bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Sensitive Kinetic Spectrophotometric Methods for Determination of Omeprazole in Dosage Forms
Authors: Mahmoud Ashraf M.
Published: December 2009

New rapid, sensitive, and accurate kinetic spectrophotometric methods were developed, for the first time, to determine omeprazole (OMZ) in its dosage forms. The methods were based on the formation of charge‐transfer complexes with both iodine and 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ). The variables that affected the reactions were carefully studied and optimized. The formed complexes and the site of interaction were examined by UV/VIS, IR, and 1H‐NMR techniques, and computational molecular modeling. Under optimum conditions, the stoichiometry of the reactions between OMZ and the acceptors was found to be 1 : 1. The order of the reactions and the specific rate constants were determined. The thermodynamics of the complexes were computed and the mechanism of the reactions was postulated. The initial rate and fixed time methods were utilized for the determination of OMZ concentrations. The linear ranges for the proposed methods were 0.10–3.00 and 0.50–25.00 μg mL−1 with the lowest LOD of 0.03 and 0.14 μg mL−1 for iodine and DDQ, respectively. Analytical performance of the methods was statistically validated; RSD was <1.25% for the precision and <1.95% for the accuracy. The proposed methods were successfully applied to the analysis of OMZ in its dosage forms; the recovery was 98.91–100.32% ± 0.94–1.84, and was found to be comparable with that of reference method.
The Origin of Nanoscopic Grooving on Vesicle Walls in Submarine Basaltic Glass: Implications for Nanotechnology
Authors: French Jason E. , Muehlenbachs Karlis
Published: December 2009

Dendritic networks of nanoscopic grooves measuring 50–75 nm wide by <50 nm deep occur on the walls of vesicles in the glassy margins of mid‐ocean ridge pillow basalts worldwide. Until now, their exact origin and significance have remained unclear. Here we document examples of such grooved patterns on vesicle walls in rocks from beneath the North Atlantic Ocean, and give a fluid mechanical explanation for how they formed. According to this model, individual nanogrooves represent frozen viscous fingers of magmatic fluid that were injected into a thin spheroidal shell of hot glass surrounding each vesicle. The driving mechanism for this process is provided by previous numerical predictions of tangential tensile stress around some vesicles in glassy rocks upon cooling through the glass transition. The self‐assembling nature of the dendritic nanogrooves, their small size, and overall complexity in form, are interesting from the standpoint of exploring new applications in the field of nanotechnology. Replicating such structures in the laboratory would compete with state‐of‐the‐art nanolithography techniques, both in terms of pattern complexity and size, which would be useful in the fabrication of a variety of grooved nanodevices. Dendritic nanogrooving in SiO2 glass might be employed in the manufacturing of integrated circuits.
On a Model for the Storage of Files on a Hardware: Statistics at a Fixed Time and Asymptotic Regimes
Authors: Bansaye Vincent
Published: December 2009

We consider a version in continuous time of the parking problem of Knuth. Files arrive following a Poisson point process and are stored on a hardware identified with the real line, in the closest free portions at the right of the arrival location. We specify the distribution of the space of unoccupied locations at a fixed time and give asymptotic regimes when the hardware is becoming full.
On the Canonical Transformation of Time-Dependent Harmonic Oscillator
Authors: Ikot Akpan N. , Akpabio Louis E. , Akpan Ita O. , Umo Michael I. , Awoga Oladunjoye A. , Nyong Alice B.
Published: December 2009

We performed a two-variable canonical transformation on the time momentum operator, and without loss of generality we carried out a three-variable transformation on the coordinate and momentum space operators to trivialize the Hamiltonian operator of the system. Fortunately, this operation separates the time-coordinate and space coordinate naturally, and the wave function of the time-dependent Harmonic Oscillator is evaluated via the generator.
Large Solutions of Quasilinear Elliptic System of Competitive Type: Existence and Asymptotic Behavior
Authors: Wei Lin , Yang Zuodong
Published: December 2009

We study the existence and asymptotic behavior of positive solutions for a class of quasilinear elliptic systems in a smooth boundary via the upper and lower solutions and the localization method. The main results of the present paper are new and extend some previous results in the literature.
Dark Matter Substructure and Dwarf Galactic Satellites
Authors: Kravtsov Andrey
Published: December 2009

A decade ago cosmological simulations of
increasingly higher resolution were used to
demonstrate that virialized regions of Cold Dark
Matter (CDM) halos are filled with a multitude of
dense, gravitationally bound clumps. These dark
matter subhalos are central
regions of halos that survived strong gravitational
tidal forces and dynamical friction during the
hierarchical sequence of merging and accretion via
which the CDM halos form. Comparisons with
observations revealed that there is a glaring
discrepancy between abundance of subhalos and
luminous satellites of the Milky Way and Andromeda
as a function of their circular velocity or bound
mass within a fixed aperture. This large
discrepancy, which became known as the
“substructure” or the “missing
satellites” problem, begs for an explanation.
In this paper, the author reviews the progress made during the
last several years both in quantifying the problem
and in exploring possible scenarios in which it
could be accommodated and explained in the context
of galaxy formation in the framework of the CDM
paradigm of structure formation. In particular, he
shows that the observed luminosity function, radial
distribution, and the remarkable similarity of the
inner density profiles of luminous satellites can
be understood within hierarchical CDM framework
using a simple model in which efficiency of star
formation monotonically decreases with decreasing
virial mass satellites had before
their accretion without any actual sharp galaxy formation threshold.
Gene Expression Profiles in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Can Distinguish Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer from Patients with Nonmalignant Lung Disease
Authors: Showe Michael K. , Vachani Anil , Kossenkov Andrew V. , Yousef Malik , Nichols Calen , Nikonova Elena V. , Chang Celia , Kucharczuk John , Tran Bao , Wakeam Elliot , Yie Ting An , Speicher David , Rom William N. , Albelda Steven , Showe Louise C.
Published: December 2009

Early diagnosis of lung cancer followed by surgery presently is the most effective treatment for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). An accurate, minimally invasive test that could detect early disease would permit timely intervention and potentially reduce mortality. Recent studies have shown that the peripheral blood can carry information related to the presence of disease, including prognostic information and information on therapeutic response. We have analyzed gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples including 137 patients with NSCLC tumors and 91 patient controls with nonmalignant lung conditions, including histologically diagnosed benign nodules. Subjects were primarily smokers and former smokers. We have identified a 29-gene signature that separates these two patient classes with 86% accuracy (91% sensitivity, 80% specificity). Accuracy in an independent validation set, including samples from a new location, was 78% (sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 82%). An analysis of this NSCLC gene signature in 18 NSCLCs taken presurgery, with matched samples from 2 to 5 months postsurgery, showed that in 78% of cases, the signature was reduced postsurgery and disappeared entirely in 33%. Our results show the feasibility of using peripheral blood gene expression signatures to identify early-stage NSCLC in at-risk populations. [Cancer Res 2009;69(24):9202–10]
High DNA Methyltransferase 3B Expression Mediates 5-Aza-Deoxycytidine Hypersensitivity in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Beyrouthy Maroun J. , Garner Kristen M. , Hever Mary P. , Freemantle Sarah J. , Eastman Alan , Dmitrovsky Ethan , Spinella Michael J.
Published: December 2009

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are the most common solid tumors of 15- to 35-year-old men. TGCT patients are frequently cured with cytotoxic cisplatin-based therapy. However, TGCT patients refractory to cisplatin-based chemotherapy have a poor prognosis, as do those having a late relapse. Pluripotent embryonal carcinomas (EC) are the malignant counterparts to embryonic stem cells and are considered the stem cells of TGCTs. Here, we show that human EC cells are highly sensitive to 5-aza-deoxycytidine (5-aza-CdR) compared with somatic solid tumor cells. Decreased proliferation and survival with low nanomolar concentrations of 5-aza-CdR is associated with ATM activation, H2AX phosphorylation, increased expression of p21, and the induction of genes known to be methylated in TGCTs (MGMT, RASSF1A, and HOXA9). Notably, 5-aza-CdR hypersensitivity is associated with markedly abundant expression of the pluripotency-associated DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) compared with somatic tumor cells. Knockdown of DNMT3B in EC cells results in substantial resistance to 5-aza-CdR, strongly indicating that 5-aza-CdR sensitivity is mechanistically linked to high levels of DNMT3B. Intriguingly, cisplatin-resistant EC cells retain an exquisite sensitivity to low-dose 5-aza-CdR treatment, and pretreatment of 5-aza-CdR resensitizes these cells to cisplatin-mediated toxicity. This resensitization is also partially dependent on high DNMT3B levels. These novel findings indicate that high expression of DNMT3B, a likely byproduct of their pluripotency and germ cell origin, sensitizes TGCT-derived EC cells to low-dose 5-aza-CdR treatment. [Cancer Res 2009;69(24):9360–6]
Upregulation of Neutrophil Gelatinase–Associated Lipocalin by ErbB2 through Nuclear Factor-κB Activation
Authors: Li Shau-Hsuan , Hawthorne Valerie S. , Neal Christopher L. , Sanghera Sartaj , Xu Jia , Yang Jun , Guo Hua , Steeg Patricia S. , Yu Dihua
Published: December 2009

ErbB2 (HER2, neu) is a receptor tyrosine kinase overexpressed in about 25% of invasive breast carcinomas. Neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a secreted glycoprotein expressed in a variety of cancers, including breast carcinomas. NGAL can inhibit erythroid cell production, leading to anemia. Anemia usually occurs in cancer patients and negatively affects quality of life. However, current treatment for cancer-related anemia has potential complications. ErbB2, NGAL, and anemia have all been associated with increased metastasis and poor prognosis in breast cancer patients, although the relationship between ErbB2 and NGAL expression is not clear. Here, using breast cancer cell lines in vitro and transgenic mice carrying the activated c-neu oncogene driven by a mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV-neu) in vivo, we show that ErbB2 overexpression leads to NGAL upregulation, which is dependent on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity. MMTV-neu transgenic mice developed anemia after tumor onset, and anemia progression could be partially arrested by a NF-κB inhibitor and ErbB2-targeted therapy. Taken together, upregulation of NGAL by ErbB2 through NF-κB activation is involved in cancer-related anemia, and the ErbB2, NF-κB, and NGAL pathways may serve as potential therapeutic targets for cancer-related anemia. [Cancer Res 2009;69(24):9163–8]
Cognitive Susceptibility to Smoking: Two Paths to Experimenting among Mexican Origin Youth
Authors: Spelman Amy R. , Spitz Margaret R. , Kelder Steven H. , Prokhorov Alexander V. , Bondy Melissa L. , Frankowski Ralph F. , Wilkinson Anna V.
Published: December 2009

Cognitive susceptibility to smoking, defined as the lack of a firm commitment not to smoke in the future or if offered a cigarette by a friend, begins in childhood and is an early phase in the transition from never to ever smoking. Our objectives were to examine susceptibility to smoking and other psychosocial risk factors for experimentation with cigarettes among Mexican origin adolescents and to determine whether susceptibility status moderates the relationship between established risk factors for experimentation with cigarettes and future experimentation. We examined susceptibility and several psychosocial factors associated with susceptibility as baseline predictors of experimentation after 3 years of follow-up among 964 Mexican origin girls and boys between 11 and 13 years of age from the Houston metropolitan area. Participants were recruited between May 2005 and October 2006 and reported that they had never experimented with cigarettes at baseline. Baseline susceptibility and experimentation rates were 23% and 9%, respectively, whereas the follow-up experimentation rate, among those who had not experimented at baseline, was 22%. Susceptible adolescents at baseline were 2.6 times more likely to have experimented with cigarettes by follow-up. Baseline susceptibility moderated the relationship between experimentation at follow-up and the psychosocial risk factors assessed at baseline. Susceptibility is a valid and strong marker for the transition to experimentation for Mexican origin adolescents. Our results suggest that tailoring primary prevention programs by a youth's susceptibility status may increase the efficacy of prevention efforts among Mexican origin youth.(Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(12):3459–67)
Exposure to Smoking Imagery in the Movies and Experimenting with Cigarettes among Mexican Heritage Youth
Authors: Wilkinson Anna V. , Spitz Margaret R. , Prokhorov Alexander V. , Bondy Melissa L. , Shete Sanjay , Sargent James D.
Published: December 2009

There is growing evidence that an adolescent's decision to try cigarettes is influenced by level of exposure to movies in which smoking is portrayed. Less is known about how ethnicity affects this process. We examined whether acculturation and/or country of birth influence the relationship between exposure to smoking imagery in the movies and experimenting with cigarettes among Mexican origin youth. We prospectively followed 1,328 Mexican origin adolescents ages 11 to 13 years at baseline. We assessed which of 50 movies (randomly selected from a pool of 250 popular contemporary movies released from 1999 to 2004 and content analyzed for smoking) adolescents had seen. Smoking behavior was assessed at baseline and at 6-month intervals over 24 months. Ten percent of the adolescents had experimented at baseline; 17% tried subsequently. Multivariate analyses revealed, as exposure to smoking imagery in the movies increased, the chances of having ever experimented [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10-1.48] and of being a new experimenter (AOR = 1.19; 95% CI, 1.01-1.40) increased, equivalent to a 4.2% increased risk of ever and a 3.0% increased risk of new experimenting for each additional quartile of movie exposure. This effect was moderated by country of birth. For Mexican-born youth, exposure to smoking imagery in the movies was the strongest independent predictor of new experimentation (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.14-2.05). For U.S.-born youth, we observed a ceiling effect: the percent of experimenters increased with increasing exposure, and then flattened. Among Mexican-born youth, exposure to smoking imagery in the movies may be an important part of the acculturation process associated with smoking initiation. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(12):3435–43)
Triterpenoids CDDO-Methyl Ester or CDDO-Ethyl Amide and Rexinoids LG100268 or NRX194204 for Prevention and Treatment of Lung Cancer in Mice
Authors: Liby Karen , Risingsong Renee , Royce Darlene B. , Williams Charlotte R. , Ma Tian , Yore Mark M. , Sporn Michael B.
Published: December 2009

We tested members of two noncytotoxic classes of drugs, synthetic oleanane triterpenoids and rexinoids, both as individual agents and in combination, for the prevention and treatment of carcinogenesis in a highly relevant animal model of lung cancer. Lung adenocarcinomas were induced in A/J mice by injection of the carcinogen vinyl carbamate. Mice were fed drugs in diet, beginning 1 week after the carcinogen challenge for prevention or 8 weeks later for treatment. The number, size, and severity of tumors in the lungs were then evaluated. In the prevention studies, the triterpenoids CDDO-ethyl amide and CDDO-methyl ester reduced the average tumor burden (ATB) in the lungs 86% to 92%, respectively, compared with the controls, and the rexinoid LG100268 (268) reduced ATB by 50%. The combination of CDDO-ethyl amide and 268 reduced ATB by 93%. We show for the first time that these drugs also were highly effective for treatment of experimental lung cancer, and all triterpenoid and rexinoid combinations reduced ATB 85% to 87% compared with the control group. The triterpenoids also potently inhibited proliferation of VC1 mouse lung carcinoma cells and directly interacted with key regulatory proteins in these cells. In contrast, the rexinoids had little antiproliferative activity in VC1 cells but were potent inhibitors of the toll-like receptor pathway in macrophage-like cells. Triterpenoids and rexinoids are multifunctional, well-tolerated drugs that target different signaling pathways and are thus highly effective for prevention and treatment of experimental lung cancer.
Effects of Chlorophyll and Chlorophyllin on Low-Dose Aflatoxin B1 Pharmacokinetics in Human Volunteers
Authors: Jubert Carole , Mata John , Bench Graham , Dashwood Roderick , Pereira Cliff , Tracewell William , Turteltaub Kenneth , Williams David , Bailey George
Published: December 2009

Chlorophyll (Chla) and chlorophyllin (CHL) were shown previously to reduce carcinogen bioavailability, biomarker damage, and tumorigenicity in trout and rats. These findings were partially extended to humans, where CHL reduced excretion of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-DNA repair products in Chinese unavoidably exposed to dietary AFB1. However, neither AFB1 pharmacokinetics nor Chla effects were examined. We conducted an unblinded crossover study to establish AFB1 pharmacokinetic parameters among four human volunteers, and to explore possible effects of CHL or Chla cotreatment in three of those volunteers. For protocol 1, fasted subjects received an Institutional Review Board–approved dose of 14C-AFB1 (30 ng, 5 nCi) by capsule with 100 mL water, followed by normal eating and drinking after 2 hours. Blood and cumulative urine samples were collected over 72 hours, and 14C- AFB1 equivalents were determined by accelerator mass spectrometry. Protocols 2 and 3 were similar except capsules also contained 150 mg of purified Chla or CHL, respectively. Protocols were repeated thrice for each volunteer. The study revealed rapid human AFB1 uptake (plasma ka, 5.05 ± 1.10 h−1; Tmax, 1.0 hour) and urinary elimination (95% complete by 24 hours) kinetics. Chla and CHL treatment each significantly impeded AFB1 absorption and reduced Cmax and AUCs (plasma and urine) in one or more subjects. These initial results provide AFB1 pharmacokinetic parameters previously unavailable for humans, and suggest that Chla or CHL co-consumption may limit the bioavailability of ingested aflatoxin in humans, as they do in animal models.
Intravesical Delivery of Rapamycin Suppresses Tumorigenesis in a Mouse Model of Progressive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Seager Catherine M. , Puzio-Kuter Anna M. , Patel Trushar , Jain Shalini , Cordon-Cardo Carlos , Mc Kiernan James , Abate-Shen Cory
Published: December 2009

Early-stage bladder cancer occurs as two distinct forms: namely, low-grade superficial disease and high-grade carcinoma in situ (CIS), which is the major precursor of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Although the low-grade form is readily treatable, few, if any, effective treatments are currently available for preventing progression of nonmuscle-invasive CIS to invasive bladder cancer. Based on our previous findings that the mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is activated in muscle-invasive bladder cancer, but not superficial disease, we reasoned that suppression of this pathway might block cancer progression. To test this idea, we performed in vivo preclinical studies using a genetically engineered mouse model that we now show recapitulates progression from nonmuscle-invasive CIS to muscle-invasive bladder tumors. We find that delivery of Rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, subsequent to the occurrence of CIS effectively prevents progression to invasive bladder cancer. Furthermore, we show that intravesical delivery of Rapamycin directly into the bladder lumen is highly effective for suppressing bladder tumorigenesis. Thus, our findings show the potential therapeutic benefit of inhibiting mTOR signaling for treatment of patients at high risk of developing invasive bladder cancer. More broadly, our findings support a more widespread use of intravesical delivery of therapeutic agents for treatment of high-risk bladder cancer patients, and provide a mouse model for effective preclinical testing of potential novel agents.
Is It Time to Advance the Chemoprevention of Environmental Carcinogenesis with Microdosing Trials?
Authors: Kensler Thomas W. , Groopman John D.
Published: December 2009

This perspective on Jubert et al. (beginning on page [1015] in this issue of the journal) discusses the use of microdosing with environmental carcinogens to accelerate the evaluation and optimization of chemopreventive interventions. The need for chemoprevention of environmental carcinogenesis is considered, as are the structure of microdosing, or phase 0, trials, technologies required to conduct microdose studies in this context, and ethical concerns. We also reflect on what microdosing studies have taught us to date.
Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis as a Terminal Complication in a Case of Myelodysplastic Syndrome with idic(20q–)
Authors: Xue Yongquan , Han Yongsheng , Li Tianyu , Chen Suning , Zhang Jun , Pan Jinlan , Wu Yafang , Wang Yong , Shen Juan
Published: December 2009

Secondary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung disease that has been reported in 13 cases of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). A dicentric isochromosome of deleted chromosome 20q, idic(20q–), is a newly recognized rare, but recurrent, cytogenetic anomaly that has been described in 28 cases of MDS. Recently, we encountered an interesting MDS patient with idic(20q–) and secondary PAP. At presentation, she was a 40-year-old woman with pancytopenia and dysplasia involving 2 cell lineages that were compatible with refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia. A chromosome analysis of bone marrow cells using the R-banding technique revealed a karyotype of 46,XX,–20 and +a small metacentric marker chromosome. Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated this marker chromosome to be idic(20q–). Three years after presentation, her disease was complicated by secondary PAP that was confirmed by chest computed tomographic scans and a thoracoscopic lung biopsy, revealing the characteristic periodic acid Schiff stain-positive materials filling the alveoli. The patient subsequently died of respiratory failure 45 months after diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first MDS patient with idic(20q–) and secondary PAP to be reported in the literature. Moreover, this patient is also the 29th MDS case with idic(20q–).
Rac1 Contributes to Actin Organization in Glomerular Podocytes
Authors: Attias Ortal , Jiang Ruihua , Aoudjit Lamine , Kawachi Hiroshi , Takano Tomoko
Published: December 2009

Background/Aims: The function of glomerular podocytes is closely associated with the actin cytoskeleton. In this study, we studied the role of the small Rho-GTPase, Rac1, in actin organization in podocytes. Methods: Conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes (MP) stably expressing nephrin or control plasmid were used. Results: In MP, Rac1 activity increased significantly at 1 week of differentiation. MP stably expressing nephrin showed Rac1 activity significantly higher and more sustained than vector-expressing control cells. Antibody-mediated cross-linking of nephrin also activated Rac1. Differentiated MP showed more distinct lamellipodia/cellular processes, as compared with undifferentiated cells, which was further augmented by nephrin expression. Transient transfection of constitutively active Rac1 markedly increased the number of lamellipodia/cellular processes in undifferentiated MP, while the Rac1 inhibitor caused actin cytoskeleton derangement in differentiating MP. In the rat model of puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis, RhoA activity was increased at Day 7 (at the peak of proteinuria), while Rac1 activity increased significantly only at Day 14, when the recovery process had started. Conclusion: Rac1 is activated in differentiating MP and nephrin potentiates Rac1 activation. Rac1 likely contributes to lamellipodia formation in differentiating MP and may contribute to process formation in podocytes recovering from injuries.
Insights into the Pathogenesis and Genetic Background of Patency of the Ductus Arteriosus
Authors: Bökenkamp Regina , DeRuiter Marco C. , van Munsteren Conny , Gittenberger-de Groot Adriana C.
Published: December 2009

The unique differentiation program of the ductus arteriosus (DA) is essential for its specific task during fetal life and for the adapting circulation after birth. Phenotypic changes occur in the DA during the normal maturation and definitive closure. Morphological abnormalities of the vessel wall characterize the persistent DA (PDA) in older children. Here, we give an overview of the animal models of DA regulation and remodeling. Genetic research has identified the cause of syndromic forms of PDA, such as the TFAP2B mutations in Char syndrome. Genes that interfere with the remodeling of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of the ductal media are affected in virtually all of these anomalies. Therefore, the pivotal regulatory role of VSMCs is emphasized. A better understanding of the genetic background of this developmental process may help develop new strategies to manipulate the DA in premature infants, neonates with duct-dependent anomalies, and patients with syndromic and non-syndromic PDA.
Systematic Underestimation of Oxygen Delivery in Ventilated Preterm Infants
Authors: De Felice Claudio , Bechelli Stefano , Tonni Gabriele , Latini Giuseppe , Hansmann Georg
Published: December 2009

Background: Emerging evidence indicates that hyperoxia is a risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a common multifactorial long-term complication of prematurity. To date, the equivalence between set and delivered oxygen (O2) in ventilated preterm infants has not been rigorously studied. Objectives: To test the hypothesis of systematic underestimation of O2 delivery in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants during long-term ventilation. Methods: Actually achieved O2 concentrations were measured and compared to the set inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2). A total of 108 O2 measurements were carried out during the ventilation of 54 ELBW infants: O2-Δ error (i.e., the difference between O2 concentrations achieved by the ventilator and set FiO2) was the main study outcome measure. Results: Systematic O2-Δ errors were found, with mean values of +9.52% (FiO2 0.21–0.40), +2.10 (FiO2 0.41–0.60), +2.86% (FiO2 0.61–0.80), and +0.016% (FiO2 0.81–1.0; p < 0.0001). Theoretical simulations from the observed data indicate that, if not corrected, systematic O2-Δ errors would lead to a non-intentional total O2 load of 1,202.9 (FiO2 0.21–0.40), 252.46 (FiO2 0.41–0.60), 342.85 (FiO2 0.61–0.80), and 2 (FiO2 0.81–1.0) extra liters/kg body weight/100 ventilation hours. Conclusions: Systematic underestimation of the O2 delivered by infant ventilators can potentially lead to surprisingly large increases in total O2 load during long-term ventilation of ELBW infants, especially in the lower FiO2 range (i.e., 0.21–0.40). Underestimation of true O2 delivery can potentially lead to unrecognized high O2 loads, and more pronounced and prolonged hyperoxia.
A Modified Technique of Renal Artery Anastomosis in Rat Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Zhang G. , Zhao H. , Sun Z.-Y.
Published: December 2009

Aims: To reduce warm ischemic time and avoid irreversible damage to the graft in rat kidney transplantation. Methods: After left nephrectomy, recipients were transplanted with syngeneic kidney grafts using microsurgical techniques. In control rats (n = 20), the renal artery anastomoses were performed with 8–9 interrupted sutures by the conventional technique. In experimental animals (n = 20), a modified anastomosis was performed using fewer (5–6) sutures and fibrin glue devoid of thrombin. Results: The number of sutures in the control group was 8.09 ± 0.35 while that in the experimental group was 5.65 ± 0.48 (p < 0.01). The warm ischemic time reduced from 29.7 ± 1.1 min in the control group to 23.9 ± 0.9 min in the experimental group (p < 0.01). These anastomoses maintained adequate patency rates and mechanical strength. Up to 21 days after operation, the graft survival rates in the experimental and control groups were 90 and 85%, respectively. Conclusions: Our modified technique for renal artery anastomosis significantly reduced the warm ischemic time in rat kidney transplantation. This technique would be a safe and reliable method for rat renal artery anastomosis as well as for other microarterial anastomoses, particularly for novice surgeons.
Decreased Serum Prolidase Activity and Increased Oxidative Stress in Early Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Toy Harun , Camuzcuoglu Hakan , Camuzcuoglu Aysun , Celik Hakim , Aksoy Nurten
Published: December 2009

Aims: To compare the levels of serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress markers including total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) and total free sulfhydryl (–SH) in healthy pregnant women without early pregnancy loss (EPL) and women with EPL. Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 45 healthy first-trimester pregnancies and 45 pregnancies complicated with EPL. We have measured serum prolidase activity, TAC, TOS, –SH and LOOH levels spectrophotometrically. Results: Serum prolidase, TAC and –SH levels were significantly lower in the women with EPL than in the women without EPL (p <0.001, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively), whereas TOS and LOOH levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, respectively). Prolidase activity was negatively correlated with TOS and LOOH levels (r = –0.299, p = 0.004; r = –0.323, p = 0.002, respectively), while positively correlated with TAC and –SH levels (r = 0.232, p = 0.028, and r = 0.418, p <0.001, respectively) Conclusion: Findings of this study have shown that serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress are significantly associated with the presence of EPL, and the correlation between serum prolidase activity and the markers of oxidative stress was reflected in increased serum TOS and LOOH levels and decreased serum TAC and –SH levels.
Association of Increased Pulmonary Interleukin-6 with the Priming Effect of Intra-Amniotic Lipopolysaccharide on Hyperoxic Lung Injury in a Rat Model of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Kim Do-Hyun , Choi Chang Won , Kim Ee-Kyung , Kim Han-Suk , Kim Beyong Il , Choi Jung-Hwan , Lee Myong Jin , Yang Eun Gyeong
Published: December 2009

Background: The authors previously demonstrated the priming effect of intra-amniotic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on hyperoxic lung injury in a rat model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Objectives: To investigate the mechanism underlying this priming effect by determining biochemical profiles in a rat model of BPD. Methods: The rat model involved intra-amniotic LPS administration and postnatal hyperoxia (85%). The mRNA expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), as well as the protein levels of IL-6, VEGF, and protein carbonyl in lung tissue were compared between the LPS plus hyperoxia, the LPS only, the hyperoxia only, and the control groups. Results: Morphometric analysis of lung tissues demonstrated that alveolarization was significantly inhibited only in the LPS plus hyperoxia group. IL-6 protein levels and its mRNA expression in the lungs were significantly increased only in the LPS plus hyperoxia group. Neither LPS nor hyperoxia increased IL-6 in the lungs independently. bFGF mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the LPS-treated groups. VEGF protein levels were significantly reduced by hyperoxia, whereas protein carbonyl levels were increased by intra-amniotic LPS or hyperoxia. No additional significant change to VEGF or protein carbonyl levels was produced by intra-amniotic LPS or hyperoxia. There were no significant differences in the mRNA expressions of VEGF, VEGFR-2, and TGF-β1. Conclusions: The priming effect of intra-amniotic LPS on hyperoxic lung injury may be associated with IL-6 elevation in the lungs.
Detection of Human Herpesvirus-7 DNA in Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Authors: Astegiano Sara , Costa Cristina , Terlizzi Maria Elena , Sidoti Francesca , Gambarino Stefano , Mantovani Samantha , Solidoro Paolo , Cavallo Rossana , Bergallo Massimiliano
Published: December 2009

Objectives: Human herpesvirus-7 (HHV-7) is a highly seroprevalent virus that, following primary infection, establishes latency or persistence in some tissues, including lung. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HHV-7 in the lower respiratory tract of hospitalized adult patients. Methods: The prevalence of HHV-7 DNA was determined by quantitative real-time PCR in 212 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples obtained from 153 patients. The molecular epidemiology and clinical role of HHV-7 were evaluated. Results: HHV-7 DNA was positive in 44 of 212 specimens (20.7%), obtained from 40 of 153 patients (26.1%), in particular 22/68 (32.35%) and 18/86 (20.9%) in transplant and non-transplant patients, respectively (1 patient evaluated both before and after transplantation). No significant difference according to transplant condition or discharge diagnosis was found. Viral load was >100,000 genome equivalents/ml BAL in 6/22 (27.3%) transplant recipients and 4/18 (22.2%) non-transplant patients (p = n.s.). Conclusions: The evaluation of HHV-7 DNA in BAL may be useful to investigate its potential role in lower respiratory tract infection, alone or in association with other viral and/or non-viral pathogens and to distinguish latency from reactivation.
Optical Online Monitoring of Uric Acid Removal during Dialysis
Authors: Jerotskaja Jana , Uhlin Fredrik , Fridolin Ivo , Lauri Kai , Luman Merike , Fernström Anders
Published: December 2009

This study estimates the total removal of uric acid (TRUA) by online UV absorbance measurements in the spent dialysate in two different dialysis centers in Estonia and Sweden. Sixteen dialysis patients were included. All dialysate was collected that gave the reference for TRUA. Two regression models were investigated: one for each patient (UV1) and one for the entire material (UV2). TRUA from the three methods was in the same order but showed a statistically significant difference when the UV2 model was built on data from both centers together. TRUA, (n = 56) was (mean ± SD, µmol): 5,854 ± 1,377 for reference, 6,117 ± 1,795 for UV1 and 5,762 ± 1,591 for UV2. Six patients were monitored 1 year after the first study session, using the same models as the previous year, still having a nonsignificant difference. The results show the possibility of estimating TRUA by using UV absorbance. The method appeared to be reliable also in long-term patient monitoring.
Synergistic Electrophysiologic and Antiarrhythmic Effects of the Combination of Ranolazine and Chronic Amiodarone in Canine Atria
Authors: Sicouri Serge , Burashnikov Alexander , Belardinelli Luiz , Antzelevitch Charles
Published: December 2009

Background—Amiodarone and ranolazine have been characterized as inactivated- and activated-state blockers of cardiac sodium channel current (INa), respectively, and shown to cause atrial-selective depression of INa-related parameters. This study tests the hypothesis that their combined actions synergistically depress INa-dependent parameters in atria but not ventricles.

Methods and Results—The effects of acute ranolazine (5 to 10 μmol/L) were studied in coronary-perfused right atrial and left ventricular wedge preparations and superfused left atrial pulmonary vein sleeves isolated from chronic amiodarone-treated (40 mg/kg daily for 6 weeks) and untreated dogs. Floating and standard microelectrode techniques were used to record transmembrane action potentials. When studied separately, acute ranolazine and chronic amiodarone caused atrial-predominant depression of INa-dependent parameters. Ranolazine produced a much greater reduction in Vmaxand much greater increase in diastolic threshold of excitation and effective refractory period in atrial preparations isolated from amiodarone-treated versus untreated dogs, leading to a marked increase in postrepolarization refractoriness. The drug combination effectively suppressed triggered activity in pulmonary vein sleeves but produced relatively small changes in INa-dependent parameters in the ventricle. Acetylcholine (0.5 μmol/L) and burst pacing induced atrial fibrillation in 100% of control atria, 75% of ranolazine-treated (5 μmol/L) atria, 16% of atria from amiodarone-treated dogs, and in 0% of atria from amiodarone-treated dogs exposed to 5 μmol/L ranolazine.

Conclusions—The combination of chronic amiodarone and acute ranolazine produces a synergistic use-dependent depression of INa-dependent parameters in isolated canine atria, leading to a potent effect of the drug combination to prevent the induction of atrial fibrillation.
River Control, Merchant Philanthropy, and Environmental Change in Nineteenth-Century China
Authors: Kim Nanny
Published: December 2009

This article investigates a series of projects for the improvement of shipping conditions of the Upper Yangzi in 1805-'40. The enterprise was undertaken by two Hankou merchants, one of whom published his 'Brief Account of the Taming of the Rapids'. An analysis of the detailed data of this source provides insights into navigation conditions and rates of environmental change on a major river, and into a major infrastructure project undertaken as merchant philanthropy. This paper proposes a perspective on water transport in pre-industrial China against a wider temporal and cultural backdrop, with a particular reference to private philanthropy as a set item within the moral economy. Cet article examine une série de projets destinés à améliorer les conditions de la batellerie dans le Haut Yangzi entre 1805 et 1840. Cette entreprise fut menée à l'instigation de deux marchands originaires de Hankou, dont l'un publia un « Bref compte-rendu sur la domestication des rapides ». L'analyse des données détaillées que contient ce document offre un aperçu des conditions de navigation et des changements environnementaux affectant un grand fleuve, et permet de mieux comprendre ce vaste projet d'infrastructure conçu comme une forme de philanthropie marchande. Cet article propose de replacer le transport fluvial de la Chine préindustrielle dans un plus large contexte temporel et culturel, en insistant particulièrement sur le rôle de la philanthropie privée, considérée comme un pivot de l'économie morale.
Women and Nation Building: The Case of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Dhaheri Hissa Al
Published: December 2009

The newly formed United Arab Emirates appears to be making strides towards the empowerment of women, with women becoming visible in public roles—particularly as professional broadcasters in the media and high-ranking ministers in government posts. However, some evidence suggests that in reality, the progress of women may be a patriarchal image created merely for the sake of appearances as part of the emerging nation's political agenda that seeks to convey the image of a 'modern' state. Fundamentally laws are still biased against women and the education system is still embedding gender bias into the minds of youths via the nation's core curriculum. On the positive side, those visible roles given to women as part of nation-state building and cultural identity projects cannot fail to lead to changes in the social perception of women. However, the fear is that the more the state focuses on creating an image; real change at the grass roots level will be sidelined.
A Higher-Order Closure Model with an Explicit PBL Top
Authors: Lappen Cara-Lyn , Randall David , Yamaguchi Takanobu
Published: December 2009

In 2001, the authors presented a higher-order mass-flux model called “assumed distributions with higher-order closure” (ADHOC 1), which represents the large eddies of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) in terms of an assumed joint distribution of the vertical velocity and scalars. In a subsequent version (ADHOC 2) the authors incorporated vertical momentum fluxes and second moments involving pressure perturbations into the framework. These versions of ADHOC, as well as all other higher-order closure models, are not suitable for use in large-scale models because of the high vertical and temporal resolution that is required. This high resolution is needed mainly because higher-order closure (HOC) models must resolve discontinuities at the PBL top, which can occur anywhere on a model’s Eulerian vertical grid. This paper reports the development of ADHOC 3, in which the computational cost of the model is reduced by introducing the PBL depth as an explicit prognostic variable. ADHOC 3 uses a stretched vertical coordinate that is attached to the PBL top. The discontinuous jumps at the PBL top are “hidden” in the layer edge that represents the PBL top. This new HOC model can use much coarser vertical resolution and a longer time step and is thus suitable for use in large-scale models. To predict the PBL depth, an entrainment parameterization is needed. In the development of the model, the authors have been led to a new view of the old problem of entrainment parameterization. The relatively detailed information available in the HOC model is used to parameterize the entrainment rate. The present approach thus borrows ideas from mixed-layer modeling to create a new, more economical type of HOC model that is better suited for use as a parameterization in large-scale models.
Circulation and Water Mass Modification in the Brazil–Malvinas Confluence
Authors: Jullion Loic , Heywood Karen J. , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Stevens David P.
Published: December 2009

The confluence between the Brazil Current and the Malvinas Current [the Brazil–Malvinas Confluence (BMC)] in the Argentine Basin is characterized by a complicated thermohaline structure favoring the exchanges of mass, heat, and salt between the subtropical gyre and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). Analysis of thermohaline properties of hydrographic sections in the BMC reveals strong interactions between the ACC and subtropical fronts. In the Subantarctic Front, Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW), Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW), and Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) warm (become saltier) by 0.4° (0.08), 0.3° (0.02), and 0.6°C (0.1), respectively. In the subtropical gyre, AAIW and North Atlantic Deep Water have cooled (freshened) by 0.4° (0.07) and 0.7°C (0.11), respectively.

To quantify those ACC–subtropical gyre interactions, a box inverse model surrounding the confluence is built. The model diagnoses a subduction of 16 ± 4 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) of newly formed SAMW and AAIW under the subtropical gyre corresponding to about half of the total subduction rate of the South Atlantic found in previous studies. Cross-frontal heat (0.06 PW) and salt (2.4 × 1012 kg s−1) gains by the ACC in the BMC contribute to the meridional poleward heat and salt fluxes across the ACC. These estimates correspond to perhaps half of the total cross-ACC poleward heat flux. The authors’ results highlight the BMC as a key region in the subtropical–ACC exchanges.
Simulation of Water Age and Residence Time in New York Bight
Authors: Zhang Weifeng G. , Wilkin John L. , Schofield Oscar M. E.
Published: December 2009

The time scales on which river inflows disperse in the coastal ocean are relevant to a host of biogeochemical and environmental processes. These time scales are examined in a modeling study of the Hudson River plume on its entry to the New York Bight (NYB). Constituent-oriented age and residence-time theory is applied to compute two time scales: mean age, which is calculated from the ratio of two model tracers, and residence time, which is calculated using the adjoint of the tracer conservation equation.

Spatial and temporal variability associated with river discharge and wind is investigated. High river discharge lowers surface water age and shortens residence time in the apex of the NYB. Easterly winds increase surface water age and extend the duration waters along the Long Island coast remain in the NYB apex. Southerly winds increase age along the New Jersey coast but drive a decrease in age of offshore surface waters and prolong the time that surface waters close to the New Jersey coast stay in the NYB apex. Residence time along the Long Island coast is high in spring and summer because of the retention of water north of the Hudson shelf valley.

Patterns of modeled surface water age and an age proxy computed from the ratio of satellite-measured irradiance in two channels show qualitative agreement. A least squares fit gives a statistically significant empirical relationship between the band ratio and modeled mean age for NYB waters.
Long-Term Statistics and Extreme Waves of Sea Storms
Authors: Fedele Francesco , Arena Felice
Published: December 2009

A stochastic model of sea storms for describing long-term statistics of extreme wave events is presented. The formulation generalizes Boccotti’s equivalent triangular storm model by describing an actual storm history in the form of a generic power law. The latter permits the derivation of analytical solutions for the return periods of extreme wave events and associated statistical properties. Lastly, the relative validity of the new model and its predictions is assessed by analyzing wave measurements retrieved from two NOAA National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) buoys in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Contributions of work—life and resilience initiatives to the individual/organization relationship
Authors: Ollier-Malaterre Ariane
Published: December 2009

Despite much research, it remains unclear whether and how organizational work—life and resilience initiatives (WLRI) enhance employee commitment. To open this black box, this theory-building research analyses 73 in-depth interviews in a multinational pharmaceutical company. WLRI foster desirable outcomes for almost two-thirds of the sample (loyalty, pride, calculated appreciation and use as management tools), yet may have negative outcomes (disappointment, obligation to stay) or no outcome (indifference). To understand the processes implied, this research analyses employees’ awareness, need, access and judgment of the initiatives. A decision tree was built. Key success conditions lie in three layers of context: personal, work environment and national. This article argues for a new theoretical foundation of work—life research, combining classic individual-centred perspectives with relational theories, which remain under-investigated in work—life research.