bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
Authors: NIEBOER C. , BOORSMA D. M. , WOERDEMAN M. J. , KALSBEEK G. L.
Published: July 2006

Four patients with the clinical picture of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita were investigated. Biopsies were taken from the involved and uninvolved areas of the skin and the immunohistochemical and microscopic changes were studied. Direct immunofluorescence showed deposition of IgG and C3/4 in a linear or notched pattern along the epidermal basement membrane in both the involved and the uninvolved skin. In addition IgA (3/4), IgM (1/4), C4 (3/4) and properdin (3/4) could be detected.

Indirect immunofluorescence revealed the presence of circulating antibodies against inter alia the epithelial basement membrane zone in one patient. Routine electron microscopy showed that the blister was situated in the dermis leaving the basal lamina in the roof of the blister. With immunoelectron microscopy using peroxidase-labelled antibody the in vivo deposition of IgG was observed just beneath the basal lamina in the dermis of both the perilesional and the uninvolved skin. These observations show that epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is a distinct entity, in which autoimmune mechanisms might possibly play a role.
Desquamative gingivitis: a form of cicatricial pemphigoid?
Authors: FINE ROBERT M. , WEATHERS DWIGHT R.
Published: July 2006

Desquamative gingivitis, a sub-epithelial vesiculo-bullous disease involving the gingiva, has been shown to have positive direct immunofluorescent findings similar to those of cicatricial pemphigoid. However, the lack of severe scarring, limitation of lesions to the anterior portion of the mouth and the tendency toward limitation of lesions to the oral mucosa over long periods of time in desquamative gingivitis, suggest that desquamative gingivitis and cicatricial pemphigoid are distinct and separate entities.
The antiandrogenic effect of progesterone on the hamster flank organ
Authors: VERMORKEN A. J. M. , GOOS C. M. A. A. , ROELOFS H. M. J.
Published: July 2006

Progesterone, topically applied, prevents the stimulation of the hamster flank organ by testosterone, but not by dihydrotestosterone. 5α-Dihydroprogesterone does not prevent stimulation by either of the two androgenic hormones. Neither progesterone nor 5α-dihydroprogesterone stimulate the flank organ to any extent.

Implications on the use of progesterone in acne therapy are discussed.

It is currently accepted that 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is formed mostly in the target cells per se by the 5α-reduction of testosterone, is the active androgen which controls gene expression in the target organ. This mechanism of action has been described for the prostate gland and seminal vesicles (Bruchovsky & Wilson 1968a, b; Stern & Eisenfeld, 1969). It has also been documented that a similar mechanism may be operating in the hamster flank organ (Takayasu & Adachi, 1972), a sebaceous structure, which like the sebaceous gland in the human and other species is androgen dependent. It seems reasonable to assume that inhibition of 5α DHT formation may be an effective means to block androgen action. Therefore Voigt, Fernandez & Hsia (1970) tested a great number of steroids for their capacity to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to 5α DHT in microsomal suspensions of the skin.

Of the two major inhibitors found, progesterone and 4-androstene-3-one 17α carboxylic acid, they examined the effect of the latter compound in the hamster flank organ test. The effect of progesterone on the hamster flank has not been documented yet but it is important to do so since not only has topical progesterone been used in acne therapy, but it has been claimed that 5α-dihydroprogesterone (DHP), which is formed from progesterone in the skin, interacts with the DHT receptor (Wright, Giacomini & Kirchhoffer, 1979). The latter finding may be irrelevant but alternatively it could mean that DHP has some intrinsic androgenic or antiandrogenic activity.

In this paper we describe experiments demonstrating that neither DHP nor progesterone have any androgenic activity. However, progesterone completely prevents the androgenic action of testosterone on the hamster flank organ.
Chromosome studies in mycosis fungoides
Authors: VAN VLOTEN W. A. , PET E. A. , GERAEDTS J. P. M.
Published: July 2006

G-banded chromosome analysis was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes after phytohaemagglutinin stimulation from sixteen patients with mycosis fungoides. A number of chromosome abnormalities were observed in a low proportion of blood lymphocytes in seven patients in later stages of the disease. In four patients similar marker chromosomes in multiple copies were present, some of them without a clearly visible centromere.

We conclude that a correlation exists between the presence of chromosome abnormalities in circulating blood lymphocytes and the course of the disease.
The effect of methotrexate and hydroxyurea on neutrophil chemotaxis
Authors: CREAM J. J. , POLE D. S.
Published: July 2006

Methotrexate depresses motility of neutrophils in chamber membranes, but does not interfere with random motility in tubes. Hydroxyurea has no such effect. The therapeutic response to methotrexate in psoriasis may be due in part to a reduction in migration of neutrophils into the epidermis.
Limited application period for dithranol in psoriasis
Authors: SCHAEFER HANS , FARBER E. M. , GOLDBERG LEONARD , SCHALLA W.
Published: July 2006

This preliminary study suggests that a 1 h application of dithranol may be effective in the treatment of psoriasis. It is conceivable that short application periods for other topically applied agents, e. g. corticosteroids, may reduce the side-effects in non-affected skin, while maintaining the therapeutic benefit in diseased areas.
A previously undescribed condition: tricho-odonto-onycho-dermal syndrome. A review of the tricho-odonto-onychial subgroup of ectodermal dysplasias
Authors: PINHEIRO MARTA , PEREIRA L.C. , FREIRE-MAIA N.
Published: July 2006

An apparently hitherto undescribed ectodermal dysplasia/malformation syndrome is presented. The patient, the last son in an outbred sibship of four males, presents scalp hypotrichosis, aplasia cutis congenita of the scalp, dental abnormalities, onychodysplasia, dry skin with hypochromic and atrophic (poikiloderma-like) spots with vicarious (marginal) hyperchromia, unusual facies, asymmetrical skull, absent right nipple, irregular areolae, palmar keratosis, dermatoglyphic alterations, syndactyly, clinodactyly, phalangeal aplasias and hypoplasias, right leukoma, abnormal EEG, and other findings. The aetiology is unknown. A review of seventeen ectodermal dysplasias is presented for differential diagnosis.
Serum and urine concentrations of 5-methoxypsoralen after oral administration
Authors: STOLK L.M.L. , WESTERHOF W. , CORMANE R.H. , ZWIETEN P.A.VAN
Published: July 2006

Serum and urine concentrations were measured after oral administration of 5-methoxypsoralen (0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg) to psoriasis patients. A dose of 0.6 mg/kg resulted in low serum concentrations, but after 1.2 mg/kg, much higher serum concentrations were reached. There was much individual variation in the time required for reaching peak serum levels. Minute amounts of unchanged 5-methoxypsoralen were excreted in urine. Much larger amounts were excreted as conjugates.
Late prurigo of pregnancy
Authors: FABER W.R. , VAN JOOST T.H. , HAUSMAN R. , WEENINK G.H.
Published: July 2006

Seven patients who developed a characteristic pruritic rash in late pregnancy are described. Clinically the lesions consisted of erythematous urticarial papules and plaques, with vesicles in some cases. The eruption started in the striae on the abdomen and spread over the thighs and in most cases also over the arms and buttocks. Biopsy showed lymphocytic vasculitis with a varying admixture of eosinophils and only minor epidermal changes. Immunofluorescence examination of six cases showed C3 deposition along the dermoepidermal junction in only one case. The lymphocytes, identified by a specific anti-T-cell serum, appeared to be mostly T-cells.

The nomenclature of pruritic skin disease in late pregnancy is confusing, but the term ‘late prurigo of pregnancy’ seems appropriate for this condition.
Acid lysosomal hydrolases in systemic sclerosis and other connective tissue diseases
Authors: HERRMANN K. , HAUSTEIN U.-F. , BÖHME H.-J. , LOHRISCH I.
Published: July 2006

The activities of five lysosomal hydrolases were determined fluorometrically in the serum of patients with systemic sclerosis (PSS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dermatomyositis (DM), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or Raynaud's disease (RD). In PSS the β-galactosidase activity was significantly increased compared with controls and the other connective tissue diseases. The β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase was significantly increased in PSS, SLE and DM. In PSS both enzymes were more active in the early stage of the disease than later. These changes of enzyme pattern seem to be a relatively reliable marker for the differential diagnosis of PSS compared to other connective tissue diseases, especially for RD, in which the β-galactosidase activity was significantly decreased. Further work is required to determine whether these polysaccharide-degrading acid hydrolases play a role in the pathogenesis of PSS.
Quantitative electron microscopical analysis of leukocyte infiltration in oral ulcers of Behcet's syndrome
Authors: MÜLLER W. , LEHNER T.
Published: July 2006

A stereological electron microscopical technique was applied to biopsies of oral ulcers from patients with Behçet's syndrome in order to carry out a quantitative analysis of the cellular infiltrate. The results have confirmed the light microscopical qualitative findings of a large number of lymphocytes (67%) but have established that a relatively large proportion of the leukocytes (14%) belong to the monocytc-macrophage series. The virtual absence of plasma cells during the early stages of ulceration and the presence of a large number of lymphocytes and monocytes argue in favour of a type IV cell-mediated immune reaction. As the lesion progresses a type III reaction develops and this might be associated with immune complexes found in the serum of patients with Behcet's syndrome.
Solar urticaria: treatment with PUVA and mediator inhibitors
Authors: PARRISH J.A. , JAENICKE K.F. , MORISON W.L. , MOMTAZ K. , SHEA C.
Published: July 2006

Several therapeutic regimes for solar urticaria were evaluated. A short course of PUVA therapy produced a marked increase in the minimal dose of radiation required to produce urticaria in the six patients treated. This objective evidence of improvement was supported by the patients' reports of greatly increased tolerance to sun-exposure. Chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine, produced a slight increase in the minimal dose of radiation necessary to produce urticaria but its effectiveness was limited by side-effects. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthetase, produced no beneficial effect.
The hereditary palmoplantar keratoses: an updated review and classification
Authors: LUCKER G.P.H. , VAN DE KERKHOF P.C.M. , STEIJLEN P.M.
Published: July 2006

The palmoplantar keratoses (PPKs) comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders of keratinization, which can be subdivided into hereditary and acquired forms. Many authors have attempted to classify the hereditary forms,1–5 and most classifications have been based on the morphology, distribution, associated symptoms and mode of inheritance. Subsequently, many new forms have been recognized, and what were previously considered to be distinct types have been shown to be variants of a single type, both of which limit the usefulness of previous classifications. Hence, we propose a new, updated classification, which enables accurate diagnosis of these disorders.
Anticardiolipin antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis: their relation to rheumatoid nodules and cutaneous vascular manifestations
Authors: WOLF P. , GRETLER J. , AGLAS F. , AUER-GRUMBACH P. , RAINER F.
Published: July 2006

One hundred and seventy-three consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis were examined for the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA), and for the clinical relevance and the relation of these antibodies to skin manifestations. Abnormally elevated IgG- and/or IgM-ACA levels were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the sera of 55 (32%) patients. There was no statistical evidence of an association between ACA and a history of thrombosis in these patients. However, ACA were statistically significantly linked to the presence of rheumatoid nodules, which were found in 36 (21%) patients. In three patients, ACA were associated with vascular manifestations, including livedo reticularis, thrombophlebitis, and leucocytoclastic vasculitis. Our findings suggest that, although a subset of ACA may be linked to cutaneous vascular conditions, the major fraction of ACA in rheumatoid arthritis may have a different specificity than in other diseases, in which ACA are often linked to thrombotic events.
Point mutations in the N-ras oncogene in malignant melanoma and congenital naevi
Authors: CARR J. , MACKIE R.M.
Published: July 2006

DNA from formalin-fixed and paraffin-processed samples from 100 melanocytic lesions (39 malignant melanomas, 18 cases of dysplastic naevi, and 43 congenital naevi) was extracted, and the sequences around codons 12/13 and 61 of the N-ras oncogene were amplified using the polymerase chain reaction. The amplified product was then analysed both by dot-blotting and by direct sequencing for point mutations. By the dot-blotting technique, mutations were seen in 18 of 100 lesions. These were in one of five distant metastases (20%), in one of three nodal metastases (33%), in four of 31 (13%) primary melanomas, in none of 18 dysplastic naevi, and in 12 of 43 (28%) congenital naevi, all at codon 61. On direct sequencing, nine of 18 mutations were confirmed, in two of 31 (6%) primary tumours, one distant metastasis, and six of 43 (14%) congenital naevi.

Of the 23 superficial spreading melanomas examined, eight were on sun-exposed skin. A superficial spreading melanoma, in which the N-ras mutation at codon 61 was confirmed, was on non-exposed skin, and an unconfirmed mutation was from an exposed site. One of three nodular melanomas with a confirmed mutation was on a light-exposed site, and the other two nodular melanomas were from non-exposed areas. All four lentigo maligna melanomas were from exposed sites, and one of these had an unconfirmed mutation. The only acral lentiginous melanoma, which had no mutation, was from a sun-exposed area. Ten of the 43 congenital or early onset naevi were on sun-exposed sites; six unconfirmed and five confirmed mutations were from lesions on non-sun-exposed sites (5/33; 15%), and one confirmed mutation was from a lesion on a sun-exposed area (1/10; 10%).

Our results do not, therefore, support the hypothesis that N-ras mutations are specifically associated with primary melanomas arising on continually sun-exposed skin. The overall pattern suggests that N-ras mutations in isolation in melanocytic lesions are not frequent. This is the first report of N-ras mutations in congenital/early onset melanocytic naevi, and shows a relatively high incidence in comparison with that observed in melanomas in this study.
Characterization and analysis of skin wealing by computerized non-linear regression
Authors: SHARPE G.R. , SHUSTER S.
Published: July 2006

Weal formation in human skin may be induced by histamine, histamine releasers and other inflammatory mediators. Weals occur spontaneously in chronic urticaria, and in response to frictional pressure in dermographic urticaria. We present an improved method for the analysis of wealing in human skin by the use of non-linear regression. The method has the advantage of speed, and by the use of non-linear regression permits the full characterization of the response curves. The time course of histamine-induced wealing is a double exponential function corresponding to the separate components of weal appearance and disappearance. Dermographic wealing corresponds to an increasing exponential function with increasing pressure. The method of computerized nonlinear regression is a considerable advance on previous methods for the analysis of urticarial wealing, the effect of vasoactive agents, and their therapeutic action.
Erythema gyratum repens. A case studied with immunofluorescence, immunoelectron microscopy and immunohistochemistry
Authors: CAUX F. , LEBBE C. , THOMINE E. , BENYAHIA B. , FLAGEUL B. , JOLY P. , RYBOJAD M. , MOREL P.
Published: July 2006

We report a patient with erythema gyratum repens (EGR), in whom a bronchial carcinoma was found. Direct immunofluorescence revealed granular deposits of immunoglobulins at the basement membrane zone (BMZ) in the skin, and in the lung tumour. Direct immunoelectron microscopy showed that the immune deposits were localized just beneath the lamina densa. Indirect immuno- fluorescence revealed circulating anti-BMZ antibodies. Immunohistochemical staining, using anti- transforming growth factor-β, anti-epidermal growth factor receptor, antivimentin and anti-α-actin, was found to be more intense in the lesional skin and the lung tumour than in normal tissues. Possible mechanisms in the pathogenesis of EGR are discussed.
Severe case of pemphigoid gestationis with unusual target antigen
Authors: KIRTSCHIG G. , COLLIER P.M. , EMMERSON R.W. , WOJNAROWSKA F.
Published: July 2006

We report a severe case of pemphigoid gestationis (PG) with an unusual target antigen. The patient developed a severe itchy macular rash on the abdomen during her fifth pregnancy, at 38 weeks' gestation. The disease persisted for 8 months post-partum, and could only be controlled with high doses of systemic corticosteroids and dapsone. The diagnosis of PG was confirmed by direct and indirect immunofluorescence. A linear band of IgG and C3 was detected at the epidermal aspect of salt-split skin. Immunoblotting studies revealed circulating IgG antibodies binding to a single 200-kDa protein in epidermal extracts. Immunofluorescence studies using trypsinized human keratino- cytes demonstrated uniform staining around the cell peripheries, suggesting that the target antigen was not associated with hemidesmosomes. These findings differ from the usual immunological features seen in PG, and suggest further heterogeneity of the antigens involved in PG.
Photoallergic contact dermatitis to oxybenzone
Authors: COLLINS P. , FERGUSON J.
Published: July 2006

A 21-year-old woman developed an erythematous papulovesicular eruption of photo-exposed sites, following the use of an oxybenzone-containing sunscreen. Patch testing, photopatch testing, phototesting, and histology produced findings strongly suggestive of oxybenzone photoallergy. Photopatch testing with a monochromator source showed abnormal UVA responses, with evidence of immediate urticaria, and delayed-onset dermatitis.

Sun-barrier use is associated with a risk of the development of contact or photocontact allergic reactions. The benzophenones are frequently used in high-protection factor sun-barrier preparations, and appear to have a particular ability to induce such responses.
A new method for the estimation of total dissolved salts in saturation extracts of soils from electrical conductivity
Authors: SIMON M. , CABEZAS O. , GARCIA I. , MARTINEZ P.
Published: July 2006

We have determined electrical conductivity (Ee) and total dissolved salts (S) in saturation extracts from 39 soil samples from the Baza basin (Province of Granada, south‐east Spain). Ee ranged from 2.8 to 110dS m−3, and S from 2 to 444 8 dm−3.

The relationship between S and Ee was not linear. When the saturation extracts were diluted with progressively larger quantities of distilled water and their electrical conductivity calculated (Eec) with the equation

image

where Ed and Ew are the conductivity of the diluted extract and the distilled water and f is the dilution factor, the relationship between S and Eec tended to become linear.

The highest linear correlation coefficient relating S (mg dm−3) and Eec (dS m−1) was reached when Eec, values were calculated for dilutions with a conductivity (Ed) between 0.1 and 0.3 dS m−1 (E*ec). The regression equation was S= 490 E*ec with r2= 0.999. This relationship can be used in all saturation extracts, regardless of the concentration and type of ions present.
Fruit removal of Coprosma quadrifida (Rubiaceae) by birds in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: FRENCH K. , O'DOWD D. J. , LILL A.
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Removal of the fleshy fruits of Coprosma quadrifida by birds was examined in relation to fruit crop size, neighbouring fruit crop size and time in the season in montane wet sclerophyll forest in south‐eastern Australia. On average, 84% of individual fruit crops were removed. Frugivores removed fruit in proportion to its abundance, indicating that they continually assess availability rather than respond to a critical abundance. The size of neighbouring fruit crops did not influence fruit removal rates, suggesting that there is little competition among neighbours for dispersers. The ripe fruits of C. quadrifida were eaten by 14 bird species, comprising 50% of the bird species trapped. Silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis) were the most abundant consumers of fruits. With the exception of the parrot, Platycercus elegans, all birds defecated seeds intact and had no influence on seed viability.
Temporal host plant use in three polyphagous Heliothinae, with special reference to Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)
Authors: WALTER G. H. , BENFIELD M. D.
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Potential host plants of the polyphagous lepidopteran Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) were surveyed in two ways. A broad survey, conducted in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, indicated that H. punctigera larvae were present on relatively few plant species. A detailed survey of host plant use in a non‐cropping area in which H. punctigera was numerous demonstrated restricted host plant use by this species. The density of H. punctigera on its principal host in the area, the indigenous daisy Ixiolaena brevicompta F. Muell., was much higher (as measured per unit of time searched) than on other plant species available. Also, I. brevicompta was used regularly by H. punctigera after rainfall events. Ixiolaena brevicompta represents a new host record and on the basis of the pattern of its use by H. punctigera should be considered a ‘primary host plant’ of this noctuid. In cropping areas sampled, usually more than one plant species hosted H. punctigera regularly and in large numbers. Usually a crop species was included (e.g. cotton and chick pea). Alternative hosts in cropping areas were Sonchus oleraceus L. (sowthistle) and possibly the native legume Sesbania cannabina (Retz.) Poiret. Our results imply that the polyphagy of H. punctigera is probably not as extensive as previously claimed. The criteria for inclusion of a plant species as a primary host for H. punctigera need to include the regularity of use of that species and the relative abundance of eggs and larvae on it. We suggest that an understanding of the host‐searching mechanism of this species will be best achieved through study of the interaction of H. punctigera with its indigenous primary hosts. The surveys also yielded information on host plants of two other heliothine noctuids, H. armigera (Hübner) and Australothis rubrescens (Walker), and this is also presented.
Newer Melanogenesis Control and Melanoma Eradication
Authors: MISHIMA YUTAKA , ICHIHASHI MASAMITSU , HATTA SUSUMU , HONDA CHIHIRO , IMOKAWA GENJI
Published: July 2006

Further advances leading to more sophisticated and effective suppression of melanogenesis and melanoma growth based on clarification and utilization of common vital factors involved in both processes are reviewed. Induction of depigmentation has been achieved by both glycosylation and its processing inhibitors, which have been found to be critical for the maturation and transport of tyrosinase from ribosomes through GERL‐coated vesicles into premelanosomes. Kojic acid, a copper chelating melanogenic inhibitor, can induce inhibition of isolated tyrosinase activity as well as melanization in living pigment cells in in vitro and in vivo systems. This depigmenting effect was found to be due to a concurrent decrease in both eu‐ and pheomelanin formation. Malignant melanoma principally has accentuated melanosome genesis, which has been utilized to accumulate selectively 10B into melanoma cells using 10B‐dopa analogue. Subsequent thermal neutron irradiation induces 10B(n, α)7Li reaction which releases high LET particles within a range of 10–14 μm thus erradicating selectively melanoma at the cellular level. This new therapy has been applied to a human melanoma lesion for the first time, and a successful therapeutic effect on melanoma has been obtained.
Therapeutic Use of Antimelanoma Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: HELLSTRÖM INGEGERD , HELLSTRÖM KARL ERIK
Published: July 2006

Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to tumor‐associated antigens are attracting much attention for tumor therapy. Melanomas belong to the tumors most studied in this respect, and several melanoma‐associated antigens have been studied in great detail. These include the melanoma‐associated glycoprotein p97, the melanoma‐associated proteoglycan, and glycolipid antigens. Although none of the antigens is absolutely specific for tumor, the degree of relative specificity appears to be sufficient to use several of the melanoma antigens as therapeutic “targets”.

Antimelanoma MAb can be applied therapeutically in several ways. The most straightforward approach is use of MAb without further modification. MAb which kill melanoma cells in the presence of human serum as the source of complement or mediate antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity with human natural killer (NK) cells or macrophages as effectors are logical choices for this. Some cases of partial or even complete regression of metastatic melanoma have been observed in patients treated with such MAb. Combinations of such MAb with interleukin 2 (IL‐2) or other immunological response modifiers are of great interest.

Alternatively, one may use antimelanoma MAb (or fragments prepared from MAb) as carriers of antitumor agents, including radioactive isotopes, toxins, or chemotherapeutic drugs. Although it is premature to make any conclusions about the efficacy of such conjugates, we are optimistic that it will be feasible by using the right combination of MAb and antitumor agent to achieve therapeutic benefit.

Another approach is to develop therapeutic “vaccines” for active immunization, once an antigen characterized by using a MAb has proven to have a relatively high level of tumor selectively. Anti‐idiotypic antibodies and live recombinant viruses inducing tumor antigen expression in infected cells provide alternative strategies to this approach.
Caring for the Alzheimer's Patient
Authors: Fabiszewski Kathy J.
Published: July 2006

Alzheimer's Disease is a devastating, age‐related, irreversible clinical syndrome characterized by a wide spectrum of progressive impairments in cognitive, behavioral and functional abilities. Since no effective therapy exists to cure or arrest the disease progression, treatment efforts are directed at providing relief of the physical, emotional and psychosocial discomforts associated with the advancing illness. Treatment goals focus on promoting quality of life for both patient and family with particular emphasis on role adjustments, comfort and safety. The complexity of changing illness manifestations necessitates professional multidisciplinary collaboration throughout the course of the illness. Continuity of care in the transition from home to institution is of great benefit to the patient, the family and the professional staff. The philosophy of caring and examples of intervention strategies to deal with the distressing symptoms in both the patient and the family are discussed.
Assembled structures of nanocrystals in polymer/calcium carbonate thin‐film composites formed by the cooperation of chitosan and poly(aspartate)
Authors: Sugawara Ayae , Oichi Akira , Suzuki Hiroko , Shigesato Yuzo , Kogure Toshihiro , Kato Takashi
Published: July 2006

Assembled structures of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanocrystals have been examined for polymer/CaCO3 thin‐film composites synthesized through a self‐organization process inspired by biomineralization. For the crystallization of CaCO3, a thin‐film matrix of chitosan has been used as a polymeric substrate. When the matrix is immersed into a supersaturated aqueous solution of CaCO3 containing 1.4 × 10−3 wt % poly(aspartate) (PAsp), thin‐film crystals of CaCO3 are formed spontaneously. Three kinds of disklike films have been observed under a polarizing optical microscope. Electron diffraction analyses of each film have revealed that one is aragonite, displaying radial orientation of the c axes, and the others are vaterite, exhibiting different orientations. Detailed observation by scanning electron microscopy has clarified that these films are assemblies of crystalline particles 10–20 nm in size. The thin‐film composites have been obtained over a PAsp concentration range of 4.4 × 10−4 to 1.0 × 10−2 wt %. Vaterite formation becomes dominant when the concentration of PAsp is increased. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5153–5160, 2006
Self‐assembled graphitic nanotubes from an amphiphilic hexabenzocoronene bearing thiol functionalities: Redox‐mediated polymerization and depolymerization
Authors: Motoyanagi Jin , Fukushima Takanori , Kosaka Atsuko , Ishii Noriyuki , Aida Takuzo
Published: July 2006

A hexabenzocoronene derivative consisting of lipophilic dodecyl side chains and thioacetyl‐appended hydrophilic oxyethylene chains was newly synthesized. The self‐assembly of this hexabenzocoronene amphiphile in tetrahydrofuran gave a nanotubular object, for which the thioacetyl functionalities were located on the inner and outer surfaces. The removal of the acetyl group under alkaline conditions, followed by autoxidation, allowed the conversion of the noncovalent architecture into a covalently stabilized form via disulfide linkages. The resulting surface‐polymerized nanotubes were completely insoluble in common organic solvents. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that the tubular morphology mostly remained after the oxidative polymerization. Disulfide oligomers involved in the polymerized nanotubes were transformed into a thiol monomer upon reduction with dithiothreitol. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5120‐5127, 2006
WATER UPTAKE BY PURE CLAYS AND SOIL CRUMBS*
Authors: DETTMANN MARGARET G.
Published: July 2006

Wetting experiments on pure clays are described that lead to the conclusions that entrapped air is neither a necessary nor an important factor in slaking of dry soils, and that slaking is always associated with rapid intercrystalline swelling of the clay. If swelling is suppressed, or takes place slowly—as from a vapour phase— slaking does not occur, and it is suggested that slow swelling gives time for readjustment of the internal geometry of the clay, so producing some dislocation but no disruption. In N NaCl, a Na‐montmorillonite swells to about twice its dry thickness, and in an atmosphere of 98 per cent. relative humidity it gains about one‐third of its weight. Both these figures are in agreement with the usual estimate of surface area of 800 m.2/g. Under the same conditions a Na‐illite (from Willalooka) swells by about a third of its dry thickness, and gains about a quarter of its dry weight.

Studies on rates of uptake of water vapour indicate that montmorillonite has taken up less than a quarter of its equilibrium water content at 98 per cent. relative humidity within 10 min., whereas illite has taken up one‐third of its water in the same time, the clays then being stable against subsequent flooding.

In the field it is probable that water vapour diffuses ahead of a liquid wetting front, and the protective effect of the resultant slower pre‐swelling of the clay prevents the slaking action of rain from affecting more than a thin surface layer of soil.
THE ISOMORPHOUS REPLACEMENT OF IRON BY ALUMINIUM IN SOIL GOETHITES
Authors: NORRISH K. , TAYLOR R. M.
Published: July 2006

It was possible to obtain relatively pure goethites (> 2 μ) from a range of soils by dissolving the clay minerals in boiling NaOH. The goethites were analysed chemically and studied by X‐ray diffraction. All goethites contained aluminium, the amount ranging from 15 to 30 mol. per cent. AlOOH. The (III) spacing decreased steadily with increasing aluminium content. A study of different particle sizes from one soil showed that the aluminium content increased with decreasing particle size, and the (III) spacing showed a corresponding decrease. Extraction of soil goethite by free‐iron removal agents, such as dithionite, brought into solution that aluminium contained in the goethites. The ease with which the goethite was dissolved by such treatments was inversely related to the amount of aluminium in the goethite, and led to the surprising situation in one soil where the coarser goethite was more easily extracted than the fine goethite. Measurements of the (III) spacings of many other soil goethites showed that almost invariably the unit cell dimensions were lower than those of pure goethite, indicating aluminium to be a very common replacement for iron in soil goethites. The degree of substitution of aluminium for iron probably depends on the weathering conditions in the soil. The aluminium probably restricts the size to which the goethite crystals can grow; it may, by its influence on particle size and by changing the composition of the goethite, alter the colour of goethite; it could modify the phosphate‐fixing power and other chemical properties of soil goethites.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF METHODS OF ESTIMATING SOIL ORGANIC PHOSPHATE
Authors: HANCE R. J. , ANDERSON G.
Published: July 2006

Organic phosphate values for thirty‐four Scottish surface soils were obtained by an ignition method, by two standard extraction methods, and by a modified extraction procedure designed to decrease hydrolysis of acid labile phosphate esters.

The extraction method of Saunders and Williams tended to be superior to that of Mehta et al. with acid soils, and inferior with calcareous soils, although in many cases the values obtained are similar. A modification of the Mehta method, involving extraction of the soil with alkali before as well as after acid treatment, caused less hydrolysis than the standard method with acid soils, and gave the highest average values for the soils as a whole. Attempts to increase the efficiency of the standard extraction procedures by varying the nature of the acid pre‐treatments were unsuccessful.

Ignition values are usually greater than the highest extraction values, but in more than half the soils the differences are small and unimportant. Because there is no direct evidence to show that ignition gives results which are erroneously high, and since the ignition procedure is rapid and easy to perform, it is considered to be the most useful for the general analysis of Scottish soils.
CLAY MINERAL STUDIES OF SOME EGYPTIAN DESERT AND NILE ALLUVIAL SOILS
Authors: ELGABALY M. M. , KHADR M.
Published: July 2006

Egyptian desert soils are generally of coarser texture than Nile alluvium with only slight depositional changes within the same profile. Total N is lower in desert soils than in alluvial soils under similar climatic conditions. On the basis of clay mineral analysis the soils fall into four groups, having (1) kaolinite (Ganah and Kharga), (2) montmorillonite (Beris, Boulaq, Nile alluvium), (3) hydrous mica (Kharga), (4) attapulgite (desert road), as the dominant mineral.

The very slight difference in clay mineral composition between the soil and subsoil or parent material indicates that clay minerals in these soils are derived mainly from a pre‐existing sediment.

The mechanical analysis and mineralogical study of the heavy mineral fraction showed that the soils of Kharga oasis are either water‐laid sediments (Boulaq and Beris) or wind‐modified (Ganah and Kharga).

Whether or not the qualitative similarity of the clay minerals of the soils from mid and southern Kharga with those of the Nile alluvium indicates a genetical relationship cannot be definitely ascertained from this study.
PRODUCTS OF THE ALKALINE NITROBENZENE OXIDATION OF SOIL ORGANIC MATTER
Authors: MORRISON R. I.
Published: July 2006

Further studies have been made of the alkaline nitrobenzene oxidation of soil organic matter and certain fractions thereof, as well as of some plant materials, on the lines of a previous investigation. By using dichloromethane in place of diethyl ether as an extractant the recovery of aromatic aldehydes, especially syringaldehyde, has been greatly improved. Methods have been developed for the identification and determination of the related acids: syringic, vanillic, p‐hydroxybenzoic, ferulic, and p‐coumaric acids. Some minor aromatic products of the oxidation have also been identified. Application of the improved methods to samples of soils and peats has, in many instances, resulted in an increased proportion of the total carbon accounted for as aromatic products. The results are, however, only about 20 per cent higher than those previously obtained, and the outcome of the investigation has been to confirm and extend the results previously obtained. Whereas the proportion of carbon in the organic matter of peats which can be recovered as aromatic products is commonly about 5 per cent, in aerobic soils it remains low, generally less than 1 per cent, and it seems likely that this represents only a small fraction of the total aromatic material present in such soils.
PHYSICAL BREAKDOWN IN RELATION TO SOIL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: ARNAUD R. J. ST. , WHITESIDE E. P.
Published: July 2006

Mechanical analyses as well as quartz distribution data for four soils, ranging from chernozemic Black to podzolic Grey Wooded, indicate that a redistribution in particle size has occurred in the solum horizons relative to the parent materials. This is attributed to the physical breakdown, in large part the result of frost action, of the larger rock fragments and minerals. While mechanical disintegration is greatest in the surface horizons, it is least pronounced in the Orthic Black profile and reaches a maximum in the Ae horizon of the Grey Wooded soil. Periodic moisture saturation in layers underlain by slowly permeable textural B horizons is suggested as favouring breakdown by frost action. Implications of such breakdown relative to studies of soil genesis are discussed.
A SOIL CATENA ON GRANITE IN SOUTHERN RHODESIA
Authors: WATSON J. P.
Published: July 2006

A catena on the Mid‐Tertiary surface near Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, has developed over granite. Both land form and rock form indicate a two‐cycle landscape. The climate is sub‐tropical with a 33‐in. rainfall and the vegetation is a variant of Braclzystegia savannah woodland. Profiles of good and imperfect drainage have three main horizons, namely, M (mineral); over, F/S (ferricrete and stones); over, W (weathered rock) horizons. Poorly drained soils exhibit G (gley) horizons. The W horizon of a hill‐top soil comprises material at an early weathering stage below 12 ft having a platy structure, well‐developed clayskins, and fresh minerals, but older material above that depth does not correspond to Van Wambeke's criteria for ante‐Pleistocene materials. Dynamic soil‐forming processes include lateral movement of the M horizon by sheetwash and truncation of the W horizon by insect activity.
DISTRIBUTION OF FORMS OF NITROGEN IN A PODZOLIC SOIL PROFILE FROM GARPENBERG, CENTRAL SWEDEN
Authors: NÔMMIK HANS
Published: July 2006

The chemical nature and distribution patterns of the forms of N in a podzolic soil profile from central Sweden, developed under a stand of Norway spruce, were studied. Total N, native fixed NH4, acid hydrolysable‐N, and the amounts of ammonia, hexosamine, and amino‐acid N in the hydrolysate were determined. From 17 to 27 per cent of the N was insoluble in 6N HC1, the highest percentage being in the A2 horizon. Amino‐acids in the acid hydrolysates decreased from 50 per cent of the total N content of the soil in the humus layer (A0) to 24 per cent in the B horizon. Amino‐acid composition varied little in samples from different horizons. Hexosamine‐N was 11–14 per cent of the total soil N, tending to increase with depth. Approximately 15 per cent of the total soil N was found in the soil hydrolysate as NH4. Values for native fixed NH4 extracted by N HF: N HCl were 34–80 ppm but were reduced to 10–17 ppm when corrected for the NH4 released by N HCl only. The figures thus obtained are considerably lower than those reported by other workers.
PROPERTIES AND COMPOSITION OF THE BACTERIAL FLORA OF A PINE FOREST SOIL
Authors: GOODFELLOW M.
Published: July 2006

A study was made of the qualitative and quantitative distribution of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria in the two mineral horizons of a developing podsol soil under Pinus. There was no significant difference in the total numbers or in the kinds of bacteria between the two horizons. In the acidic A1 horizon (pH, 3.6) Bacillus spp. comprised 58 per cent of the population, the remainder being composed of Gram‐negative rods (15 per cent), pleomorphic rods (14 per cent), Gram‐positive cocci (10 per cent) and streptomycetes (3 per cent). The corresponding figures for the C horizon (pH, 8.6) were Bacillus (23 per cent), Gram‐negative rods (37 per cent), pleomorphic rods (10 per cent), Gram‐positive cocci (17 per cent) and streptomycetes (13 per cent). These differences in distribution could not be related to any one environmental factor. The data from this investigation lend support to the view that different soil types can be distinguished by their bacterial floras.

Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus and the Gram‐positive cocci were biochemically and fermentatively active and many of the streptomycetes were able to degrade complex organic molecules. The Gram‐negative and pleomorphic forms were apparently metabolically inactive.
A DUNE CATENA ON THE CLAY PLAINS OF THE WEST CENTRAL GEZIRA, REPUBLIC OF THE SUDAN
Authors: WILLIAMS M. A. J.
Published: July 2006

Fixed dunes occupy 400 000 acres in the west central Gezira. Isolated dunes occur sporadically through the central Gezira, and trend NW from Sennar on the Blue Nile to El Geteina on the White Nile. They probably originated as channel deposits laid down by former distributaries of the Blue Nile. Minor aeolian re‐sorting took place, and was followed by plant colonization and dune stabilization. Erosion of the dunes is locally active, resulting in exposure of the underlying clays.

The catena comprises leached sands (Psammustents) on the dune crests and illuvial loams and clays (Orthustents) in the swales. Swale soils contain pedogenetic and relict lacustrine carbonate.

The catena is often superimposed upon former soils, resulting in polygenetic profiles.
ALPINE PODZOL SOILS ON THE BEN LAWERS MASSIF PERTHSHIRE
Authors: STEVENS J. H. , WILSON M. J.
Published: July 2006

Characteristics of the soils include well‐defined horizons, very low pH values and base saturation percentages, and a slight but general increase in the silt‐plusclay content down the profile. X‐ray diffraction shows that the soil clays are rich in mica and chlorite with subsidiary amounts of kaolinite, goethite, and lepidocrocite. The general distribution of the clay minerals in the profiles studied suggests that the weathering of chlorite leads to the formation of kaolinite in the A horizons and to the accumulation of crystalline iron‐oxide minerals in the B horizons. The presence of kaolinite, taken in conjunction with recent clay mineral studies of Scandinavian and Canadian podzols, indicates that the Ben Lawers soils may pre‐date the last glacial period.
RATE PROCESSES IN THE DESORPTION OF PHOSPHATE FROM SOILS BY ION‐EXCHANGE RESINS
Authors: VAIDYANATHAN L. V. , TALIBUDEEN O.
Published: July 2006

Phosphate extracted by ion‐exchange resins in the chloride and sodium forms from a deep river‐gravel soil under widely varying conditions is always from the isotopically exchangeable or‘labile’ pool. At any reaction time, a constant fraction of this pool is desorbed by the chloride form of the anion‐exchange resin alone, irrespective of the pH and phosphate manuring of the soil. If, however, a sodium: cation exchange resin is included, increasing fractions of the‘labile pool’ are desorbed with decreasing soil acidity.

Phosphate desorption by the anion‐exchange resin alone and with the cation exchange resin is shown to be‘particle‐diffusion’ controlled in the anion exchange resin and neither a‘chemical reaction’ nor a‘film‐diffusion’ mechanism. Over the pH range 4·5–8·5, values between 4·8 and 0·9 × 10‐9 cm2 sec‐1 were calculated for the interdiffusion coefficient of the phosphate: chloride exchange process in the resin.

The isotopically exchangeable phosphate in the soils seems to behave like sparingly soluble or weakly dissociating compounds towards ion‐exchange resins and its rate of desorption depends on the nature and composition of the resins.
THE USE OF ORIENTATION DIAGRAMS IN DESCRIBING PLASMIC FABRICS IN SOIL MATERIALS
Authors: HILL I. D.
Published: July 2006

Orientation diagrams are used to show differences in the orientation of birefringent domains in the S‐matrix, and in sub‐cutanic features of the vo‐insepic fabric of two West Indian soils. Such orientation diagrams could prove useful in helping to characterize plasmic fabrics.
EFFECTS OF ADSORBED CATIONS ON PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF TROPICAL RED AND TROPICAL BLACK EARTHS
Authors: EL SWAIFY S. A. , AHMED S. , SWINDALE L. D.
Published: July 2006

The liquid limits, degrees of dispersion, and moisture retention of a Tropical Red Earth consisting predominantly of kaolin and iron oxides were independent of the nature of the saturating cation. The same three properties of a Tropical Black Earth consisting predominantly of montmorillonite were dependent upon the nature of the saturating cation, with Na giving the highest values and K the lowest. Ca and Mg gave intermediate and essentially equal values.

The effects of the four cations have generally been explained in terms of the balance between attractive and repulsive forces in soil solutions and pastes. Unexpected behaviour due to K saturation has been explained by specific adsorption of K in a manner similar to but weaker than irreversible fixation.

Linear regression equations were derived to express the dependence of the three properties on the saturating cations. The regression equations, which were all highly significant, show that the four cations examined were acting independently. Small positive interactions between Na × K, Mg × K, and Ca × K indicated that the effect of K fixation was important only when the Black Earth was nearly saturated with K ions.
INFRA‐RED SPECTRA AND DIFFERENTIAL THERMOGRAMS OF LIGNINS AND SOIL HUMIC MATERIALS SATURATED WITH DIFFERENT CATIONS
Authors: THOMPSON S. O. , CHESTERS G.
Published: July 2006

Comparison of infra‐red spectra of lignins and humic materials obtained before and after saturation with Cu showed that Cu saturation induced changes in the shape of the OH absorption bands and pronounced shifts in the C=O (1700 cm‐1) bands to lower frequencies.

Differential thermograms indicated that Cu and Ca saturation reduced the thermal stabilities of lignins and humic materials. There was more reduction in stability with Cu than with Ca saturation and with lignins than with humic materials.