methods: One hundred and forty prostate cancer patients who underwent radical prostatectomy were evaluated. Preoperative parameters analyzed were patient age, PSA, clinical stage, and the information obtained from sextant biopsies (Gleason score, maximum percentage of cancer in a core, percentage of tissue with cancer in all biopsies and the number of cores positive for cancer). Univariate and multivariate analyses (logistic regression) for the dependent variables (prostate cancer, organ-confined and biochemical relapse) were performed. Results: The tumor was organ-confined in 73.6% of patients. In those patients studied for disease progression (n = 126), no biochemical recurrence was observed in 76.2%. In the multivariate analysis for organ-confined disease, the total percentage of biopsy tissue with cancer, the preoperative PSA level, the Gleason score and the clinical stage were the most accurate predictive factors of pathological stage. The multivariate analysis for the study of biochemical failure indicated that only the total percentage of biopsy tissue with cancer, the preoperative PSA level and the Gleason score were independent predictive factors. According to the logistic regression analysis for disease recurrence, 3 risk groups could be identified: low risk (less than 10% probability of disease progression), intermediate risk (30%) and high risk (more than 70%). Conclusions: The percentage of cancer in prostate biopsy provides independent prognostic information for predicting pathological stage and the risk of biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy.
Comparison of 1998 WHO/ISUP and 1973 WHO Classifications for Interobserver Variability in Grading of Papillary Urothelial Neoplasms of the Bladder
Authors: Gönül İpek Işık , Poyraz Aylar , Ünsal Çiğdem , Acar Cenk , Alkibay Turgut
Published: May 2007

Aim: Our aim was to compare the interobserver variability between the 1998 WHO/ISUP and 1973 WHO classifications. Methods: 258 consecutive papillary urothelial carcinomas were reviewed by two pathologists and assigned a tumor grade according to the 1973 WHO and 1998 WHO/ISUP without the knowledge of primary diagnosis and clinical follow-up. All cases were also histologically staged by the two pathologists separately as follows: pTa (noninvasive), pT1 (lamina propria invasion only), pT2 (muscularis propria invasion). Findings of both pathologists and degree of agreement were compared statistically by using Pearson’s χ2 test and ĸ statistics respectively. A ĸ value of 0.21–0.40 is accepted as fair, 0.41–0.60 moderate and 0.61–0.80 substantial agreement. Results: Regardless of the pathologist, tumor grades of two classifications correlated to each other and the pathological stage (p < 0.05). Overall degree of agreement between pathologists was higher in the 1998 WHO/ISUP (ĸ 0.59) than the 1973 WHO (ĸ 0.41), but both were still moderate. Papillary urothelial neoplasia with low malignant potential was the group of 1998 WHO/ISUP that showed the lowest degree of agreement and if excluded, interobserver variability of the 1998 WHO/ISUP decreased significantly (ĸ 0.84). Conclusion: The diagnosis of papillary urothelial neoplasia with low malignant potential and the criteria that differentiates it from low-grade carcinomas needs improvement in order to compare the different studies and therapies and to provide more accurate information for management.
The Response of Adult Orang-Utans to Flanged Male Long Calls: Inferences about Their Function
Authors: Setia Tatang Mitra , van Schaik Carel P.
Published: May 2007

Flanged male orang-utans emit loud vocalizations called long calls. In this study, we examined the correlates of variation in long-calling rates among flanged male Sumatran orang-utans, as well as the ranging responses of adult females and flanged males to these long calls. Males that gave calls more often were more likely to approach calls by others. Results bolster a female attraction function of long calls. Flanged males did not significantly avoid or approach long calls. However, males called more when alone than when guarding a female mate, and adult females significantly approached long calls, especially those of the dominant male, and did so regardless of their reproductive state, allowing them to remain within earshot of calling males. The possible selective advantages of this response include avoidance of harassment and infanticide by males. These findings confirm the existence of some form of social organization above the mother-infant unit.
Does Postbrachial Deafferentation Modify the Cortical Responses to Forelimb Stimulation?
Authors: Eidelberg E. , Rick C.
Published: May 2007

Epidural evoked potential recordings were performed in four macaque monkeys on peripheral nerve stimulation, before and after spinal transection, to evaluate whether the Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon could be demonstrated in this manner. No change in evoked potentials from upper extremity stimulation was seen after mid-thoracic spinal cord transection.
Third Ventricular Width and the Thalamocapsular Border
Authors: Hawrylyshyn P.A. , Tasker R.R. , Organ L.W.
Published: May 2007

65 patients were selected to assess variations in third ventricular width. The patients suffered from various extrapyramidal movement disorders, and all had undergone stereotactic VL thalamotomies. Third ventricular width was correlated with age, sex, diagnosis and intercommissural distance. Based upon the analysis of somatosensory response mappings, a medial displacement of the thalamocapsular border was demonstrated for patients with narrow third ventricles.
Needle Scope Attached to Stereotactic Frame for Inspection of Cisterna magna during Percutaneous Radiofrequency Trigeminal Tractotomy
Authors: Crue B.L. , Lasby V. , Kenton B. , Felsööry A.
Published: May 2007

Use of a fiber optic needle scope attached to the Todd-Wells stereotactic unit has facilitated electrode placement during percutaneous trigeminal tractotomy.
Percutaneous Radiofrequency Facet Denervation
Authors: Burton Charles V.
Published: May 2007

Percutaneous RF facet denervation is a valid, low-risk means of treating ‘mechanical’ pain syndromes in previously unoperated patients with back and/or leg pain. In the series of 126 patients, reported long-term overall success was 42%. With improved technique and patient selection, success rate has increased to 67%. This procedure appears to be increasing in clinical value as a more conservative means of treating certain back pain problems, thus avoiding definitive surgery.
Percutaneous Cervical Cordotomy
Authors: Gildenberg Philip L.
Published: May 2007

Percutaneous cervical cordotomy provides a nonoperative opportunity to interrupt the lateral spinothalamic pathways in patients with pain who are not good operative risks for an open cordotomy. The technique is relatively simple, but requires some practice. Indications should be the same as for open cordotomy, with critical patient selection. Results are comparable to those of surgical cordotomy.
Technique for Radiofrequency Gasserian Ganglionectomy
Authors: Wepsic James G.
Published: May 2007

Indications, technical procedures, and complications are discussed for the performance of thermal electrocoagulation of the trigeminal preganglionic rootlets and gasserian ganglion. Specific steps in preoperative evaluation, premedication, anesthetic management, and technical performance of graded lesion-making utilizing radiographic control, physiologic stimulation and intraoperative patient monitoring are discussed. A survey of complications is presented.
Endothelin-1-Induced Pulmonary Vasoreactivity Is Regulated by ETA and ETB Receptor Interactions
Authors: Sauvageau Stéphanie , Thorin Eric , Caron Alexandre , Dupuis Jocelyn
Published: May 2007

Background: Roles of endothelin (ET) receptors (R) and of the endothelium on ET-1-induced pulmonary vasoreactivity are subjects of debate. This stems from endothelial ETB-R that can release both vasodilators and vasoconstrictors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of the endothelium and of ET-Rs on ET-1-induced pulmonary vasoreactivity. Methods: Pharmacological experiments were performed in isolated rat lungs and in pulmonary resistance arteries. Results: In isolated lungs, ET-1 and the selective ETB-R agonist sarafotoxin 6c (S6c) induced a similar vasoconstriction. ET-1 constriction was reduced by a selective ETA-R antagonist; however, the selective ETB-R antagonist had no significant effect. In preconstricted lungs, ETB-R stimulation caused mild vasodilation at low concentrations but severe vasoconstriction at higher concentrations. In isolated arteries, responses to ET-1 and S6c were not different and unaffected by removal of endothelium. Interestingly, concentrations of ETA-R and ETB-R antagonists that only mildly reduced ET-1 vasoconstriction when used alone, prevented maximal constriction and greatly reduced vascular sensitivity to ET-1 when used in combination. Conclusion: In rat lungs, both ETA-R and ETB-R contribute to ET-1-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction with evidence of interaction between receptors. A mild vasodilator role of the endothelial ETB-R is evident only at low agonist concentration and when baseline vascular tone is increased.
Upper Extremity Function, an Independent Predictor of Adverse Events in Hospitalized Elderly
Authors: Abizanda Pedro , Navarro José L. , Romero Luis , León Matilde , Sánchez-Jurado Pedro M. , Domínguez Laura
Published: May 2007

Objective: To examine the relationships between upper extremity function (UEF) and mortality, need for social assistance and change of residence, at discharge from hospital and at 1 month following discharge. Methods: Observational, cohort study. Setting: Acute Geriatric Unit of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital. Subjects: 356 consecutive patients admitted over a 6-month period. Performance of 4 UEF tasks (UEFTs) was assessed by direct observation on admission, at discharge and at 1 month after discharge: picking up a full glass, touching the scapula, cutting with a knife and unfastening a button. UEF was correlated with measures of global physical and mental functioning, namely the Barthel index, the Lawton index, Holden’s FAC scale and Pfeiffer’s test. The association of UEF with adverse events such as mortality, need for social assistance and change of residence was also assessed. Results: UEF was well-correlated with global functioning scales (p<0.001). Using multivariant models, the inability to perform 3 or 4 UEFTs on admission was an independent predictor of mortality at discharge (OR 15.2; CI 95% 5.2–44.4) and at 1 month (OR 3.3; CI 95% 1.8–6.2), of need for social assistance at discharge (OR 2.1; CI 95% 1.1–4.1) and at 1 month (OR 3.3; CI 95% 1.1–10.1), and of change of residence at discharge (OR 3.5; CI 95% 1.2–10.4). Conclusions: UEF, independently of global functioning, is a predictor of adverse events in the hospitalized elderly. Its determination by direct observation may be an indirect measure of global functioning during hospitalization, avoiding potentially biased data facilitated by caregivers.
Is Antioxidant Therapy a Viable Alternative for Mild Cognitive Impairment? Examination of the Evidence
Authors: Ancelin Marie-Laure , Christen Yves , Ritchie Karen
Published: May 2007

Therapeutic interventions for the prodromal stages of dementia are currently being sought with a view to delaying if not preventing disease onset. Uncertainty as to whether cognitive disorder in a given individual will progress towards dementia and adverse drug side effects has led to hesitancy on the part of drug regulators to instigate preventive pharmacotherapies. In this context, antioxidant therapies may provide a low-risk alternative, targeting very early biological changes. While a growing body of knowledge demonstrates both the importance of oxidative stress in the aetiology of dementia and the efficacy of antioxidant treatment in animal and cellular models, studies in humans are presently inconclusive. While some antioxidants, notably flavonoid- or vitamin-rich diets, appear to lower the relative risk for Alzheimer’s disease in humans in observational studies, these results must be interpreted in the light of the biological complexity of the relationship between oxidative stress and neurodegeneration, and the methodological and theoretical shortcomings of studies conducted to date. A clearer understanding of these factors will assist in the interpretation of the results of the intervention studies which are now being undertaken; these studies being the only current means of establishing efficacy for preventive drug treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.