bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaporites of Ukraine: a review
Authors: Hryniv S. P. , Dolishniy B. V. , Khmelevska O. V. , Poberezhskyy A. V. , Vovnyuk S. V.
Published: December 2007

The results of geological and lithological–geochemical investigations of the Devonian, Permian, Jurassic and Miocene evaporite deposits of Ukraine are presented in review. The main regions of evaporite distribution are the Dnipro–Donets depression, Carpathian (Forecarpathians, Transcarpathians) and Foredobrogean regions. The data on tectonics and stratigraphy are presented and information on lithology, the mineralogical and geochemical study of gypsum, anhydrite, rock and potash salts are summarized. The rich mineral composition of the Miocene evaporites in the Carpathian Foredeep (more than 20 salt minerals) is demonstrated, and the unique superimposed hydrothermal mineralization in the rock salt of salt domes from the Dnipro–Donets depression is presented (containing about 40 high- and mid-temperature hydrothermal minerals). In particular, the results of brine inclusion studies in evaporite minerals suggest that seawater was the main source of most of the salts. The brines in both the Miocene and Permian evaporite basins are classified as the Na–K–Mg–Cl–SO
4
(SO
4
-rich) chemical type and the Jurassic and Devonian belong to the Na–K–Mg–Ca–Cl (Ca-rich) type. Temperature of solutions during halite precipitation shifted from 25 to 43 °C, while during the stage of potash salt sedimentation it apparently increased to 40–83 °C.
Depth indicators in Permian Basin evaporites
Authors: Hovorka S. D. , Holt R. M. , Powers D. W.
Published: December 2007

The Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico contains one of the world's best-preserved and most extensively studied evaporite basin-to-platform sequences. From analysis of fabrics and small-scale cycle patterns, reconstruction of the position of these elements in the basin-filling sequence and comparison to laboratory-grown and modern evaporite fabrics, we created a table of fabrics that serve as water-depth indicators. Evaporites formed in deeper water (more than a few to hundreds of metres) in both halite- and gypsum-precipitating settings in the Permian Basin are characterized by cumulate fabrics. Cumulates are fine crystals or rafts of fine crystals formed at the air – brine interface that fall though the water body and accumulate on the basin floor with fine lamination, draping relationships, dark colours and minimal early diagenesis. Intervals of coarser crystals precipitated on the basin floor are interpreted as evidence for episodic transport of saturated surface water to the basin floor during perturbation of stratified conditions. Shallow water evaporites in the Permian Basin are dominated by bottom-growth fabrics such as halite chevrons and near-vertically oriented gypsum crystals. Bands of fluid and other inclusions record high frequency changes in depositional rate. Truncated crystals document flooding by undersaturated fresh or marine water under shallow conditions where mixing was adequate to cause undersaturated low-density water to contact the basin floor. Formation of base-of-cycle insoluble residues is a strong indicator of shallow water during the flooding event that initiated each sedimentary cycle. In the Permian Basin, exposure is documented by formation of synsedimentary evaporite karst pits and pipes, truncation, dissolution and recrystallization of earlier fabrics, and precipitation of cements. Red siliciclastic mudstones are associated with the late stages of depositional cycles when the surface was subaerially exposed. Repetition of alternately exposed and saline water table conditions created an array of distinctive fabrics including chaotic mudstone–salt mixtures, karst fills, replacement and recrystallization fabrics, and cracks and saltpolygons.
Timing and origin of the South Atlantic pre-salt sag basins and their capping evaporites
Authors: Karner G. D. , Gambôa L. A. P.
Published: December 2007

Continental extension between West Africa and Brazil was responsible, directly or indirectly, for the development of the pre-salt sag basins and the evaporites of the South Atlantic salt basin. Subsidence mechanisms to explain these basins and their capping evaporites include: (1) deposition on Barremian-aged ocean crust; (2) rift propagation from east to west across the West African margin such that post-rift subsidence commenced in the east while rifting was still occurring to the west; and (3) depth-dependent lithospheric extension. Predicted thermal subsidence of oceanic crust or rifted lithosphere is inadequate to generate sufficient accommodation for the evaporites. Within the Santos Basin, extensional faulting within the pre-salt sag basin occurs up to the base of the evaporites; extension clearly continued to the late Aptian. Time-equivalent onshore and offshore pre-salt sections across the West African margin, and the inability to generate sufficient subsidence if the sections are considered to be post-rift, disqualifies east to west rift propagation as a mechanism for the observed pre-salt basins and evaporites. Barremian–Aptian depth-dependent extension best explains the general rift and post-rift development of the West African and Brazilian margins and the paucity of syn-rift faulting, the strain balance being achieved by the lateral emplacement of lower crust and continental mantle out from under the adjacent continental lithosphere. Regional exposure and truncation of the top pre-salt sag section attests to a climate-induced lake level drawdown during the mid Aptian, and offers a simple mechanism to generate the shallow water environments for evaporite precipitation across the West African–Brazilian rift system. In the subsequent marine transgression the Gabon and Angolan salts and the evaporites within the conjugate Camamu-Almada, Jequitinhonha and Cumuruxatiba basins were deposited. Santos and Campos basin evaporites are younger. The barrier to southern Atlantic marine incursions and the possible delay in Santos and Campos evaporite deposition relates to the magmatic constructions of a proto-Walvis Ridge and the long-lived anomalous topography of the southeastern Brazilian highlands; Campos and Santos basin extension was necessarily superimposed on a broad, high-relief plateau.
Basin analysis of the Burdigalian and Early Langhian successions, Kirkuk Basin, Iraq
Authors: Al-Juboury A. I. , Al-Tarif A. M. , Al-Eisa M.
Published: December 2007

Two depositional basins were present in the Kirkuk Basin of northeastern Iraq during the Burdigalian and Early Langhian ages (Late Lower–Early Middle Miocene) and have been studied at several oilfields. Both basins display shallowing upward sequences composed of carbonate and evaporite sediments. Evaporites form part of the sedimentary sequences that begin with normal open marine and shelf deposits and pass upward into thickly bedded and massive- nodular anhydrite that alternates with thinly bedded limestone (dolomitized with anhydrite nodules), and that is unconformably overlaid by massive bedded lagoonal limestone. The first basin of (Burdigalian age) is represented by the Serikagni, Euphrates and Dhiban formations, whereas the second of Langhian age includes the Jeribi and Fat'ha formations. The early part of the Burdigalian age is characterized by a marine transgression that covered a large part of the region, resulting in a broad spectrum of marine environments ranging from the open marine in the uppermost part of the gentle slope environments, evidenced in the Serikagni Formation, to the shallower environments of fore- and back-shoals of the Euphrates Formation. Regression took place at the end of this period and resulted in the deposition of the Dhiban Anhydrite Formation. The basin of deposition of the Dhiban Formation is an inherited basin from the older Serikagni and Euphrates basins. This is reflected in an inhomogeneous distribution, both of type and thickness, of evaporites. The Early Langhian age of the Kirkuk Basin is also characterized by a shallowing-upward sequence begun by sediments rich in planktonic foraminifera for the lower part of the Jeribe Formation and then shallow water and lagoonal carbonates for the upper part of the Jeribe Formation. The environment passed upwards into the evaporitic sequence of the Fat'ha Formation.
Experimental evaporation of superficial brines from continental playa–lake systems located in Central Ebro Basin (northeast Spain)
Authors: Lopez P. L. , Mandado J. M.
Published: December 2007

Solutions coming from two natural playa–lake saline systems located in Central Ebro Basin (NE Spain) have been evaporated in the laboratory, in order to obtain the precise path of chemical evolution followed until high concentration stages. The lakes belong to two chemically different neutral brines: La Playa (with Na–Cl solutions) and La Salada (Na–Mg–SO
4
type). Experimental evaporation has been carried out at 25 °C until total dryness, and samples collected along the experiment have been analysed for their major components. Application of geochemical modelling techniques allowed calculation of the saturation indexes for the main saline minerals using the PHRQPITZ program, which incorporates Pitzer's model. The mineral precipitation sequence for La Playa brines following the saturation data is: gypsum, halite, thenardite and epsomite. Brines reach saturation almost simultaneously with respect to both halite and thenardite, but halite precipitates more massively and hence the solid samples collected after total desiccation were composed mainly of halite. In the case of La Salada brines, the order of precipitation is somewhat different and is as follows: gypsum, mirabilite, thenardite and bloedite. Solid samples here consisted of bloedite and thenardite, this latter formed after subaquatic dehydration of mirabilite when brines attained a peritectic point. The evolution of saturation indexes is in good agreement with mineral determinations carried out on the solid experimental samples, and it allowed us to interpret the evaporative evolution of both La Playa and La Salada brines.
The Role of Pimecrolimus Cream 1% (Elidel®) in Managing Adult Atopic Eczema
Authors: Meurer Michael , Lübbe Jann , Kapp Alexander , Schneider Dirk
Published: December 2007

In approximately 60% of patients atopic eczema starts in early childhood and persists throughout adolescence. The inadequate treatment of adult patients with recurrent flaring atopic eczema is associated with poor symptom control and diminished quality of life. The prolonged continuous use of topical corticosteroids is not advocated because of the risk of local and systemic adverse events. Pimecrolimus cream 1% (Elidel®) is an alternative to topical corticosteroids, particularly for delicate skin, e.g. face and other sensitive skin areas, because it has no atrophogenic potential. The results from clinical trials in adult patients demonstrate that intermittent treatment with pimecrolimus relieves the acute symptoms of atopic eczema and improves disease control and quality of life in the long term.
An Update on the Safety and Tolerability of Pimecrolimus Cream 1%: Evidence from Clinical Trials and Post-Marketing Surveillance
Authors: Langley Richard G.B. , Luger Thomas A. , Cork Michael J. , Schneider Dirk , Paul Carle
Published: December 2007

In this report, we review the data on the safety and tolerability of pimecrolimus cream 1% (Elidel®) from clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance in patients with atopic dermatitis. These data demonstrate that topically applied pimecrolimus is minimally absorbed through the skin and has afavourable safety margin. The most common treatment-related adverse events are transient local reactions, particularly skin burning (16.1 and 12.9 events per 1,000 patient-months of follow-up in adults and children, respectively). When compared to the vehicle, the use of pimecrolimus cream 1% is associated with an increased incidence of herpes simplex virus infections in children (relative risk: 2.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.2–5.8; p = 0.017). However, pimecrolimus cream 1% does not increase the incidence of any skin infection in comparison with moderately potent topical corticosteroids and lacks other corticosteroid-related side effects such as skin atrophy. While cases of malignancy have been reported in patients who have used pimecrolimus cream 1%, there is no clinical evidence to establish that treatment with pimecrolimus cream 1% increases the risk of malignancy.
Impact of Different Toothpastes on the Prevention of Erosion
Authors: Lussi A. , Megert B. , Eggenberger D. , Jaeggi T.
Published: December 2007

The aim of the present study was to test the impact of different toothpastes on the prevention of erosion. Enamel demineralization and remineralization were monitored using surface microhardness (SMH) measurements. Human enamel specimens were treated following two different procedures: (1) incubation in toothpaste slurry followed by acid softening and artificial saliva exposure; (2) acid softening followed by incubation in toothpaste slurry and artificial saliva exposure. For the control procedure, toothpaste treatment was excluded. The following toothpastes were tested: Zendium, Sensodyne Proschmelz (Pronamel), Prodent Rocket Power, Meridol and Signal active. Normalized SMH values compared to the baseline (= 1.00) after 1-hour artificial saliva exposure for procedure 1 (respectively for procedure 2) were as follows (mean: 95% CI): Sensodyne Proschmelz 0.97: 0.93, 1.00 (0.92: 0.90, 0.94), Zendium 0.97: 0.94, 1.00 (0.89: 0.83, 0.95), Meridol 0.97: 0.94, 1.00 (0.94: 0.92, 0.96), Signal active 0.94: 0.91, 0.97 (0.95: 0.91, 0.99), Prodent Rocket Power 0.92: 0.90, 0.94 (0.93: 0.89, 0.97) and control 0.91: 0.88, 0.94. Further exposure to artificial saliva for up to 4 h showed no significant improvement of SMH. Regression analyses revealed a significant impact of the applied procedure. Incubation in toothpaste slurries before the acid challenge seems to be favorable to prevent erosion. None of the tested toothpastes showed statistically significant better protection than another against an erosive attack.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a Patient with Chronic Cyanoacrylate Exposure
Authors: Layden Brian T. , Joseph Mathew , Tallman Martin S. , Platanias Leonidas C.
Published: December 2007

Environmental agents have long been thought to be linked to the development of malignancies. Due to the difficulty in identifying and verifying exposures to such agents, only a few chemical compounds are clearly linked to malignancies. We report here the case of a 36-year-old man with pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This patient was using industrial strength glue to reattach a chipped tooth for approximately 1 year, and such use was associated with chronic exposure of his oral mucosa to this glue. This case raises the possibility that chronic exposure to cyanoacrylates, the adhesive agents in industrial strength glue, may be associated with the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in humans.
Serum High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Is Not Increased in Patients with IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Baek Joo Eun , Chang Jai Won , Min Won Ki , Cho Yong Mee , Park Jung Sik , Kim Soon Bae
Published: December 2007

Background/Aims: The development of renal injury in glomerulonephritis (GN) has been related to systemic inflammatory mediators. We investigated whether serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker reflecting the inflammatory pathogenesis of primary GN. Methods: We compared serum hs-CRP levels in 192 patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), 43 patients with membranous nephropathy (MN), and 25 patients with minimal change disease (MCD) undergoing kidney biopsy and 638 matched controls. Results: There were no differences in hs-CRP levels between controls (median 0.08 mg/dl; range 0.03–1.87 mg/dl) and patients with IgAN (0.08 mg/dl; 0.03–3.13 mg/dl), MN (0.07 mg/dl; 0.03–0.99 mg/dl) or MCD (0.08 mg/dl; 0.03–1.75 mg/dl). In patients with IgAN, hs-CRP levels did not differ according to Haas’ pathological subclasses or subsequent renal outcomes. In the IgAN group, hs-CRP showed positive correlations with IgA, uric acid, systolic blood pressure, BMI and age. Hs-CRP level was significantly higher in male than in female IgAN patients. Serum IgA concentration was the strongest independent correlate with hs-CRP levels, and gender and BMI were also independently associated with hs-CRP. There were no correlations between hs-CRP and markers of disease activity. Conclusion: It is likely that hs-CRP does not closely reflect inflammatory pathogenesis in patients with IgAN, MN and MCD.
rHuEPO Dose Inversely Correlated with the Number of Circulating CD34+ Cells in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kohagura Kentaro , Ohya Yusuke , Miyagi Shinyu , Ishida Akio , Yakabi Shizuko , Iseki Kunitoshi , Yamane Nobuhisa , Takishita Shuichi
Published: December 2007

Background: A decreased number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as well as anemia have been reported to be associated with cardiovascular disease. Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients who require higher doses of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) have higher cardiovascular mortality. However, it has not been examined whether there is correlation between the numbers of CD34+ cells, including EPCs and erythroid progenitor cells, and the dose of rHuEPO in MHD patients. Methods: We measured the number of circulating CD34+ cells by flow cytometry and examined the clinical characteristics in 35 MHD patients (50% male). Results: A significant negative correlation was discovered between the number of circulating CD34+ cells and the dose of rHuEPO (r = –0.441, p = 0.013). We performed multivariate regression analysis to determine whether the number of CD34+ cells was associated with age, gender, diabetes, serum albumin, C-reactive protein, ferritin, statin, and dose of rHuEPO. The dose of rHuEPO, diabetes, and statin were independent predictors of the number of circulating CD34+ cells. A reciprocal analysis that divided these patients into two groups according to mean value of CD34+ cells also demonstrated the significant relationship between rHuEPO dose level and the number of CD34+ cells. Conclusion: These findings suggested that the requirement of a higher dose of rHuEPO to maintain target hemoglobin was associated with a decrease in the number of CD34+ cells. This relationship may be partly responsible for the higher cardiovascular mortality of this group among MHD patients.
Cytokine Expression in Response to Bacterial Antigens in Preterm and Term Infant Cord Blood Monocytes
Authors: Tatad A.M. Francesca , Nesin Mirjana , Peoples John , Cheung Sandy , Lin Hong , Sison Cristina , Perlman Jeffrey , Cunningham-Rundles Susanna
Published: December 2007

Background: Neonatal susceptibility to bacterial infection is associated with an immature immune system, but the role of different bacterial antigens in specific responses is largely unknown. Objective: To evaluate differences in intracellular cytokine response to physiologically relevant bacterial antigens in term and preterm infants as compared with adults. Methods: Cord blood samples from preterm and term neonates and adult peripheral blood samples were cultured ex vivo with and without whole heat-killed bacteria. Intracellular leukocyte production of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-8 responses was assessed by flow cytometry. Results: Monocytes were the primary producers of all mediators. Escherichia coli was the most potent stimulant. Lactobacillus plantarum299v activated fewer monocytes as compared with E. coli for all responses (p < 0.05), except for IL-12 in term neonates. IL-6 response to Staphylococcus epidermidis was lower in both groups of neonates as compared with adults (p = 0.023 and p = 0.001). IL-8 response to S. epidermidis was lower in term as compared with preterm neonates and adults (p = 0.003). IL-10 response to group B streptococci was lower in term neonates as compared with adults and higher in preterm as compared with term neonates (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Monocytes from term neonates compared to preterm neonates show a downregulated anti-inflammatory response to specific bacteria. High neonatal response to pathogenic E. coli in the preterm infant could cause uncontrolled inflammatory response, while lower IL-6 response to S. epidermidis in neonates may indicate a basis for vulnerability to S. epidermidis infection.
Different Risk Factors for Vascular Calcification in End-Stage Renal Disease between Diabetics and Nondiabetics: The Respective Importance of Glycemic and Phosphate Control
Authors: Ishimura Eiji , Okuno Senji , Taniwaki Hiromichi , Kizu Akane , Tsuchida Takao , Shioi Atsushi , Shoji Tetsuo , Tabata Tsutomu , Inaba Masaaki , Nishizawa Yoshiki
Published: December 2007

Vascular calcification is highly prevalent in dialysis patients, and significantly increases cardiovascular mortality. The presence and progression of vascular calcification is significantly associated with chronic inflammation and malnutrition. Disorders of mineral metabolism, particularly hyperphosphatemia, have been emphasized as risk factors for vascular calcification. Although vascular calcification has been reported to be highly prevalent in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the risk factors for vascular calcification in these patients have not been fully explored. Through a review of the literature and our recent studies examining vascular calcification in ESRD patients, hyperphosphatemia is significantly associated with vascular calcification in nondiabetic ESRD patients, while it may not be a significant risk factor for vascular calcification in diabetic ESRD patients. In diabetic patients, vascular calcification occurs long before the initiation of dialysis therapy, and the factors associated with vascular calcification in non-uremic diabetics appear to be hyperglycemia and related metabolic disorders, such as increased glycation and oxidative stress. In diabetic ESRD patients, hyperglycemia is also suggested to be a significant factor associated with the progression of vascular calcification. Thus, the importance of glycemic and phosphate control is suggested to be emphasized in diabetic and nondiabetic ESRD patients, respectively, for prevention of the progression of vascular calcification.
Effects of Locally Applied 5-Fluorouracil on the Prevention of Postmastectomy Seromas in a Rat Model
Authors: Kocdor M.A. , Kilic Yildiz D. , Kocdor H. , Canda T. , Yilmaz O. , Oktay G. , Harmancioglu O.
Published: December 2007

Backgrounds: Seroma formation is the most common complication following mastectomy and axillary dissection (AD). Currently available interventions have aimed at obliterating dead space by inducing fibrosis and through various mechanical methods. Here, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), used as a sclerosing agent for the prevention of seroma formation, was investigated in a rat mastectomy model. Methods: 20 rats were divided into two groups (5-FU and control). All rats underwent mastectomy and AD. Immediately following the operation, equal volumes of saline and 5-FU were administered under the surgical flaps. One week after the operation, seroma formation and wound-healing processes were evaluated using histopathological and biochemical investigations. Results: 5-FU did not act as a sclerosing agent, yet it was highly effective in preventing seroma formation. The intensity of acute inflammation, vascularity, as well as leukocyte and fibroblast infiltration, were significantly lower in the 5-FU group than the control; the tissue collagen fractions and total seroma collagen contents were found to be similar between the two groups. Conclusions: The mechanisms underlying seroma prevention by 5-FU are probably related to a decrease in the inflammation and angiogenesis rather than a local fibrotic process. Seroma formation may be due to a prolonged inflammatory phase of wound healing.
Chemotherapy Use and Associated Factors among Cancer Patients near the End of Life
Authors: Yun Young Ho , Kwak Miyoung , Park Sang Min , Kim Samyong , Choi Jong Soo , Lim Ho-Yeong , Lee Chang Geol , Choi Youn Seon , Hong Young Seon , Kim Si-Young , Heo Dae Seog
Published: December 2007

Objectives: We investigated the frequency of chemotherapy use and its associated factors in patients in all age groups in the last year of life. Methods: We identified cancer patients who died in 2004 in any of 17 hospitals. We used demographic and treatment characteristics by computerized hospital information systems and by linking the identification numbers to the 2004 death registry. Results: 48.7% of patients in the last 6 months of life, 43.9% in the last 3 months, and 30.9% in the last month of life received chemotherapy. The frequency of chemotherapy use was lower for older patients. In those ≧65 years old, there was no difference between women and men in the proportion that received chemotherapy. For patients <65 years of age, a larger proportion of women than men received chemotherapy, and chemotherapy use was significantly less frequent for patients with refractory disease than for those with responsive disease. Patients dying at a relatively small hospital without a hospice inpatient unit were significantly more likely to receive chemotherapy. Conclusions: Despite the fact that most cancer patients are resistant to chemotherapy at the end of life, it was administered often to all age groups.
Retrieving the Past for the Future? Indonesia and the New Order Legacy
Authors: Hadiz Vedi R.
Published: December 2007

Dramatic changes occurring in Indonesia since the fall of Soeharto may suggest that a complete break has taken place with the system of power and social order that was nurtured under his rule. Indeed, Indonesia has entered a new phase in its history. However, the legacy of the New Order will continue to greatly influence Indonesia's post-Soeharto social and political trajectory. One of the major features of the New Order was a system of power which prohibited the emergence of effective lower-class based movements and organizations and one in which elites were insulated from lower-class pressure. This is very important to our understanding of the future course of democratic struggles in Indonesia.
Augustine's Doctrine of Witness and Attitudes toward the Jews in the Eleventh Century
Authors: Frassetto Michael
Published: December 2007

Throughout the Middle Ages Augustine of Hippo's doctrine of witness shaped theological attitudes toward the Jews and moderated Christian behavior toward them. Despite the importance of this doctrine, Christian authors sometimes turned away from the doctrine to create a new theological image of the Jew that justified contemporary violence against them. The writings of Ademar of Chabannes (989-1034) demonstrate the temporary abandonment of Augustine's doctrine during a time of heightened apocalypticism and attacks on the Jews. Ademar's writings thus reveal an important moment in the history of relations between Christians and Jews in the Middle Ages.
Dose Proportionality of Treprostinil Sodium Administered by Continuous Subcutaneous and Intravenous Infusion
Authors: McSwain C. Shane , Benza Ray , Shapiro Shelley , Hill Nicholas , Schilz Robert , Elliott C. Gregory , Zwicke Diann L. , Oudiz Ronal J. , Staszewski Jame P. , Arneson Car P. , Wade Michael , Zaccardelli David , McLaughlin Vallerie
Published: December 2007

This study assessed the relationship between dose and plasma concentration following administration of treprostinil sodium infusion therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients. This was a multicenter, open–label, multiple–cohort, steady‐state, pharmacokinetic study in subjects with pulmonary arterial hypertension receiving treprostinil by continuous intravenous or subcutaneous infusion at doses between 10 and 125 ng/kg/min. A blood sample was obtained from each patient at steady state and analyzed via a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method. Forty‐nine subjects receiving treprostinil were enrolled. Treprostinil doses ranged from 12.1 to 125 ng/kg/min; treprostinil plasma concentrations ranged from 14.9 to 18 248 pg/mL. Linear regression analysis revealed a correlation between treprostinil dose and treprostinil plasma concentration with an R2 value of 0.561. Using a power model to assess dose proportionality, the estimated nonproportionality parameter was 0.641 (95% confidence interval: 0.083–1.199), reflecting consistency with dose proportionality. Subset linear regression analysis, which excluded 2 subjects with anomalous treprostinil plasma concentrations, increased the R2 value to 0.796. Using a power model to assess dose proportionality of this subset, the estimated nonproportionality parameter was 0.941 (95% confidence interval: 0.809–1.073). This study supports previous findings of linearity at lower doses up to 15 ng/kg/min and demonstrates linearity at treprostinil doses up to 125 ng/kg/min.
Oriental Disadvantage versus Occidental Exuberance
Authors: Chatterjee Deba Prashad
Published: December 2007

This exploratory study is an attempt to appraise concern for environmental pollution in India, in a local context. Taking into account a possible East—West difference in conceptualizing environmental concern, it attempts to understand the role of different sociodemographic variables in predicting `environmental concern' in an Indian context. The much exercised HEP—NEP distinction developed in the West seems inappropriate in the Indian context due to wide differences in traditions and the dominant worldviews. Collecting data from a purposive household survey of 375 respondents, an understanding of major sociodemographic determinants of environmental concern using correlation and multivariate regression analysis has been attempted. The findings are also compared with results from other studies in the West on the whole along with the Health of the Planet (HOP) Survey, 1993 findings on `Willingness to Pay' for India, in particular. The study exhibits a significant positive association of environmental concern with residence, education and income, supporting social class analysis based on a postmaterialism thesis. While age fails to show any significant influence, `caste', a traditional Indian institution, reflects a positive association supporting the elitist bias hypothesis of environmental concern. The study emphasizes the need for further empirical explorations in this regard in order to examine environmental concern in India in a more effective way.
What Happened to the Popularity of the Polder Model?
Authors: Karsten Luchien , van Veen Kees , van Wulfften Palthe Annelotte
Published: December 2007

This article studies the rise and fall of the popular Polder Model concept from a fashion perspective. By applying both the epistemological and methodological tools developed to study management fashions, the authors focus on the events connected to this political fashion. First, a description of the content of the Polder Model is provided in which it is suggested that the concept contains two different meanings, one rooted in the Dutch decision-making style (neocorporatism) and one in a specific policy mix (i.e. problem solving) concerning labour and social welfare policies. Second, an analysis is given of the genesis of the concept and its popularity over time. Third, attention paid in other countries to the model is discussed and also criticism of the model. The article concludes with a discussion on the similarities and differences between fashions in the discourses of management and of politics.
Institutional Change in the World Polity
Authors: Koenig Matthias
Published: December 2007

This article discusses the transformation of the classical nation-state, as articulated in contemporary struggles for recognition. Elaborating neoinstitutional world polity theory, it analyses global institutional changes that underlie those transformations. It is claimed that the worldwide diffusion of the classical nation-state model itself has had paradoxical consequences, which have in the long run generated a new model of multicultural citizenship, legitimating the decoupling of state membership, individual rights and national identity. The argument is based on empirical evidence from a semantic analysis of international legal discourse on human rights, particularly in the field of religion. Documentary sources suggest that the content of human rights has changed in the second half of the 20th century; the close link between human rights and national self-determination was superseded by the idea that the protection of human rights requires states to recognize a diversity of primordial or traditional identity groups.
Assessing Distributive Justice in Marketing: A Benefit-Cost Approach
Authors: Klein Thomas A.
Published: December 2007

Distributive justice, the fair apportioning of benefits and costs, is a social performance criterion in marketing and in organizational and other social contexts. In determining what is more or less just or fair, conflicts arise because of differing perspectives. Benefit-cost analysis offers an appropriate framework and method for evaluating and resolving these conflicts. This article examines several macromarketing issues, and policy alternatives are identified and evaluated. Some correctives that intuitively promise better outcomes, after more careful analysis, may not be more just. However, the principal contribution here is to demonstrate how the lens of benefit-cost analysis can aid in assessing both existing inequities and the effects of interventions intended to correct them. Finally, the limitations and implications of this approach to addressing this aspect of market performance are discussed.
Ethical issues in social research involving people with dementia
Authors: Sherratt Chris , Soteriou Tony , Evans Simon
Published: December 2007

Involving people with dementia in research raises many ethical and practical issues for people with dementia, carers and family members, researchers and care professionals. Internationally, the legal, governance and ethical framework for such research is rapidly changing, and there is considerable debate about how these changes will affect social research that needs to involve people with advancing dementia. This article is based on challenges that the authors faced when trying to develop a follow-up research proposal that would have involved people with advancing dementia, and consequential loss of capacity, in social research. It explores a range of issues and concerns, including accessing data to identify potential participants, assessing mental capacity, obtaining consent and the role of gatekeepers. These issues are discussed in the context of emerging governance in social care research and current and new legislation in the UK, the rest of Europe and beyond. The existing processes of ethical review are outlined and the implications for research of the new Mental Capacity Act, recently implemented in England and Wales, are considered. The difficult balance between protecting vulnerable individuals, recognizing the importance and benefits to society of research and maintaining an individual's right to take part in research is discussed. The article concludes with recommendations for researchers planning to undertake projects that may include people with reduced capacity as participants.
Entering the dialogue
Authors: Davies Judie , Gregory David
Published: December 2007

Classic research and care traditions concerned with dementia (biomedical, psychological and sociological) have mainly focused on the person with dementia and his/her spousal caregiver as individuals living in parallel. That is, couples are not really considered as living-in-relationship. Researchers, for example, have examined the relative impact of burden and stress on people with dementia and their spouses. People living with dementia and their partners as care providers, however, are fundamentally living-in-relationship. In general, it is the historical and contextual bond found in the marital relationship, and in particular the commitment to the marriage, that influences how dementia is encountered and lived by couples. Relationships, as articulated in the marriage biography, allow us to understand dementia and its effect on the interaction of partners and families as a potentially important resource. The couples' marriage biography can potentially provide an understanding of the interaction between marital relationship (its quality) and dementia. The impact of dementia on the person/spouse and the marital relationship, as well as the impact of the marital relationship on the dementia experience, should be of central concern to researchers and health care providers.
Staff-based measures of individualized care for persons with dementia in long-term care facilities
Authors: Chappell Neena L. , Reid R. Colin , Gish Jessica A.
Published: December 2007

Although individualized care for persons with dementia in long-term care institutions has become accepted as best practice, there have not been easy-to-use, multi-item reliable measures of the concept for scientific research or for administrative use. Following review of the literature, consultation with experts in the field, and direct observation within long-term care facilities, three domains of individualized care (knowing the person/resident, resident autonomy and choice, communication — staff-to-staff and staff-to-resident) were chosen as appropriate for the development of multi-item paper-and-pencil staff completion scales. These scales are presented in this article, including, where appropriate, shorter scales derived from factor analyses. The findings suggest that these domains of individualized care lend themselves to brief multi-item measures and that not all conceptual domains of individualized care co-occur in practice. Further, supplemental staff training in individualized care practice may be warranted.
Consumer Decision Factors for Initial and Long-Term Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Authors: Sirois Fuschia M. , Purc-Stephenson Rebecca J.
Published: December 2007

Guided by the conceptual framework of the consumer decision-making model, the present study compared the factors associated with initial and long-term use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers. A survey was completed by 239 people recruited from the offices of physicians and CAM practitioners. Conventional medicine clients ( n = 54), new or infrequent clients ( n = 73), and established CAM clients ( n = 112) were compared to identify the decision factors for initial and long-term CAM use. Consistent with the components of this model, we found support for the roles of external influences (age, social recommendations), decision process factors (symptom severity, egalitarian provider preference), and post-decision factors (dissatisfaction with conventional care) depending on whether the pattern of CAM use was new or infrequent or established. Overall, this study provides preliminary support for the utility of the consumer decision-making model as an integrative framework for understanding the roles of correlates of CAM use.
Downregulation of COP9 signalosome subunits differentially affects the CSN complex and target protein stability
Authors: Peth Andreas , Berndt Christoph , Henke Wolfgang , Dubiel Wolfgang
Published: December 2007

Background

The COP9 signalosome (CSN) is a conserved protein complex in eukaryotic cells consisting of eight subunits (CSN1 to CSN8). Recent data demonstrate that the CSN is a regulator of the ubiquitin (Ub) proteasome system (UPS). It controls substrate ubiquitination by cullin-RING Ub ligases (CRLs), a process that determines substrate specificity of the UPS. The intrinsic deneddylating activity localized to CSN5 as well as the associated kinases and deubiquitinating activity are involved in the regulatory function of CSN. The exact mechanisms are unclear. In this study we knocked down CSN1 (siCSN1), CSN3 (siCSN3) and CSN5 (siCSN5) by specific siRNA oligos permanently expressed in HeLa cells. The analysis and comparison of siRNA cells revealed differential impact of individual subunits on CSN structure and function.

Results

Permanent knockdowns of CSN1 and CSN3 led to a reduction of the subunits to approximately 40%, which is accompanied by a proportional decrease of the CSN holocomplex. In contrast, downregulation of CSN5 in HeLa cells reduced the CSN5 protein below 20% without significant effects on the remaining complex. The CRL component Rbx1 was characterized by accelerated proteolysis in siCSN1 and siCSN3 and also in siCSN5 cells, however, with lesser extent. Immunoprecipitated CSN complex from siCSN5 cells was less effective in phosphorylating c-Jun and p27. Accelerated degradation of c-Jun in siCSN5 cells was rescued by overexpression of CSN5 as well as of the deneddylation mutant CSN5D151N. Overexpression of CSN5 cannot rescue c-Jun destabilization in siCSN1.

Conclusion

There exists a coordinated downregulation of CSN subunits in the CSN1 and CSN3 knockdowns. The underlying regulatory mechanisms are obscure. CSN5 seems to possess a specific status in HeLa cells. Its reduction is not connected with coordinated downregulation of other subunits. CSN knockdowns confirm that the stabilization of the CRL component Rbx1 is a major CSN function. In addition, downregulation of CSN subunits influences the stability of important cellular regulators such as c-Jun and p27.
Identification of chromosomal alpha-proteobacterial small RNAs by comparative genome analysis and detection in Sinorhizobium meliloti strain 1021
Authors: Ulvé Vincent M , Sevin Emeric W , Chéron Angélique , Barloy-Hubler Frédérique
Published: December 2007

Background

Small untranslated RNAs (sRNAs) seem to be far more abundant than previously believed. The number of sRNAs confirmed in E. coli through various approaches is above 70, with several hundred more sRNA candidate genes under biological validation. Although the total number of sRNAs in any one species is still unclear, their importance in cellular processes has been established. However, unlike protein genes, no simple feature enables the prediction of the location of the corresponding sequences in genomes. Several approaches, of variable usefulness, to identify genomic sequences encoding sRNA have been described in recent years.

Results

We used a combination of in silico comparative genomics and microarray-based transcriptional profiling. This approach to screening identified ~60 intergenic regions conserved between Sinorhizobium meliloti and related members of the alpha-proteobacteria sub-group 2. Of these, 14 appear to correspond to novel non-coding sRNAs and three are putative peptide-coding or 5' UTR RNAs (ORF smaller than 100 aa). The expression of each of these new small RNA genes was confirmed by Northern blot hybridization.

Conclusion

Small non coding RNA (sra) genes can be found in the intergenic regions of alpha-proteobacteria genomes. Some of these sra genes are only present in S. meliloti, sometimes in genomic islands; homologues of others are present in related genomes including those of the pathogens Brucella and Agrobacterium.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase, Nos2, does not mediate optic neuropathy and retinopathy in the DBA/2J glaucoma model
Authors: Libby Richard T , Howell Gareth R , Pang Iok-Hou , Savinova Olga V , Mehalow Adrienne K , Barter Joseph W , Smith Richard S , Clark Abbot F , John Simon WM
Published: December 2007

Background

Nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) contributes to neural death in some settings, but its role in glaucoma remains controversial. NOS2 is implicated in retinal ganglion cell degeneration in a rat glaucoma model in which intraocular pressure (IOP) is experimentally elevated by blood vessel cauterization, but not in a rat glaucoma model where IOP was elevated by injection of hypertonic saline. To test the importance of NOS2 for an inherited glaucoma, in this study we both genetically and pharmacologically decreased NOS2 activity in the DBA/2J mouse glaucoma model.

Methods

The expression of Nos2 in the optic nerve head was analyzed at both the RNA and protein levels at different stages of disease pathogenesis. To test the involvement of Nos2 in glaucomatous neurodegeneration, a null allele of Nos2 was backcrossed into DBA/2J mice and the incidence and severity of glaucoma was assessed in mice of each Nos2 genotype. Additionally, DBA/2J mice were treated with the NOS2 inhibitor aminoguanidine and the disease compared to untreated mice.

Results

Optic nerve head Nos2 RNA levels varied and increased during moderate but decreased at early and severe stages of disease. Despite the presence of a few NOS2 positive cells in the optic nerve head, NOS2 protein was not substantially increased during the glaucoma. Genetic deficiency of Nos2 or aminoguanidine treatment did not alter the IOP profile of DBA/2J mice. Additionally, neither Nos2 deficiency nor aminoguanidine had any detectable affect on the glaucomatous optic nerve damage.

Conclusion

Glaucomatous neurodegeneration in DBA/2J mice does not require NOS2 activity. Further experiments involving various models are needed to assess the general importance of Nos2 in glaucoma.
Meat, vegetables and genetic polymorphisms and the risk of colorectal carcinomas and adenomas
Authors: Skjelbred Camilla F , Sæbø Mona , Hjartåker Anette , Grotmol Tom , Hansteen Inger-Lise , Tveit Kjell M , Hoff Geir , Kure Elin H
Published: December 2007

Background

The risk of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) is mainly associated with lifestyle factors, particularly dietary factors. Diets high in red meat and fat and low in fruit and vegetables are associated with an increased risk of CRC. The dietary effects may be modulated by genetic polymorphisms in biotransformation genes. In this study we aimed to evaluate the role of dietary factors in combination with genetic factors in the different stages of colorectal carcinogenesis in a Norwegian population.

Methods

We used a case-control study design (234 carcinomas, 229 high-risk adenomas, 762 low-risk adenomas and 400 controls) to test the association between dietary factors (meat versus fruit, berries and vegetables) genetic polymorphisms in biotransformation genes (GSTM1,GSTT1,GSTP1Ile105Val,EPHX1Tyr113His andEPHX1His139Arg), and risk of colorectal carcinomas and adenomas. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were estimated by binary logistic regression.

Results

A higher ratio of total meat to total fruit, berry and vegetable intake was positively associated with both high and low-risk adenomas, with approximately twice the higher risk in the 2ndquartile compared to the lowest quartile. For the high-risk adenomas this positive association was more obvious for the common allele (Tyr allele) of theEPHX1codon 113 polymorphism. An association was also observed for theEPHX1codon 113 polymorphism in the low-risk adenomas, although not as obvious.

Conclusion

Although, the majority of the comparison groups are not significant, our results suggest an increased risk of colorectal adenomas in individuals for some of the higher ratios of total meat to total fruit, berry and vegetable intake. In addition the study supports the notion that the biotransformation enzymes GSTM1, GSTP1 and EPHX1 may modify the effect of dietary factors on the risk of developing colorectal carcinoma and adenoma.