bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectory Analysis of Serum Biomarker Concentrations Facilitates Outcome Prediction after Pediatric Traumatic and Hypoxemic Brain Injury
Authors: Berger Rachel Pardes , Bazaco Michael C. , Wagner Amy K. , Kochanek Patrick M. , Fabio Anthony
Published: September 2010

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Several studies over the past several years have evaluated the use of serum biomarkers to predict outcome after pediatric brain injury. These studies have all used simple point estimates such as initial and peak biomarker concentrations to predict outcome. However, this approach does not recognize patterns of change over time. Trajectory analysis is a type of analysis which can capture variance in biomarker concentrations over time and has been used with success in the social sciences. We used trajectory analysis to evaluate the ability of the serum concentrations of 3 brain-specific biomarkers – S100B, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and myelin basic protein (MBP) – to predict poor outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale scores 3–5) after pediatric TBI and HIE. Clinical and biomarker data from 100 children with TBI or HIE were evaluated. For each biomarker, we validated 2-, 3- and 4-group models for outcome prediction, using sensitivity and specificity. For S100B, the 3-group model predicted poor outcome with a sensitivity of 59% and specificity of 100%. For NSE, the 3-group model predicted poor outcome with a sensitivity of 48% and specificity of 98%. For MBP, the 3-group model predicted poor outcome with a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 61%. Thus, when the models predicted a poor outcome, there was a very high probability of a poor outcome. In contrast, 17% of subjects with a poor outcome were predicted to have a good outcome by all 3 biomarker trajectories. These data suggest that trajectory analysis of biomarker data may provide a useful approach for predicting outcome after pediatric brain injury.
Exercise Training in Older Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Kitzman Dalane W. , Brubaker Peter H. , Morgan Timothy M. , Stewart Kathryn P. , Little William C.
Published: September 2010

Background—

Heart failure (HF) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFPEF) is the most common form of HF in the older population. Exercise intolerance is the primary chronic symptom in patients with HFPEF and is a strong determinant of their reduced quality of life (QOL). Exercise training (ET) improves exercise intolerance and QOL in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF). However, the effect of ET in HFPEF has not been examined in a randomized controlled trial.

Methods and Results—

This 16-week investigation was a randomized, attention-controlled, single-blind study of medically supervised ET (3 days per week) on exercise intolerance and QOL in 53 elderly patients (mean age, 70±6 years; range, 60 to 82 years; women, 46) with isolated HFPEF (EF ≥50% and no significant coronary, valvular, or pulmonary disease). Attention controls received biweekly follow-up telephone calls. Forty-six patients completed the study (24 ET, 22 controls). Attendance at exercise sessions in the ET group was excellent (88%; range, 64% to 100%). There were no trial-related adverse events. The primary outcome of peak exercise oxygen uptake increased significantly in the ET group compared to the control group (13.8±2.5 to 16.1±2.6 mL/kg per minute [change, 2.3±2.2 mL/kg per minute] versus 12.8±2.6 to 12.5±3.4 mL/kg per minute [change, −0.3±2.1 mL/kg per minute];
P
=0.0002). There were significant improvements in peak power output, exercise time, 6-minute walk distance, and ventilatory anaerobic threshold (all
P
<0.002). There was improvement in the physical QOL score (
P
=0.03) but not in the total score (
P
=0.11).

Conclusions—

ET improves peak and submaximal exercise capacity in older patients with HFPEF.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01113840.
Coronary Branch Steal
Authors: Gould K. Lance , Kirkeeide Richard , Johnson Nils P.
Published: September 2010

Background—

Fluid dynamic analysis predicts a new concept in coronary physiology that we call “branch steal,” whereby stenosis proximal and distal to arterial branching interact with the nonstenotic branch between stenosis that shunts or “steals” flow away from the distal stenotic artery during reactive hyperemia, tested experimentally.

Methods and Results—

In 21 large hounds under surgical anesthesia, proximal and distal left circumflex and obtuse marginal coronary arteries were instrumented with electromagnetic flowmeters, proximal and distal machined Teflon screw-down stenosers with round concentric closing and distal silk-in-tubing sleeve occluders. Baseline reactive hyperemia was recorded after 15-second occlusions of both arteries at baseline and for progressive distal stenosis during each step of progressive proximal stenosis. At each combination of stenosis, a coronary arteriogram was obtained using left Judkins catheters and Philips cine calibrated with modulated transfer function to ±0.1 mm accuracy for fluid dynamic analysis of arterial stenosis-branching anatomy. In 324 experiments of parent-child stenosis combinations of the left circumflex artery with an intervening obtuse marginal branch, coronary flow reserve (CFR) calculated by the fluid dynamic model accounting for stenosis-branch interactions and “branch steal” correlated with CFR directly measured by flowmeter (linear regression, CFRartgm=0.18+0.7×CFRflowmtr with Pearson
r
=0.73). Quantitative arteriography and positron emission tomography perfusion imaging confirmed the concept in clinical examples.

Conclusions—

Functional severity of anatomically fixed stenosis is not constant, specific, or independent of other stenosis in branching coronary arteries but requires analysis as an integrated component of the entire branching coronary artery tree to guide revascularizations.
The Fragrance of Her Perfume
Authors: Kurek-Chomycz Dominika A.
Published: September 2010

The limited number of olfactory images in the NT has tempted interpreters to read them all along similar lines, without paying sufficient attention to individual contexts. Another tendency, especially with regard to the account of the anointing in Bethany in the Fourth Gospel, has been to concentrate on the question of its historicity and its relationship to the Synoptic parallels, while neglecting one of the important characteristics of John’s version, namely its heightened attention to the sensory aspect and its implications for the portrayal of Mary of Bethany in the FG. In this essay I discuss the specific features of the Fourth Evangelist’s adaptation of the anointing story, highlighting the sensory elements and pointing out that they are an important, albeit often neglected, indication of the Johannine redaction.
Psychiatric and somatic health in relation to experience of parental divorce in childhood
Authors: Ängarne-Lindberg Teresia , Wadsby Marie
Published: September 2010

Background: The outcome of studies about the experience of parental divorce and its effects on mental and physical health differs, a result possibly caused by the use of different questionnaires and instruments, varying length of time since the divorce and divergent drop-out of participants.

Aims: To study the presence of psychiatric records and number of diagnosed somatic and mental healthcare visits in a group of young adults with childhood experience of parental divorce in comparison to a group without this experience.

Methods: The presence of records at public psychiatric clinics and 10 years of administrative healthcare data (somatic and mental) were checked for both groups.

Results: Significantly more persons from the divorce group appeared in child and adolescent psychiatric care; this was most pronounced in females. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in the number of persons seeking adult psychiatry or in the number of psychiatric consultations. Experience of parental divorce was not found to be an indicator of larger somatic health problems.

Conclusion: Experience of parental divorce in childhood is not an indicator of adult psychiatric or somatic need of care.
Satisfaction with inpatient treatment for first-episode psychosis among different ethnic groups: A report from the UK ÆSOP study
Authors: Boydell Jane , Morgan Craig , Dutta Rina , Jones Barry , Alemseged Fana , Dazzan Paola , Morgan Kevin , Doody Gillian , Harrison Glynn , Leff Julian , Jones Peter , Murray Robin , Fearon Paul
Published: September 2010

Background: There is concern about the level of satisfaction with mental healthcare among minority ethnic patients in the UK, particularly as black patients have more compulsory admissions to hospital.

Aims: To determine and compare levels of satisfaction with mental healthcare between patients from different ethnic groups in a three-centre study of first-onset psychosis.

Method: Data were collected from 216 patients with first-episode psychosis and 101 caregivers from South London, Nottingham and Bristol, using the Acute Services Study Questionnaire (Patient and Relative Version) and measures of sociodemographic variables and insight.

Results: No differences were found between ethnic groups in most domains of satisfaction tested individually, including items relating to treatment by ward staff and number of domains rated as satisfactory. However, logistic regression modelling (adjusting for age, gender, social class, diagnostic category and compulsion) showed that black Caribbean patients did not believe that they were receiving the right treatment and were less satisfied with medication than white patients. Black African patients were less satisfied with non-pharmacological treatments than white patients. These findings were not explained by lack of insight or compulsory treatment.

Conclusions: The study found that black patients were less satisfied with specific aspects of treatment, particularly medication, but were equally satisfied with nursing and social care. Understanding the reasons behind this may improve the acceptability of psychiatric care to black minority ethnic groups.
Organ culture of the trigeminal ganglion induces enhanced expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide via activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2
Authors: Tajti János , Kuris Anikó , Vécsei László , Xu Cang-Bao , Edvinsson Lars
Published: September 2010

Background and objective: Clinical and experimental studies have revealed a central role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in primary headaches. The role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in neuronal and glial cell expression of CGRP- immunoreactivity (-ir) in rat trigeminal ganglia was studied with an organ culture method.

Experimental procedures: Sections of adult rat trigeminal ganglia were cultured for up to 48 hours, examined with immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Specific antibodies against CGRP, phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2), total ERK1/2 (tERK1/2), phosphorylated p38 (pp38), phosphorylated C-Jun-N-terminal protein kinase (pJNK), pro-calcitonin (pro-CT), CGRP receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), glutamine synthetase (GS) and pro-CT were used. To explore molecular mechanisms involved in the organ culture–induced CGRP-ir in neurons and glial cells, the effects of the MEK/ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126, its inactive analogue U0124, the p38 inhibitor SB203580 and the JNK inhibitor SP600125 were studied.

Results: In fresh ganglia, small- and medium-sized neurons were CGRP-ir while some larger neurons displayed RAMP1-ir. Glial cells were negative to both. After organ culture, neurons showed enhanced CGRP- and RAMP1-ir. In addition, some glial cells were RAMP1- and CGRP-ir. Isolated glial cells and neurons were found to contain CGRP mRNA, and showed pro-CT-ir, suggestive of local formation of CGRP. Neurons and glial cells showed enhanced pERK1/2-ir already after two hours of organ culture and this remained elevated for 48 hours. There was transient pJNK-ir in neurons at two hours, while pp38-ir was not altered. U0126 reduced the enhanced pERK1/2-ir, while U0124 had no such effect; the CGRP-ir in neurons and glial cells was reduced at 48 hours and in parallel the CGRP mRNA expression was lower at 24 hours.

Conclusion: We suggest that in conditions of elevated CGRP expression, inhibition of ERK1/2 might be an option for novel treatment.
New daily persistent headache and panic disorder
Authors: Peres Mario FP , Lucchetti Giancarlo , Mercante Juliane PP , Young William B
Published: September 2010

Background: New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is a primary chronic daily headache that is generally considered to be difficult to treat. Migraine has been linked to comorbid psychiatric conditions, mainly mood and anxiety disorders, but NDPH has never been linked to psychiatric conditions, and never studied extensively for such an association.

Case: We report nine cases (six women and three men) of patients diagnosed with NDPH and panic disorder who were treated for both conditions. Six of them (66%) had good or excellent responses.

Conclusion: The spectrum of anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder, should be considered in NDPH patients. Simultaneous treatment of both disorders may lead to good outcomes.
Water, Health, and the Commodification Debate
Authors: Bond Patrick
Published: September 2010

Conflicts in the water sector are now well-known, and also increasingly researched by economists, particularly in relation to major ideological differences over state-run versus privatized municipal systems. A major dividing line is over how to access and sustain the financing required to expand and maintain municipal grids. In the context especially of third world urban processes, a crucial determinant is whether market-based pricing of water can generate health benefits to justify new capital investments. Such benefits have typically required strong public systems that offer adequate water supply (with sufficient proximity to source) at an affordable price. A variety of financial and fiscal pressures emerged since the 1980s, leaving full cost recovery as the core practice required by international aid agencies, multilateral financiers, and multinational corporations. Those firms were attracted by high potential profits which, ultimately, could not be realized (in part because of currency deterioration and profit repatriation problems), and hence systems were not maintained or expanded, and health benefits not realized. As commodification of water spread during the era of globalization, so too did an international civil society network demanding—and often winning— decommodification of water and deglobalization of water-capital, returning service delivery to local public institutions, often on grounds of improved public health.

JEL classification:D63, H44, L95, Q25
A Tendency for the Rate of Profit to Fall? From Primitive to Flexible Accumulation in Sweden 1800-2005
Authors: Edvinsson Rodney
Published: September 2010

Using Swedish historical national accounts, this paper shows that, up to the 1970s, there has been a secular rise in the national capital/output ratio and a secular fall in the rate of exploitation, which tended to depress the profit rate. In Sweden, the nominal capital/output ratio increased fastest during the transition from primitive to accelerated accumulation in the 19th century. Since the 1970s, these secular trends have been reversed, which is connected to flexible accumulation that slims down the inventory stock to a minimum and destroys old consensus between capital and labor.

JEL classification:B51, E11, N13, N14
Hidden Talent: Tacit Skill Formation and Labor Market Incorporation of Latino Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Iskander Natasha , Lowe Nichola
Published: September 2010

This article examines informal training and skill development pathways of Latino immigrant construction workers in two different urban labor markets: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. We find that institutional differences across local labor markets not only shape how immigrants develop skills in specific places but also determine the localized obstacles they face in demonstrating and harnessing these skills for employment. To explain the role of local institutions in shaping differences in skill development experience and opportunities, we draw on the concept of tacit skill, a term that is rarely incorporated into studies of the labor market participation of less educated immigrants. We argue that innovative pathways that Latino immigrant workers have created to develop tacit skill can strengthen advocacy planning efforts aimed at improving employment opportunities and working conditions for marginalized workers, immigrant and nonimmigrant alike.
Understanding Program Planning Theory and Practice in a Feminist Community-Based Organization
Authors: Bracken Susan J.
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this article is to discuss feminist-program-planning issues, drawing from a critical ethnographic study of a Latin American feminist community-based organization. The research findings discuss the centrality of feminist identity to understanding and analyzing day-to-day program-planning process issues within a feminist community-based organization.
Acculturation and Depressive Symptoms Among Mexican American Elders New to the Caregiving Role: Results From the Hispanic-EPESE
Authors: Hahn Elizabeth A. , Kim Giyeon , Chiriboga David A.
Published: September 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics associated with becoming a caregiver among Mexican American (MA) elders and to examine predictors of depressive symptoms among the new caregivers 2 years later. Method: Drawn from the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (H-EPESE), 152 MA recent caregivers and 2,023 other MAs were compared. Residualized change regression analysis was conducted. Results: At baseline, MAs who had recently become caregivers exhibited a significantly greater number of depressive symptoms compared to those who had not. Controlling for background characteristics, physical health, social support, and baseline depressive symptoms, regression analysis revealed that 2 years later higher acculturation was related to a greater number of depressive symptoms among those who at baseline were new caregivers. Discussion: Better knowledge of the within-group differences among MA elderly caregivers, especially with respect to acculturation, may better inform interventions for this at-risk group.
Psychosocial Consequences of False-Positive Newborn Screens for Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Tluczek Audrey , Orland Kate Murphy , Cavanagh Laura
Published: September 2010

This study was designed to develop a framework for understanding parents’ perspectives about the psychosocial consequences of false-positive newborn screening (NBS) results for cystic fibrosis (CF). Through content analysis of interviews with 87 parents of 44 infants, we found that receipt of genetic information through NBS affected parents on intrapersonal and interpersonal levels within a relational family system. Repercussions included wondering about test accuracy, the child’s health, and the future; gaining new perspectives and strengthening relationships; questioning paternity; wondering if other relatives had CF/were carriers; searching for the genetic source; sharing genetic information; supporting NBS; and feeling empathy for parents of affected children. We concluded that abnormal NBS results that involve genetic testing can have psychosocial consequences that affect entire families. These findings merit additional investigation of long-term psychosocial sequelae for false-positive results, interventions to reduce adverse iatrogenic outcomes, and the relevance of the relational family system framework to other genetic testing.
Home Care Nurses’ Provision of Support to Families of the Elderly at the End of Life
Authors: Hirano Yuko , Yamamoto-Mitani Noriko , Ueno Mari , Takemori Shiho , Kashiwagi Masayo , Sato Izumi , Miyata Noa , Kimata Mari , Fukahori Hiroki , Yamada Masako
Published: September 2010

In this article we describe our study of assistance for family decisions and caregiving by Japanese home care nurses to families of elderly relatives at the end of life. The participants were 31 nurses who had been evaluated as providing good end-of-life care. We carried out semistructured interviews concerning the practice of family support in two cases (cancer and noncancer). We conducted a qualitative analysis using the constant comparative approach and derived several categories inductively. Home care nurses are responsible for (a) estimating the possibility of dying at home, (b) visualizing what is coming and what can be done, (c) proposing where and how the family can say goodbye, (d) building family consensus, (e) coordinating resources, and (f) offering psychological support for end-of-life care. End-of-life family care by home care nurses is a process in which multiple components of care are provided with changing content as death approaches.
H∞ Control of a Rotor-magnetic Bearing System Based on Linear Matrix Inequalities
Authors: Kang Hoshik , Oh Sang-Yong , Song Ohseop
Published: September 2010

In this paper, H∞ robust control based on a linear matrix inequality is designed for controlling the motion of a 4-axis unbalanced rigid asymmetric rotor supported by two active magnetic bearings. To this end, the equations of motion of the system are derived via Hamilton’s variational principle and they are transformed to a state-space form for the standard H∞ control problem. An LMI-based controller, which does not require additional assumptions beyond stabilizability and detectability, is designed on the basis of the pole placement weighting function and the loop-shaping technique. The obtained results are compared with the results obtained in the case of the LQR scheme reported in the available literature, and the efficiency of the proposed LMI-based H∞ control is revealed.
The effect of health, socio-economic position, and mode of data collection on non-response in health interview surveys
Authors: Ekholm Ola , Gundgaard Jens , Rasmussen Niels K.R. , Hansen Ebba Holme
Published: September 2010

Aims: To investigate the relationship between potential explanatory factors (socio-economic factors and health) and non-response in two general population health interview surveys (face-to-face and telephone), and to compare the effects of the two interview modes on non-response patterns. Methods: Data derives from The Danish Health Interview Survey 2000 (face-to-face interview) and The Funen County Health Survey 2000/2001 (telephone interview). Data on all invited individuals were obtained from administrative registers and linked to survey data at individual level. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between potential explanatory factors and non-response. Results: The overall response rate was higher in the face-to-face interview survey (74.5%) than in the telephone survey (69.2%). Refusal was the most common reason for non-response and the same factors were generally associated with non-response in both modes of interview. The non-response rate was high among persons with low socio-economic position. No significant associations between health and non-response were found. Conclusions: Health status does not play a systematic role for non-response rates in health interview surveys, but the non-response rate is higher in lower socio-economic groups. Analyses of non-response should be performed to understand the implications of survey findings.
Secular trends in muscular fitness among Finnish adolescents
Authors: Huotari Pertti R.T. , Nupponen Heimo , Laakso Lauri , Kujala Urho M.
Published: September 2010

Aim: To investigate secular change over time in health-related muscular fitness and how leisure time physical activity (LTPA), sport club participation, and body mass index are associated with muscular fitness in adolescents. Methods: Two cross-sectional samples of Finnish 13—16-year-old adolescents were studied in 1976 (n = 643; 312 boys and 331 girls) and in 2001 (n = 579; 308 boys and 271 girls). Muscular fitness index was calculated as the sum of age- and sex-specific z-scores of four tests measuring muscular fitness and agility. Height and weight were also measured. Self-reported weekly frequency of LTPA of at least 30-min duration and regularity of participation in organised sport were obtained by questionnaire. Identical methods were used in 1976 and 2001. Results: Muscular fitness index was higher in 2001 than in 1976 in both boys (by 0.77 points, p = 0.008, effect size d = 0.17, small difference) and girls (1.01 points, p = 0.004, d = 0.20, small difference). Sport club participation, body mass index, and participation in LTPA together explained more of the muscular fitness index variance in 2001 than in 1976 in both boys (coefficient of determination from 0.10 to 0.24) and girls (from 0.25 to 0.40). Conclusions: The muscular fitness of 13—16-year old adolescents slightly improved over time. Organised LTPA showed a stronger association with muscular fitness in 2001 than in 1976. Due to increased polarisation in fitness, in health promotion more attention should be paid on adolescents’ health-related fitness and its association to LTPA.
PPE: An institutional view
Authors: Brennan Geoffrey
Published: September 2010

One way of responding to the question of what PPE is involves mobilizing the tools that PPE involves. That is the exercise attempted in this article. The object is to use PPE as a method to analyze PPE as a subject matter. PPE is, whatever else, an interdisciplinary enterprise; so the point of departure involves analyzing the role and properties of disciplines within the institutional organization of enquiry. The basic idea is that enquiry is governed by a ‘division of epistemic labour’ in Adam Smith’s sense, and that that division of labour depends for its working on institutions for the reliable certification of claims. Disciplines are such ‘institutions’. As such, they are indispensable. But they impose centripetal forces within the organization of enquiry that stand against interdisciplinary work. Understanding these forces offers some hope of securing an ‘optimal’ compromise between the benefits and costs that disciplines entail. Examples are offered from each of the disciplines involved in PPE separately, and some observations are offered about the architecture of the three disciplines’ interrelationships.
Working in collaboration with young people and health professionals. A staged approach to the implementation of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Aldiss S. , Taylor R.M. , Soanes L. , Maguire R. , Sage M. , Kearney N. , Gibson F.
Published: September 2010

ASyMS© is an Advanced Symptom Management System utilising mobile phone technology to monitor chemotherapy-related symptoms and promote self-care. It was first developed with an adult cancer population and is now being evaluated with young people through an iterative development process. ASyMS© involves patients recording and sending symptom reports to the hospital and receiving tailored self-care advice. Health professionals are alerted when severe symptoms are reported. Three phases of the ASyMS©-YG (young people) study are complete. Phase 1 involved young people identifying the symptoms to be assessed. Phase 2 involved young people testing the symptom report system, and ascertaining young people’s, parents’ and professionals’ perceptions of ASyMS©-YG. This paper reports on Phase 3, in which the system was developed further in preparation for a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Health professionals devised an alert system based on risk modelling side-effect severity, and young people and professionals developed self-care advice. A pilot study was conducted to test the alert system and study design in readiness for a definitive RCT. The contribution young people and professionals have made to this project is invaluable in evaluating the practical effectiveness of ASyMS©-YG and ensuring the intervention is acceptable and works in everyday practice.
Probing the nanoscale architecture of clay minerals
Authors: Johnston C. T.
Published: September 2010

In recent years, experimental and theoretical methods have provided new insights into the size, shape, reactivity, and stability of clay minerals. Although diverse and complex, the surface chemistry of all clay minerals is defined spatially on a common scale of nanometres. This review is organized around the nanoscale architecture of clay minerals examined at several different length scales. The first, and perhaps most important, is the length scale associated with Hbonding in clay minerals. Hbonding interactions define the size and shape of 1:1 phyllosilicates and dominate the surface chemistry of many clay minerals. Structural and surface OHgroups contained within and on the surface of clay minerals provide a type of ‘molecular reporter group’ and are sensitive to subtle changes in their local environment. Examples of OH-reporter group studies in clay minerals, and the spatial scales at which they provide diagnostic information, are examined. The second length scale considered here is that associated with clay–water and clay–organic interactions. Inorganic and organic solutes can be used to explore the surface chemistry of clay minerals. Similar to the use of reporter groups, molecular probes have diagnostic properties that are sensitive to changes in their molecular environment. Clay–water interactions occur at a length scale that extends from the size of the H2O molecule (~0.3 nm) to the larger scales associated with clay-swelling (>10 nm). Similarly, clay–organic interactions are also defined, in part, on the basis of their molecular size, in addition to the type of chemical bonding interactions that take place between the organic solute and the clay surface. Examples illustrating the use of clay–water and clay–organic solute interactions as molecular probes are presented. The largest scale to be considered is that of the particles themselves, with scales that approach micrometres. Recent developments in the synthesis and characterization of ultrathin hybrid films of clay minerals provide complementary information about the nature and distribution of active sites on clay minerals, as well as providing new opportunities to exploit the surface chemistry of clay minerals in the design of functional materials.
Geochemical and mineralogical characterization of the Jabal Al-Harad kaolin deposit, southern Jordan, for its possible utilization
Authors: Gougazeh M. , Buhl J.-Ch.
Published: September 2010

Kaolin is found in deposits of economic concentration in the Jabal Al-Harad/ Batn El-Ghoul area in southern Jordan. Ten representative kaolin samples were collected from the area and investigated for their mineralogical and chemical composition. Mineral characterization was carried using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetrical analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray fluorescence (XRF) studies were conducted to determine the chemical composition of the kaolin deposits. Kaolinite was the predominant mineral, followed by quartz, with traces of illite-muscovite, Fe-bearing minerals (hematite), anatase and feldspar. The average chemical composition of the kaolin samples was 58.02 wt.% SiO2, 28.00% Al2O3, 1.48% Fe2O3, 1.26% TiO2and 0.41% K2O (ignited basis). Dehydroxylation and mullitization temperatures (from DTA) were close to the theoretical values. Hexagonal booklets and stacks of kaolinite, as well as individual platelets, were present in the Jabal Al-Harad kaolin. Based on granulometric and descriptive mineralogical analyses, the mineral assemblages and kaolinite morphology, the Jabal Al-Harad kaolin deposit is thought to have originated from greatly weathered surfaces related to the Precambrian basement rocks. The kaolin was found to be suitable for manufacturing of common bricks, medium-fired bricks and sanitary ware, although a beneficiation process would be required; it could also be used in the refractory, white cement, paper and advanced ceramic industries.
Mineralogical characteristics and related surface charge fluctuations of some selected soils of temperate regions of northern Iran
Authors: Mahboob Sharami S. , Forghani A. , Akbarzadeh A. , Ramezanpour H.
Published: September 2010

The majority of investigations of soil electrical characteristics are concerned with tropical and subtropical regions and hence there is little information about soils from other regions. The present study attempts to discover the most important constituents affecting soil electrical charge characteristics in a temperate zone. The study area is located on southern coastal zones of the Caspian Sea in northern Iran (Guilan province). The soil moisture and temperature regimes of the region determined by means of Newhall software were udic and thermic, respectively. Six representative pedons developed on granite, andesite, basalt, phyllite and limestone as their parent rocks are described and their physicochemical, mineralogical and electrical properties studied. The results indicate that the point of zero charge (PZC) values are small in all samples and smaller at the surface than in subsurface horizons. There is a positive correlation betweenpH0(PZC) values, organic carbon percentage and crystalline Fe (Fed) content. The points of zero net charge (ZPNC) values are <2.5 in all the pedons studied, which refers to large amounts of negative charge in these soils. The results also show that the differences in negative charge development in a pH range from 2.5 to 6 were largest for horizons rich in organic C and least for those with significant amounts of layer silicate minerals. Therefore, the most important variable charge component in all of the soils studied is organic matter which controls the negative charge at the soil surface. The permanent charge (бp) of the soils studied is also large and negative, which agrees with the amount of clay and the mineralogy of these soils.
Effect of aluminium sulphate on phase formation and morphology development of mullite whiskers
Authors: Tan Hongbin
Published: September 2010

Well developed mullite whiskers were obtained by heating compacts of kaolin and 2 wt.% sodium pyrophosphate powder at 1350ºC for 10 h, with or without a small addition of aluminium sulphate. Without aluminium sulphate, mullite whiskers were obtained with an aspect ratio of >8 and reasonably uniform diameter (~0.05–0.3 μm). When aluminium sulphate additions were employed a mass of relatively well developed and interlocked whisker-shaped crystals were produced, with an aspect ratio of >10 (~0.05–0.3 μm in diameter). Larger whiskers were also observed, with aspect ratio of >25 (~0.2–0.5 μm in diameter).
Mutation of inhibitory helix-loop-helix protein Id3 causes γδ T-cell lymphoma in mice
Authors: Li Jun , Maruyama Takashi , Zhang Pin , Konkel Joanne E. , Hoffman Victoria , Zamarron Brian , Chen WanJun
Published: September 2010

Human γδ T-cell lymphoma is a rare clinicopathologic entity with aggressive course and poor prognosis. The etiology and pathogenesis of γδ T-cell lymphoma is unknown. We show here that mice with deficiency in inhibitory helix-loop-helix protein Id3 (Id3−/−) developed γδ T-cell lymphoma that resembled human γδ T-cell lymphoma. The Id3−/− mice with lymphoma showed splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and lymphadenopathy with involvement of bone marrow, thymus, kidney, and lungs between 6 and 15 months of age. Phenotypic analysis revealed that lymphomatous cells were cluster of differentiation (CD)3+, γδ T-cell receptor (TCR)+, and αβ TCR−, and expressed CD8+CD4−, CD4+CD8−, or a mixture of the two. Id3−/− γδ T-cell lymphoma used predominantly Vγ1.1, some Vγ3, yet no Vγ2 TCR, and some showed increased levels of the oncogene c-Myc. Strikingly, adoptive transfer of the γδ T-cell lymphoma into syngeneic Rag1−/− mice resulted in aggressive γδ T-cell lymphoma, identical to the Id3−/− donor. Thus, our data demonstrate that Id3 regulates the development of γδ T-cell lymphoma in mice, raising a possibility of Id3 gene mutation in human γδ T-cell lymphoma. Our model will provide a tool for studying the molecular mechanisms and development of human γδ T-cell lymphoma.
miR-155 and its star-form partner miR-155* cooperatively regulate type I interferon production by human plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Zhou Haibo , Huang Xinfang , Cui Huijuan , Luo Xiaobing , Tang Yuanjia , Chen Shunle , Wu Li , Shen Nan
Published: September 2010

The recent discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) has revealed a new layer of gene expression regulation, affecting the immune system. Here, we identify their roles in regulating human plasmacytoid dendritic cell (PDC) activation. miRNA profiling showed the significantly differential expression of 19 miRNAs in PDCs after Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) stimulation, among which miR-155* and miR-155 were the most highly induced. Although they were processed from a single precursor and were both induced by TLR7 through the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway, miR-155* and miR-155 had opposite effects on the regulation of type I interferon production by PDC. Further study indicated that miR-155* augmented interferon-α/β expression by suppressing IRAKM, whereas miR-155 inhibited their expression by targeting TAB2. Kinetic analysis of miR-155* and miR-155 induction revealed that miR-155* was mainly induced in the early stage of stimulation, and that miR-155 was mainly induced in the later stage, suggesting their cooperative involvement in PDC activation. Finally, we demonstrated that miR-155* and miR-155 were inversely regulated by autocrine/paracrine type I interferon and TLR7-activated KHSRP at the posttranscriptional level, which led to their different dynamic induction by TLR7. Thus, our study identified and validated novel miRNA-protein networks involved in regulating PDC activation.
Deletion-based mechanisms of Notch1 activation in T-ALL: key roles for RAG recombinase and a conserved internal translational start site in Notch1
Authors: Ashworth Todd D. , Pear Warren S. , Chiang Mark Y. , Blacklow Stephen C. , Mastio Jérôme , Xu Lanwei , Kelliher Michelle , Kastner Philippe , Chan Susan , Aster Jon C.
Published: September 2010

Point mutations that trigger ligand-independent proteolysis of the Notch1 ectodomain occur frequently in human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) but are rare in murine T-ALL, suggesting that other mechanisms account for Notch1 activation in murine tumors. Here we show that most murine T-ALLs harbor Notch1 deletions that fall into 2 types, both leading to ligand-independent Notch1 activation. Type 1 deletions remove exon 1 and the proximal promoter, appear to be RAG-mediated, and are associated with mRNA transcripts that initiate from 3′ regions of Notch1. In line with the RAG dependency of these rearrangements, RAG2 binds to the 5′ end of Notch1 in normal thymocytes near the deletion breakpoints. Type 2 deletions remove sequences between exon 1 and exons 26 to 28 of Notch1, appear to be RAG-independent, and are associated with transcripts in which exon 1 is spliced out of frame to 3′ Notch1 exons. Translation of both types of transcripts initiates at a conserved methionine residue, M1727, which lies within the Notch1 transmembrane domain. Polypeptides initiating at M1727 insert into membranes and are subject to constitutive cleavage by γ-secretase. Thus, like human T-ALL, murine T-ALL is often associated with acquired mutations that cause ligand-independent Notch1 activation.
Heparin modifies the immunogenicity of positively charged proteins
Authors: Chudasama Shalini L. , Espinasse Benjamin , Hwang Fred , Qi Rui , Joglekar Manali , Afonina Galyna , Wiesner Mark R. , Welsby Ian J. , Ortel Thomas L. , Arepally Gowthami M.
Published: September 2010

The immune response in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is initiated by and directed to large multimolecular complexes of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and heparin (H). We have previously shown that PF4:H multimolecular complexes assemble through electrostatic interactions and, once formed, are highly immunogenic in vivo. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that other positively charged proteins would exhibit similar biologic interactions with H. To test this hypothesis, we selected 2 unrelated positively charged proteins, protamine (PRT) and lysozyme, and studied H-dependent interactions using in vitro and in vivo techniques. Our studies indicate that PRT/H and lysozyme/H, like PF4/H, show H-dependent binding over a range of H concentrations and that formation of complexes occurs at distinct stoichiometric ratios. We show that protein/H complexes are capable of eliciting high-titer antigen-specific antibodies in a murine immunization model and that PRT/H antibodies occur in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Finally, our studies indicate that protein/H complexes, but not uncomplexed protein, directly activate dendritic cells in vitro leading to interleukin-12 release. Taken together, these studies indicate that H significantly alters the biophysical and biologic properties of positively charged compounds through formation of multimolecular complexes that lead to dendritic cell activation and trigger immune responses in vivo.
Experiences in Establishing a PEPFAR-Supported Laboratory Quality System in Nigeria
Authors: Abimiku Alash’le G. , Croxton Talishiea , Akintunde Ezekiel , Okelade Bimpe , Jugu Joseph , Peters Sam , Dakum Patrick , Blattner William , Constantine Niel
Published: September 2010

The need to accurately diagnose HIV-infected persons and monitor their immune status and sequelae from increased access to antiretroviral therapy dictated the establishment of a quality assurance (QA) system supported by dedicated personnel, financial resources, and a close monitoring system.

Assessment of laboratories and personnel in Nigeria revealed the need for improved laboratory infrastructure and training, including on-site didactic and wet workshops and the institution of a tiered QA unit of laboratory regional officers, focal persons, and site monitors who provided guidance and continuous monitoring. Quarterly assessments and generated reports guided corrective actions.

A sustainable quality laboratory system was developed for the first time in Nigeria with funding from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. With expansion from 7 to 34 comprehensive treatment sites, a tiered laboratory organizational structure with regional and site-based Nigerian quality control officers was developed. Measured improvements included reduction in deficiencies from 13% to 2%.
Multicolor FISH (UroVysion) Facilitates Follow-up of Patients With High-Grade Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Fritsche Hans-Martin , Burger Maximilian , Dietmaier Wolfgang , Denzinger Stefan , Bach Ekkehard , Otto Wolfgang , Doblinger Matthias , Schwarz Stephan , Buchner Hannes , Hartmann Arndt
Published: September 2010

The aim of the present prospective study was to assess the diagnostic benefit of UroVysion (Vysis-Abbott Laboratories, Downers Grove, IL) in the follow-up of patients with a history of high-grade non–muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (NMIBC). An unselected cohort of 25 patients with a history of high-grade NMIBC was prospectively followed up by office-based cystoscopy, cytology, and UroVysion in 210 events.

The sensitivity and specificity for standard combined cystoscopy and cytology were 78% and 83%, respectively. UroVysion yielded a considerably higher detection rate with 94% and 93%, respectively. In 89% of the follow-up events of patients with a history of previous carcinoma in situ (CIS) and negative cystoscopy but a positive UroVysion finding, CIS recurrence was noticed within 5 months.

UroVysion is a worthwhile approach in patients with previous CIS, a high risk for the development of CIS, or previous unequivocal cytology suggestive of CIS, especially during or shortly after instillation therapy.
Prime and prejudice: Co‐occurrence in the culture as a source of automatic stereotype priming
Authors: Verhaeghen Paul , Aikman Shelley N. , Van Gulick Ana E.
Published: September 2010

It has been argued that stereotype priming (response times are faster for stereotypical word pairs, such as black‐poor, than for non‐stereotypical word pairs, such as black‐balmy) is partially a function of biases in the belief system inherent in the culture. In three priming experiments, we provide direct evidence for this position, showing that stereotype priming effects associated with race, gender, and age can be very well explained through objectively measured associative co‐occurrence of prime and target in the culture: (a) once objective associative strength between word pairs is taken into account, stereotype priming effects disappear; (b) the relationship between response time and associative strength is identical for social primes and non‐social primes. The correlation between associative‐value‐controlled stereotype priming and self‐report measures of racism, sexism, and ageism is near zero. The racist/sexist/ageist in all of us appears to be (at least partially) a reflection of the surrounding culture.
Site-specific Differences in Gene Expression of Secreted Proteins in the Mouse Lung: Comparison of Methods to Show Differences by Location
Authors: Sutherland Katherine M. , Combs Trenton J. , Edwards Patricia C. , Laura S. Van Winkle
Published: September 2010

Studies on the effects of pulmonary toxicants on the lung often overlook the fact that site-specific changes are likely to occur in response to chemical exposure. These changes can be highly focal and may be undetected by methods that do not examine specific lung regions. This problem is especially acute for studies of the conducting airways. In this study, differential gene expression of secreted proteins in the lung by different methods of collection (whole lung, gross airway microdissection, and laser capture microdissection) and by airway levels (whole lobe, whole airway tree, proximal airways, airway bifurcations, and terminal bronchioles) was examined. Site-specific sampling approaches were combined with methods to detect both gene and corresponding protein expression in different lung regions. Differential expression of mRNA by both airway level and lung region was determined for Clara cell secretory protein, calcitonin gene-related peptide, uteroglobin-related protein 2, surfactant protein A, and surfactant protein C. Therefore, for maximal enrichment of mRNA and maximal ability to identify changes in mRNA levels in the diseased state or in response to chemical exposure, it is critical to choose the appropriate airway region and sample collection method to enrich detection of the transcript(s) of interest. (J Histochem Cytochem 58:1107–1119, 2010)