bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The adaptive utility of Richardson’s ground squirrel (Spermophilus richardsonii) short-range ultrasonic alarm signals
Authors: Wilson David R. , Hare James F.
Published: November 2006

Richardson’s ground squirrels ( Spermophilus richardsonii (Sabine, 1822)) produce audible (ca. 8 kHz) and (or) ultrasonic (ca. 48 kHz) alarm vocalizations that warn conspecifics of impending danger. Audible calls have a larger active space than ultrasonic calls because they travel farther, are louder, and contain frequencies to which conspecific and allospecific recipients are more sensitive. In our first experiment, we presented an alarming stimulus to 103 squirrels to examine the effect of threat proximity on signal type. The ratio of ultrasonic to audible alarm calls increased with increasing distance from the stimulus. We conclude that the size of the active space influences signalling strategy and that squirrels emitting ultrasonic calls can signal conspecifics to the exclusion of distant predators. As recipients of ultrasonic calls must be close to the signaler, one context in which ultrasonic calling may be most adaptive is during natal emergence when juveniles are particularly abundant, highly vulnerable to predation, and clustered in space. In our second experiment, we broadcast ultrasonic alarm signals to emerging juveniles and found that they, like older individuals, responded to calls by increasing vigilance. We discuss the adaptive utility of multiple signalling strategies in light of our findings.
TOLERANCE DESIGN IN POWERTRAIN PRODUCT CREATION PROCESS
Authors: GU SHUXIN
Published: November 2006

Tolerance design is one of the key activities in the product creation process. It not only directly effects product quality but also has significant impact on manufacturing process and product cost. The tolerance design should never be overlooked in the product creation process. Though the importance of the tolerance design is well understood in the engineering community, a well established process for the tolerance design in the product creation process is still lacking. The practice of the tolerance design in most automotive industries is not consistent, and it largely depends on individual experience. Best practice and valuable knowledge is not captured in a systematic manner, and most often the new design does not benefit from best-in-class design knowledge. Most engineers can only go back to the very previous design for reference due to the lack of knowledge base tools. Therefore, optimal tolerance design could be missed. In addition, most tolerance design at earlier product lifecycle only concentrates on product functionality itself. Some serious manufacturing issues could be overlooked at the beginning and are only uncovered until it is too late. In addition to the delay of the product launch, the cost of fixing these manufacturing problems is often very expensive. Moreover, lack of a tool or process to look at system level tolerance interactions causes designers to miss optimal tolerance for each individual part design. In this paper, a tolerance design process is proposed in order to optimize product tolerance for function, manufacturing cost, and quality. This process will capture the knowledge of product tolerance design and optimize this knowledge to re-apply to every new product design. Also, with the help of feature-based design and knowledge-based technology, manufacturing process, cost, product quality, etc. could be considered at the earliest stage of the design cycle. Therefore, the quality and cost of design will be better understood and controlled compared to an ad hoc tolerance design process.
A role for transcription factor NF-κB in autoimmunity: possible interactions of genes, sex, and the immune response
Authors: Dale Elizabeth , Davis Miriam , Faustman Denise L.
Published: November 2006

Sex hormones have long been implicated in autoimmune diseases because women account for 80% of cases. The mechanism of hormonal action in autoimmunity is unknown. Drawing on genetic studies of autoimmune disease, this article discusses how both genes and sex hormones may exert their effects through the same general mechanism, dysregulation of transcription factor NF-κB, an immunoregulatory protein. Gene and hormone alterations of the NF-κB signaling cascade provide a unifying hypothesis to explain the wide-ranging human and murine autoimmune disease phenotypes regulated by NF-κB, including cytokine balance, antigen presentation, lymphoid development, and lymphoid repertoire selection by apoptosis.
Proteomics in renal research
Authors: Janech Michael G. , Raymond John R. , Arthur John M.
Published: November 2006

Proteomic technologies are used with increasing frequency in the renal community. In this review, we highlight the use in renal research of a number of available techniques including two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization, capillary electrophoresis/mass spectrometry, and antibody and tissue arrays. These techniques have been used to identify proteins or changes in proteins specific to regions of the kidney or associated with renal diseases or toxicity. They have also been used to examine protein expression changes and posttranslational modifications of proteins during signaling. A number of studies have used proteomic methodologies to look for diagnostic biomarkers in body fluids. The rapid rate of development of the technologies along with the combination of classic physiological and biochemical techniques with proteomics will enable new discoveries.
Contrast Affects Speed Tuning, Space-Time Slant, and Receptive-Field Organization of Simple Cells in Macaque V1
Authors: Livingstone Margaret S. , Conway Bevil R.
Published: November 2006

We measured speed tuning of V1 cells in alert macaques to high- and low-contrast stimuli. Most V1 cells tested, both simple and complex and directional as well as nondirectional, shifted their speed tuning to slower speeds for lower contrast stimuli. We found that the space-time slant of the receptive field of directional simple cells differed for high- and low-contrast stimuli, with the space-time slant predicting higher optimum speeds for the higher-contrast stimuli; i.e., there was a larger spatial shift of the receptive-field organization per unit time. Not only did the space-time maps of directional simple cells show different slants between high- and low-contrast stimuli, but they also showed a different organization, because for high-contrast stimuli, the maps tended to show a complete inversion of the receptive-field spatial organization at long delays after stimulus onset, with initial excitation followed by suppression and initial suppression followed by excitation, but for low-contrast stimuli the receptive-field organization showed only a quadrature shift over time. We show that a simple modification of earlier models for the generation of direction-selective simple cells can account for these observations.
Simultaneous analysis of cytokines and co‐stimulatory molecules concentrations by ELISA technique andof probabilities of measurable concentrations of interleukins IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, CXCL8 (IL‐8), IL‐10, IL‐13 occurring in plasma of healthy blood donors
Authors: Martin Klabusay , Viera Kohutova , Petr Coupek , Marie Nenickova , Eva Tesarova
Published: November 2006

Background. The cytokine network remarkably influences
homeostasis. There is not a complex analysis describing
physiological values of soluble cytokines in healthy individuals.
Methods. Authors used the ELISA method to detect soluble
cytokines and costimulatory molecules simultaneously in the
plasma of 30 blood donors. Results. Data are shown as (a
range of concentrations; median) IL‐2 (0–74.48 pg/mL; 0),
IL‐4 (0–65.18 pg/mL; 0), IL‐5 (0–86.69 pg/mL; 0),
IL‐6 (0–73.17 pg/mL; 0), IL‐8 (0–74.8 pg/mL; 0),
IL‐10 (0–12.6 pg/mL; 0), IL‐13 (0–3.9 pg/mL; 0),
sCD40L (0–3.5 ng/mL; 0), and TNF‐α (0–67.6; 0).
For the IL‐6 receptor, the concentration was 75.89 ± 35.83
ng/mL (average ±
SD), sCD23 28.9 ± 15.22
ng/mL, and TGFβ1 14.98 ± 12.39
ng/mL. A
special approach was taken for the analysis of values, which had
median 0. A model for the probability of detectable level′s
occurrence for each interleukin was formulated with intervals of
confidence. Conclusion. These results provide reference
values for cytokine levels in the plasma of healthy individuals.
The Genetics ofPPARGand the Skeleton
Authors: Ackert-Bicknell Cheryl , Rosen Clifford
Published: November 2006

Osteoporosis is a complex metabolic bone disorder. Recently it has been appreciated that the “obesity in bone” phenomenon occurs at the expense of bone formation, and that is a key component of the pathology of this disease. Mouse models with altered bone expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) impact bone formation, but genetic studies connectingPPARGpolymorphisms to skeletal phenotypes in humans have proven to be less than satisfactory. One missense polymorphism in exon one has been linked to low bone mineral density (BMD), but the most studied polymorphism, Pro12Ala, has not yet been examined in the context of skeletal phenotype. The studies to date are a promising start in leading to our understanding of the genetic contribution ofPPARGto the phenotypes of BMD and fracture risk.
Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) and Src Regulate the Tyrosine Phosphorylation and Function of the Androgen Receptor
Authors: Kraus Sarah , Gioeli Daniel , Vomastek Tomas , Gordon Vicki , Weber Michael J.
Published: November 2006

The androgen receptor (AR) remains functionally important in the development and progression of prostate cancer even when the disease seems androgen “independent.” Because signal transduction by growth factor receptors increases in advanced prostate cancer and is capable of sensitizing the AR to androgen, there is considerable interest in determining the mechanisms by which signaling systems can modulate AR function. We show herein that the adaptor/scaffolding protein receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), which was previously reported to interact with the AR, modulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of AR and its interaction with the Src tyrosine kinase. We also show that down-regulation of RACK1 by short interfering RNA inhibits growth and stimulates prostate-specific antigen transcription in androgen-treated prostate cancer cells. Our results suggest that RACK1 mediates the cross-talk of AR with additional binding partners, such as Src, and facilitates the tyrosine phosphorylation and transcriptional activity of the AR. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 11047-54)
Markers and Tissue Resources for Melanoma: Meeting Report
Authors: Becker Dorothea , Mihm Martin C. , Hewitt Stephen M. , Sondak Vernon K. , Fountain Jane W. , Thurin Magdalena
Published: November 2006

The Markers and Tissue Resources for Melanoma meeting convened by the Cancer Diagnosis Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Specialized Programs of Research Excellence at the Organ Systems Branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the Melanoma Research Foundation was held in Gaithersburg, MD on October 2005. The meeting reviewed the current status of biomarkers for early- and advanced-stage melanoma and addressed some of the challenges scientists and clinicians face as they unravel the biology of melanoma and try to apply these findings to patient care. Specifically, the participants focused on molecular changes associated with melanoma progression, potential diagnostic and prognostic markers emerging from molecular profiling studies, and new treatment targets for current and future clinical trials. They also highlighted the ongoing challenges about translational research in melanoma, including availability of tissue resources, and summarized the status of nevus and melanoma tissue microarrays, recently developed as a collaborative project between the melanoma research community and the NCI. The meeting report is intended to provide a perspective on emerging scientific approaches in translational research that can enhance the progress in discovery and validation of markers for melanoma. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10652-7)
Telomere-Driven Karyotypic Complexity Concurs with p16INK4a Inactivation in TP53-Competent Immortal Endothelial Cells
Authors: Wen Victoria W. , Wu Kaida , Baksh Sheik , Hinshelwood Rebecca A. , Lock Richard B. , Clark Susan J. , Moore Malcolm A.S. , MacKenzie Karen L.
Published: November 2006

Critically short telomeres promote chromosomal fusions, which in TP53-defective cells initiate the formation of cytogenetic aberrations that are typical of human cancer cells. Expression of the enzyme telomerase stabilizes normal and aberrant chromosomes by maintaining telomere length. However, previous investigations, including our own, have shown that overexpression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) does not prevent net telomere shortening in human endothelial cells. In the present study, two mass cultures of hTERT-transduced bone marrow endothelial cells (BMhTERT) and 26 clones were employed to further investigate the immortalization process and consequences of telomere shortening. Eighty-five percent (22 of 26) of the clones and both mass cultures were immortalized. However, cytogenetic analyses revealed recurring cytogenetic aberrations in the mass cultures and 12 representative clones. Several of the recurring aberrations, including +5p, +11, −13, +19, and +20, and nonreciprocal translocations involving 17p and 2p were previously implicated in human carcinogenesis. One mass culture and a subset of clones (5 of 12) had complex karyotypes, characterized by cytogenetic heterogeneity and at least five chromosomal abnormalities. p16INK4a was silenced exclusively in the five clones and mass culture with complex karyotypes, whereas the p53/p21cip1 pathway was defective in only one clone. Telomere dysfunction was implicated in the evolution of complex karyotypes by the presence of anaphase bridges, telomere associations, and dicentric chromosomes. These results show that complex karyotypes can evolve in TP53-competent cells and provide evidence that p16INK4a functions as a gatekeeper to prevent telomere-driven cytogenetic evolution. These investigations provide new insight to the role of p16INK4a as a tumor suppressor. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10691-700)
Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition Suppresses αvβ6 Integrin–Dependent Oral Squamous Carcinoma Invasion
Authors: Nystrom Maria L. , McCulloch Diana , Weinreb Paul H. , Violette Shelia M. , Speight Paul M. , Marshall John F. , Hart Ian R. , Thomas Gareth J.
Published: November 2006

Worldwide oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents about 5.5% of all malignancies, with ∼30,000 new cases each year in the United States. The integrin αvβ6 and the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are implicated in OSCC progression and have been suggested as possible therapeutic targets. Each protein also is reported to identify dysplasias at high risk of malignant transformation, and current clinical trials are testing the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) at preventing OSCC development. Given the probable increased expression of αvβ6 and COX-2 in OSCC and the inhibition of several integrins by NSAIDs, we investigated whether NSAIDs affected αvβ6-dependent cell functions. We found that expression of both αvβ6 and COX-2 was significantly higher in OSCC compared with oral epithelial dysplasias. Neither protein preferentially identified those dysplastic lesions that became malignant. Using OSCC cell lines, modified to express varying levels of αvβ6, we assessed the effect of COX-2 inhibition on cell invasion. We found that the COX-2 inhibitor NS398 inhibited specifically αvβ6-dependent, but not αvβ6-independent, OSCC invasion in vitro and in vivo, and this effect was modulated through prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)–dependent activation of Rac-1. Transient expression of constitutively active Rac-1, or addition of the COX-2 metabolite PGE2, prevented the anti-invasive effect of NS398. Conversely, RNA interference down-regulation of Rac-1 inhibited αvβ6-dependent invasion. These findings suggest that COX-2 and αvβ6 interact in promoting OSCC invasion. This is a novel mechanism that, given the ubiquity of αvβ6 expression by head and neck cancers, raises the possibility that NSAIDs could protect against OSCC invasion. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10833-42)
Molecular Imaging of Proliferation in Malignant Lymphoma
Authors: Buck Andreas K. , Bommer Martin , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Juweid Malik , Glatting Gerhard , Schirrmeister Holger , Mattfeldt Torsten , Tepsic Djurdja , Bunjes Donald , Mottaghy Felix M. , Krause Bernd J. , Neumaier Bernd , Döhner Hartmut , Möller Peter , Reske Sven N.
Published: November 2006

We have determined the ability of positron emission tomography (PET) with the thymidine analogue 3′-deoxy-3′-[18F]fluorothymidine (FLT) to detect manifestation sites of malignant lymphoma, to assess proliferative activity, and to differentiate aggressive from indolent tumors. In this prospective study, FLT-PET was done additionally to routine staging procedures in 34 patients with malignant lymphoma. Sixty minutes after i.v. injection of ∼330 MBq FLT, emission and transmission scanning was done. Tracer uptake in lymphoma was evaluated semiquantitatively by calculation of standardized uptake values (SUV) and correlated to tumor grading and proliferation fraction as determined by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. FLT-PET detected a total of 490 lesions compared with 420 lesions revealed by routine staging. In 11 patients with indolent lymphoma, mean FLT-SUV in biopsied lesions was 2.3 (range, 1.2-4.5). In 21 patients with aggressive lymphoma, a significantly higher FLT uptake was observed (mean FLT-SUV, 5.9; range, 3.2-9.2; P < 0.0001) and a cutoff value of SUV = 3 accurately discriminated between indolent and aggressive lymphoma. Linear regression analysis indicated significant correlation of FLT uptake in biopsied lesions and proliferation fraction (r = 0.84; P < 0.0001). In this clinical study, FLT-PET was suitable for imaging malignant lymphoma and noninvasive assessment of tumor grading. Due to specific imaging of proliferation, FLT may be a superior PET tracer for detection of malignant lymphoma in organs with high physiologic fluorodeoxyglucose uptake and early detection of progression to a more aggressive histology or potential transformation. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 11055-61)
Spontaneous Transformation of Cultured Mouse Bone Marrow–Derived Stromal Cells
Authors: Zhou Yi Fu , Bosch-Marce Marta , Okuyama Hiroaki , Krishnamachary Balaji , Kimura Hideo , Zhang Li , Huso David L. , Semenza Gregg L.
Published: November 2006

Bone marrow–derived stromal cells have engendered interest because of their therapeutic potential for promoting tissue vascularization and repair. When mononuclear cells isolated from mouse bone marrow were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, cell populations arose that showed rapid proliferation and loss of contact inhibition. These cells formed invasive soft tissue sarcomas after i.m. injection into nude or scid mice. I.v. injection resulted in the formation of tumor foci in the lungs. The tumors were transplantable into syngeneic immunocompetent mice. Direct injection of cultured cells into immunocompetent mice also resulted in tumor formation. Karyotype analysis showed that increased chromosome number and multiple Robertsonian translocations occurred at passage 3 coincident with the loss of contact inhibition. The remarkably rapid malignant transformation of cultured mouse bone marrow cells may have important implications for ongoing clinical trials of cell therapy and for models of oncogenesis. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10849-54)
An Inherent Role of Integrin-Linked Kinase-Estrogen Receptor α Interaction in Cell Migration
Authors: Acconcia Filippo , Manavathi Bramanandam , Mascarenhas Joseph , Talukder Amjad H. , Mills Gordon , Kumar Rakesh
Published: November 2006

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and estrogen receptor (ER)-α modulate cell migration. However, the crosstalk between ERα and ILK and the role of ILK in ERα-mediated cell migration remain unexplored. Here, we report that ILK participates in ERα signaling in breast cancer cells. We found that ILK binds ERα in vitro and in vivo through a LXXLL motif in ILK. Estrogen prevented ERα-ILK binding, resulting in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)–dependent increase in ILK kinase activity. Furthermore, the regulation of ERα-ILK interaction was dependent on the PI3K pathway. Unexpectedly, transient knockdown or inhibition of ILK caused hyperphosphorylation of ERα Ser118 in an extracellular signal–regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway–dependent manner and an enhanced ERα recruitment to the target chromatin and gene expression, a process reversed by overexpression of ILK. Compatible with these interactions, estrogen regulated cell migration via the PI3K/ILK/AKT pathway with stable ILK overexpression hyperactivating cell migration. Thus, status of ILK signaling may be an important modifier of ER signaling in breast cancer cells and this pathway could be exploited for therapeutic intervention in breast cancer cells. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 11030-8)
Manhunt
Authors: Butera Karina J.
Published: November 2006

This article explores the methodological problems encountered as I attempted to locate and recruit 40 male participants for the research I am currently undertaking on the experience of friendship across gender and the life course. The situation I found myself in was that men were considerably harder to recruit than women. In this article, I describe the various problems I encountered and I propose several reasons that men's reluctance to participate may have occurred. I outline the strategies I employed to counter these recruitment difficulties and reflect on some measures that might have been taken to avoid these problems. This is in no way a conclusive article, but it aims to raise the issue of male reluctance, which I believe requires serious discussion in the wider social research community due to the “interview society” in which we currently find ourselves.
Ethics and Confrontation
Authors: Sawyer Emmett , Wegner Scott , Moseman Gerald
Published: November 2006

This case study explores the politics and ethics surrounding a likely breach of school policy and possible breach of law. Students will be asked to identify key legal, ethical, and political issues in a unique scenario involving complex community issues, a split board, and unknown levels of support from superiors. At stake are employment status of administrators, community harmony, school climate, and potentially, student achievement.
Topotactic route to synthesis of novel hydroxylated phases: I. Trioctahedral Micas
Authors: Komarneni S. , Roy R.
Published: November 2006

K-depleted phlogopite mica was used as a topotactic precursor and treated with alkali (Li+, K+, , Rb+, Cs+), alkaline-earth (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+) and trivalent (Al3+) cations under hydrothermal conditions of 200°C and 30 MPa pressure. K-, NH4-, Rb- and Cs-aluminosilicate micas were synthesised at 200°C in one day. The synthesis of Cs-aluminosilicate mica, with potential applications in the management of nuclear wastes, has been achieved for the first time by this approach. Ion exchange by Li+, Na+ and alkaline-earth cations under hydrothermal conditions did not produce anhydrous mica phases but resulted in hydrous phases with one or two layers of water molecules between the clay layers. The formation of hydrous phases may be attributed to the high hydration energy of the above cations compared to K+, , RB+ and Cs+. Ion exchange with Al3+ produced a chlorite-like phase because of the hydrolysis of Al3+ under these hydrothermal conditions. These studies are of relevance in the immobilization of wastes where hazardous ions can be fixed in highly stable insoluble phases like mica or chlorite.
Influence of soil redox conditions on oxidation of biotite
Authors: Bouda S. , Isaac K. P.
Published: November 2006

Biotites from three peaty gleyed podzol soil profiles on ranite bedrock were examined to investigate the oxidation of the octahedral Fe during weathering. Oxidation of these biotites as determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy shows a good correlation with thein situmeasured soil Eh values of the sampled horizons. In every soil profile the highest Eh measured is in the A horizon and the lowest in the C horizon. Similarly, biotites from the A horizons are the most oxidized compared with those from the lower horizons. In most of the samples the oxidation is accompanied by loss of K+from the lattice, as demonstrated by a moderate degree of vermiculitization.
Interpretation of the IR spectra of celadonites and glauconites in the region of OH-stretching frequencies
Authors: Slonimskaya M. V. , Besson G. , Dainyak L. G. , Tchoubar C. , Drits V. A.
Published: November 2006

A method is given for quantitative analysis of IR spectra of dioctahedral micas in the OH-stretching region, which involves spectral decomposition and correlation of octahedral cation contents with integrated optical densities of the corresponding bands. It provides a basis for the study of order-disorder in these minerals and has allowed revision of the crystallochemical formulae of some glauconites and celadonites.
Diagenetic sequences and K/Ar dating in Jurassic sandstones, Central Viking Graben: effects on reservoir properties
Authors: Thomas M.
Published: November 2006

The differences noticed in the porosity-permeability values and the clay mineralogy of the Brent and Statfjord reservoirs of two closely related wells from the Central Viking Graben appear to be due essentially to diagenesis. According to their type, nature and relationships, the diagenetic phases are organized into three distinct sequences, each induced by distinct hydrodynamic systems. These systems are related to three main episodes of the geological history of the reservoirs, which were: the compaction-lithilication phase, the Kimmerian to Lower Cretaceous emersive phase, and the hydrologic loading of the deep parts of the basins and/or fault panels. The late diagenetic sequence is expressed by quartz overgrowths, blocky kaolinite and illite authigenesis. With a probable ‘catalytic’ effect of temperature, this sequence is the most intensely developed and so greatly damages the porosity and permeability. In the oil-bearing reservoirs of Well 25/4-1, the stage of evolution of this third diagenetic sequence is not well advanced: illitization was rapidly stopped by the hydrocarbon charge so that permeabilities remained satisfactory (up to 500 mD). In the water-zone of Well 25/4-5, illitization is extensive and permeabilities considerably reduced (lower than 5 mD). K/Ar dating of authigenic illites provides evidence of a late Eocene phase (40–44 Ma) as the maximum age for the hydrocarbon entrapment in Well 25/4-1, whereas the last illite authigenesis from the water-zone of Well 25/4-5 gives an Oligocene phase (28 Ma in the Statfjord Formation). These data indicate that fluid circulation was effective until this time in the down-dip faulted panel of Well 25/4-5, and has therefore been responsible for the drastic permeability reduction.
Some applications of clay mineralogy to reservoir description
Authors: Hurst A. , Archer J. S.
Published: November 2006

Study of sandstone diagenesis provides information about the origin, texture, distribution and composition of clay minerals, which in turn is used in reservoir description. Three examples of the use of clay mineralogy in reservoir description are given. (1) Kaolinite commonly forms pore-filling cements which are pervasive in specific sandstone intervals. It is shown that water-zone kaolinization homogenizes and lowers the porosity and permeability relative to the oil zone; in a reservoir model different Ø/Krelationships are defined above and below the oil-water contact. (2) An occurrence of chlorite in dish-structured horizons is shown to increase horizontal permeability and decrease formation resistivity. The sensitivity of the neutron porosity log to the chlorite cement reduces the usefulness of the log for porosity evaluation. Uncritical application of wireline logs to define reservoir parameters can give pessimistic reservoir evaluation. (3) Sand production can be related to wettability, which in turn is strongly influenced by clay mineralogy. A perforation strategy to minimize sand production may then be based on knowledge of the clay mineralogy of a reservoir.
Synthesis and crystallogenesis at low temperature of Fe(III)-smectites by evolution of coprecipitated gels: experiments in partially reducing conditions
Authors: Decarreau A. , Bonnin D.
Published: November 2006

Syntheses of ferric smectites were performed at low temperature (75° C by aging coprecipitated gels of silica and Fe2+-sulphate under initially reducing then oxidizing conditions. Under strictly reducing conditions only nuclei of a trioctahedral ferrous stevensite were observed and crystal growth did not take place. When a spontaneous oxidization, in contact with air, was effected, the ferrous smectite nuclei transformed rapidly into a ferric, nontronite-like, smectite. Crystallogenesis of the ferric smectite was studied by XRD, IR, DTA, Mössbauer and EPR spectroscopies. The end-synthesis smectite contained only Fe3+ions, all located in the octahedral sheet. This clay was mixed with a cryptocrystalline iron oxide phase containing one-third of the iron atoms and undetectable by XRD.
Infrared evidence for the occurrence of SiO groups with double-bond character in antigorite, sepiolite and palygorskite
Authors: Yariv S.
Published: November 2006

IR spectra of antigorite and sepiolite show an absorption band at ∼ 1200 cm−1. Spectra of palygorskite show several small absorptions between 1140–1200 cm−1. Since these three minerals are the only layer-silicates which show this absorption this band was assigned to Si-O-Si groups which serve as bridges between alternating alumino-Mg-silicate ribbons. By comparing the location of this band to bands observed in the spectra of P=O groups it was concluded that the contribution of π bonding in the bridging Si-O-Si group is of a high order. Similar conclusions were drawn after comparing the spectra of antigorite, sepiolite and palygorskite with those of various pyrosilicates. An inversion of the tetrahedral sheet requires an Si-O-Si angle of 180° which can be stabilized by dπ-pπ bonding in the Si-O-Si group. Due to the inductive effect of the octahedral sheet this type of bonding may occur in trioctahedral clay silicates, but is not to be expected in dioctahedral clay silicates.
Cation exchange in synthetic manganates: II. The structure of an alkylammonium-saturated phyllomanganate
Authors: Paterson E. , Clark D.R. , Russell D. , Swaffield R.
Published: November 2006

A synthetic phyllomanganate saturated with a series of primary alkylammonium cations has been examined using XRD, chemical analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A linear relationship exists between the basal spacing of the saturated alkylammonium-manganate and the hydrocarbon chain length in the interlayer, and from the gradient it is concluded that the alkyl chains are perpendicular to the manganate sheet. This orientation is a function of both the charge density and the presence of a layer of water molecules immediately adjacent to the manganate basal surfaces. Evacuation results in the loss of this interlayer water and the structure of the organo-manganate is considerably disrupted. The extent to which the interlayer arrangement can be reinstated by rehydration is dependent on the chain length of the saturating organo-cation. For cations of chain length > C6 the C contents suggest that cation in excess of the exchange capacity is present in the interlayer, but the absence of any compensating anion and the release of amine on evacuation suggests that the excess C arises from the presence of free amine.
Exogenous glucosamine globally protects chondrocytes from the arthritogenic effects of IL-1β
Authors: Gouze Jean-Noël , Gouze Elvire , Popp Mick P , Bush Marsha L , Dacanay Emil A , Kay Jesse D , Levings Padraic P , Patel Kunal R , Saran Jeet-Paul S , Watson Rachael S , Ghivizzani Steven C
Published: November 2006

The effects of exogenous glucosamine on the biology of articular chondrocytes were determined by examining global transcription patterns under normal culture conditions and following challenge with IL-1β. Chondrocytes isolated from the cartilage of rats were cultured in several flasks either alone or in the presence of 20 mM glucosamine. Six hours later, one-half of the cultures of each group were challenged with 10 ng/ml IL-1β. Fourteen hours after this challenge, RNA was extracted from each culture individually and used to probe microarray chips corresponding to the entire rat genome. Glucosamine alone had no observable stimulatory effect on the transcription of primary cartilage matrix genes, such as aggrecan, collagen type II, or genes involved in glycosaminoglycan synthesis; however, glucosamine proved to be a potent, broad-spectrum inhibitor of IL-1β. Of the 2,813 genes whose transcription was altered by IL-1β stimulation (P < 0.0001), glucosamine significantly blocked the response in 2,055 (~73%). Glucosamine fully protected the chondrocytes from IL-1-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors as well as proteins involved in prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide synthesis. It also blocked the IL-1-induced expression of matrix-specific proteases such as MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-12, and ADAMTS-1. The concentrations of IL-1 and glucosamine used in these assays were supraphysiological and were not representative of the arthritic joint following oral consumption of glucosamine. They suggest, however, that the potential benefit of glucosamine in osteoarthritis is not related to cartilage matrix biosynthesis, but is more probably related to its ability to globally inhibit the deleterious effects of IL-1β signaling. These results suggest that glucosamine, if administered effectively, may indeed have anti-arthritic properties, but primarily as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Outcome of postoperative critically ill patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: an observational retrospective case-control study
Authors: Gettings Elise M , Brush Kathryn A , Van Cott Elizabeth M , Hurford William E
Published: November 2006

Introduction

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is described as a decrease in platelet count associated with heparin administration and is an immune-mediated adverse drug reaction that can cause both arterial and venous thromboses. It can be a life-threatening complication of heparin exposure. Little data concerning incidence, predisposing factors, or outcome in critically ill surgical patients are available.

Methods

All critically ill, postoperative patients admitted between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2001, to a surgical intensive care unit (SICU) who tested positive by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the HIT antibody (HPIA; Diagnostica Stago, Inc., Parsippany, NJ, USA) were identified. Patient risk factors and outcomes were abstracted retrospectively from the medical record and compared with those from control patients matched for age, gender, diagnosis, severity of illness, and date of SICU admission.

Results

Two hundred and ten patients out of 2,046 patients (10%) admitted to the SICU had HIT assays performed. Nineteen patients (0.9% of admissions; 9% of tested individuals) had positive tests. HIT-antibody-positive patients, compared with 19 matched controls, had an increased risk of death or major thrombotic complications (37% versus 10%; P < 0.05) and prolonged length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (20 days versus 10 days; P < 0.05). Exposure to heparin via intravascular flushes alone was sufficient to generate HIT antibodies in 12 of 19 (63%) patients. Five patients received platelet transfusions after the diagnosis of HIT was known; four of these patients died.

Conclusion

Heparin flushes were the most common cause of HIT in this study. HIT-antibody-positive patients had an increased risk of death or major complications and a prolonged length of ICU stay. Platelet transfusions often were administered despite a positive HIT test result and were associated with a high mortality rate. Treatment algorithms that minimize exposure to heparin and contraindicate platelet transfusions merit further study.
First-Level Pre-earthquake Assessment of Buildings Using Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Demartinos Konstantinos , Dritsos Stephanos
Published: November 2006

This paper discusses the performance of a fuzzy logic–based rapid visual screening procedure that results in the categorization of buildings into five different types of possible damage with respect to the potential occurrence of a major seismic event. In order to provide results representing expected damage, adaptive neural networks were used to train the method according to information obtained from the vulnerability of 102 buildings stricken by the Athens earthquake of 1999. The precision of the method was thereby enhanced, implying an improvement in efficiency and presenting remarkable advantages when compared to probabilistic approaches to rapid visual screening. Due to the small size of the database used for the training procedure, however, the prospects of the method remain to be discussed. Nonetheless, by using information from larger databases, the method has the potential for self-improvement, a fact that underlines a good prospect for the formation of reliable and robust pre-earthquake assessment methods.
Cyclic Testing of Rammed-Earth Walls Containing Post-tensioned Reinforcement
Authors: Hamilton H. R. , McBride John , Grill Joseph
Published: November 2006

Rammed-earth walls are generally constructed by hand-compacting (or mechanically) a moist, soil-cement mixture into forms. These walls, when constructed in seismically active areas, require the use of steel reinforcement. The installation of steel reinforcement during rammed-earth construction can be difficult logistically. In particular, vertical reinforcing bars are difficult to place and to reach proper compaction of the surrounding rammed earth. To evaluate the use of post-tensioned reinforcement in lieu of bonded mild steel, eight full-scale rammed-earth walls were constructed and tested in out-of-plane and in-plane bending. The loads were cyclic and fully reversed to determine the ability of the walls to undergo large displacements that might accompany an earthquake. The out-of-plane tests were conducted with the specimen supported as a cantilever and the lateral load applied to the top of the wall. The specimens in the in-plane tests were also supported as a cantilever with the top unrestrained.
Circulating Nucleic Acids in Plasma and Serum
Authors: SWAMINATHAN R. , BUTT ASIF N.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) have been detected in plasma, serum, urine, and other body fluids from healthy subjects as well as in patients. The ability to detect and quantitate specific DNA and RNA sequences has opened up the possibility of diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. With the recent developments in the field of circulating nucleic acids the application in the diagnostic field has increased. The recent discovery of epigenetic changes in placental/fetal DNA and the detection of fetal/placental‐specific RNAs have made it possible to use this technology in all pregnancies irrespective of the gender of the fetus. With the application of mass spectrometry and other techniques to this field, it is now possible to detect very small amounts of specific DNA in the presence of excess of other nonspecific nucleic acids (e.g., detection of mutations in fetal DNA in the presence of excess of maternal DNA). Circulating nucleic acids have now been shown to be useful in other conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, trauma, stroke, and myocardial infarction. In oncology, detection and monitoring of tumors is now possible by the detection of tumor‐derived nucleic acids. In spite of these advances questions regarding the origin and biologic significance of circulating nucleic acids remain to be answered. Furthermore preanalytical and analytical aspects of this field remain to be standardized.
Hypoxia‐Induced Membrane‐Bound Apoptotic DNA Particles
Authors: OROZCO AARON F. , BISCHOFF FARIDEH Z. , HORNE CASSANDRA , POPEK EDWINA , SIMPSON JOE LEIGH , LEWIS DOROTHY E.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Fetal DNA is found in the plasma of pregnant women that appears to be stable for PCR amplification. Although the underlying mechanism giving rise to this DNA in plasma remains unclear, the source of these fragments may be from apoptotic bodies (Apo‐Bodies) created from dying cells. Trophoblast apoptosis is essential for normal placental development, given the enormous amount of proliferation, differentiation, and migration during pregnancy. Through flow cytometric analysis coupled with real‐time PCR, our lab has shown that aggregates of acridine orange (AO)‐stained material (apoptotic particles) are resistant to DNase treatment, disrupted by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and contain fetal DNA.
Because the placenta continuously remodels in an hypoxic environment, our hypothesis is that fetal DNA in maternal plasma comes from hypoxia‐induced dying trophoblasts and that this DNA circulates predominately in the form of Apo‐Bodies. We have developed a model culture system for analysis of Apo‐Bodies derived from JEG‐3 cells, an extravillous trophoblastic cell line, undergoing various methods of cell death: hypoxia‐induced, etoposide‐induced, and heat stress (necrosis like)–induced cell death. Under conditions of similar propidium iodide (PI) uptake, suggesting comparable levels of death, both hypoxia‐ and etoposide‐induced Apo‐Bodies increase in concentration over time, whereas heat‐induced levels of particles remain fairly constant, indicating that production of DNA‐associated Apo‐Bodies is a continuous process. Hypoxia, which is likely to be responsible for trophoblast cell death in vivo, produced membrane‐bound Apo‐Bodies containing DNA. Our results are consistent with the characteristics of membrane‐bound particles containing fetal DNA found in maternal plasma.
Development and Application of a Real‐Time Quantitative PCR for Prenatal Detection of Fetal α0‐Thalassemia from Maternal Plasma
Authors: TUNGWIWAT WARUNEE , FUCHAROEN SUPAN , FUCHAROEN GOONNAPA , RATANASIRI THAWALWONG , SANCHAISURIYA KANOKWAN
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  In order to provide a noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of α0‐Thalassemia (Southeast Asian [SEA] deletion), we have developed a real‐time quantitative semi‐nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for identifying the fetal α0‐Thalassemia in maternal plasma. Analysis was performed using DNA extracted from 200 μL plasma from 13 pregnant women during 8–20 weeks of gestation who carried fetuses with normal (2), α0‐Thalassemia carrier (8), Hb H disease (1), and homozygous α0‐Thalassemia (Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis (2). The α0‐Thalassemia was detected using a two‐step PCR. Plasma DNA was amplified conventionally using α0‐Thalassemia‐specific primers and a portion of the first PCR product was subjected to a semi‐nested real‐time q‐PCR using the SYBR green I chemistry for fluorescence detection. Calibration curve for α0‐Thalassemia quantification was prepared by assaying serial dilution of genomic DNA of an α0‐Thalassemia carrier. Differences in the CT (threshold cycle) values and calculated concentrations of amplified DNA among normal fetus, α0‐Thalassemia carrier, Hb H disease, and homozygous α0‐Thalassemia were clearly observed, which could help in prenatal prediction of the fetal genotype. This noninvasive prenatal detection of α0‐Thalassemia in maternal plasma should enhance prenatal diagnostic options for this common genetic disorder in routine DNA diagnostic setting.
Use of Bi‐Allelic Insertion/Deletion Polymorphisms as a Positive Control for Fetal Genotyping in Maternal Blood
Authors: PAGE‐CHRISTIAENS GODELIEVE C.M.L. , BOSSERS BERNADETTE , VAN DER SCHOOT C. ELLEN , DE HAAS MASJA
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Amplification of fetal DNA in maternal plasma is a new way for non‐invasive fetal genotyping in pregnancies at risk for disorders where the presence of a paternal DNA sequence contributes to the risk status of the fetus. We describe the use of a panel of 10 bi‐allelic highly polymorphic markers to ascertain the presence and amplification of fetal DNA in case the fetus is negative for the targeted paternal “disease” sequence.
Different Approaches for Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis of Genetic Diseases Based on PNA‐Mediated Enriched PCR
Authors: GALBIATI SILVIA , RESTAGNO GABRIELLA , FOGLIENI BARBARA , BONALUMI SARA , TRAVI MAURIZIO , PIGA ANTONIO , SBAIZ LUCA , CHIARI MARCELLA , DAMIN FRANCESCO , SMID MADDALENA , VALSECCHI LUCA , PASI FEDERICA , FERRARI AUGUSTO , FERRARI MAURIZIO , CREMONESI LAURA
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  The aim of this work was to develop advanced and accessible protocols for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of genetic diseases. We are evaluating different technologies for mutation detection, based on fluorescent probe hybridization of the amplified product and pyrosequencing, a technique that relies on the incorporation of nucleotides in a primer‐directed polymerase extension reaction. In a previous investigation, we have already proven that these approaches are sufficiently sensitive to detect a few copies of a minority‐mutated allele in the presence of an excess of wild‐type DNA, In this work, in order to further enhance the sensitivity, we have employed a mutant enrichment amplification strategy based on the use of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). These DNA analogues bind wild‐type DNA, thus interfering with its amplification while still allowing the mutant DNA to become detectable. We have synthesized different PNAs, which are highly effective in clamping wild‐type DNA in the beta‐globin gene region, where four beta‐thalassemia mutations are located (IVSI.110, CD39, IVSI.1, IVSI.6) plus HbS. The fluorescence microchip readout allows us to monitor the extent of wild‐type allele inhibition, thus facilitating the assessment of the optimal PNA concentration.
Rapid Prenatal Diagnosis by QF‐PCR: Evaluation of 30,000 Consecutive Clinical Samples and Future Applications
Authors: CIRIGLIANO VINCENZO , VOGLINO GIANFRANCO , MARONGIU ANTONELLA , CAÑADAS PAZ , ORDOÑEZ ELENA , LLOVERAS ELISABET , PLAJA ALBERTO , FUSTER CARME , ADINOLFI MATTEO
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Rapid prenatal diagnoses of major chromosome abnormalities can be performed on a large scale using highly polymorphic short tandem repeats (STRs) amplified by the quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF‐PCR). The assay was introduced as a preliminary investigation to remove the anxiety of the parents waiting for the results by conventional cytogenetic analysis using amniotic fluid or chorionic cells. However, recent studies, on the basis of the analyses of several thousand samples, have shown that this rapid approach has a very high rate of success and could reduce the need for cytogenetic investigations. Its high efficiency, for example, allows early interruption of affected fetuses without the need of waiting for completion of fetal karyotype. The main advantages of the QF‐PCR are its accuracy, speed, automation, and low cost that allows very large number of samples to be analyzed by few operators. Here, we report the results of using QF‐PCR in a large series of consecutive clinical cases and discuss the possibility that, in a near future, it may even replace conventional cytogenetic analyses on selected samples.