bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scientific Insights from Four Generations of Lagrangian Smart Balloons in Atmospheric Research*
Authors: Businger S. , Johnson R. , Talbot R.
Published: November 2006

This paper provides an overview of the trials and successes in the development of an autonomous balloon instrument platform (smart balloon) and reviews scientific insights gained through its employment as a marker in a Lagrangian strategy during recent field experiments. The smart balloons are designed and constructed at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Air Resources Laboratory Field Research Division in collaboration with the University of Hawaii. In a 2004 field deployment a smart balloon carrying a miniature ozone sensor successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Long Island, New York, to the African coast of Morocco. Significant progress has been made through field experiments such as this in our understanding of the relationships between the evolution of marine boundary layers and the chemistry of aerosol and gaseous constituents in clean and polluted air masses. Innovation in design and advances in instrument and communication technology have opened a dramatic new range of applications for the smart balloon in atmospheric research, including, for example, the interesting prospect of making observations very near the ocean surface in hurricanes and typhoons, which are not possible with research aircraft.
Developing a Church-Based Diabetes Prevention Program With African Americans
Authors: Boltri John Mark , Davis-Smith Y. Monique , Zayas Luis E. , Shellenberger Sylvia , Seale J. Paul , Blalock Travis W. , Mbadinuju Ada
Published: November 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to use a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to identify resources and barriers to implementing a church-based diabetes prevention program (DPP) in a rural African American church community in Georgia.

Methods

In collaboration with community leaders, researchers conducted 4 focus groups with 22 key informants to discuss their understanding of diabetes and identify key resources and barriers to implementing a DPP in the church. Three researchers analyzed and coded transcripts following a content-driven immersion-crystallization approach.

Results

The participants’ comments on diabetes and prevention covered 5 research domains: illness perceptions, illness concerns, illness prevention, religion and coping, and program recommendations. Program success was deemed contingent on cultural sensitivities, a focus on high-risk persons, use of church resources, and addressing barriers. Barriers identified included individuals’lack of knowledge of risk and prevention programs, lack of interest, and attendance concerns. Solutions and resources for overcoming barriers were testimonials from persons with illness, using local media to advertise the program, involving the food committee of the church, ministering to the healthy and at risk, and acquiring a support buddy.

Conclusions

A CBPR approach engaged church members as partners in developing a church-based DPP. Focus groups generated enthusiasm among church members and provided valuable insights regarding barriers and resources for program implementation. This methodology may prove useful in other church-based chronic disease prevention efforts with at-risk populations.
Evaluating Program Effectiveness Using the Regression Point Displacement Design
Authors: Linden Ariel , Trochim William M. K. , Adams John L.
Published: November 2006

Most health care initiatives are evaluated using observational study designs in lieu of random–ized controlled trials (RCT) due primarily to resource limitations. However, although obser–vational studies are less expensive to implement and evaluate, they are also more problematic in determining causality than the RCT. This trade off is most apparent in the initial planning stage of program development. An RCT is generally preferred though the cost of implementing a pilot program using the RCT might outstrip the potential benefit if the desired results are not obtained. This article describes a simple quasi–experimental model called the regression point displacement (RPD) design, which compares the prepost results of a single or multiple treat–ment groups to that of a control population. This design has shown great potential in evalu–ating health care pilot programs or demonstra–tion projects–especially those that are community based–due to its relative ease of implementation and low cost of analysis
Changes in Clinician Ability to Assess Risk and Help Patients Determine the Need for Hiv Testing
Authors: Bradley-Springer Lucy A. , Everett Mauritha R. , Rotach Elizabeth G. , Vojir Carol P.
Published: November 2006

An estimated one of four people with HIV in the United States do not know they have the infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages HIV testing in clinical settings, but there is evidence that this is not done on a regular basis. The purposes of this study were to (a) compare two less traditional teaching methods with a classroom method to determine whether the less traditional methods resulted in greater improvement of clinician knowledge, skill, and willingness to perform HIV risk assessment as the basis for recommending HIV testing; and (b) find out whether there were significant differences in convenience, cost, learner preference, or learner acceptance that would make one method more desirable than the others. Findings from participants in the standardized patient interaction with facilitator feedback (FB) and the case-based self-study module (SSM) were not different from those of participants in the interactive classroom education method (CL). Generally, there were positive changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors over time. Participants preferred standardized patient interaction (FB) and interactive classes (CL) to self-study modules (SSM).
Follow-Up for Medical Care Among Drug Users With Hepatitis C
Authors: Reynolds Grace L. , Fisher Dennis G. , Jaffe Adi , Edwards Jordan
Published: November 2006

Prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) in injection drug users (IDUs) is high and once HCV has been detected, follow-up medical care is essential. Six hundred and one current and former IDUs who tested positive for HCV antibodies received referrals for medical care. Twenty-four percent (147) of participants returned to be interviewed regarding their medical follow-ups. Of these, only 42% (61) had sought additional medical care in the form of further liver or blood tests or liver ultrasound. Four variables predicted seeking medical care: (a) ever being in residential drug treatment, (b) ever trading sex for money, (c) self-reported homelessness, and (d) living in one's own apartment or house. Having income from a job was inversely associated with seeking medical care. Knowledge of HCV infection alone does not mean that IDUs will seek medical care. Additional education concerning medical care and treatment options are needed to address IDU needs.
Risk Factors for Hospitalization Among Medicare Home Care Patients
Authors: Fortinsky Richard H. , Madigan Elizabeth A. , Sheehan T. Joseph , Tullai-McGuinness Susan , Fenster Juliane R.
Published: November 2006

This study determined factors associated with an increased risk of ending Medicare home health care because of hospitalization and examined specific types of and reasons for hospitalization. Sample members ( N = 922) were followed from admission to discharge as they received home care from Ohio Medicare-certified home care agencies between December 1999 and March 2002. Potential patient-level risk factors were predisposing, enabling, or need variables, and an agency-level variable denoting hospital affiliation or free-standing status was examined as a second-level risk factor. Among those hospitalized (18.3%), more than 80.0% experienced emergency hospitalizations, mostly for acute exacerbations of chronic diseases. Statistically significant risk factors for hospitalization included dyspnea severity, functional disability level, skin or wound problems, diabetes, case mix score, and guarded rehabilitation prognosis. Home care agencies might reduce hospitalizations by using clinical prognosis as a key resource for team communication and by helping patients and families anticipate potential acute exacerbations of chronic diseases and manage these events at home.
Predictors of Resident Outcome Improvement in Nursing Homes
Authors: Wan Thomas T.H. , Zhang Ning Jackie , Unruh Lynn
Published: November 2006

The effects of contextual characteristics and nursing-related factors on the overall quality improvement of resident outcomes, measured by a weighted index in incidents of pressure ulcers, physical restraints, and catheter use in nursing homes, were investigated by autoregressive latent trajectory modeling of panel data (1997-2003). Findings show that in the initial study period, nursing homes with a smaller bed size, being for-profit, caring for more Medicare residents, having residents with lower acuity levels, being located elsewhere than the South, having a high level of nurse staffing, and certified with lower frequencies of nursing care deficiencies had better quality. The intercept factor, representing the baseline of quality, was well predicted by six of the eight contextual and facility characteristics variables, and the slope trajectory of quality was only weakly predicted by them. The improved quality in resident outcomes was associated with facilities having fewer nursing care deficiency citations than their counterparts.
Ultrastructural Collagen Fibril Alterations in the Patellar Tendon 6 Years after Harvesting Its Central Third
Authors: Svensson Michael , Movin Tomas , Rostgård-Christensen Lars , Blomén Eva , Hultenby Kjell , Kartus Jüri
Published: November 2006

Background

Clinically, donor site problems are common, even in the long term after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using patellar tendon autograft. However, there is a lack of knowledge in terms of the mid and long-term ultrastructural appearance of the previously harvested tendon in humans.

Hypothesis

The patellar tendon does not regain normal ultrastructure 6 years after harvesting its central third and leaving the defect open.

Study Design

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Thirteen patients were included in the study. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the central and lateral thirds of the patellar tendon under ultrasound guidance 71 months (range, 68-73 months) after the reconstruction. Ten biopsy specimens from other subjects with asymptomatic patellar tendons served as controls. The sections were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. Longitudinal sections were used for morphological evaluation, and the fibril diameter was measured on the transverse sections and grouped into 5 diameter classes.

Results

All control specimens were found to have a compact extracellular matrix with regularly oriented collagen fibrils. Specimens from the lateral part of the harvested tendons displayed a more heterogeneous extracellular matrix. In 3 specimens, the extracellular matrix was different from that of the control specimens. Specimens from the central part of the harvested tendons displayed an even more heterogeneous extracellular matrix, with 8 specimens judged as heterogeneous. The fibril diameter in control specimens displayed the most heterogeneous pattern, and all 5 fibril classes were present. All fibril classes were found in the lateral biopsy specimens from the previously harvested tendons, but the 2 smallest fibril classes (0-30 and 31-60 nm) were significantly more dominant compared with control specimens (P < .0001). In the central specimens from the previously harvested tendons, only the 3 smallest size classes were found (P < .0001 vs controls).

Conclusion

Six years after harvesting its central third and leaving the defect open, the patellar tendon revealed a “more heterogeneous matrix” with changes in ultrastructural morphology and relative fibril diameter distribution compared with normal control tendon.
Comparison of Surgically Repaired Achilles Tendon Tears Using Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrices
Authors: Sánchez Mikel , Anitua Eduardo , Azofra Juan , Andía Isabel , Padilla Sabino , Mujika Iñigo
Published: November 2006

Background

Platelet-rich fibrin matrices release a natural mixture of growth factors that play central roles in the complex processes of tendon healing.

Hypothesis

Application of autologous platelet-rich matrices during Achilles tendon surgery may promote healing and functional recovery.

Study Design

Case-control study and descriptive laboratory study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Twelve athletes underwent open suture repair after complete Achilles tendon tear. Open suture repair in conjunction with a preparation rich in growth factors (PRGF) was performed in 6 athletes and retrospectively compared with a matched group that followed conventional surgical procedure. The outcomes were evaluated on the basis of range of motion, functional recovery, and complications. Achilles tendons were examined by ultrasound at 50 ± 11 months in retrospective controls and 32 ± 10 months in the PRGF group. In the laboratory portion of the study, PRGF treatment was characterized by the number of platelets and concentration of insulin (IGF-I), transformed (TGF-β1), platelet-derived (PDGF-AB), vascular endothelial (VEGF), hepatocyte (HGF), and epidermal (EGF) growth factors in patients affected by musculoskeletal traumatic injuries.

Results

Athletes receiving PRGF recovered their range of motion earlier (7 ± 2 weeks vs 11 ± 3 weeks, P = .025), showed no wound complication, and took less time to take up gentle running (11 ± 1 weeks vs 18 ± 3 weeks, P = .042) and to resume training activities (14 ± 0.8 weeks vs 21 ± 3 weeks, P = .004). The cross-sectional area of the PRGF-treated tendons increased less (t = 3.44, P = .009). TGF-β1 (74.99 ± 32.84 ng/mL), PDGF-AB (35.62 ± 14.57 ng/mL), VEGF (383.9 ± 374.9 pg/mL), EGF (481.5 ± 187.5 pg/mL), and HGF (593.87 ± 155.76 pg/mL) significantly correlated with the number of platelets (677 ± 217 platelets/μL, P < .05).

Conclusion

The operative management of tendons combined with the application of autologous PRGF may present new possibilities for enhanced healing and functional recovery. This needs to be evaluated in a randomized clinical trial.
A Christmas Without Memories
Authors: Moules Nancy J. , Thirsk Lorraine M. , Bell Janice M.
Published: November 2006

In clinical work using the Illness Beliefs Model, therapeutic leverage is focused on challenging constraining beliefs of family members that are contributing to their suffering. This challenge occurs in many ways, including offering alternative facilitating beliefs that may lead to healing rather than suffering. This article describes an exemplar of clinical work with a family who sought services in the Family Nursing Unit at the University of Calgary, with the presenting concern of unresolved grief. This analysis describes the therapeutic conversation that occurred between the family and a team of nurse clinicians, where the young woman’s beliefs about grief and mothering were distinguished as beliefs that were contributing to her emotional pain and her belief in her mothering capabilities. The nursing team offered alternative beliefs of which the family rapidly embraced and, subsequently, experienced diminishment of the suffering previously experienced.
Listening to the Family’s Voice
Authors: Svavarsdottir Erla Kolbrun
Published: November 2006

Clinical nurses, teachers, and researchers in the Nordic countries are faced with increasing expectations in identifying their contribution to knowledge development in family nursing at national and international levels. In this paper, I provide an insight into the contribution of Nordic nurses to family centred care (family system nursing), present findings from an integrative review on family nursing in the Nordic countries, share with you examples of family level interventions, and offer some ideas regarding where we might want to direct our focus in family system nursing in the future.
Family Nursing Education and Family Nursing Practice in Nigeria
Authors: Irinoye Omolola , Ogunfowokan Adesola , Olaogun Adenike
Published: November 2006

A survey of six Nigerian nursing program curricula was conducted to determine the extent to which family nursing theory was used as a reference for conceptualizing nursing care in Nigeria. In addition, 25 nurse clinicians were purposively selected from three levels of primary, secondary, and tertiary health care units in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and were interviewed to determine the extent to which nurses in practice reported using family assessment tools in their practice. The survey of the postgraduate curricula showed that master’s and doctorally prepared nurses specializing in community health nursing have a theoretical base in family nursing theory. The limited focus on family nursing theory in basic, postbasic, and first-degree nursing curricula was deemed inadequate to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for all practicing nurses to embrace family-focused care in Nigeria. In nursing practice, families were seen to be involved in nursing care only to the extent of meeting financial and physical care needs of their family members. Findings from this study point to the need for a reorientation of the nursing curricula in Nigeria to include more family nursing theory. Specialized education of family nurse practitioners who would function at all levels of care also is a desirable goal to provide holistic health care to Nigerian families.
How Would We Know What Works?
Authors: Burton Paul , Goodlad Robina , Croft Jacqui
Published: November 2006

In 2002 the UK Home Office commissioned a review of research on community involvement in area-based initiatives. This found comparatively few studies that set out to measure the impact rather than the extent and nature of involvement and hence few answers to the question of what works. This article takes that finding as its starting point and sets out to develop a more robust framework for evaluating the impact of community involvement. It notes the difficulties inherent in using a classic experimental design to evaluate processes as complex as community involvement and proposes a theory-based approach. To this end, it critically reviews the underlying theoretical claims of both community involvement and of area-based initiatives. An evaluation framework is then developed in which the potential benefits of greater involvement are considered for each stage of the process of developing an area-based initiative and positive and negative contextual factors are identified.
The scene
Authors: Crapanzano Vincent
Published: November 2006

The article explores the relationship between what we take to be objective or paramount reality and, roughly, its subjectification: a shadowy world, edging on the imaginative, which I call the scene. I suggest that the two ‘realities’ are mutually implicated; that their interplay affects understanding and consequent behavior; and that our present take on the ‘empirical’ has led us to ignore this dimension of experience. I argue that insofar as we respond to (as we create) these scenes that color our experiences of objective reality, they demand anthropological consideration. I stress the intersubjective nature of subjectivity itself and offer a preliminary attempt at understanding the complex interlocutory-the indexical-dramas occurring in ritual, for example, psychoanalysis and anthropological research, that constitute the scene.
Religious revelation, secrecy and the limits of visual representation
Authors: Meyer Birgit
Published: November 2006

This article seeks to contribute to a more adequate understanding of the adoption of modern audiovisual mass media by contemporary religious groups. It does so by examining Pentecostal-charismatic churches as well as the Christian mass culture instigated by its popularity, and so-called traditional religion in Ghana, which develop markedly different attitudes towards audiovisual mass media and assume different positions in the public sphere. Taking into account the complicated entanglement of traditional religion and Pentecostalism, approaching both religions from a perspective of mediation which regards media as intrinsic to religion, and seeking to avoid the pitfall of overestimating the power of modern mass media to determine the world, this article seeks to move beyond an unproductive recurrence to oppositions such as tradition and modernity, or religion and technology. It is argued that instead of taking as a point of departure more or less set ideas about the nexus of vision and modernity, the adoption of new mass media by religious groups needs to be analyzed by a detailed ethnographic investigation of how these new media transform existing practices of religious mediation. Special emphasis is placed on the tension between the possibilities of gaining public presence through new media, and the difficulty in authorizing these media, and the experiences they induce, as authentic.
The colour of destruction
Authors: Vigh Henrik
Published: November 2006

Based on 18 months of fieldwork in Guinea-Bissau, this article sheds light on the social imaginary of urban youth in Bissau City. Set in a context of pervasive decline and destruction, the article shows how the social imaginary in Bissau has come to evolve around issues of race and conflict, and how this has led to an interpretative conflation of blackness and destruction. Through illuminating some of the modes of social differentiation that have emerged in relation to the impact of globalization, I argue that the difference between Self and Other, much commented upon in the discourse of politicized and territorialized culture, may very well be followed by a geno-global construction of identity that simultaneously (re)locates social difference within geo-political boundaries, race and genetics. Finally, the article dwells on the consequences of this process of racialization and argues for an analytical shift from narrative to the social imaginary if we wish to improve our understanding of the relationship between meaning and action.
Using goal attainment scaling to evaluate a needs-led exercise programme for people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities
Authors: Jones Martyn C. , Walley Robert M. , Leech Amanda , Paterson Marion , Common Stephanie , Metcalf Charlotte
Published: November 2006

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether involvement in a 16 week exercise programme improved goal attainment in areas of behaviour, access to community-based experiences, health and physical competence. Participants were women with severe intellectual disability and associated challenging behaviour (setting A, N = 14) and male/female service users with profound physical and intellectual disabilities (setting B, N = 8).The exercise programme included active and passive exercise, walking, swimming, hydrotherapy, team games and rebound therapy. Significant gains in aggregated goal attainment were demonstrated by week 16.The reliability and validity of our goal attainment procedures were demonstrated with inter-rater reliabilities exceeding 80 percent. Changes in goal attainment were concurrent with global clinical impression scores in a series of single case studies. Continuing care settings should dedicate care staff to provide routinized, continuing exercise programmes.
Integrating 3D Sonography With Targeted MRI in the Prenatal Diagnosis of Posterior Cleft Palate Plus Cleft Lip
Authors: Tonni Gabriele , Panteghini Marco , Pattacini Pierpaolo , De Felice Claudio , Centini Giovanni , Ventura Alessandro
Published: November 2006

Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the more common congenital abnormalities, present in 1.82 per 1000 live births. Although high-quality antenatal 2D sonography can diagnose clefts of the lips and the alveolar ridge, 3D may enhance detection by examining the fetal face in the frontal plane followed by a secondary rotation through 180 degrees on the vertical axis to examine the secondary palate, which has been called the “reverse face” view. Sonographically 3D targeted ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to improve the diagnostic accuracy of facial cleft by identifying whether a cleft in the primary palate extends to the secondary palate. Further investigation may confirm the ability of MRI to define the extent of the cleft to the secondary palate at a less advanced gestational age (18-23 weeks), where either fetal development or movements could reduce the accuracy of the technique.
Luminescence in coal and its relation to clay minerals
Authors: Hessley R. K.
Published: November 2006

Room-temperature dehydration of aqueous coal slurries, coal extraction residue, or coal ash results in spontaneous luminescence. The phenomenon is characterized by a monotonic decay in photon activity which precedes a sharp rise in photon release. A maximum is reached within several minutes but subsequent decay is slower and photon emission continues for an extended period of time. The magnitude of photon activity is severely limited by the thickness of the strongly absorbing coal slurry. Prior removal of mineral matter from the coal appears to curtail the dehydration-induced phenomena, suggesting that clays or clay-organic interactions are responsible. Data also suggest that air is required as a medium for discharging the excited species.
Laboratory processing trials on kaolin-bearing sandstones from Pugu, Tanzania, using conventional and new hydrocyclone bodies
Authors: Bloodworth A. J. , Morgan D. J. , Briggs D. A.
Published: November 2006

Kaolins have been separated from sandstones from the Pugu Hills deposit, Tanzania, using a 15 mm glass hydrocyclone and a laboratory-scale multiple unit consisting of six 10 mm cyclones. Two types of sandstone were treated—containing a disordered kaolin (Pugu D) and a well-ordered variety (Pugu K)—to see whether products could be obtained that met particle-size specifications for paper manufacture. Pugu D gave a product that would meet specifications for both paper-filling and -coating applications with minimal processing, although the extremely fine-grained nature of this kaolin could lead to high viscosities in suspension. Processing of Pugu K gave products containing up to 97% kaolin and particle-size distributions that would meet specifications for filler and, possibly, coating clay. However, it was impossible to eliminate 3% or so of fine-grained quartz from these products and this could militate against use in paper manufacture.
Beyond the Kubler Index
Authors: Eberl D. D. , Velde B.
Published: November 2006

The value of peak width at half-height for the illite 001 XRD reflection is known as the Kubler index or the illite ‘crystallinity’ index. This measurement, which has been related to the degree of metamorphism of very low-grade, pelitic rocks, is a function of at least two crystal-chemical factors: (1) illite X-ray scattering domain size; and (2) illite structural distortions (especially swelling). Reynolds' NEWMOD computer program is used to construct a grid with which these two contributions to illite peak width can be determined independently from measurements of the 001 peak width at half-height and the Środoń intensity ratio. This method yields more information about changes undergone by illite during metamorphism than application of the Kubler index method alone.
Recognition of intermediates in the possible transformation of halloysite to kaolinite in weathering profiles
Authors: Churchman G. J. , Gilkes R. J.
Published: November 2006

The kaolin minerals in lateritic weathering profiles on dolerite and granite in Western Australia have been characterized by intercalation tests for halloysites, and also by their particle morphologies. Towards the surface of the profiles there is a decrease in both total kaolin mineral content, and in the expandibility of those minerals to intercalation. Tubular kaolinite that is non-expandible by any of the intercalation tests for halloysite was identified in the upper few metres of both profiles. Hydrated halloysite is most common at the base of both profiles. Formamide expands some anhydrous kaolin minerals while the sequence of hydrazine/water/glycerol (HWG) expands more of these minerals. Non-tubular (subhedral to sub-hexagonal platy) kaolinite is also present. Hydrated tubular halloysite apparently alters to tubular kaolinite via dehydrated halloysite that is expandible by formamide and a tubular ‘kaolin’ that is expandible by HWG but not by formamide.
XRD, IR and ESR study of experimental alteration of Al-nontronite into mixed-layer kaolinite/smectite
Authors: Delvaux B. , Mestdagh M. M. , Vielvoye L. , Herbillon A. J.
Published: November 2006

The formation of kaolinite from Al hydroxy interlayered Garfield nontronite has been carried out at 225°C in hydrothermal conditions. The kaolinitization process, which proceeds through mixed-layer kaolinite/smectite intermediates, was followed by XRD, IR and ESR spectroscopy, chemical analysis and charge properties. The smectite content of the clay products decreases regularly with the duration of the hydrothermal treatment. The CEC and the structural Fe content of the deferrated products show a similar trend. IR features specific to nontronite disappear and are barely detectable as the smectite content of the mixed-layer clay falls below 30%. In contrast, the ESR spectrum of nontronite is characterized by a broad g2 signal that remains even after prolonged hydrothermal treatment. The calibration of the g2 ESR signal, due to Fe-smectite, shows that the synthetic kaolinites have low Fe contents (∼ 1% Fe2O3) indicating that the kaolinitization process involves destruction of the 2:1 layers and the subsequent neoformation of kaolinite and Fe oxides. As illustrated by the study of deferrated soil clay samples, representing a weathering sequence Fe-smectite → kaolinite + Fe oxides, ESR spectroscopy proved to be a powerful Fe probe for detecting Fe-rich smectite in kaolinite/Fe-smectite mixed-layer clays.
Competitive adsorption of methylene blue and crystal violet to montmorillonite
Authors: Rytwo G. , Nir S. , Margulies L.
Published: November 2006

Methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) have been found to be adsorbed in amounts greater than the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of clays (Hang & Brindley, 1970; Ghosal & Mukherjee, 1972; Venugopal & Nair, 1974).

In previous work (Rytwoet al., 1991), it was shown that CV adsorbs to montmorillonite up to 1·4 mmole dye/g clay. The amount of dye added in those experiments was up to 1·6 mM/g clay. Yet, when the added amount of CV and MB was 3·5 mM/g (Rytwoet al., unpublished), almost 1·6 (200% of the CEC) and 1·2 mM/g clay, respectively, were adsorbed. Margulieset al. (1988), who studied the adsorption of thioflavin T and MB to montmorillonite, showed that these dyes adsorb up to 1·4 and 1·2 mM dye/g clay, which corresponds to 175% and 150% of the CEC, respectively.
Compositional Variations in Smectites: Part I. Alteration of Intermediate Volcanic Rocks. A Case Study from Milos Island, Greece
Authors: Christidis G. , Dunham A. C.
Published: November 2006

The chemistry of smectites from some bentonite deposits derived from intermediate rocks has been examined by electron microprobe methods. A large variation in chemical composition within very short distances, principally controlled by a well-defined negative relationship between Si and A1, and between A1VI and Fe 3+ and A1VI and Mg has been observed. On the other hand, Mg does not vary systematically with either Si or Fe3+. In several bentonites beidellite coexists with montmorillonite and there is a compositional transition between the two smectite minerals, implying the existence of a possible solid-solution series. This transition occurs only when Cheto-type montmorillonites are present, being absent for Wyoming-type montmorillonites. No compositional transition between Wyoming-and Cheto-type montmorillonite was observed. It is believed that the compositional variations reflect initial chemical gradients originated during the devitrification of the volcanic glass, due to the migration of chemical components.
Sulphate Expansion of Lime-Stabilized Kaolinite: I. Physical Characteristics
Authors: Abdi M. R. , Wild S.
Published: November 2006

The effect of gypsum additions on the physical performance of lime-stabilized kaolinite has been determined. Kaolinite containing different amounts of lime (i.e. 6 and 14 wt%) and gypsum (i.e. 2,4,6 and 8 wt%) was compacted into cylinders and moist cured at 30°C and 100% r.h. for periods from 2 days up to 20 weeks. Unconfined compressive strength, expansion during curing and subsequent soaking, and water absorption and swelling pressure were determined. The addition of lime and subsequent moist curing was found to reduce substantially the water absorption, linear expansion and swelling pressure of the kaolinite. Although small amounts of gypsum further reduced these parameters, higher gypsum levels (up to 8 wt%) produced substantial water absorption, extreme expansion and high swelling pressures. This excessive volume instability when in contact with water was found, for a particular lime content, to be very sensitive to both the initial moist curing time and the gypsum content. The results indicate that the overriding expansion mechanism operating is imbibition of water or transfer of water by osmosis. The question of what drives this process is the subject of Part II of this paper.
Flt3 Y591 duplication and Bcl-2 overexpression are detected in acute myeloid leukemia cells with high levels of phosphorylated wild-type p53
Authors: Irish Jonathan M. , Ånensen Nina , Hovland Randi , Skavland Jørn , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Bruserud Øystein , Nolan Garry P. , Gjertsen Bjørn T.
Published: November 2006

Loss or mutation of the TP53 tumor suppressor gene is not commonly observed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), suggesting that there is an alternate route for cell transformation. We investigated the hypothesis that previously observed Bcl-2 family member overexpression suppresses wild-type p53 activity in AML. We demonstrate that wild-type p53 protein is expressed in primary leukemic blasts from patients with de novo AML using 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and phospho-specific flow cytometry. We found that p53 was heterogeneously expressed and phosphorylated in AML patient samples and could accumulate following DNA damage. Overexpression of antiapoptosis protein Bcl-2 in AML cells was directly correlated with p53 expression and phosphorylation on serine residues 15, 46, and 392. Within those patients with the highest levels of Bcl-2 expression, we identified a mutation in FLT3 that duplicated phosphorylation site Y591. The presence of this mutation correlated with greater than normal Bcl-2 expression and with previously observed profiles of potentiated STAT and MAPK signaling. These results support the hypothesis that Flt3-mediated signaling in AML enables accumulation of Bcl-2 and maintains a downstream block to p53 pathway apoptosis. Bcl-2 inhibition might therefore improve the efficacy of existing AML therapies by inactivating this suppression of wild-type p53 activity.
Studies on the CPA cysteine peptidase in the Leishmania infantum genome strain JPCM5
Authors: Denise Hubert , Poot Jacqueline , Jiménez Maribel , Ambit Audrey , Herrmann Daland C , Vermeulen Arno N , Coombs Graham H , Mottram Jeremy C
Published: November 2006

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis caused by members of theLeishmania donovanicomplex is often fatal in the absence of treatment. Research has been hampered by the lack of good laboratory models and tools for genetic manipulation. In this study, we have characterised aL. infantumline (JPCM5) that was isolated from a naturally infected dog and then cloned. We found that JPCM5 has attributes that make it an excellent laboratory model; different stages of the parasite life cycle can be studiedin vitro, it is accessible to genetic manipulation and it has retained its virulence. Furthermore, theL. infantumJPCM5 genome has now been fully sequenced.

Results

We have further focused our studies onLiCPA, theL. infantumhomologue toL. mexicanacysteine peptidase CPA. LiCPA was found to share a high percentage of amino acid identity with CPA proteins of otherLeishmaniaspecies. Two independentLiCPA-deficient promastigote clones (ΔLicpa) were generated and their phenotype characterised. In contrast toL. mexicana CPA-deficient mutants, both clones of ΔLicpawere found to have significantly reduced virulencein vitroandin vivo. Re-expression of just oneLiCPAallele (giving ΔLicpa::CPA) was sufficient to complement the reduced infectivity of both ΔLicpamutants for human macrophages, which confirms the importance of LiCPA forL. infantumvirulence. In contrast,in vivoexperiments did not show any virulence recovery of the re-expressor clone ΔLicpaC1::CPA compared with the CPA-deficient mutant ΔLicpaC1.

Conclusion

The data suggest that CPA is not essential for replication ofL. infantumpromastigotes, but is important for the host-parasite interaction. Further studies will be necessary to elucidate the precise roles that LiCPA plays and why the re-expression of LiCPA in the ΔLicpamutants complemented the gene deletion phenotype only inin vitroand not inin vivoinfection of hamsters.
Uniform distribution of three Candida albicans microsatellite markers in two French ICU populations supports a lack of nosocomial cross-contamination
Authors: Eloy Odile , Marque Stéphanie , Botterel Françoise , Stephan François , Costa Jean-Marc , Lasserre Virginie , Bretagne Stéphane
Published: November 2006

Background

The nosocomial acquisition of Candida albicans is a growing concern in intensive care units (ICUs) and understanding the route of contamination is relevant for infection control guidelines.

Methods

To analyze whether there is a specific ecology for any given hospital, we genotyped C. albicans isolates of the ICU of Versailles hospital (Hospital A) and compared the results with those previously obtained in another ICU in Henri Mondor hospital (Hospital B) using three polymorphic microsatellite markers (PMM).

Results

Among 36 patients with at least one positive culture for C. albicans, 26 had a specific multilocus genotype, two shared a common multilocus genotype, and 8 had the most common multilocus genotype found in the general population. The time interval between periods of hospitalization between patients with common genotypes differed by 13 to 78 days, thus supporting a lack of direct contamination. To confirm this hypothesis, the multilocus genotypic distributions of the three PMM were compared between the two hospitals. No statistically significant difference was observed. Multiple correspondences analysis did not indicate the association of a multilocus genotypic distribution with any given hospital.

Conclusion

The present epidemiological study supports the conclusions that each patient harbours his/her own isolate, and that nosocomial transmission is not common in any given ICU. This study also supports the usefulness and practicability of PMM for studying the epidemiology of C. albicans.
Application of a wide-range yeast vector (CoMed™) system to recombinant protein production in dimorphic Arxula adeninivorans, methylotrophic Hansenula polymorpha and other yeasts
Authors: Steinborn Gerhard , Böer Erik , Scholz Anja , Tag Kristina , Kunze Gotthard , Gellissen Gerd
Published: November 2006

Background

Yeasts provide attractive expression platforms in combining ease of genetic manipulation and fermentation of a microbial organism with the capability to secrete and to modify proteins according to a general eukaryotic scheme. However, early restriction to a single yeast platform can result in costly and time-consuming failures. It is therefore advisable to assess several selected systems in parallel for the capability to produce a particular protein in desired amounts and quality. A suitable vector must contain a targeting sequence, a promoter element and a selection marker that function in all selected organisms. These criteria are fulfilled by a wide-range integrative yeast expression vector (CoMed™) system based on A. adeninivorans- and H. polymorpha- derived elements that can be introduced in a modular way.

Results

The vector system and a selection of modular elements for vector design are presented. Individual single vector constructs were used to transform a range of yeast species. Various successful examples are described. A vector with a combination of an rDNA sequence for genomic targeting, the E. coli- derived hph gene for selection and the A. adeninivorans-derived TEF1 promoter for expression control of a GFP (green fluorescent protein) gene was employed in a first example to transform eight different species including Hansenula polymorpha, Arxula adeninivorans and others. In a second example, a vector for the secretion of IL-6 was constructed, now using an A. adeninivorans-derived LEU2 gene for selection of recombinants in a range of auxotrophic hosts. In this example, differences in precursor processing were observed: only in A. adeninivorans processing of a MFα1/IL-6 fusion was performed in a faithful way.

Conclusion

rDNA targeting provides a tool to co-integrate up to 3 different expression plasmids by a single transformation step. Thus, a versatile system is at hand that allows a comparative assessment of newly introduced metabolic pathways in several organisms or a comparative co-expression of bottleneck genes in cases where production or secretion of a certain product is impaired.
Radiation-sparing managements for cervical cancer: a developing countries perspective
Authors: Candelaria Myrna , Cetina Lucely , Garcia-Arias Alicia , Lopez-Graniel Carlos , de la Garza Jaime , Robles Elizabeth , Duenas-Gonzalez Alfonso
Published: November 2006

Cervical cancer is the seventh most frequent cancer worldwide but more than 80% of cases occur in developing countries. Till date, radiation therapy with external beam and brachytherapy remains as the core treatment for most stages of cervical cancer. However, radiation treatment protocols and equipment modelled on the best developed countries can be seldom applied directly to developing countries owing to financial constraints and lack of qualified personnel, thus, a substantial proportion of patients do not have access to even palliative radiation therapy. Treatment options when the standard therapy is either not available or difficult to reproduce in particular settings is highly desirable with the potential to save lives that otherwise could be lost by the lack of adequate treatment. These options of treatment ideally had to have show, 1) that these are not inferior to the "standard" in terms of either survival or quality of life; 2) that these can be delivered in settings were the "standard" is not available or if available its quality is poor; and 3) that the treatment option be accepted by the population to be treated.

Based on these considerations, it is obvious that cervical cancer patients, particularly those who live in countries with limited resources and therefore may not have sufficient radiation therapy resources are in need of newer therapeutical options. There is now a considerable amount of information emanating from clinical studies where surgery has a major role in treating this disease. These forms of "radiation-sparing" treatments include total mesometrial resection that could make unnecessary the use of adjuvant radiation; neoadjuvant chemotherapy that could avoid the use of adjuvant radiation in around 85% of patients and preoperative chemoradiation that could make brachytherapy dispensable. The feasibility and therapeutical value of these potential forms of management need to be prospectively evaluated.
Fibroblast activation protein is expressed by rheumatoid myofibroblast-like synoviocytes
Authors: Bauer Stefan , Jendro Michael C , Wadle Andreas , Kleber Sascha , Stenner Frank , Dinser Robert , Reich Anja , Faccin Erica , Gödde Stefan , Dinges Harald , Müller-Ladner Ulf , Renner Christoph
Published: November 2006

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), as described so far, is a type II cell surface serine protease expressed by fibroblastic cells in areas of active tissue remodelling such as tumour stroma or healing wounds. We investigated the expression of FAP by fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) and compared the synovial expression pattern in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Synovial tissue from diseased joints of 20 patients, 10 patients with refractory RA and 10 patients with end-stage OA, was collected during routine surgery. As a result, FLSs from intensively inflamed synovial tissues of refractory RA expressed FAP at high density. Moreover, FAP expression was co-localised with matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-13) and CD44 splice variants v3 and v7/8 known to play a major role in the concert of extracellular matrix degradation. The pattern of signals appeared to constitute a characteristic feature of FLSs involved in rheumatoid arthritic joint-destructive processes. These FAP-expressing FLSs with a phenotype of smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts were located in the lining layer of the synovium and differ distinctly from Thy-1-expressing and non-proliferating fibroblasts of the articular matrix. The intensity of FAP-specific staining in synovial tissue from patients with RA was found to be different when compared with end-stage OA. Because expression of FAP by RA FLSs has not been described before, the findings of this study highlight a novel element in cartilage and bone destruction of arthritic joints. Moreover, the specific expression pattern qualifies FAP as a therapeutic target for inhibiting the destructive potential of fibroblast-like synovial cells.
The proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α induce the expression of Synoviolin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, in mouse synovial fibroblasts via the Erk1/2-ETS1 pathway
Authors: Gao Beixue , Calhoun Karen , Fang Deyu
Published: November 2006

The overgrowth of synovial tissues is critical in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The expression of Synoviolin (SYN), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is upregulated in arthritic synovial fibroblasts and is involved in the overgrowth of synovial cells during RA. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the elevated SYN expression are not known. Here, we found that SYN expression is elevated in the synovial fibroblasts from mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induce SYN expression in mouse synovial fibroblasts. Cultivation of mouse synovial fibroblasts with IL-1β activates mitogen-activated protein kinases, including extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), and p38, while only Erk-specific inhibitor blocks IL-1β-induced SYN expression. Expression of transcription factor ETS1 further enhances IL-1β-induced SYN expression. The dominant negative ETS1 mutant lacking the transcription activation domain inhibits SYN expression in a dose-dependent manner. The activation of both Erk1/2 and ETS1 is increased in the CIA synovial fibroblasts. Inhibition of Erk activation reduces ETS1 phosphorylation and SYN expression. Our data indicate that the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α induce the overgrowth of synovial cells by upregulating SYN expression via the Erk1/-ETS1 pathway. These molecules or pathways could therefore be potential targets for the treatment of RA.