bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Risk of Laboratory-Acquired Meningococcal Disease
Authors: Sejvar James J. , Johnson David , Popovic Tanja , Miller J. Michael , Downes Frances , Somsel Patricia , Weyant Robbin , Stephens David S. , Perkins Bradley A. , Rosenstein Nancy E.
Published: September 2005

Neisseria meningitidis
is infrequently reported as a laboratory-acquired infection. Prompted by two cases in the United States in 2000, we assessed this risk among laboratorians. We identified cases of meningococcal disease that were possibly acquired or suspected of being acquired in a laboratory by placing an information request on e-mail discussion groups of infectious disease, microbiology, and infection control professional organizations. A probable case of laboratory-acquired meningococcal disease was defined as illness meeting the case definition for meningococcal disease in a laboratorian who had occupational exposure to an
N. meningitidis
isolate of the same serogroup within 14 days of illness onset. Sixteen cases of probable laboratory-acquired meningococcal disease occurring worldwide between 1985 and 2001 were identified, including six U.S. cases between 1996 and 2000. Nine cases (56%) were serogroup B; seven (44%) were serogroup C. Eight cases (50%) were fatal. All cases occurred among clinical microbiologists. In 15 cases (94%), isolate manipulation was performed without respiratory protection. We estimated that an average of three microbiologists are exposed to the 3,000 meningococcal isolates seen in U.S. laboratories yearly and calculated an attack rate of 13/100,000 microbiologists between 1996 and 2001, compared to 0.2/100,000 among U.S. adults in general. The rate and case/fatality ratio of meningococcal disease among microbiologists are higher than those in the general U.S. population. Specific risk factors for laboratory-acquired infection are likely associated with exposure to droplets or aerosols containing
N. meningitidis
. Prevention should focus on the implementation of class II biological safety cabinets or additional respiratory protection during manipulation of suspected meningococcal isolates.
Coding and Noncoding Genomic Regions of
Entamoeba histolytica
Have Significantly Different Rates of Sequence Polymorphisms: Implications for Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Bhattacharya Dhruva , Haque Rashidul , Singh Upinder
Published: September 2005

To evaluate genetic variability among
Entamoeba histolytica
strains, we sequenced 9,077 bp from each of 14 isolates. The polymorphism rates from coding and noncoding regions were significantly different (0.07% and 0.37%, respectively), indicating that these regions are subject to different selection pressures. Additionally, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) potentially associated with specific clinical outcomes were identified.
Use of Pyrosequencing To Differentiate
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Serotypes 6A and 6B
Authors: Pai Rekha , Limor Josef , Beall Bernard
Published: September 2005

Accurate serotyping of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
remains important to monitor the changes in seroepidemiology of the organism over time. Though several PCR-based systems have been developed for this purpose, the cross-reactivity within serogroups often limits discrimination between types. All serogroup 6 isolates can be identified using a multiplex PCR system; however, due to the high sequence homology between the
cps-6B
and
cps-6A
loci, serotypes 6A and 6B cannot be differentiated by this method. We describe the use of pyrosequencing to reliably differentiate between serotypes 6A and 6B using a previously described single nucleotide polymorphism at codon 195 of the
cps
locus
wciP
gene. We observed complete concordance between capsular serotyping results and
wciP
pyrosequencing among 210 isolates examined, indicating that pyrosequencing is a rapid and accurate technique for deducing serotypes 6A and 6B.
Outbreak of Carbapenem-Resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
Producing the Carbapenemase OXA-23 in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Papeete, French Polynesia
Authors: Naas Thierry , Levy Marc , Hirschauer Claire , Marchandin Hélène , Nordmann Patrice
Published: September 2005

Carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates were obtained from 24 patients between March and May 2004 at the Centre Hospitalier de Polynésie Française, Tahiti, French Polynesia. The isolates were multidrug resistant, produced the carbapenemase OXA-23, and belonged to a single clone presenting several subtypes, suggesting an endemic situation. This study further illustrates the global spread of this kind of β-lactamase-mediated resistance.
Syscan3, a Kit for Detection of Anti-
Candida
Antibodies for Diagnosis of Invasive Candidiasis
Authors: Philip Annie , Odabasi Zekaver , Matiuzzi Gloria , Paetznick Victor L. , Tan Sze-Wee , Warmington John , Rex John H. , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis
Published: September 2005

Sera from 76 immunocompetent and 293 immunocompromised subjects were assayed for anti-
Candida
antibodies. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for invasive candidiasis were 74%, 75%, 62%, and 84% in the immunocompetent group and 15%, 60%, 1.7%, and 93% in the immunocompromised group, respectively. Syscan3 has high negative predictive value.
Human Herpesvirus 8 Serological Markers and Viral Load in Patients with AIDS-Associated Kaposi's Sarcoma in Central African Republic
Authors: Duprez Renan , Kassa-Kelembho Eric , Plancoulaine Sabine , Brière Josette , Fossi Mireille , Kobangue Léon , Minsart Pierre , Huerre Michel , Gessain Antoine
Published: September 2005

Epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is one of the most frequent types of cancer in several African countries; however, very few data are available on human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) markers in KS patients from Central Africa. In a series of 36 AIDS-KS cases from Central African Republic, we showed, using a real-time PCR quantitative assay, the high frequency (82%) of detectable HHV-8 DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We also found that the level of antibodies directed against lytic or latent HHV-8 antigens is not correlated to the amount of HHV-8 viral load in the PBMCs, and finally, we demonstrated a much higher viral load in tumoral skin lesions (6.07 log copies/μg DNA) than in unaffected skin (2.93 log copies/μg DNA) or in PBMCs (2.55 log copies/μg DNA).
Low Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Exert a Hormetic Effect onMycobacterium tuberculosisIn Vitro
Authors: Brugmann William Benjamin , Firmani Marcia A.
Published: September 2005

Susceptibilities of 12 clinicalMycobacterium tuberculosisisolates to acidified sodium nitrite (ASN) were compared. The results demonstrate that 8 of the 12 isolates exhibited enhanced survival levels in 1.5 mM ASN compared to levels in medium alone, suggesting that low concentrations of reactive nitrogen intermediates have a hormetic effect onM. tuberculosisin vitro.
Characterization of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Complex Isolates from Greek Patients with Sarcoidosis by Spoligotyping
Authors: Gazouli M. , Ikonomopoulos J. , Koundourakis A. , Bartos M. , Pavlik I. , Overduin P. , Kremer K. , Gorgoulis V. , Kittas C.
Published: September 2005

Spoligotyping was undertaken with 38
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolates from Greek sarcoidosis patients and 31 isolates from patients with tuberculosis. Fifty percent of the isolates from sarcoidosis patients and 16.13% of the isolates from patients with tuberculosis were represented by a unique pattern, whereas the remaining isolates belonged to seven shared types. Interestingly, half of the isolates from sarcoidosis patients did not resemble the spoligotypes of the isolates from patients with tuberculosis, most of which pertained to shared spoligotypes.
Widespread Transfer of Resistance Genes between Bacterial Species in an Intensive Care Unit: Implications for Hospital Epidemiology
Authors: Naiemi Nashwan Al , Duim Birgitta , Savelkoul Paul H. M. , Spanjaard Lodewijk , de Jonge Evert , Bart Aldert , Vandenbroucke-Grauls Christina M. , de Jong Menno D.
Published: September 2005

A transferable plasmid encoding SHV-12 extended-spectrum β-lactamase, TEM-116, and aminoglycoside resistance was responsible for two sequential clonal outbreaks of
Enterobacter cloacae
and
Acinetobacter baumannii
bacteria. A similar plasmid was present among isolates of four different bacterial species. Recognition of plasmid transfer is crucial for control of outbreaks of multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogens.
Comparison of Three Different PCR Methods for Quantifying Human Papillomavirus Type 16 DNA in Cervical Scrape Specimens
Authors: Hesselink A. T. , van den Brule A. J. C. , Groothuismink Z. M. A. , Molano M. , Berkhof J. , Meijer C. J. L. M. , Snijders P. J. F.
Published: September 2005

We compared real-time LightCycler and TaqMan assays and the GP5+/6+ PCR/enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to assess the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) load in cervical scrape specimens. Both real-time PCR assays determined the HPV16 load in scrape specimens similarly. The level of agreement between these assays and the GP5+/6+ PCR/EIA was low (
P
= 0.004), suggesting that the latter method is not suited for quantifying HPV16 DNA.
Antibodies from Patients with Melioidosis Recognize
Burkholderia mallei
but Not
Burkholderia thailandensis
Antigens in the Indirect Hemagglutination Assay
Authors: Tiyawisutsri Rachaneeporn , Peacock Sharon J. , Langa Sayan , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Cheng Allen C. , Chierakul Wirongrong , Chaowagul Wipada , Day Nicholas P. J. , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn
Published: September 2005

The indirect hemagglutination assay routinely used to detect antibodies to
Burkholderia pseudomallei
was modified to detect cross-reactivity of antibodies to
B. pseudomallei
,
B. mallei
, and
B. thailandensis
antigens. We demonstrate a lack of cross-reactivity between
B. pseudomallei
and
B. thailandensis
but marked cross-reactivity between
B. pseudomallei
and
B. mallei
.
Survey of Genes Encoding Staphylococcal Enterotoxins, Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin 1, and Exfoliative Toxins in Members of the
Staphylococcus sciuri
Group
Authors: Dakić Ivana , Vuković Dragana , Stepanović Srdjan , Hauschild Tomasz , Ježek Petr , Petráš Petr , Morrison Donald
Published: September 2005

Genes encoding staphylococcal enterotoxins (
sea
to
see
,
seg
, and
seh
), toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (
tst
), and exfoliative toxins (
eta
and
etb
) were not detected in a large panel of 48
Staphylococcus sciuri
group isolates tested. This strongly suggests that production of the staphylococcal exotoxins by these bacteria is highly unlikely.
Nosocomial Spread of a
Staphylococcus hominis
subsp.
novobiosepticus
Strain Causing Sepsis in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Chaves Fernando , García-Álvarez Mónica , Sanz Francisca , Alba Concepción , Otero Joaquín R.
Published: September 2005

From 2002 to 2003, 32 isolates of
Staphylococcus hominis
subsp.
novobiosepticus
(SHN) were recovered from 21 patients, 18 of whom were neonates, with 13 considered to have late-onset SHN sepsis. All isolates from neonates had an indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern. Our data support SHN as an important nosocomial pathogen in neonates.
Regional Occurrence of Plasmid-Mediated Carbapenem-Hydrolyzing Oxacillinase OXA-58 in
Acinetobacter
spp. in Europe
Authors: Marqué Sophie , Poirel Laurent , Héritier Claire , Brisse Sylvain , Blasco Maria Dolores , Filip Roxana , Coman Gabriela , Naas Thierry , Nordmann Patrice
Published: September 2005

The spread of the plasmid-mediated carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinase OXA-58 was detected in
Acinetobacter
sp. clinical isolates from southern Europe, the Balkans, and central Turkey. It may contribute significantly to the emergence of carbapenem resistance in
Acinetobacter
spp., at least in this part of the world.
Use of Paired Serum Samples for Serodiagnosis of Typhoid Fever
Authors: House Deborah , Chinh Nguyen T. , Diep To S. , Parry Christopher M. , Wain John , Dougan Gordon , White Nicholas J. , Hien Tran Tinh , Farrar Jeremy J.
Published: September 2005

Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay we demonstrate that, in adult patients with typhoid fever, the sensitivity of a serological test based on the detection of anti-lipopolysaccharide immunoglobulin G is increased when used with paired serum samples taken 1 week apart.
Failure of Cefepime Therapy in Treatment of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Bacteremia
Authors: Song Wonkeun , Moland Ellen S. , Hanson Nancy D. , Lewis James S. , Jorgensen James H. , Thomson Kenneth S.
Published: September 2005

A case of failure of cefepime treatment of a bloodstream infection with AmpC-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
is reported. The failure was attributed to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) acquisition by the isolate, possibly during therapy. Problems encountered with ESBL detection in AmpC-producing isolates are discussed.
Breakthrough Disseminated
Aspergillus ustus
Infection in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients Receiving Voriconazole or Caspofungin Prophylaxis
Authors: Pavie Juliette , Lacroix Claire , Hermoso Dea Garcia , Robin Marie , Ferry Christèle , Bergeron Anne , Feuilhade Martine , Dromer Françoise , Gluckman Eliane , Molina Jean-Michel , Ribaud Patricia
Published: September 2005

Aspergillus ustus
is an uncommon clinical species which is poorly susceptible to antifungals. We report two cases of
A. ustus
infections that occurred in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients while they were receiving either voriconazole or caspofungin. Prolonged use of these new antifungal agents may increase the risk of the emergence of resistant organisms.
DESIGN OF A VARIABLE STEP-SIZE FILTERING ALGORITHM FOR ACOUSTIC FEEDBACK CANCELLATION IN AUDIO SYSTEMS
Authors: WU JIAN-DA , LIN HAI-PING , HUNG RAN-JEN
Published: September 2005

Acoustic feedback often limits the maximum usable gain of acoustic systems and degrades the overall system response. It is well known to be detrimental that the system stability and performance must be taken into account in system design. Most of the conventional methods for acoustic feedback cancellation in an acoustic system are based primarily on an adaptive filter with the least-mean-square (LMS) error algorithm. Unfortunately, convergence speed is often limited when a sound source or a filtering plant is varied, because the learning process of the adaptive algorithm fails to respond fast enough to changing operational conditions. This report proposes a variable step-size affine-projection algorithm (VSS APA) for acoustic feedback cancellation in audio systems. The proposed adaptive filter is based on the filtering affine-projection algorithm with variable step-size for improving convergence speed in acoustic feedback cancellation. A performance evaluation and simulation comparison has been conducted to compare the proposed algorithm and various traditional adaptive filtering algorithms.
Axial flow modulates proximal tubule NHE3 and H-ATPase activities by changing microvillus bending moments
Authors: Du Zhaopeng , Yan Qingshang , Duan Yi , Weinbaum Sheldon , Weinstein Alan M. , Wang Tong
Published: September 2005

We have previously demonstrated that mouse proximal tubules in vitro respond to changes in luminal flow with proportional changes in Na+ absorption (Du Z, Duan Y, Yan Q, Weinstein AM, Weinbaum S, and Wang T. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 101: 13068–13073, 2004). It was hypothesized that brush-border microvilli function as a sensor to detect and amplify luminal hydrodynamic forces and transmit them to the actin cytoskeleton. In the present study we examine whether 1) flow-dependent HCO3− transport is proportional to flow-dependent variations in microvillous torque (bending moment); 2) both luminal membrane Na+/H+ exchange (NHE3) and H+-ATPase activity are modulated by axial flow; and 3) paracellular permeabilities contribute to the flux perturbations. HCO3− absorption is examined by microperfusion of mouse S2 proximal tubules in vitro, with varying perfusion rates, and in the presence of the Na/H-exchange inhibitor EIPA, the H+-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin, and the actin cytoskeleton inhibitor cytochalasin D. Paracellular permeability changes are assessed with measurements of epithelial HCO3− permeability and transepithelial potential difference (PD). It is found that 1) an increase in perfusion rate enhances HCO3− absorption and microvillous torque, and the fractional changes of each are nearly identical; 2) inhibition of NHE3 by EIPA, or H+-ATPase by bafilomycin, produced only partial inhibition of flow-stimulated bicarbonate transport; 3) disruption of the actin cytoskeleton by cytochalasin D blocked the increment of HCO3− absorption by high flow; and 4) HCO3− permeability and transepithelial PD are not modulated by flow. We conclude that flow-dependent modulation of proximal tubule HCO3− reabsorption is due to changes in both NHE3 and H+-ATPase activity within the luminal cell membrane and this requires an intact actin cytoskeleton. Paracellular permeability changes do not contribute to this flow dependence. Perfusion-absorption balance in the proximal tubule is a direct effect of flow-induced torque on brush-border microvilli to regulate luminal cell membrane transporter activity.
Evaluation of expandability for randomly interstratified illite/smectite using interstratificational peak broadening
Authors: Kang Il Mo , Kim Myung Hun , Kim Youn Joong , Moon Hi-Soo , Song Yungoo
Published: September 2005

This study attempted to quantify the interstratificational broadening of the randomly interstratified illite/smectite (random I∕S) basal reflection and to evaluate the percentage of the interstratified illite layers (%I) from the result. The interstratificational broadening was quantified using the distributional discrepancy (D) defined asD=[∑t∣ft(obs)−ft(ref)∣]∕2, whereft(obs) is the frequency of a crystallite containing thickness,t(the number of layers), measured from a basal reflection broadened by interstratifications, andft(ref) is the frequency for a basal reflection with no interstratificational broadening. The basal reflections at 5.2° 2θunder glycolation and 8.84° 2θunder thermal dehydration provided theft(obs) andft(ref) of random I∕S. The linear relation,D=2.17%I+2.49(0⩽%I⩽30), was obtained from simulations for SWy-2 (Wyoming, USA).
The direct determination of X-ray diffraction data from specific depths
Authors: Broadhurst A. , Rogers K. D. , Lane D. W. , Lowe T. W.
Published: September 2005

A direct method for determining powder diffraction data from a range of depths is described, where the linear absorption coefficient may vary with depth. A series of traditional data collections with varying angles of incidence are required, and the X-ray diffraction data arising from specific depths will be calculated by the transformation of these measured, angle-dependent spectra. These may then be analysed using any conventional method in order to gain information about characteristics of the sample in question at specific depths. Regularisation techniques have been used to solve the governing Fredholm integral equation to determine the depth-dependent diffractograms. The method has been validated by the use of simulated data having known model profiles, and has also been applied to experimental data from polycrystalline thin film samples.
Synthesis and crystal structure of the pyrovanadate Na2ZnV2O7
Authors: Tyutyunnik Alexander P. , Zubkov Vladimir G. , Surat Ludmila L. , Slobodin Boris V. , Svensson Gunnar
Published: September 2005

The compound Na2ZnV2O7 with an åkermanite-type structure has been synthesized. It has a tetragonal unit cell, a=8.2711(4), c=5.1132(2) Å, and crystallizes with P-421m symmetry, Z=2. Its crystal structure has been refined from a combination of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data. The structure contains layers of corner-sharing VO4 and ZnO4 tetrahedra, the former in pairs forming pyrovanadate V2O7 units. The sodium atoms are positioned between the layers, with a distorted antiprismatic coordination of oxygen atoms.
X-ray powder microdiffraction for routine analysis of paintings
Authors: Simova Veronika , Bezdicka P. , Hradilova J. , Hradil D. , Grygar T.
Published: September 2005

Laboratory powder X-ray microdiffraction with a focusing monocapillary and linear multichannel detector was applied to phase identification in fragments of painting layers of art works, canvas and wall paintings, and polychromes on wood. This method is useful in materials research of painting layers with complex stratigraphy, and it is indispensable in distinguishing inorganic pigments of different natural provenance and revealing degradation products. The advantage of X-ray microdiffraction is its nondestructive nature and no need of sample pretreatment. Samples after microdiffraction can hence be used for other analyses or archived. Another advantage is the possibility to work with samples smaller than 1 mm, which is particularly important in the analysis of artworks where the sample amount or size is a serious limit of using the laboratory techniques of materials research. The X-ray equipment used is more economical and more easily accessible than other microdiffraction techniques and is, hence, suitable for routine analytical work.
A simple tool for handling and loading capillary tubes
Authors: Neil John M. , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: September 2005

Drilling a hole in the blade of a vibrating spatula makes a simple tool for both handling and filling capillary tubes. It is especially useful for filling capillaries with air-sensitive samples in a glove box.
X-ray powder diffraction analysis of abacavir hemisulfate
Authors: Monger Gerald , Varlashkin Peter
Published: September 2005

The room temperature powder pattern of abacavir hemisulfate (anti-HIV reverse transcriptase compound) was indexed using 2θ values obtained from a powder pattern spiked with an internal standard. The resulting unit cell values for the monoclinic I2 cell [nonstandard setting of C2 (No. 5)] are a=13.278(1) Å, b=8.437(1) Å, c=14.259(2) Å, β=93.87(1)°. There are two formula units [(C14H16N6O)2.H2SO4] per unit cell and Dx=1.390 g∕cm3.
Quantitative phase analysis in the Ti–Al–C ternary system by X-ray diffraction
Authors: Wang Chang-An , Zhou Aiguo , Qi Liang , Huang Yong
Published: September 2005

Materials in the Ti–Al–C ternary system commonly contain three coexisting phases, Ti3AlC2, Ti2AlC, and TiC. Quantitative phase analysis in this ternary system was investigated using X-ray diffraction. First, nonoverlap diffraction peaks were selected: the (002) peak at 2θ=9.5° for Ti3AlC2(I∕I0=26.5), the (002) peak at 2θ=13.0° for Ti2AlC (I∕I0=39), and the (111) peak at 2θ=35.9° for TiC (I∕I0=78), respectively. Then, based on the mixing-sample method without internal standards, a set of equations was derived for determining the amounts of Ti3AlC2, Ti2AlC, and TiC in a sample using the intensities of the selected diffraction peaks. Finally, the applicability and error sources for this method were investigated. The method is simple and straightforward, and is applicable to the entire Ti–Al–C ternary system, since the derivation of this equation group is self-checking.
X-ray reference patterns and structure of the perovskite-related phase R2Cu9Ti12O36 (R=lanthanides)
Authors: Wong-Ng W. , Suh J. , Kaduk J. A.
Published: September 2005

The X-ray Rietveld refinement technique was used to determine the structure and prepare X-ray powder reference patterns for the phases R2Cu9Ti12O36 (R=Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Y, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu). R2Cu9Ti12O36 belongs to the perovskite-related [AC3](B4)O12 family of structures, which are cubic with space group Im3. The lattice parameters of the R2Cu9Ti12O36 series range from a=7.377 57(2) Å, V=401.550(3) Å3 for R=Lu to a=7.399 87(3) Å, and V=405.202(4) Å3 for R=Nd. The trend of these lattice parameters parallels the “lanthanide contraction.” In the structure, R occupies the larger icosahedral A site of the ideal ABO3 perovskite structure, while Ti occupies the distorted octahedral B site. The Jahn-Teller cation Cu occupies the C site. The twelve oxygens surrounding Cu are arranged as three mutually perpendicular rectangles of different size. The smallest and largest rectangles are nearly squares. One-third of the R site is vacant, and the chemical formula can be written as [R2∕3X1∕3Cu3](Ti4)O12, where X=vacancy. The X-ray powder patterns of R2Cu2Ti12O36 have been submitted to ICDD for inclusion in the Powder Diffraction File (PDF).
Increased Expression of Mineralocorticoid Effector Mechanisms in Kidney Biopsies of Patients With Heavy Proteinuria
Authors: Quinkler Marcus , Zehnder Daniel , Eardley Kevin S. , Lepenies Julia , Howie Alexander J. , Hughes Susan V. , Cockwell Paul , Hewison Martin , Stewart Paul M.
Published: September 2005

Background—

Aldosterone has emerged as a deleterious hormone in the heart, with mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blockade reducing mortality in patients with severe heart failure. There is also experimental evidence that aldosterone contributes to the development of nephrosclerosis and renal fibrosis in rodent models, but little is known of its role in clinical renal disease.

Methods and Results—

We quantified MR, serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (sgk1), and mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators such as macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), transforming growth factor-β1, and interleukin-6 in 95 human kidney biopsies in patients with renal failure and mild to marked proteinuria of diverse etiologic origins. We measured renal function, serum aldosterone, urinary MCP-1 protein excretion, and the amount of chronic renal damage. Macrophage invasion was quantified by CD68 and vascularization by CD34 immunostaining. Serum aldosterone correlated negatively with creatinine clearance (
P
<0.01) and positively with renal scarring (
P
<0.05) but did not correlate with MR mRNA expression or proteinuria. Patients with heavy albuminuria (>2 g/24 h; n=15) had the most renal scarring and the lowest endothelial CD34 staining. This group showed a significant 5-fold increase in MR, a 2.5-fold increase in sgk1 expression and a significant increase in inflammatory mediators (7-fold increase in MCP-1, 3-fold increase in transforming growth factor-β1, and 2-fold increase in interleukin-6 mRNA). Urinary MCP-1 protein excretion and renal macrophage invasion were significantly increased in patients with heavy albuminuria.

Conclusions—

These studies support animal data linking aldosterone/MR activation to renal inflammation and proteinuria. Further studies are urgently required to assess the potential beneficial effects of MR antagonism in patients with renal disease.
African Americans and School Leadership: An Introduction
Authors: Brown Frank
Published: September 2005

Elementary and secondary education is constantly discussed by the public media and scholars as the best medicine to help America compete effectively in the latest version of economic globalization. This article examines public education in an open political system involving racial, cultural, and ethnically diverse society and argues that such a diverse education should be reflected among school leaders. The author concludes that given this diversity, many African Americans live in single-race communities and attend single-race schools; we need to broaden our theory of leadership to include the views of African American scholars and practitioners and improve leadership preparation programs. The setting for this shift in educational paradigms is more imperative given the ending of the desegregation era. Much of the information can be applied to other racial and ethnic groups but is aimed specifically at African Americans.
The Role of an African American Principal in an Urban Information Technology High School
Authors: Gooden Mark A.
Published: September 2005

The research reported here is the result of an exploration of the challenges and triumphs of an African American secondary principal who used a culture-specific leadership style in his quest to raise the standards at an information technology high school. This case study of the principal explores his combining of the elements of traditional notions of leadership with the nontraditional notions of an ethnohumanist role to create a style that complemented the changing climate in a newly restructured urban school.
A dynamic Asian response to globalization in cross-cultural social work
Authors: Yip Kam-shing
Published: September 2005

Authentization, indigenization, cultural sensitivity, cultural competence and globalization are controversial issues in cross-cultural social work. In this article, the writer tries to clarify all these related concepts. In terms of various Asian cultural contexts, a model of dynamic Asian response and exchange in the field of cross-cultural social work practice in Asian countries is suggested.

French

L'authentization, l'indigénisation, la sensibilité culturelle, la compétence interculturelle et la mondialisation sont des questions controversées en travail social interculturel. Dans cet article, l'auteur tend à clarifier ces concepts interliés et suggère une réponse et des échanges asiatiques dynamiques dans le contexte culturel diversifié des contrées de l'Asie.

Spanish

La autencización, la indigenización, la sensibilidad cultural, la competencia cultural y la globalización son asuntos controvertidos en el trabajo social transcultural. El autor trata de clarificar todos estos relacionados conceptos. Respecto a varios contextos culturales de Asia, el autor sugiere un modelo dinámico de intercambio y respuesta asiática a la práctica de trabajo social transcultural en países de Asia.
Effects of the 1999 earthquake on the completely blind living in and outside Marmara, Turkey
Authors: Duyan Veli , Karatas Kasim
Published: September 2005

The purpose of this study was to determine the differential effects of the 1999 Marmara earthquake on self-esteem and anxiety levels of completely blind individuals living in the earthquake and non-earthquake regions. Findings indicate that living in the earthquake area decreases self-esteem and increases anxiety.

French

Cette étude a pour but de déterminer les effets différentiels du tremblement de terre de 1999 dans la région de Marmara en Turquie, sur l'estime de soi et les niveaux d'anxiété d'individus souffrant de perte totale de la vue. Les résultats révèlent que l'expérience de vie dans une zone de tremblements de terre réduit le niveau d'estime de soi et hausse le niveau d'anxiété.

Spanish

El propósito de este estudio fue determinar los diferentes efectos del terremoto de 1999 de la región Marmara de Turquía, en los niveles de auto estima y ansiedad de los individuos con pérdida completa del sentido de la vida, en regiones afectadas y no afectadas por el terremoto. Los hallazgos indican que vivir en zonas sísmicas disminuye la auto estima y aumenta la ansiedad.
Barriers to access
Authors: Puckett Lisa Morrison
Published: September 2005

Despite the small size of the Polish Romani population, the status and treatment of this group deserve special attention. This descriptive study identifies potential disconnects between the Roma and social services in the community and suggests practices to strengthen the connections between the marginalized Roma and the social service community.

French

Nonobstant la faible population Roma en Pologne, le statut et le traitement accordé à ce groupe mérite l'attention. Cette étude descriptive identifie des coupures potentielles entre les Roma et les services sociaux dans la communauté et suggère des pratiques visant à renforcer les liens entre les Roma marginalisés et les services sociaux.

Spanish

A pesar de la pequeña población de los Roma en Polonia, el estatus y tratamiento de este grupo merece especial atención. Este estudio descriptivo identifica la potencial desconexión entre los Roma y los servicios sociales en la comunidad; y sugiere prácticas para fortalecer las conexiones entre los Roma marginalizada y los servicios sociales comunitarios.
The spiritual dimension of person and environment
Authors: Zapf Michael Kim
Published: September 2005

The knowledge base of western social work is attempting to incorporate spirituality as another aspect of the individual client to consider for assessment or therapeutic purposes. Traditional knowledge systems offer an alternative perspective on the spiritual connections between person and place and the energies associated with particular locations.

French

Le travail social occidental centré sur le savoir en Occident essaie d'inclure la spiritualité comme dimension supplémentaire à prendre en considération lors de l'évaluation du client ou du choix des objectifs thérapeutiques. Les systèmes de savoir traditionnel offrent une perspective alternative sur les relations spirituelles entre les personnes et les lieux et les énergies associés à certains endroits particuliers.

Spanish

El trabajo social occidental está intentando incorporar la espiritualidad a sus conocimientos básicos como otro aspecto del individuo, que se ha de considerar para propósitos tanto de evaluación como terapéuticos. Los sistemas de sabiduría tradicional ofrecen una perspectiva alternativa de las conexiones entre la persona, el lugar, y las energías asociadas con lugares particulares.
Social work intervention with migrant workers in South Korea
Authors: Choi Jae-Sung , Choi Soochan
Published: September 2005

Although migrant workers have emerged as a major force throughout Korean industry, they are often alienated by disadvantageous labor conditions as well as social discrimination as a whole. Social workers in the work-place can themselves utilize the micro and macro procedures of assisting troubled newcomers.

French

Bien que les travailleurs immigrés en soient venus à occuper une place prépondérante dans l'industrie coréenne, ceux-ci se trouvent souvent aliénés parce qu'on leur impose des conditions de travail désavantageuses et sont victimes de discrimination. Les travailleurs sociaux en milieu de travail peuvent s'impliquer personnellement à travers des procédures micro et macro afin de venir en aide à ces nouveaux venus en difficulté.

Spanish

Aunque los trabajadores migratorios en la industria coreana se han convertido en una fuerza importante, a menudo están alienados, son discriminados socialmente, y trabajan en condiciones laborales desventajosas. Los trabajadores sociales en los lugares de trabajo pueden utilizar procedimientos micro y macro para ayudar a los recién llegados en sus problemas.
Constructing Insecurity: Australian Security Discourse and Policy Post-2001
Authors: McDonald Matt
Published: September 2005

This article explores the construction of security in the contemporary Australian context, arguing that the Australian government has represented, and attempted to construct support for, a statist, exclusionary and militaristic conception or discourse of security. This understanding of security is evident in the government’s representation and response to a range of issues since 2001, including asylum-seekers, terrorism and the war in Iraq. In exploring the processes through which the Australian government has elaborated this discourse and sought to create resonance for it in a domestic context, I argue that there remain important bases not simply for contesting this conception of security, but for acknowledging immanent possibilities for the understanding of security in the Australian context to change in normatively progressive ways. Acknowledging these possibilities is important in identifying the potential for progressive change in Australian security policy, while also shedding light on the role of security in the modern political project.
Tragedy or Scepticism? Defending the Anti-Pelagian Mind in World Politics
Authors: Rengger Nicholas
Published: September 2005

This article discusses the claims of Mervyn Frost and James Mayall that scholars of politics and international relations should take the notion of tragedy much more seriously than they, generally, have done, at least recently. It does this by also considering the arguments in favour of a tragic vision of politics outlined in Ned Lebow’s influential restatement of the realist tradition, The Tragic Vision of Politics, and traces these concerns back to their locus classicus in twentieth-century realism, Hans Morgenthau. It then considers Michael Oakeshott’s critique of Morgenthau, and argues that to develop an ‘anti-Pelagian’ political theory (as both Morgenthau and Oakeshott sought to do) we would be better to follow Oakeshott’s scepticisms than Morgenthau’s sense of the tragic.
Direct transition to long-acting risperidone - analysis of long-term efficacy
Authors: Kissling W. , Heres S. , Lloyd K. , Sacchetti E. , Bouhours P. , Medori R. , Llorca P. M.
Published: September 2005

This report presents data from the extension phase of a 6-month trial that evaluated the efficacy of risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI) in stable psychotic patients requiring a treatment change.

Patients continued to receive RLAI every 2 weeks for a maximum of 12 months from study entry. Symptoms were assessed using the PANSS after 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of treatment (or treatment endpoint). Remission of severity criteria were defined as ≤3 points in all PANSS items suggested by the Remission in Schizophrenia Working Group.

715 patients (63% male) entered the extension phase and 508 completed the 12-month study. The mean PANSS total score at Day 0 was 74.9±22.7. This was significantly reduced after 1 month (67.7 ±22.3, p≤0.001), with continued improvements over the 12 months of the study until treatment endpoint (59.7±21.9). Significant improvements from Day 0 to endpoint were also seen in the scores for all PANSS subscales and symptom factors. The proportion of patients who met the PANSS severity criteria for remission increased from 29% at Day 0 to 60% at endpoint, and the proportion of patients who met these criteria for ≤ 6 months increased from 24% at Month 6 to 45% at endpoint. Treatment with RLAI for up to 12 months provided significant and sustained improvements in symptom control in patients with schizophrenia. These improvements may help patients to achieve and remain in remission.
Sustained improvement of clinical outcome with risperidone long-acting injectable in psychotic patients previously treated with olanzapine
Authors: Gastpar M. , Masiak M. , Latif M. A. , Frazzingaro S. , Medori R. , Lombertie E. -R.
Published: September 2005

The efficacy and tolerability of risperidone long-acting injectable were investigated in patients with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders who had previously been symptomatically stable on olanzapine treatment. Patients received risperidone long-acting injectable, 25mg, by intramuscular injection every 2 weeks; the dose could be increased to 37.5 or 50 mg if necessary. Patients were transferred directly from their previous medication to risperidone long-acting injectable without a runin period of oral risperidone treatment.

Of 192 patients recruited, 134 patients (70%) completed the study. The principal reasons for discontinuation were withdrawal of consent (8%), adverse events (6%), insufficient response (5%) and non-compliance (4%). Risperidone long-acting injectable produced a significant improvement (p = 0.0001) in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total scores, from 74.2±21.3 at baseline to 65.8±21.4 at endpoint. There were also significant reductions in PANSS subscales (positive symptoms, negative symptoms, general psycho-pharmacology) and Marder factor scores. The Clinical Global Impression increased significantly from baseline to endpoint (p = 0.0001), as reflected by the increase in the proportion of patients rated as ‘not ill’ or ‘borderline ill’ from 10% at baseline to 21% at endpoint. Risperidone long-acting injectable was also associated with significant improvements in Global Assessment of Function, patient satisfaction with treatment, and quality of life, measured on the SF-36 scale. Movement disorders, measured on the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale, were significantly reduced following the change to risperidone long-acting injectable. Treatment with risperidone long-acting injectable was well tolerated, and no significant weight gain occurred during the study.

This open study suggests that risperidone long-acting injectable produces symptomatic improvement in schizophrenia patients previously considered symptomatically stable with olanzapine, along with improvement in movement disorders. The combination of improved efficacy and good tolerability may have important implications for patient adherence to therapy and subsequent long-term outcomes.
A Multirate Approach to Haptic Interaction with Deformable Objects Single and Multipoint Contacts
Authors: Barbagli Federico , Prattichizzo Domenico , Salisbury Kenneth
Published: September 2005

In this paper we describe a new solution for stable haptic interaction with deformable object simulations featuring low servo rates and computational delays. The solution presented is a combination of the local model and the virtual coupling concepts proposed in the past. By varying the local model impedance depending on the local stiffness of the deformable object, the interaction between local model and simulation can always be made stable independently of low servo rates or computational delays. Moreover, by using more complex local impedances that feature an integral term, we are able to control the steady-state error between the device and the surface of the deformable object. This allows us to maximize the Z -width of the simulation, while obtaining overall stable behavior without using any added damping. The local model is always computed using the current deformable object surface, thus allowing for multi-point contact interaction, i.e., allowing multiple users to feel each other’s influence on the object. The proposed solution is presented and analyzed in a multirate setting. Experimental results employing a Phantom haptic interface are presented.
Human-Machine Collaborative Systems for Microsurgical Applications
Authors: Kragic D. , Marayong P. , Li M. , Okamura A. M. , Hager G. D.
Published: September 2005

Human-machine collaborative systems (HMCSs) are systems that amplify or assist human capabilities during the performance of tasks that require both human judgment and robotic precision. We examine the design and performance of HMCSs in the context of microsurgical procedures such as vitreo-retinal eye surgery. Three specific problems considered are: (1) development of systems tools for describing and implementing HMCSs, (2) segmentation of complex tasks into logical components given sensor traces of human task execution, and (3) measurement and evaluation of HMCS performance. These components can be integrated into a complete workstation with the ability to automatically “parse” traces of user activities into task models, which are loaded into an execution environment to provide the user with assistance using on-line recognition of task states. The major contributions of this work include an XML task graph modeling framework and execution engine, an algorithm for real-time segmentation of user actions using continuous hidden Markov models, and validation techniques for analyzing the performance of HMCSs.
Localization and Navigation Assisted by Networked Cooperating Sensors and Robots
Authors: Corke Peter , Peterson Ron , Rus Daniela
Published: September 2005

In this paper we discuss how a network of sensors and robots can cooperate to solve important robotics problems such as localization and navigation. We use a robot to localize sensor nodes, and we then use these localized nodes to navigate robots and humans through the sensorized space. We explore these novel ideas with results from two large-scale sensor network and robot experiments involving 50 motes, two types of flying robot: an autonomous helicopter and a large indoor cable array robot, and a human-network interface. We present the distributed algorithms for localization, geographic routing, path definition and incremental navigation. We also describe how a human can be guided using a simple hand-held device that interfaces to this same environmental infrastructure.
Contact Location Display for Haptic Perception of Curvature and Object Motion
Authors: Provancher William R. , Cutkosky Mark R. , Kuchenbecker Katherine J. , Niemeyer Günter
Published: September 2005

We present a new tactile display for use in dexterous telemanipulation and virtual reality. Our system renders the location of the contact centroid moving on the user’s fingertip. Constructed in a thimble-sized package and mounted on a haptic force-feedback device, it provides the user with concurrent feedback of contact location and interaction forces. We believe such a design will enable more versatile object manipulation and richer haptic interactions. To evaluate this display concept, we conducted two perceptual experiments. First, human subjects judged object curvature using both direct manipulation of physical models and virtual manipulation via the device. Results show similar levels of discrimination in real and virtual interactions, indicating the device can effectively portray contact information. Secondly, we investigated virtual interactions with rolling and anchored objects and demonstrated that users are able to distinguish the interaction type using our device. These experiments give insight into the sensitivity of human perception and suggest that even a simple display of the contact centroid location may significantly enhance telerobotic or virtual grasping tasks.
Designing an Encountered-type Haptic Display for Multiple Fingertip Contacts Based on the Observation of Human Grasping Behaviors
Authors: Yokokohji Yasuyoshi , Muramori Nobuhiko , Sato Yuji , Yoshikawa Tsuneo
Published: September 2005

Unlike conventional haptic devices, an encountered-type device is not held by a user all the time. Instead, the device remains at the location of a virtual object and waits for the user to encounter it. In this paper, we extend this concept to fingertip contacts and design an encountered-type haptic display for multiple fingertip contacts to simulate tasks of grasping an object with any shape and size. Before designing the device, we intensively observed human grasping behaviors. This observation was very helpful to determine the mechanism of the device. An encountered-type device for three-fingered grasping was actually prototyped based on our design.
The Human-size Humanoid Robot That Can Walk, Lie Down and Get Up
Authors: Hirukawa Hirohisa , Kajita Shuuji , Kanehiro Fumio , Kaneko Kenji , Isozumi Takakatsu
Published: September 2005

In this paper we present a humanoid robot, HRP-2P, which can walk, lie down and get up. We believe that HRP-2P (154 cm height and 58 kg weight) is the first humanoid robot that is the size of a human and can lie down and get up. Biped walking is realized by a walking pattern generator using a preview control and a feedback control. The lying down and getting up motions were made possible by HRP-2P’s compact body with a waist joint and a novel motion controller.
Reagency of the Internet, or, How I Became a Guest for Science
Authors: Shrum Wesley
Published: September 2005

This essay is a call for research on the role of information and communication technology in distant lands. I address the globalization of science as a process by replacing the concept of development with the idea of reagency, a process of redirection involving a contingent reaction between identities. I focus on the Guest, an identity that assumes particular importance in relation to Hosts in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Following recent work that stresses the dependence of knowledge production on places, the Guest House is introduced as an architectural structure that crystallizes and reinforces a Guest/Host relationship that has developed during the aid era. The advent of the Internet offers the possibility of a change in the structure of science, with the inclusion of researchers in distant lands as full participants in global scientific communities. The principal issue is whether the connectivity initiative centering on the Internet is just another development program, like so many others that have come and gone, or whether it is different in character. Three empirical research questions are posed to assist in examining this question. A minor thread throughout the essay explains the author’s romantic interest in the subject, and his transition from a phony donor to a real one.