cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heme oxygenase synthesis is induced in cultured lens epithelium by hyperbaric oxygen or puromycin.

Abstract We showed previously that treatment of cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells (LECs) with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) produced DNA strand-breaks, caused reversible inhibition of protein synthesis and induced the synthesis of a 32 kD protein. In the present work, we employed immunostaining procedures to identify the 32 kD protein as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Increased synthesis of the enzyme was observed as early as 12 hr after HBO-treatment, reached a maximum at 18 hr and was not detectable at 36 hr. Exposure of the cells to hemin also increased the synthesis of HO-1. An HBO-induced inhibition of protein synthesis and the subsequent induction of HO-1 was also observed in the capsule-epithelium of cultured rabbit lenses. For both LECs and the cultured lens, only HO-1 and not heme oxygenase-2 was HBO-inducible. Use of the antioxidant dimethylthiourea with HBO-treated lenses or LECs did not alter the observed effects on protein synthesis or the induction of HO-1. In contrast to results obtained with 50 atm O 2 , a pressure of 25 atm O 2 inhibited protein synthesis only slightly and failed to induce synthesis of the 32 kD protein (although, as shown previously, identical exposure of LECs to 25 atm O 2 significantly damaged DNA). Inhibition of protein synthesis in LECs and cultured lenses with the use of puromycin also induced synthesis of HO-1. Both hemin (10 μ m ), a source of iron, and 50 atm O 2 produced a three-fold increase in the concentration of ferritin, a natural iron chelator, in LECs two days after exposure; no effects on ferritin levels were observed after 1 or 3 days. The finding that the increase in ferritin concentration occurred in the cells significantly after hemin- or HBO-induced synthesis of heme oxygenase indicates that chelatable iron rather than the heme molecule itself may have been the primary agent responsible for inducing ferritin synthesis. The data suggest that HBO-induced synthesis of HO-1 in the lens epithelium may be the result of an inhibition of protein synthesis, possibly leading to an accumulation of heme, rather than a direct protective response against oxidative stress.
Polarization and intensity correlations in stochastic electromagnetic beams upon interaction with devices of polarization optics

Based on the recently formulated unified theory of coherence and polarization of light, we explore the behavior of the intensity–intensity correlations and the auxiliary quantity called the degree of cross-polarization in stochastic electromagnetic beams upon their passage through the devices of polarization optics. In particular, the effects of deterministic devices (such as polarizers, absorbers, compensators, and rotators) as well as of random devices (such as spatial light modulators) on passing beams are investigated. Our results may find applications in polarimetric communications, imaging and sensing.
Distributions and Determinants of Mercury Concentrations in Toenails among American Young Adults: the CARDIA Trace Element Study

Since data on mercury (Hg) levels in Caucasians and African Americans (AAs) of both genders are lacking, this study aims to present toenail Hg distributions and explore the potential determinants using data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Trace Element Study. Data from 4,344 Americans, aged 20–32 in 1987, recruited from Oakland, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Birmingham were used to measure toenail Hg levels by instrumental neutron-activation method. The Hg distribution was described with selected percentiles and geometric means. Multivariable linear regression (MLR) was used to examine potential determinants of Hg levels within ethnicity–gender subgroups. The geometric mean of toenail Hg was 0.212 (95 % CI = 0.207–0.218) μg/g. Hg levels varied geographically with Oakland the highest [0.381 (0.367–0.395) μg/g] and Minneapolis the lowest [0.140 (0.134–0.147) μg/g]. MLR analyses showed that male gender and AA ethnicity were negatively associated with toenail Hg levels, and that age, living in Oakland city, education level, alcohol consumption, and total fish intake were positively associated with toenail Hg concentrations within each ethnicity–gender subgroup. Current smokers were found to have higher Hg only in AA men. This study suggested age, gender, ethnicity, study center, alcohol, education level, and fish consumption consistently predict toenail Hg levels. As fish consumption was the key determinant, avoiding certain types of fish that have relatively high Hg levels may be crucial in reducing Hg intake.
Variational wave functions for a screened Coulomb potential

Using solutions to a Hulth\`en-like effective potential as variational trail functions we have calculated the energy levels of the nonzero angular momentum states of the static screened Coulomb potential. Our one-parameter results for the $2p$, $3p$, $3d$, $4p$, $4d$, and $4f$ levels are in excellent agreement with earlier, more elaborate calculations. We have also calculated spontaneous emission transition probabilities between several pairs of states and find that our results compare favorably with previous calculations. We conclude that Hulth\`en-like trial functions provide better variational energies and wave functions with fewer parameters than hydrogenic or Slater-type functions for screened Coulomb and similar potentials.
Glucose determination in human aqueous humor with Raman spectroscopy

It has been suggested that spectroscopic analysis of the aqueous humor of the eye could be used to indirectly predict blood glucose levels in diabetics noninvasively. We have been investigating this potential using Raman spectroscopy in combination with partial least squares (PLS) analysis. We have determined that glucose at clinically relevant concentrations can be accurately predicted in human aqueous humor in vitro using a PLS model based on artificial aqueous humor. We have further determined that with proper instrument design, the light energy necessary to achieve clinically acceptable prediction of glucose does not damage the retinas of rabbits and can be delivered at powers below internationally acceptable safety limits. Herein we summarize our current results and address our strategies to improve instrument design.
Acculturation and the Sexual and Reproductive Health Of Latino Youth in the United States: A Literature Review

CONTEXT: The high birthrate among Latina teenagers in the United States has generated increased interest in the role of acculturation in their sexual and reproductive health. It is critical to identify gaps in the existing research and to ascertain the relationship between acculturation and Latino sexual behavior. METHODS: PUBMED, ERIC and POPLINE were searched for journal articles published between 1985 and 2006 that explicitly examined acculturation and sexual and reproductive health among Latino youth. All fertility-related outcomes (pregnancy, birth, abortion) and their proximate determinants (attitudes, knowledge, norms, sexual activity contraceptive use) were considered sexual or reproductive health outcomes. Eligible studies used a cross-sectional or longitudinal design; had a sample of males, females or both aged 25 or younger; and included Latino-specific analyses. RESULTS: Seventeen studies met the screening criteria, and these studies used 23 distinct measures of acculturation that captured four primary dimensions: time (duration of exposure to U.S. culture), language, culture and residence. The measures’robustness varied, and none of the studies was widely generalizable. Ten studies investigated sexual initiation, and eight of these found a positive association between the likelihood of this outcome and acculturation. Acculturation also was associated with increased condom use and with beliefs and norms related to healthy outcomes, although the evidence was less conclusive. CONCLUSIONS: Ideal studies of acculturation would stratify analyses by gender and country of origin, and would include time measures related to acculturation. When feasible, studies should be population-based and longitudinal, and should build on existing theories of the relationship between acculturation and the sexual behavior, norms and beliefs that are unique to Latino culture.
The Problem of Compatibility Between Military Equipment Design and Commercial Automation Techniques

The thesis is presented that standardization is the key to compatibility between military equipment design and commercial automation techniques. The definition of "automation", as authorized by the Electronic Industries Assn. (formerly RETMA) is given. The cognizant standardization organization, Panel "A" within EIA on Automation and Computers is described as consisting of seven main committees with most made up of several subcommittees. It is stated that technical representatives of non-member companies are invited to participate fully in the workS and coordination with IRE headquarters is noted. The first national standard for the Baudot Code is mentioned, and A-3's proposed specification "STANDARD DIMENSIONAL SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATION REQUIrEmeNTS" (covering modular hole spacing) is reproduced in its entirety. A few of the "new attacks,, on automation that Remington Rand has been developing, are pictured. A single drill head, a multiple drill head, and a componentparts insertion machine are shown, which operate on the "template programming" principle, using a pantograph-type mechanism. It is mentioned that the principle is adaptable to automatic programming if economically warranted. Reliability of both insertion and the product is discussed, and 99.6% is labeled as too low. An admonition is given to "KEEP IT SIMPLE," and emphasis is placed upon the importance of military feed-back from operational units in the field.
Inhibition of photosynthetic and mitochondrial electron transport by a toxic substance isolated from the alga Pandorina morum

Abstract Treatment of pea chloroplasts with a low molecular weight (1000–1500) fraction isolated from the green alga Pandorina morum results in a strong inhibition of uncoupled electron flow with methyl viologen as electron acceptor and either water or hydroquinone (Tris-aged chloroplasts) as electron donor. Photosystem I electron flow (diaminodurene to methyl viologen) is not affected, whereas Photosystem II electron flow (water to dimethyl quinone plus dibromothymoquinone) is markedly inhibited in toxin-treated chloroplasts. Electron transport in mitochondria, isolated from white potato tubers, is also inhibited by the toxin at a point between Sites II and III.
Stable RNA interference of host thrombospondin‐1 blocks Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Interactions between Trypanosoma cruzi and the extracellular matrix play an important role in cellular invasion. Here we show that T. cruzi increases the levels of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) expression in host cells during early infection. Stable RNA interference of host cell TSP-1 knocks down the levels of TSP-1 transcripts and protein expression in mammalian cells causing inhibition of T. cruzi infection. Addition of TSP-1 to these cells restores infection. Thus, host TSP-1, regulated by the parasite, plays a crucial role in early infection. This is the first report showing that a human parasite modulates TSP-1 expression to facilitate infection.
Design Studies for Twist-Coupled Wind Turbine Blades

This study presents results obtained for four hybrid designs of the Northern Power Systems (NPS) 9.2-meter prototype version of the ERS-100 wind turbine rotor blade. The ERS-100 wind turbine rotor blade was designed and developed by TPI composites. The baseline design uses e-glass unidirectional fibers in combination with {+-}45-degree and random mat layers for the skin and spar cap. This project involves developing structural finite element models of the baseline design and carbon hybrid designs with and without twist-bend coupling. All designs were evaluated for a unit load condition and two extreme wind conditions. The unit load condition was used to evaluate the static deflection, twist and twist-coupling parameter. Maximum deflections and strains were determined for the extreme wind conditions. Linear and nonlinear buckling loads were determined for a tip load condition. The results indicate that carbon fibers can be used to produce twist-coupled designs with comparable deflections, strains and buckling loads to the e-glass baseline.
This Directory's Not Big Enuf fer Both of Us!

That's what the ILL and Cataloging Micro Enhancer software used to say to each other here at NJIT. We thought we were going to have a shootout at the M310 Workstation, with all the catalogers staring down all the interlibrary loan honchos. But that's before “Sheriff Batch File” rode into town and taught us that all we really had was a failure to communicate.
Patient decision-making modes and causes: A preliminary investigation

A recent study of patient decision making regarding acceptance of an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) provides a substantial but nonrandom sample (N = 191) of telephone interviews with persons who have made an affirmative decision regarding an ICD. Using a coding scheme developed through qualitative analysis of transcribed interviews, these data can be subjected to exploratory statistical analysis. The reasons given by respondents for getting the ICD differed by both region and gender, and show some correlations with whether the device has or has not delivered any stimulation (shocks) since implantation. Cluster analysis reveals association among certain important themes in the discussion of the decision process, particularly linking rather opposite concepts into clusters related to specific dimensions. The results suggest the importance, to patients, of maintaining the integrity of the self by asserting control and independence. The majority of the respondents (61%) have not received the primary intended benefit of the device (stimulation). Thus, the findings suggest that psychological benefits alone of having the device (such as anxiety reduction) serve to justify acceptance of a computerized device. Implications for other lines of computerized health support and for further study of these issues are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Temporal analysis of agroforestry systems for rural development

Temporal analysis is introduced as a method to assess the suitability of agroforestry projects for meeting rural development objectives. This form of analysis provides a common base for examining social, economic, ecological, and managerial aspects of agroforestry systems.
Lipoxygenases mediate the effect of essential fatty acid in skin barrier formation: A proposed role in releasing omega-hydroxyceramide for construction of the corneocyte lipid envelope

A barrier to water loss is vital to maintaining life on dry land. Formation of the mammalian skin barrier requires both the essential fatty acid linoleate and the two lipoxygenases 12R-lipoxygenase (12R-LOX) and epidermal lipoxygenase-3 (eLOX3), although their roles are poorly understood. Linoleate occurs in O-linoleoyl-ω-hydroxyceramide, which, after hydrolysis of the linoleate moiety, is covalently attached to protein via the free ω-hydroxyl of the ceramide, forming the corneocyte lipid envelope, a scaffold between lipid and protein that helps seal the barrier. Here we show using HPLC-UV, LC-MS, GC-MS, and 1H NMR that O-linoleoyl-ω-hydroxyceramide is oxygenated in a regio- and stereospecific fashion by the consecutive actions of 12R-LOX and eLOX3 and that these products occur naturally in pig and mouse epidermis. 12R-LOX forms 9R-hydroperoxy-linoleoyl-ω-hydroxyceramide, further converted by eLOX3 to specific epoxyalcohol (9R,10R-trans-epoxy-11E-13R-hydroxy) and 9-keto-10E,12Z esters of the ceramide; an epoxy-ketone derivative (9R,10R-trans-epoxy-11E-13-keto) is the most prominent oxidized ceramide in mouse skin. These products are absent in 12R-LOX-deficient mice, which crucially display a near total absence of protein-bound ω-hydroxyceramides and of the corneocyte lipid envelope and die shortly after birth from transepidermal water loss. We conclude that oxygenation of O-linoleoyl-ω-hydroxyceramide is required to facilitate the ester hydrolysis and allow bonding of the ω-hydroxyceramide to protein, providing a coherent explanation for the roles of multiple components in epidermal barrier function. Our study uncovers a hitherto unknown biochemical pathway in which the enzymic oxygenation of ceramides is involved in building a crucial structure of the epidermal barrier.
Control of the plague vector, Opisocrostis hirsutus, by treatment of prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) burrows with 2% carbaryl dust.

Treatment of prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) burrows with 2% carbaryl (Sevin®)2 dust at a rate of 85–95 g per burrow resulted in 100% elimination of the plague vector, Opisocrostis hirsutus, within 24 hr. Treated burrows remained free of fleas from 8 August to 25 September 1969, while fleas increased in an untreated portion of the same colony. During the winter, all Cynomys in the untreated portion of the study colony died; those in the treated portion survived. Epizootic plague die-off in nearby colonies during the summer of 1969 suggests that die-off in the untreated study plot also was due to plague, although no direct evidence was obtained. This being so, the elimination of fleas by 2% carbaryl protected the treated population from direct exposure to plague.
Comparison of deposition patterns in two programs for applying protectant fungicides to potato stems and leaves for the control of late blight (Phytophthora infestans)

Fungicides are applied by air, chemigation, and ground in the Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington. These methods of fungicide application differ in deposition of fungicide to the canopy and cost. This study compared the alternate use of air and chemigation application of fungicides (AIRCHEM) with chemigation alone (CHEM), by either measuring chlorothalonil or manganese (mancozeb) amounts in three canopy levels (upper, middle, lower), both on leaflets and stems, after multiple fungicide applications on a 7-day schedule. Greater amounts of chlorothalonil or mancozeb were usually found on the leaflets in the upper and middle canopy locations from AIRCHEM compared to CHEM, the day of fungicide application and 7 days later. Deposition of fungicides on stems generally follow the same pattern as leaflets, but the amount deposited and maintained on stems was significantly less than leaflets. Mancozeb deposition in the three canopy levels followed the same pattern as was found for chlorothalonil. The greater the amounts of chlorothalonil on leaflets and stems resulted in better disease reduction during inoculation assays. Reduced fungicide amounts on stems compared to leaflets may be the reason for increased stems infections in recent years by more aggressive strains of late blight. This is the first report quantifying chlorothalonil or mancozeb amounts on potato stems and the first to report amounts of mancozeb on potato foliage after fungicide application.
An extramedullary foramen magnum cavernous malformation presenting with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage: case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: This case summarizes our experience with the first described intradural extramedullary cavernous malformation at the foramen magnum and reminds the neurosurgical community to consider cavernous malformations in the differential diagnosis for subarachnoid hemorrhage. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old man presented with an occipital headache, photophobia, nausea, neck stiffness, and fever of 10 days' duration. A lumbar puncture yielded a clear pink fluid with 300 leukocytes/mm 3 (30% neutrophils and 65% lymphocytes) and 42,200 erythrocytes/mm 3 , a protein count of 243 mg/dl, and a glucose count of 56 mg/dl. Computed tomography revealed a 1.5-cm right-sided dural-based mass of high attenuation that spanned the foramen magnum and a segment of the upper spinal canal. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a loculated, heterogeneously enhancing mass with a cystic component that slightly displaced the medulla to the left. An angiogram was negative for aneurysms and vascular malformations but did show an area of early filling and slow washout of the epidural venous plexus at the posterior canal margin of C1 and C2. INTERVENTION: A suboccipital craniectomy and C1 laminectomy were performed. Upon opening of the dura, an encapsulated mass was visualized. The lesion was located on the right lateral surface of the cervicomedullary junction and was entirely extraparenchymal. The mass was microsurgically dissected, and its associated venous malformation was left intact. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, with a return to baseline function. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous malformation. CONCLUSION: : Our report not only presents a unique combination of pathological lesion, location, and presentation but also demonstrates that such lesions may be treated surgically with excellent results.
Estrogen receptor mRNA is expressed in vivo in rat calvarial periosteum

Estrogen deficiency is well recognized as a cause of bone loss in rats and humans. Likewise, treatment with estrogen results in prevention of this loss. Initially, this effect was thought to be indirectly mediated but, more recently, estrogen receptors (ER) have been reported in osteosarcoma cells and primary cultures originating from surgical waste, suggesting a direct effect of this steroid hormone. Detection of ER in skeletal tissues, however, has remained elusive. The purpose of this investigation was to establish the efficacy of the highly sensitive reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique to detect ER in a well defined skeletal tissue (calvarial periosteum) that is responsive to the hormone. Primers were made specific to rat ER sequences. Total RNA was extracted from rat uterus, liver, spleen, and the periosteum using an organic solvent method. cDNA was synthesized from 2 micrograms total RNA. cDNA corresponding to 40 ng total RNA/sample produced intense PCR products for ER. In descending order of intensity were uterus, liver, bone, and spleen. Importantly, a similar time-course for estrogen-induced down-regulation of steady-state mRNA levels for alkaline phosphatase and osteonectin was observed in calvarial periosteum and tissues known to express estrogen receptors. These data provide in vivo evidence of ER mRNA in bone and suggest that at least some of estrogen's action on bone is directly modulated.
Effect of adenylate cyclase activators and Mg2+ on the binding and the electron spin resonance spectra of N-methylmaleimide nitroxide in membrane particles from the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica

Optimal conditions for activation of adenylate cyclase in membrane particles were studied. Enzyme activation with serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), NaF, and guanosine 5′-(3-O-thio)-triphosphate (GTPγS) was time- and temperature-dependent. Mg2+ was required for enzyme activation. Adenylate cyclase that was activated by NaF or GTPγS was gradually inhibited by N-methylmaleimide while enzyme activated with serotonin and GTP responded faster to inhibition by the same sulfhydryl reagent. The enzyme responded in a similar fashion to a spin-labeled N-methylmaleimide analog 3-(maleimidomethyl)-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-pyrolidinyloxyl (i.e., N-methylmaleimide nitroxide). Binding of the spin label was enhanced following enzyme activation by serotonin, NaF, or GTPγS in the presence of Mg2+. Activation of the enzyme was accompanied by an increase in the strong immobilization peaks in the EPR spectra. Both effects, the increase in binding and in the strong immobilization peaks, can be induced by Mg2+ alone. The results indicate that a general conformational change induced by Mg2+ may be essential for adenylate cyclase activation.
Career‐Ready Students: A Goal of Comprehensive School Counseling Programs

This article opens with a rationale for and a definition of student career readiness. Next is a presentation of the qualities and attributes of career-ready students. Then discussion follows about what students need to become career ready. Following this is a presentation of how comprehensive school counseling programs help students become career ready, including discussion of the delivery system for school counseling programs that provide the activities and services that contribute to student career readiness. The article closes with the critical point that helping all students become career ready requires a whole school–community approach.
Motor fuel choice: An econometric analysis☆

Abstract Concerns about air pollution and energy security have stimulated interest in alternative automotive fuels and in vehicles that can use multiple fuels and combinations of fuels. Consumer behavior in the choice of motor fuel for flexible-fuel vehicles is likely to be a key factor in the creation and stability of markets for new fuels. The sensitivity of fuel choice to fuel prices is investigated here using data on purchases of regular, premium, leaded, and unleaded grades of gasoline. Multinomial logit choice models are estimated for the years 1982, 1983, and 1984. Consumer choices are found to be highly elastic with respect to fuel prices. New fuels will have to be priced within a few cents of existing fuels to capture significant market shares. Consumers also exhibit strong preferences for the fuel type specified by law (unleaded vs. leaded) for their vehicles. Thus, legal restrictions could play an important role in stabilizing alternative fuels markets. The typical consumer is willing to pay 5–10 cents more per gallon for premium grade gasoline. The premium for premium has been increasing as increasing numbers of turbocharged and fuel-injected engines join the fleet, reflecting the fact that consumers are willing to pay more for a fuel if they believe their engines require it.
Shifts in the trophic base of intermittent stream food webs

Understanding spatial and temporal variation in the trophic base of stream food webs is critical for predicting population and community stability, and ecosystem function. We used stable isotope ratios (13C/12C, and 15N/14N) to characterize the trophic base of two streams in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, U.S.A. We predicted that autochthonous resources would be more important during the spring and summer and allochthonous resources would be more important in the winter due to increased detritus inputs from the riparian zone during autumn leaf drop. We predicted that stream communities would demonstrate increased reliance on autochthonous resources at sites with larger watersheds and greater canopy openness. The study was conducted at three low-order sites in the Mulberry River Drainage (watershed area range: 81–232 km2) seasonally in 2006 and 2007. We used circular statistics to examine community-wide shifts in isotope space among fish and invertebrate consumers in relation to basal resources, including detritus and periphyton. Mixing models were used to quantify the relative contribution of autochthonous and allochthonous energy sources to individual invertebrate consumers. Significant isotopic shifts occurred but results varied by season and site indicating substantial variation in the trophic base of stream food webs. In terms of temporal variation, consumers shifted toward periphyton in the summer during periods of low discharge, but results varied during the interval between summer and winter. Our results did not demonstrate increased reliance on periphyton with increasing watershed area or canopy openness, and detritus was important at all the sites. In our study, riffle–pool geomorphology likely disrupted the expected spatial pattern and stream drying likely impacted the availability and distribution of basal resources.
Synthesis of a possible kallolide A precursor via [2,3]Wittig ring contraction of a macrocyclic furan diether

Abstract Treatment of the macrocyclic furan diether 16 with Li 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide in hexane-THF affords the cis alcohol 17 , a possible precursor of the pseudopterane diterpene kallolide A.
Does pT2b prostate carcinoma exist? Critical appraisal of the 2002 TNM classification of prostate carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Clinicopathologic staging of prostate adenocarcinoma provides a method for assessing the extent of tumor and predicting patient prognosis. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system has undergone recent revisions for T2 prostate tumors. T2 tumors currently are subclassified as T2a (less than one-half of one lobe involvement), T2b (greater than one-half of one lobe involvement), and T2c (bilateral involvement). Despite general acceptance of the system, controversy and uncertainty still exist with regard to the application of the TNM staging system, particularly the use of the T2 staging subclassification. METHODS The study population was comprised of 369 patients with prostate carcinoma who were treated with radical retropubic prostatectomy. Radical prostatectomy specimens were evaluated histologically by complete embedding and whole-mount processing. Tumor specimens were staged initially using the 1998 AJCC TNM system and then reevaluated according to the 2002 TNM staging guidelines. RESULTS The weights of the prostate specimens ranged from 14–149 g (median, 38 g). Prostate tumor specimens were multifocal in 312 patients (85%). The majority of the specimens were classified pathologically as T2 (n = 276 [75%]). Using the 2002 TNM staging criteria, 54 of the tumor specimens (15%) were classified as pT2a, 222 (60%) were pT2c, 75 (20%) were pT3a, and 18 (5%) were pT3b. No pathologic T2b tumor specimens were identified. CONCLUSIONS Taking into consideration the average weight of the prostate specimens (38 g), as well as the predominance of tumor multifocality, it would be unusual to identify tumors involving greater than one-half of 1 lobe (approximately an 8-cm3 tumor) without involving the other lobe. The authors question the existence of a true pT2b tumor. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
In vivo inhibition of lysyl oxidase by high dose of zinc.

SummaryYoung and adult rats implanted subcutaneously with polyvinyl alcohol sponges were fed diets containing 0.5, 40 (control), and 2000 ppm zinc. Diets with low and high zinc content inhibited lysyl oxidase activity in the granuloma tissue only in young rats. The content of zinc in the serum and in the granuloma tissue followed the zinc dietary regimen only in young rats. No effect on copper content in the granuloma tissue was found. High zinc diet significantly reduced calcium content in the tissue.Parenteral administration of small dose of zinc (0.75 mg ZnSO4/100 g/12 hr) also inhibited the activity of the enzyme in the granuloma tissue and the lung tissue without affecting the content of zinc in these structures.Excessive supplementation of zinc (3 mg ZnO4/100 g/12 hr) appeared to be toxic and the activity of lysyl oxidase as well as rate of collagen synthesis in the granuloma tissue was significantly elevated.We conclude that zinc supplementation in high dose to rats tends to inhibit lysyl oxidase a...
Risk Management In Paediatric Urology

PURPOSE The issue of patient safety is one of the most current and relevant, both in clinical and management field. Patient safety is now a priority in direct assistance even in paediatric and surgical departments such as the Paediatric Urology. To develop a culture of safety that makes it possible to identify and prevent possible errors in the wards. To provide staff with tools for prevention, errors collection and registration in order to correct risk behaviours for young patients hospitalised at the Department of Paediatric Urology. MATERIAL AND METHODS Action to implement the inheritance of knowledge and exchange of experience of nursing staff through an organizing way were performed for the accomplishment of policies and procedures developed by Health Directorate. A non-punitive system was activated from January 2007, that favours voluntary reporting of errors by filling out the appropriate forms. To value subsequently the collective valuation of the adverse result's dynamics and debate about prevention's modality. RESULTS Informational/training meetings of doctors and nursing managers were conducted with the Health Directorate and Nursing Service. The sharing of contents with the UO staff allowed in short time to use the documentation and reporting of adverse events are increasing. From January to October 2008 the adverse events reports were 5, compared with one during the some period of 2007 year. CONCLUSIONS Paediatric patient safety in a surgical ward as the Paediatric Urology should improve through the identification, analysis, evaluation and correction of the error. The direct involvement of staff, favours the increase in reports of adverse events and is central point of Risk Management. It's important that the staff reaches the awareness that the error is a possible form of learning and improving the quality of care and that, recognizing the error means being able to prevent it.
Inhibition of CYP2C9 by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in vitro: studies of phenytoin p‐hydroxylation

Aims Inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has frequently been reported with regard to pathways mediated by CYP2D6, CYP3A4/5, and CYP1A2. Little data exist on the capability of SSRIs to inhibit CYP2C9. Methods We investigated the effect of SSRIs on p-hydroxylation of phenytoin (PPH), an established index reaction reflecting CYP2C9 activity, in an in vitro assay using liver tissue from six different human donors. Results In control incubations (without inhibitor), 5-(p-hydroxy-phenyl)-5-phenylhydantoin (HPPH) formation rates were: Vmax 0.023 nmol min(-1) mg(-1); Km 14.3 microM. Average inhibition constants (Ki) differed significantly among the SSRIs, with fluvoxamine having the lowest Ki (6 microM) followed by R-fluoxetine (13 microM), norfluoxetine (17 microM), RS-fluoxetine (19 microM), sertraline (33 microM), paroxetine (35 microM), S-fluoxetine (62 microM), and desmethylsertraline (66 microM). Thus, assuming comparable molar concentrations at the site of inhibition, fluvoxamine can be expected to have the highest probability of interfering with the metabolism of CYP2C9 substrates. S-fluoxetine is on average a 5 fold weaker CYP2C9 inhibitor than either R-fluoxetine or the racemic mixture. Conclusions These findings are consistent with published case reports describing SSRI-related increments in plasma phenytoin levels. Because phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic index, plasma levels should be closely monitored when SSRIs are coadministered.
Boll Weevils: Field and Laboratory Assessment of Mating Ability and Sperm Content After Irradiation with or without Diflubenzuron Treatment

Sperm depletion did not occur within the 1st week after irradiated males and females of Anthonomus grandis Boheman were released together into isolated field plots. Also, survival and mating ability did not differ as a result of treatment. The treatments were: irradiation of 4-day-old adults plus diflubenzuron (N-(4-chlorophenyl). N/sup 1/-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl) urea)), fractionated irradiation of pupae, and fractionated irradiation of adults plus diflubenzuron.
The influence of illumination upon the temporal patterning of responses in squirrel and owl monkeys

The temporal patterning of responses within a fixed-interval reinforcement situation was studied in the nocturnal Owl monkey and the diurnal Squirrel monkey. The response rates of both groups were found to vary, but in opposite directions, with illumination conditions, but no evidence of temporal patterning was observed in the Owl monkeys.
Effect of composition on the growth and microstructure of hafnia-zirconia based coatings

Abstract Yttria (Y2O3)–stabilized hafnia (HfO2)–zirconia (ZrO2)-based coatings were grown and studied for their growth and microstructure. Composition of the coatings was varied by varying the ratio of HfO2 and ZrO2, from 1:4 to 4:1, while maintaining the Y2O3 stabilizer content fixed at 7.5 mol%. The crystal structure, surface morphology and thermal stability of the grown coatings were evaluated as a function of the coatings' composition. The crystal structure analysis performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates the hafnia-cubic-phase stabilization in all the coatings. The morphology of the coatings is characterized by the columnar growth coupled with a dense structure as revealed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal stability evaluation performed using high temperature XRD coupled with SEM indicates the enhanced stability of these coatings to 1300 °C. No significant changes were found in the crystal structure and morphology of the coatings.
Joint estimation for the parameters of Weibull distribution

This paper discusses exact joint confidence region for the shape parameter β and scale parameter η of the two-parameter Weibull distribution. As an application, the joint confidence region is used to obtain a conservative lower confidence bound for the reliability function. The method can be used for both complete and censored samples.
Assessment of Data Quality: Errors of Measurement and Errors of Process

As projects progress from pilot studies with few simple variables and small samples, the research process as a whole becomes qualitatively more complex and subject to an array of contamination by errors and mistakes. Data usually undergo a series of manipulations (e.g., recording, computer entry, transmission) prior to final statistical analysis. The process, then, consists of numerous operations only ending with eventual statistical analysis and write-up. We present a means of estimating the impact of process error in the same terms as psychometric reliability and discuss the implications for reducing the impact of errors on overall data quality.
Eluent pH and thermospray mass spectra: does the charge on the ion in solution influence the mass spectrum?

Abstract The thermospray (with buffer, without filament) mass spectra of the nine compounds studied in this paper exhibit little change as the charge on the predominant analyte ion in solution changes. In addition, the reagent ions observed in positive and negative ion thermospray are seen to decrease as the sample elutes. These observations indicate that, under the conditions employed in this study, gas-phase ionization predominates. This conclusion is further supported by the difference between the thermospray and fast atom bombardment mass spectra of those compounds that exhibit poor sensitivity in thermospray. The poor sensitivity of certain solutes in thermospray can be explained in terms of the inability of the ammonium ion to protonate those solutes in positive ion thermospray. In negative ion thermospray, those solutes with higher gas-phase proton affinities than the acetate ion will not be detected.
Methylprednisolone Ameliorates Retinal Photic Injury in Rats

Since lipid peroxidation induced by oxygen free radicals is believed to play an important role in retinal photic injury and high doses of certain steroids have been demonstrated to inhibit lipid peroxidation, we evaluated the effect of high-dose methylprednisolone sodium succinate on retinal injury inflicted by green light (490 to 580 nm, 160 to 180 foot-candles [1721.6 to 1936.8 lux]) for 24 hours in 36 rats. Animals received either intraperitoneal injections of the drug (80 mg/kg twice daily) or saline as a control, twice daily for 2 days, commencing with light exposure. The retinal photic injury was assessed 6 hours, 6 days, and 14 days after light exposure by light and electron microscopy, morphometric study of outer nuclear layer thickness and count of subretinal macrophages, and spectrophotometric measurement of rhodopsin. A beneficial effect of high-dose methylprednisolone was observed in retinal photic injury.
The synthesis of deuterium-labeled spermine, N1-acetylspermine and N1-acetylspermidine

The synthesis of deuterium labeled spermine, N(1)-acetylspermine and N(1)-acetylspermidine is reported. 1,1,3,3-(2)H(4)-N(1)-Acetylspermine hydrochloride, 1,1,3,3-(2)H(4)-N(1)-acetylspermidine hydrochloride and 1,1,3,3,10,10,12,12-(2)H(8)-spermine dihydrochloride were obtained in seven, four and three steps respectively. All the syntheses were carried out by simple protection and deprotection steps from commonly used selective protecting reagents. These deuterium labeled compounds can be used as mechanistic probes of polyamine oxidizing enzymes.
Untangling the Web: An Approach to Analyzing the Impacts of Individually Tailored, Multicomponent Treatment Interventions

In this paper the use of a maximum individualized change score is proposed as an analytic alternative to the more traditional MANOVA and latent variable approaches in studies examining the use of individually tailored interventions. This strategy offers a number of significant advantages when multiple indicators are used to assess a broad array of potential outcomes that might result from client-specific treatments. Data on 146 children from a study examining the effectiveness of 3 short-term intensive in-home services were used to contrast the results of our proposed analytic strategy with those from the MANOVA and latent variable approaches. Results indicate that the maximum individualized change score approach improves the outcome comparisons among the 3 treatment interventions and eliminates some concerns regarding subjectivity that exists with procedures such as goal-attainment scaling. A simulation study suggests the maximum change score statistics is a nonbiased estimate for assessing between-group differences in program effectiveness and has more power than MANOVA to produce significant differences when smaller program effects exist. Suggestions for strengthening this analytic approach as well as examples regarding use of this technique in other research contexts are also provided.
Smoking Initiation Prevention Among Youths: Implications for Community Health Nursing Practice

Cigarette smoking among youths has long been documented as a national problem affecting health and economic status in the United States. A number of studies have documented that cigarette-smoking initiation occurs primarily between late childhood and young adolescence. This evidence has brought about the need for awareness among community health nurses to find and deliver effective antismoking programs to reduce the prevalence of youth smoking initiation. Generally, community health nurses are in an excellent position to help the nation achieve its goals in terms of reducing the incidence of youth smoking initiation. However, current knowledge about community health nursing practice and smoking initiation interventions is limited. This article raises awareness about smoking initiation prevention in youth and the need to implement effective smoking prevention programs in practice settings and encourages community health nurses to increase their involvement in antismoking initiation research and interventions.
Hypoxia inducible factors in cancer stem cells

Oxygen is an essential regulator of cellular metabolism, survival, and proliferation. Cellular responses to oxygen levels are monitored, in part, by the transcriptional activity of the hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs). Under hypoxia, HIFs regulate a variety of pro-angiogenic and pro-glycolysis pathways. In solid cancers, regions of hypoxia are commonly present throughout the tissue because of the chaotic vascular architecture and regions of necrosis. In these regions, the hypoxic state fluctuates in a spatial and temporal manner. Transient hypoxic cycling causes an increase in the activity of the HIF proteins above what is typical for non-pathologic tissue. The extent of hypoxia strongly correlates to poor patient survival, therapeutic resistance and an aggressive tumour phenotype, but the full contribution of hypoxia and the HIFs to tumour biology is an area of active investigation. Recent reports link resistance to conventional therapies and the metastatic potential to a stem-like tumour population, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs). We and others have shown that within brain tumours CSCs reside in two niches, a perivascular location and the surrounding necrotic tissue. Restricted oxygen conditions increase the CSC fraction and promote acquisition of a stem-like state. Cancer stem cells are critically dependant on the HIFs for survival, self-renewal, and tumour growth. These observations and those from normal stem cell biology provide a new mechanistic explanation for the contribution of hypoxia to malignancy. Further, the presence of hypoxia in tumours may present challenges for therapy because of the promotion of CSC phenotypes even upon successful killing of CSCs. The current experimental evidence suggests that CSCs are plastic cell states governed by microenvironmental conditions, such as hypoxia, that may be critical for the development of new therapies targeted to disrupt the microenvironment.
Investigation of gravity-stable surfactant floods

Abstract Classical stability theory can be used to estimate the critical velocity of a miscible flood stabilized by gravity forces. However, stability theory for an ultra-low interfacial tension (IFT) surfactant displacement is not well developed or validated. In this paper, a method for predicting the critical velocity for a surfactant flood is proposed taking into account the microemulsion phase. Vertical upward surfactant displacement experiments were performed in sandpacks at velocities of 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 ft/day. The surfactant flood at 0.2 ft/day was a nearly stable displacement whereas the floods at 0.4 and 0.8 ft/day were unstable with visually obvious fingers. The stability theory is in good agreement with experimental results. The proposed theory and experimental results offer new insight into the behavior of surfactant floods stabilized by gravity forces and in particular the importance of the microemulsion phase and its properties, especially its viscosity. It is very important to measure the microemulsion viscosity and account for its effect on the critical velocity. Furthermore, the microemulsion viscosity can be optimized to improve the velocity for a stable displacement. This insight opens up a new pathway for optimizing surfactant floods without mobility control. It is possible to design an efficient surfactant flood without any mobility control if the surfactant solution is injected at a low velocity in horizontal wells at the bottom of the geological zone and the oil captured in horizontal wells at the top of the zone. This approach is practical if the vertical permeability of the geological zone is high. Under favorable reservoir conditions, gravity-stable surfactant floods may be an attractive alternative to surfactant–polymer floods.