bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A method for improving predictions of bed‐load discharges to reservoirs
Authors: Lopes Vicente L. , Osterkamp Waite R. , Bravo‐Espinosa Miguel 
Published: July 2007

AbstractEffective management options for mitigating the loss of reservoir water storage capacity to sedimentation depend on improved predictions of bed‐load discharges into the reservoirs. Most predictions of bed‐load discharges, however, are based on the assumption that the rates of bed‐load sediment availability equal the transport capacity of the flow, ignoring the spatio‐temporal variability of the sediment supply. This paper develops a semiquantitative method to characterize bed‐load sediment transport in alluvial channels, assuming a channel reach is non‐supply limited when the bed‐load discharge of a given sediment particle‐size class is functionally related to the energy that is available to transport that fraction of the total bed‐load. The method was applied to 22 alluvial stream channels in the USA to determine whether a channel reach had a supply‐limited or non‐supply‐limited bed‐load transport regime. The non‐supply‐limited transport regime was further subdivided into two groups on the basis of statistical tests. The results indicated the pattern of bed‐load sediment transport in alluvial channels depends on the complete spectrum of sediment particle sizes available for transport rather than individual particle‐size fractions represented by one characteristic particle size. The application of the method developed in this paper should assist reservoir managers in selecting bed‐load sediment transport equations to improve predictions of bed‐load discharge in alluvial streams, thereby significantly increasing the efficiency of management options for maintaining the storage capacity of waterbodies.
Influences of land use/cover on water quality in the upper and middle reaches of River Njoro, Kenya
Authors: Shivoga William A. , Muchiri Mucai , Kibichi Samuel , Odanga Jethro , Miller Scott N. , Baldyga Tracy J. , Enanga Eric M. , Gichaba Maina C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractData from 10 sampling sites along the River Njoro are used to examine the contribution of nutrients from upstream land uses draining each of the sampling sites. The data also are used to assess whether both the proportion of land uses and the size of the subwatersheds account for the variability in water quality in the River Njoro watershed. Geographical Information System analysis was used to determine the spatial distribution of land‐cover types and subwatersheds contributing run‐off to the sampling sites in the River Njoro. Standard Digital Elevation Model‐based routines were used to establish the watershed area contributing run‐off to each sampling site. Water and sediment samples were collected for chemical analysis, and the nutrient levels were related to the upstream land‐use types and the size of the subwatersheds. The mid‐stream portion of the River Njoro (near Egerton University) accounts for the highest nutrient contributions. The percentage contribution is magnified by additions from industrial, human settlements and agricultural land uses around the University. There is a significant decrease in nutrient levels downstream, however, indicating natural purification as the river flows through an area of large‐scale farming with intense, well‐preserved riparian and in‐stream vegetation. Steep slopes of the land upstream of Egerton University enhance erosion and nutrient losses from those subwatersheds. Mixed small‐scale agricultural and bare lands contribute over 55% of the phosphorus load to the upper and mid‐reaches of the River Njoro. The size of the subwatershed accounts for about 53% of the variability in the soluble phosphorus in the river. The land‐use subwatershed proportions are important for characterizing and modelling water quality in the River Njoro watershed. Upland land uses are as important as near‐stream land uses. We suggest that conservation of intact riparian corridor along the river and its tributaries contributes significantly to natural purification processes and recovery of the ecological integrity of the River Njoro ecosystem.
Effects of direct injection of dehydrated ethanol on PC3 human prostate cancer cells in nude mice: Preliminary study
Authors: Goya Nobuyuki , Koga Shoji , Tomizawa Yasuko , Onitsuka Shiro , Yamaguchi Yutaka , Toma Hiroshi 
Published: July 2007

Objectives:  The effect of direct local injection of dehydrated ethanol on hormone‐independent prostatic carcinoma cells (PC3 cells) implanted in nude mice was investigated.Methods:  PC3 tumors were implanted subcutaneously into 30 nude mice. Three weeks later, dehydrated ethanol was injected directly into the tumors. Twenty‐three animals received an injection of ethanol at a volume of 40 μL, 80 μL, or 160 μL, and were divided into a low‐dose group (n = 11) and a high‐dose group (n = 12) on the basis of the ethanol/tumor volume ratio (<30% versus≥30%). The control group (n = 7) was injected with 40 μL of physiological saline. The tumor volume before treatment was 324.9 ± 110.9 mm3 and was assessed as well as 1 day, 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks after injection. Then the changes of tumor volume were compared between the two ethanol groups (low‐dose group and high‐dose group) and the control group. Histological examination was performed for up to 3 weeks after injection.Results:  Assessment of tumor volume showed that the ethanol/tumor volume ratio was 16.1 ± 5.3% in the low‐dose group (n = 5) and 51.8 ± 20.3% in the high‐dose group (n = 6). Tumor growth was significantly inhibited after 1 and 2 weeks in the ethanol groups compared with the control group (n = 3). After 3 weeks, there was a tendency for tumor regrowth in the low‐dose group, but growth inhibition was maintained in the high‐dose group. Histological examination showed tumor degeneration and necrosis with feeding vessel obstruction in the acute phase.Conclusions:  Local injection of dehydrated ethanol regressed tumors of prostatic carcinoma cells in nude mice, with the degeneration of tumor cells and occlusion of feeding vessels.
Prostate‐specific antigen cut‐off point of 2.5 ng/mL and increasing the number of prostate biopsies results in the detection of curable prostate cancer even in Japanese population
Authors: Saito Seiichi 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  There is a trend for the cut‐off point of Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) to be lower and the number of biopsies to be increased for detecting prostate cancer. I divided patients who visited my institution for prostate biopsy into 3 groups based on the time of examination. The results were evaluated retrospectively.Methods:  The three groups were: group A, PSA cut‐off point of 4.0 ng/mL and sextant biopsy; group B, 2.5 ng/mL and 12 core biopsies; and group C, 2.5 ng/mL and saturation biopsy. I evaluated the rates of cancer detection, localized cancer, T1c, high grade cancer, major complications, insignificant cancer and the pain scores, and compared biopsy number and cancer detection rates with PSA range. Only the patients with T1c and PSA 2.6–10.0 ng/mL were evaluated about high grade cancer and insignificant cancer rates.Results:  Cancer detection rates, localized cancer rates and T1c rates were significantly high in group C. There were no significant differences in the high grade cancer rates, major complication rates and the insignificant cancer rates. A comparison between biopsy number and cancer detection rates was significantly high in the saturation biopsy group with PSA 4.1–10.0 ng/mL.Conclusion:  A PSA cut‐off point of 2.5 ng/mL and increasing the number of biopsies results in the increased detection of localized prostate cancer. The insignificant cancer rate, the high grade cancer rate and the complication rate were not significantly different among the groups. I recommend a PSA cut‐off point of 2.5 ng/mL and an increased number of biopsies, saturation biopsy particularly in cases with PSA 4.1– 10.0 mg/mL.
Long‐term results of permanent metallic stent implantation in the treatment of benign upper urinary tract occlusion
Authors: Li Xun , He Zhaohui , Yuan Jian , Zeng Guohua , He Yongzhong , Lei Ming 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  The management of complicated benign upper urinary tract occlusion is extremely challenging, especially in patients unable to undergo an open operative procedure. We report the long‐term results of a permanent metallic stent for benign upper urinary tract occlusion.Methods:  From October 1995 to December 1998, 13 patients (8 men and 5 women, with a mean age of 43 years) with benign upper tract occlusion have been treated by metallic stent implantation. All patients had a nephrostomy tube to relieve the obstruction and the average time of the nephrostomy tube stay was 27 months, ranging from 3 to 131 months. The average length of occlusion was 2.7 cm, ranging from 1 to 3.6 cm. Ultrasonography, urography, diuresis renography and urine culture were performed every 3 months after stent insertion. Ureteroscopy was done when needed.Results:  The mean follow‐up was 92 months (12–132 months). Ureteral patency was achieved in six patients and assisted patency with a Double‐J stent was achieved in three patients. In two patients the kidney had to be removed because of progressive malfunction and in two patients the metal stent had to be extracted with the Holmium: YAG laser, burning it down due to the uncontrollable pyonephrosis. In three patients the ipsilateral flank pain recurred. One of these patients experienced urine leakage due to the initial nephrostomy tract: a ureteroscopy revealed a complete hyperplastic urothelial response. Proximal stone formations were found in 2 patients and all were removed by percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). No stent migration or fragmentation was observed.Conclusion:  The implantation of metal stent is a safe and effective treatment for benign upper urinary tract occlusion, and has satisfying long‐term outcome in selected cases. A further investigation is needed for its impact on the urodynamics of upper urinary tract.
Protective effects of melatonin on renal failure in pinealectomized rats
Authors: Parlakpinar Hakan , Acet Ahmet , Gul Mehmet , Altinoz Eyup , Esrefoglu Mukaddes , Colak Cemil 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects melatonin on renal function.Methods:  The histological appearance of the kidney and malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, glutathione and superoxide dismutase contents were determined. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were also assayed. Rats were divided as: Sham, pinealectomized (Px) and pinealectomized and treated with melatonin.Results:  In Px group, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were elevated when compared with the sham group. The Px group exhibited reduced superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content. All of these harmful changes were restored by melatonin. Melatonin also ameliorated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels related to renal injury. The score for glomerular, tubular and interstitial changes was significantly higher in the Px group. Melatonin supplementation significantly reduced these parameters.Conclusions:  This protective effect may be associated with both melatonin's lipophilic and hydrophilic effects, thus providing on‐site protection against free radical mediated damage.
Percentages of positive cores, cancer length and Gleason grade 4/5 cancer in systematic sextant biopsy are all predictive of adverse pathology and biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Suekane Shigetaka , Noguchi Masanori , Nakashima Osamu , Yamada Satoko , Kojiro Masamichi , Matsuoka Kei 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  We investigated whether the quantitative parameters of systematic sextant biopsies were predictive of either adverse pathological findings or disease recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP).Methods:  We retrospectively evaluated a total of 117 men with untreated prostate cancer whose needle biopsies were matched with RP specimens. The pretreatment parameters of the serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), the PSA density, the percentage of positive biopsy cores, the percentage of cancer length and the percentage of Gleason grade 4/5 cancer in the biopsy were determined and compared with the pathological features of prostate cancer in RP specimens. These pretreatment parameters and pathological factors in the RP specimens, including the cancer volume, the percentage of Gleason grade 4/5 cancer, the positive surgical margin and the seminal vesicle invasion were evaluated for their ability to predict the disease recurrence.Results:  The percentages of positive biopsy cores, the Gleason grade 4/5 cancer in the biopsy and the cancer length in the biopsy had a weak correlation with the cancer volume in RP specimens (r = 0.373, 0.345, 0.408, respectively). All quantitative biopsy parameters were strongly predictive of the non‐organ‐confined status, the positive surgical margin and the seminal vesicle invasion in the logistic regression analysis. The percentage of positive biopsy cores and the percentage of Gleason grade 4/5 cancer in the biopsy predicted biochemical failure after RP.Conclusion:  These results indicate that quantitative biopsy parameters are independent predictors of the adverse pathology of prostate cancers and disease recurrence after RP.
Ventral based dartos flap for the prevention of the urethrocutaneous fistula urethroplasty
Authors: Hayashi Yutaro , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Nakane Akihiro , Kurokawa Satoshi , Tozawa Keiichi , Kohri Kenjiro 
Published: July 2007

Background:  Urethrocutaneous fistula is a common complication of urethroplasty for hypospadias even when a microsurgical technique is applied.Methods:  From January 1999 to November 2006, we applied the ventral based dartos flap wrapping technique to prevent the occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula in 34 patients with hypospadias.Results:  Hypospadias was repaired without fistula formation in 31 patients while three patients developed a tiny fistula, which was later closed successfully by a simple procedure.Conclusion:  We conclude that the ventral based dartos flap wrapping technique could be an alternative to the dorsal dartos flap for covering the neourethra with a vascularized flap because the procedure is very simple, and complications rarely occur.
Phylogenetic identity, growth‐response time and rRNA operon copy number of soil bacteria indicate different stages of community succession
Authors: Shrestha Pravin Malla , Noll Matthias , Liesack Werner 
Published: July 2007

SummaryBacterial community succession corresponds to changes in the phylogenetic identity, growth‐response time and rRNA operon (rrn) copy number of culturable populations. To test this hypothesis, we compared the bacterial fractions culturable from the oxic zone of flooded, unplanted paddy soil microcosms after 1‐day (early succession) and 70‐day (late succession) incubation periods. The proportion of bacteria that was cultivable on solid media corresponded for early and late succession to 37–40% and 31–35% of total DAPI cell counts, which were 7.40 (±0.36) × 108 and 5.54 (±0.28) × 108 cells per gram of dry soil, respectively. In colony‐forming curve analysis, late successional bacteria showed a significant delay in their growth response compared with those from early succession. A total of 59 early successional isolates grouped into 16 species‐level clusters (SLC) plus three Bacilli‐like SLC, while 66 late successional isolates formed 25 SLC plus five Bacilli‐like SLC. Except Bacilli‐like spp., isolates from early succession always belonged to different SLC than those from late succession. Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were typical of the early stage, while Alphaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria prevailed in late succession. Considering all SLC except those assigned to Bacilli, growth‐response time and rrn copy number were significantly correlated with successional stage. Isolates of most early successional SLC (14 of 16) formed visible colonies within 1 (11 SLC) or 2 days (three SLC) and contained ≥ 4 rrn copies. In contrast, isolates of late successional SLC (23 of 25) formed visible colonies within 2 days (four SLC) or, in most cases, only within 3–15 days (19 SLC) and contained ≤ 2 rrn copies. Regardless of whether isolated from early or late succession, Bacilli‐like isolates always showed a colony‐forming time of 2 days and had 9–11 rrn copies.
A morphometric analysis of bulbar urethral strictures
Authors: Cavalcanti Andre G. , Costa Waldemar S. , Baskin Laurence S. , McAninch Jack A. , Sampaio Francisco J.B. 
Published: July 2007

In a beautifully descriptive paper, authors from Rio de Janeiro and San Francisco report a quantitative and qualitative histological analysis of spongiosal tissue in patients with bulbar urethral strictures. They found that stricture formation was characterised by major alterations in extracellular matrix features.OBJECTIVETo report a quantitative and qualitative histological analysis of spongiosum tissue in patients with bulbar urethral strictures.MATERIALS AND METHODSUrethral specimens from 15 patients who had end‐to‐end anastomotic urethroplasty were evaluated; the control group comprised five bulbar urethras from cadavers. The collagen content, elastic fibres, smooth muscle and vessels were analysed using stereological methods.RESULTSThere was complete loss of the relationship between smooth muscle, extracellular matrix and sinusoids in the peri‐luminal area (PLA), with collagen replacement. The extension of the fibrotic area was greater in those with a traumatic than in those with an atraumatic stricture. The content of smooth muscle and collagen in the peripheral spongiosum (PS) area was similar for the stricture and control groups, and results were comparable for traumatic and atraumatic groups and those with suprapubic cystostomy diversion or not before surgery. There was a remarkably lower vascular density in the traumatic than in the atraumatic group. There was an increase in type III collagen in the PLA and in type I collagen in the PS; collagen type III in the PLA was greater in the group with no suprapubic cystostomy diversion before surgery. There were fewer elastic fibres in both stricture areas (PLA and PS) than in the control group.CONCLUSIONSUrethral stricture formation is characterized by marked changes in extracellular matrix features, with consequent changes in organ function.
Alterations in the expression of inhibitors of apoptosis during differentiation of prostate epithelial cells
Authors: Long Ronan M. , Morrissey Colm , Walsh Sinead , Hamilton Hilary J. , Farrell Nicole , O'Neill Amanda , Fitzpatrick John M. , Watson William R. 
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVETo investigate alterations in the apoptotic phenotype, specifically the inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) family, in prostate epithelial cells after differentiation from an apoptotic‐resistant basal cell to an apoptotic‐susceptible secretory cell.MATERIALS AND METHODSCells of the immortalized human prostate epithelial line HPr‐1AR were cultured with and with no 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to drive differentiation. Western blotting and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) were used to determine changes in differentiation markers such as cytokeratins (CK) 14 and 18, and in XIAP, cIAP‐1 and cIAP‐2. Flow cytometry was used to assess viability and apoptosis, by propidium iodide DNA staining of the cells during differentiation.RESULTSMorphological changes and the increased CK‐18 and decreased CK‐14 expression confirmed differentiation of cells towards a secretory phenotype. Real‐time PCR and Western blotting confirmed the expression of the IAPs in the HPr‐1AR cells. There was a time‐dependent decrease in the mRNA expression of XIAP, cIAP‐1 and cIAP‐2 after treatment with DHT. Differentiation also resulted in decreased cIAP‐1 and XIAP protein expression, but cIAP‐2 remained unchanged. Spontaneous apoptosis was significantly increased during cellular differentiation.CONCLUSIONWe show for the first time that differentiation of HPr‐1AR prostate epithelial cells results in the development of a transient end‐stage cell that might be explained by the loss of the IAP family of proteins.
Occlusion Textures for Plausible Soft Shadows*
Authors: Eisemann E. , Décoret X. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract This paper presents a new approach to compute plausible soft shadows for complex dynamic scenes and rectangular light sources. We estimate the occlusion at each point of the scene using prefiltered occlusion textures, which dynamically approximate the scene geometry. The algorithm is fast and its performance independent of the light's size. Being image‐based, it is mostly independent of the scene complexity and type. No a priori information is needed, and there is no caster/receiver separation. This makes the method appealing and easy to use.
Shifts in the Demand and Supply of Skills in the OECD: A Single‐Index Model with a Continuous Distribution of Skills*
Authors: Manacorda Marco , Manning Alan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper proposes a one‐dimensional index for the gap between the demand and supply of skills; this index can be estimated based on the labour market performance of groups defined with characteristics (e.g. education) that are only imperfectly correlated with labour market skills. Using data from five European countries and the US, we find that the relative demand for skills has increased more than the relative supply in the US and UK during the 1980s but not in other European countries. However, the gap between relative demand and supply increased in Italy and the Netherlands from the early 1990s.
Financial Pressure and Balance Sheet Adjustment by Firms*
Authors: Benito Andrew , Young Garry 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper examines the financial policies and balance sheet adjustment of companies. Using a large panel of UK‐listed firms we consider how companies resolve pressures on their balance sheet, estimating models for dividends, new equity issuance and investment. The results indicate that companies resolve balance sheet pressures by each of these means. Financial policies, through dividends and new equity issuance, and real investment decisions, respond to the underlying level of debt and the borrowing cost of servicing that debt. Dividends are estimated to be slow to adjust in the short run.
Class belonging: a quantitative exploration of identity and consciousness
Authors: Surridge Paula 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe recent revival in interest in class subjectivity has been largely premised on class belonging as a form of identity, eschewing talk of class‐consciousness. Evidence in this debate has been mostly qualitative and focused on specific social groups. This paper uses data from the 2003 British Social Attitudes Survey to map the sense of class belonging in England and to assess the strength of class belonging when placed alongside other social identities, such as gender and nationality. The paper also explores the extent to which class identity could be conceived of as class‐consciousness through its links with attitudes to redistribution and workplace relations.