bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of Fes inhibits VEGF‐A‐induced chemotaxis and capillary‐like morphogenesis by cultured endothelial cells
Authors: Kanda Shigeru , Kanetake Hiroshi , Miyata Yasuyoshi
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to determine whether the downregulation of endogenous Fes by siRNA in cultured endothelial cells affects vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A)‐induced chemotaxis and capillary‐like morphogenesis, which are considered as angiogenic cellular responses in vitro. VEGF‐A‐treatment induced autophosphorylation of Fes in cultured endothelial cells.LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibitor, significantly inhibited VEGF‐A‐induced chemotaxis and capillary‐like morphogenesis.Downregulation of Fes attenuated these VEGF‐A‐induced cellular responses but LY294002 did not produce further inhibition of these responses. Downregulation of Fes neither affected VEGF‐A‐induced autophosphorylation of VEGF receptor 2 nor mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation, but markedly decreased Akt activation.Taken together, our novel results indicate the involvement of Fes in VEGF‐A‐induced cellular responses by cultured endothelial cells.
Yoga therapy as an add‐on treatment in the management of patients with schizophrenia – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Duraiswamy G. , Thirthalli J. , Nagendra H. R. , Gangadhar B. N.
Published: May 2007

Objective:  Treatment of schizophrenia has remained unsatisfactory despite the availability of antipsychotics. This study examined the efficacy of yoga therapy (YT) as an add‐on treatment to the ongoing antipsychotic treatment.

Method:  Sixty‐one moderately ill schizophrenia patients were randomly assigned to YT (n = 31) and physical exercise therapy (PT; n = 30) for 4 months. They were assessed at baseline and 4 months after the start of intervention, by a rater who was blind to their group status.

Results:  Forty‐one subjects (YT = 21; PT = 20) were available at the end of 4 months for assessment. Subjects in the YT group had significantly less psychopathology than those in the PT group at the end of 4 months. They also had significantly greater social and occupational functioning and quality of life.

Conclusion:  Both non‐pharmacological interventions contribute to reduction in symptoms, with YT having better efficacy.
Rate of acute adverse events for narrow‐band UVB and Psoralen‐UVA phototherapy
Authors: Martin J. A. , Laube S. , Edwards C. , Gambles B. , Anstey A.V.
Published: May 2007

Background: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation therapies are commonly used to treat a wide range of dermatological conditions. However, no published data exist regarding the rate of acute adverse events occurring within the different UV therapy modalities.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the rate of acute adverse events experienced by patients receiving narrow‐band UVB or photochemotherapy in 3 neighboring dermatology units.

Method: Standardized adverse event forms from all 3 units were retrospectively analysed over a 12‐month period between October 2003 and September 2004. The treatments included were narrow‐band UVB and systemic, bath and hand/foot PUVA.

Results: A total of 8784 treatments were given over the study period. The total number of acute adverse events recorded for all phototherapy treatments was 70 (0.8%). The rates of acute adverse events for each treatment modality were 0.6% for narrow‐band UVB, 1.3% for systemic PUVA, 1.3% for bath PUVA and 0.8% for hand/foot PUVA. Adverse events were due to patient non‐compliance with standard operating procedures in 15 cases (21%) and operator error in 2 (3%). Only 4 of the acute adverse events were considered to be severe, accounting for 0.05% of all treatments.

Conclusions: The rates of acute adverse events with phototherapy in this analysis were low, in particular the rate of severe adverse events. The highest rate was seen with both systemic and bath PUVA. The number of adverse events resulting from operator error was low. These published rates for adverse events associated with narrow‐band UVB and PUVA may help other units when analyzing their own rate of adverse events.
In vitro phototoxicity test using artificial skin with melanocytes
Authors: Lee Jong Hee , Kim Ji Eun , Kim Beom Joon , Cho Kwang Hyun
Published: May 2007

Background: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been shown to induce cutaneous biological changes and phototoxic reactions.

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of artificial skin (AS) composed of keratinocytes and melanocytes as an in vitro phototoxicity model for topical agents.

Materials and methods: AS was manufactured with three‐dimensionally cultured keratinocytes and melanocytes on a de‐epidermized dermis (DED). The photobiological responses in AS with and without melanocytes were comparatively examined after ultraviolet A (UVA) exposure. Three test chemicals (8‐methoxypsoralen, 6‐methylcoumarin and tetracycline) were topically applied onto the AS with melanocytes and after UVA irradiation, the released inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1α, IL‐β and IL‐6) were analyzed.

Results: AS with melanocytes showed better epidermal structures, stronger resistance to UVA exposure and photobiological responses closer to in vivo human skin. Releases of inflammatory cytokines were well correlated with the increased phototoxicities of test chemicals. Among the measured cytokines, IL‐6 could be the most reliable in vitro marker indicative of phototoxic potential, because it showed statistically significant increase only in case of concurrent exposure to chemicals and UVA.

Conclusion: The AS with melanocytes may be a useful tool especially for examining UV‐induced cutaneous changes and a promising in vitro phototoxicity test model for topical agents.
The effect of psoralen plus ultraviolet A in vitro in HUT‐78 enhances by 5‐aminolevulinic acid
Authors: Akita Yoichi , Watanabe Daisuke , Yanagishita Takeshi , Kuhara Tomoe , Kawamura Chiharu , Masuda Yuko , Kawada Morihiro , Nakaseko Hirono , Tamada Yasuhiko , Matsumoto Yoshinari
Published: May 2007

Background: Sezary syndrome and mycosis fungoides are forms of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, and in the early stage of these diseases psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) is one of the treatments of choice. Photodynamic therapy using 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA‐PDT) is an effective, non‐invasive, and safe treatment for most superficial skin cancers. In order to obtain greater efficacy of PUVA, we investigated the synergistic anti‐tumor effects of ALA‐PDT and PUVA using 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) and a UVA lamp.

Methods: The in vitro effects of PUVA and ALA‐PDT and their combination in HUT‐78 cell line from human SS were determined by MTT assay.

Results: In our results, cell proliferation compared with controls was inhibited to 53.2% with UVA alone, 52.3% with 1 μM 8‐MOP, 43.8% with 100 μM ALA, and 19.2% with combined 8‐MOP and ALA.

Conclusion: Combined use of ALA and PUVA using 8‐MOP and UVA lamps, which are widespread in Japan, had a strong anti‐tumor effect in vitro. Combined treatment with ALA‐PDT and PUVA using a UVA lamp appears to have a strong treatment effect.
Activated Somatostatin Type 2 Receptors Traffic In Vivo in Central Neurons from Dendrites to the Trans Golgi Before Recycling
Authors: Csaba Zsolt , Lelouvier Benjamin , Viollet Cécile , El Ghouzzi Vincent , Toyama Kiyoko , Videau Catherine , Bernard Véronique , Dournaud Pascal
Published: May 2007

Understanding the trafficking of G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) is of particular importance, especially when modifications of the neurochemic environment occur as in pathological or therapeutic circumstances. In the central nervous system, although some GPCRs were reported to internalize in vivo, little is known about their trafficking downstream of the endocytic event. To address this issue, distribution and expression pattern of the major somatostatin receptor subtype, the somatostatin type 2 (sst2), was monitored in the hippocampus using immunofluorescence, autoradiographic and immunogold experiments from 10
minutes to 7
days after in vivo injection of the receptor agonist octreotide. We then analyzed whether postendocytic trafficking of the receptor was dependent upon integrity of the microtubule network using colchicine‐injected animals. Together, our results suggest that upon agonist stimulation, dendritic receptors are retrogradely transported through a microtubule‐dependent mechanism to a trans Golgi domain enriched in the t‐SNARE syntaxin 6 and trans Golgi network 38 proteins, before recycling. Because we show that the exit rate from the trans Golgi apparatus back to the plasma membrane (hours) is slower than the entry rate (minutes), the neuronal postendocytic trafficking of sst2 receptor is likely to have functional consequences in several neurological diseases in which an increase in somatostatin release occurs.
Multiple Motifs Regulate Trafficking of the LAMP‐Like Protein p67 in the Ancient Eukaryote Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Tazeh Ngii N. , Bangs James D.
Published: May 2007

p67 is a lysosome‐associated membrane protein–like lysosomal type I transmembrane glycoprotein in African trypanosomes. The p67 cytoplasmic domain (CD) is both necessary and sufficient for lysosomal targeting in procyclic insect‐stage parasites. The p67CD contains two [DE]XXXL[LI]‐type dileucine motifs, which function as lysosomal targeting signals in mammalian cells. Using a green fluorescent protein fusion to the p67 transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains as a reporter system, we investigated the role of these motifs in lysosomal targeting in procyclic trypanosomes. Pulse–chase turnover studies, steady‐state immunolocalization and quantitative flow cytometry all gave consistent results. Mutagenesis of the membrane‐distal dileucine motif impairs lysosomal trafficking leading to partial appearance of the reporter on the cell surface. Mutagenesis of the membrane‐proximal motif has little effect on proper targeting. Simultaneous mutagenesis of both motifs results in quantitative delivery to the cell surface. Thus, the distal motif plays a dominant role, but both dileucine motifs are necessary for maximal lysosomal targeting. Additional studies suggest that the upstream acidic residues in each motif influence lysosomal targeting and may also affect forward trafficking in the early secretory pathway. These results strongly suggest an evolutionary conservation in lysosomal trafficking mechanisms in the ancient eukaryote Trypanosoma brucei.
The conservative treatment of pediatric mandibular fracture with prefabricated surgical splint: a case report
Authors: Kocabay Ceyda , Ataç Mustafa Sancar , Öner Burak , Güngör Nadir
Published: May 2007

Abstract –  The use of rigid fixation in children is controversial and may cause growth retardation along cranial suture lines. Intermaxillary fixation for mandibular fractures should be used cautiously as bony ankylosis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and trismus may develop. The high osteogenic potential of the pediatric mandible allows non‐surgical management to be successful in younger patients with conservative approaches. In this case, successful conservative treatment of mandibular fracture of a 3‐year‐old patient is presented.
A retrospective evaluation of crown‐fractured permanent teeth treated in a pediatric dentistry clinic
Authors: Cem Güngör Hamdi , Uysal Serdar , Altay Nil
Published: May 2007

Abstract –  A retrospective study was carried out on the dental trauma records of 93 patients (55 boys, 38 girls) with 129 crown‐fractured teeth. The patients’ average age was 9.57 years (SD 1.57), ranging between 7 and 15 years. Uncomplicated crown facture (comprising enamel–dentin) was the most observed type of injury (n = 107, 83%). Only 15 patients (16.13%) sought treatment in less than 24 h following the injury. Of 41 injured teeth (31.79%) the apices were open at the time of presentation at the clinic. The initial treatment of these injured teeth were interim restoration with acid‐etch and composite (69%), Cvek amputation (2.33%), fragment reattachment (1.55%), apexification (APX, 10.07%), and root‐canal treatment (RCT, 17.05%). Out of 94 teeth, which were diagnosed as vital on admittance, 23 (24.46%) later developed pulp necrosis and required APX or RCT depending on their apical status. In 66 teeth (51.16%) definitive treatment was provided with only esthetic restoration (ER), while in 15.50% and 26.68% of injured teeth ER was carried out following APX and RCT, and RCT, respectively. Definitive treatment was provided in 3–6 months for 29.45% of the injured teeth, while 27.13% and 20.16% of teeth received definitive treatment within 1–3 months and 6 months to 1 year, respectively. Type of crown‐fracture, elapsed time following injury, and vitality of the tooth on admittance and pulp necrosis observed were significantly related to the total time spent for definitive treatment (P < 0.05).
Morphometric and microscopic evaluation of the effect of a solution of alendronate as an intracanal therapeutic agent in rat teeth submitted to late reimplantation
Authors: Mori Graziela Garrido , Garcia Roberto Brandão , De Moraes Ivaldo Gomes , Bramante Clóvis Monteiro , Bernardineli Norberti
Published: May 2007

Abstract –  The use of substances that inhibit root resorption may be an alternative for cases of unsuccessful reimplants. Hence, the purpose of this study was to test a solution of alendronate, a resorption inhibitor, as an intracanal therapeutic agent for teeth submitted to late reimplantation. Thirty rat maxillary right central incisors were avulsed and kept dry for 30 min. The teeth were instrumented, and the root surfaces treated with 1% hypochlorite solution followed by application of 2% sodium fluoride. Thereafter, the teeth were divided in two groups according to the intracanal dressing: (i) group I, solution of alendronate and (ii) group II, calcium hydroxide paste. Teeth were then reimplanted in their respective sockets. The animals were killed at 15, 30 and 60 days after reimplantation and the samples processed for morphometric and microscopic analysis. The results demonstrated that the solution of alendronate and the calcium hydroxide paste limited the root resorption, yet did not impair its occurrence. It may be concluded that alendronate and calcium hydroxide paste demonstrated similar behavior.
Bone morphogenetic protein signaling in stem cells − one signal, many consequences
Authors: Wagner Toni U.
Published: May 2007

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signals play key roles throughout embryology, from the earliest patterning events, via tissue specification, through organ development and again in germ cell differentiation. While both input and the transducer molecules are rather well studied, the final outcome of a BMP signal is basically unpredictable and differs enormously between previously studied cell types. As already suggested by their name, BMPs exhibit most of their (known) functions on stem cells and precursor cells, usually driving them into various types of differentiation or death. In this minireview, some prime examples of BMP effects on several very different stem‐cell types are discussed.
Cross‐talk between the bone morphogenetic protein pathway and other major signaling pathways results in tightly regulated cell‐specific outcomes
Authors: Herpin Amaury , Cunningham Charles
Published: May 2007

Members of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family of ligands have been identified in a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species and have been shown to play an essential role in a range of biological processes, including mesodermal patterning and organ development, as well as the formation of bone and cartilage. Although the interaction of BMP ligands with specific type I and II serine‐threonine kinase receptor complexes is crucial to the initiation of signaling, it is the interaction of intracellular signaling molecules, called Smads, with receptor complexes and other transcription factors that defines the repertoire of biological responses associated with the BMPs. But although all BMP ligands appear to interact with specific type I and II receptors, growing biochemical and developmental evidence supports the notion that alternative non‐Smad pathways also participates in BMP signaling. Here, we review the interaction or ‘cross‐talk’ between the BMP and other major signaling pathways (transforming growth factor β/activin, Notch, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and Toll) that results in tightly regulated cell‐specific outcomes.
A new approach for distinguishing cathepsin E and D activity in antigen‐processing organelles
Authors: Zaidi Nousheen , Herrmann Timo , Baechle Daniel , Schleicher Sabine , Gogel Jeannette , Driessen Christoph , Voelter Wolfgang , Kalbacher Hubert
Published: May 2007

Cathepsin E (CatE) and D (CatD) are the major aspartic proteinases in the endolysosomal pathway. They have similar specificity and therefore it is difficult to distinguish between them, as known substrates are not exclusively specific for one or the other. In this paper we present a substrate‐based assay, which is highly relevant for immunological investigations because it detects both CatE and CatD in antigen‐processing organelles. Therefore it could be used to study the involvement of these proteinases in protein degradation and the processing of invariant chain. An assay combining a new monospecific CatE antibody and the substrate, MOCAc‐Gly‐Lys‐Pro‐Ile‐Leu‐Phe‐Phe‐Arg‐Leu‐Lys(Dnp)‐d‐Arg‐NH2[where MOCAc is (7‐methoxycoumarin‐4‐yl)acetyl and Dnp is dinitrophenyl], is presented. This substrate is digested by both proteinases and therefore can be used to detect total aspartic proteinase activity in biological samples. After depletion of CatE by immunoprecipitation, the remaining activity is due to CatD, and the decrease in activity can be assigned to CatE. The activity of CatE and CatD in cytosolic, endosomal and lysosomal fractions of B cells, dendritic cells and human keratinocytes was determined. The data clearly indicate that CatE activity is mainly located in endosomal compartments, and that of CatD in lysosomal compartments. Hence this assay can also be used to characterize subcellular fractions using CatE as an endosomal marker, whereas CatD is a well‐known lysosomal marker. The highest total aspartic proteinase activity was detected in dendritic cells, and the lowest in B cells. The assay presented exhibits a lower detection limit than common antibody‐based methods without lacking the specificity.
Characterization of the NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) in the trypanosomatid Phytomonas serpens (Kinetoplastida)
Authors: C̆ermáková Petra , Verner Zdene˘k , Man Petr , Lukeš Julius , Horváth Anton
Published: May 2007

NADH dehydrogenase activity was characterized in the mitochondrial lysates of Phytomonas serpens, a trypanosomatid flagellate parasitizing plants. Two different high molecular weight NADH dehydrogenases were characterized by native PAGE and detected by direct in‐gel activity staining. The association of NADH dehydrogenase activities with two distinct multisubunit complexes was revealed in the second dimension performed under denaturing conditions. One subunit present in both complexes cross‐reacted with the antibody against the 39 kDa subunit of bovine complex I. Out of several subunits analyzed by MS, one contained a domain characteristic for the LYR family subunit of the NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductases. Spectrophotometric measurement of the NADH:ubiquinone 10 and NADH:ferricyanide dehydrogenase activities revealed their different sensitivities to rotenone, piericidin, and diphenyl iodonium.
MELTING AND SOLIDIFICATION CHARACTERISTICS OF SWISS RACLETTE CHEESE MEASURED BY SMALL AMPLITUDE OSCILLATORY SHEAR MEASUREMENTS
Authors: GUGGISBERG DOMINIK , BÜTIKOFER UELI , ALBRECHT BRUNO
Published: May 2007

Three successive seasonal products of Swiss Raclette cheese were characterized and compared to each other using small amplitude oscillatory shear experiment (SAOS). Melting and solidification transitions were observed during a “time‐sweep” experiment from 20 to 80C and back to 20C in 60 min. The G′‐G″(transition temperature) crossover was considered a good indicator of the Raclette cheese melting quality. Typical values were also established for elastic (or storage) modulus (G′), viscous (or loss) modulus (G″), loss tangent (tan δ) and the complex viscosity at predetermined temperatures, to distinguish between good or poor melting quality.

Significant differences were found between the three series of cheese for water and nitrogen content, sensory testing, G′ and G″ at 20 and 80C. Highly significant correlations were found between the SAOS method and the softening and dropping point method as well as with the sensory evaluation and the compositional analysis.

The main advantage of this method was that in addition to the melting process of Raclette cheese, the solidification process was readily accessible.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Every year, cheese producers of Swiss Raclette participate in a quality testing program in Switzerland organized by Agroscope Liebefeld‐Posieux. Meltability and sensory criteria are, among others, important functional properties of Raclette cheese. Basic knowledge on fabrication and/or new trends of Swiss Raclette cheese can so be followed up. For many years, the softening (EP) and dropping point (TP) method was adopted together with sensory testing. A new method for the melting and solidification transitions of Raclette cheese from three successive seasonal productions (summer production 2003 and summer and winter production 2004) were tested using a rotation and oscillation rheometer. By comparing sensory evaluation of the Raclette cheese to the dynamic oscillatory method, a list of typical rheological values was established that may serve as guideline to differentiate between good and poor melting qualities of Raclette cheese. The main advantage of this new method is that in addition to the meltability of Raclette cheese, the solidification process is readily accessible.
PSYCHOPHYSICAL MARKERS FOR CRISPNESS AND INFLUENCE OF PHASE BEHAVIOR AND STRUCTURE
Authors: DOGAN HULYA , KOKINI JOZEF L.
Published: May 2007

This article focuses on developing a psychophysical model for sensory crispness and understanding the role of structure and phase behavior of the food polymer matrix in terms of affecting crispness. The core hypothesis of the article is that the number peaks during brittle fracture of food foams is the stimulus for crispness. Accurate mechanical methods were developed to count the peaks and then relate them to sensory crispness scores utilizing magnitude estimation. An excellent correlation was obtained with data that was generated in three independent sets of measurements. Finally, models describing the relationship between structure, mechanical signatures and sensory crispness of extruded cellular foods were developed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Texture is one of the most important quality attributes of food products. The fracture properties of the foods have to be clearly understood, because they are one the most important manifestations of texture. Understanding the fracture process in‐depth can help increase consumer acceptability by generating structures leading a particular breakdown behavior, because the sensory attributes like crispness are directly related to how the fracture occurs in solid food foams. The psychophysical model developed in this study will serve as a very useful tool for assessing the effects of changes in formulation and processing that result in a wide range of structural features leading to the desired crisp sensation in the final product.
TEXTURE PROFILE ANALYSIS APPLIED TO POUNDED YAM
Authors: OTEGBAYO BOLANLE , AINA JOHNSON , ABBEY LAWRENCE , SAKYI‐DAWSON ESTHER , BOKANGA MPOKO , ASIEDU ROBERT
Published: May 2007

Textural quality of pounded yam made from tubers of Dioscorea rotundata Poir. and Dioscorea alata L. that were freshly harvested or stored for 4 months were evaluated using texture profile analysis. Significant correlations were obtained between the values for texture attributes evaluated using sensory texture profile analysis and those from instrumental texture profile analysis (ITPA). This implies that ITPA had the ability to measure the textural quality of pounded yam in a way similar to a trained sensory panel and could be used as an objective method to evaluate the textural quality of pounded yam.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Because texture profile analysis (TPA) has been successfully used to study the textural quality of pounded yam, a glutinous dough, it can be used in the food industry to study the texture attributes of pounded yam or similar doughlike products. It can also be used to screen yam varieties for textural quality for subsequent utilization.
Nutrition‐related knowledge, beliefs and practices of Australian nursing staff
Authors: NOWAK Madeleine , HARRISON Simone , HUTTON Lesley
Published: May 2007

Objective:  The purpose of the study was to examine the general food and nutrition‐related beliefs and knowledge of nursing professionals attending post‐partum women.

Design:  Data were collected by self‐administered questionnaire.

Subjects:  Three hundred and sixty‐two hospital‐based nursing staff responsible for the care of post‐parturient women.

Setting:  Eight metropolitan and regional hospitals in Queensland and three maternity hospitals in Canberra.

Main outcome measures:  Beliefs, opinions and intentions relating to food, nutrition and weight; knowledge of requirements of core foods; and sources of nutrition information.

Statistical analysis:  Standard statistical tests were used to measure frequencies and assess bivariate relationships.

Results:  Almost all participants (97.8%) were confident they could give good advice to their patients about a healthy balanced diet. The majority (65.5%) reported providing such advice at least weekly, 27.9% daily, and 19.5% rarely or never gave nutritional advice. The food‐related beliefs of most participants (>85%) were in line with current knowledge for 78% of questions. However, their knowledge of core food requirements for adults was inadequate; only 0.6% gave correct answers to all four food intake questions, 16.8% gave three correct answers, 62% two and 20.7% one correct answer. The most commonly cited sources of nutrition information were professional training (51.4%), reading (38.7%), media (14.9%), self‐education and work‐related experience (10.8%), dietitian (10.5%), school (7.5%), family (6.4%) and dieting (5.0%).

Conclusion:  Nursing staff frequently provide nutritional advice to post‐partum women. There is a need to ensure such information is accurate. Further research should explore ways in which this can be achieved.
Very‐low‐calorie diets: Downsizing the hospitalised obese patient
Authors: CHAPMAN Brooke , LONGTON Helen
Published: May 2007

The rising prevalence of obesity and its associated morbidity and mortality are placing significant strain on Australia's health‐care system. The present case study examines the weight loss attempts of a 60‐year‐old male patient weighing 218 kg (body mass index 69 kg/m2) in the setting of an acute hospital ward. The patient was confined to bed, secondary to a previous above knee amputation, and was unable to be transferred or fit safely into a wheelchair because of his weight. He was also unable to return home alone because of his current size. Because of the need for rapid weight reduction, a novel inpatient approach to weight loss was adopted, using a very‐low‐calorie diet (VLCD) and multidisciplinary team management. The VLCD intervention was prescribed in conjunction with medical management, regular physical therapy, behaviour therapy and dietary counselling. Serial anthropometric and biochemical measurements were obtained throughout the treatment period. The patient achieved an 80‐kg weight loss (37% initial body weight) over a six‐month hospitalisation. Improvements in obesity‐related comorbidities and the patient's functional and independence level were also observed, enabling discharge from hospital to residential care. Total weight loss at 24 months post hospital discharge was 103 kg (47% initial body weight). The use of a VLCD in a motivated individual in a controlled hospital environment, along with input from the multidisciplinary team, resulted in substantial and sustained weight loss with improved health outcomes.
Sixteen Statistical Tests for Outlier Detection and Rejection in Evaluation of International Geochemical Reference Materials: Example of Microgabbro PM‐S
Authors: Verma Surendra P.
Published: May 2007

A totally objective procedure involving sixteen statistical tests (a total of thirty four single or multiple outlier versions of these tests) for outlier detection and rejection in a univariate sample is applied to a data base of sixty four elements in a recently issued international geochemical reference material (RM), a microgabbro PM‐S from Scotland. This example illustrates the relative importance and usefulness of these tests in processing modern geochemical data for possible outliers and obtaining mean concentration and other statistical parameters from a final normal sample of univariate data. The final mean values are more reliable (characterized by smaller standard deviations and narrower confidence limits) than those obtained earlier using an accommodation approach (robust techniques) applied to this data base. Very high quality (certified value equivalent, cve) mean data are now obtained for eleven elements as well as high quality recommended values (rv) for thirty three elements in PM‐S. Earlier work using the accommodation approach failed to establish even one cve value for any of the sixty four elements compiled here. The present procedure of outlier detection and elimination is therefore recommended in the study of RMs
Determination of Molybdenum in Fifty Three Geochemical Reference Materials by Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Terashima Shigeru
Published: May 2007

The molybdenum (Mo) contents of fifty three geochemical reference materials issued by ANRT, GIT‐IWG, NIST and GSJ, have been determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, using a graphite furnace atomiser, after extraction of Mo dithiol with isoamyl acetate. Detection limits for this method (0.01 μg g−1) are ten times smaller than for most classical methods. The agreement between the present results and published data is satisfactory.
Determination of Zirconium in Carbonate Rock Reference Materials with Xylenol Orange Spectrophotometric Method
Authors: Okai Takashi
Published: May 2007

The zirconium content of six carbonate rock reference samples has been determined by a spectrophotometric method using xylenol orange after sample decomposition by acid digestion or alkali fusion. The interference of calcium was eliminated by adding the same concentration of calcium to the blank solution.
Four Chinese Sulfide Mineral Reference Materials: Preparation and Certification
Authors: Luo Daihong , Chen Jinwu , Bao Qier , Wang Junzhi , Shen Huijun
Published: May 2007

Four sulfide mineral reference materials, pyrite GSM‐1, chalcopyrite GSM‐2, galena GSM‐3 and sphalerite GSM‐4, have been prepared by the Institute of Rock and Mineral Analysis for collaborrative studies on their chemical composition. This paper describes the sample collection, preparation, homogeneity testing and interlaboratory certification of these samples. Some features with regard to the purification, pulverisation, stability and storage of sample are also discussed. The samples have been approved as certified reference materials by the State Bureau of Technical Supervision of China in April 1995.
Preliminary Investigation into the Use of a High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometer with Laser Ablation for Bulk Analysis of Geological Materials Fused with Li2B4O7
Authors: Ødegård Magne , Hamester Meike
Published: May 2007

The paper presents preliminary results of the use of a high resolution double‐focussing, magnetic sector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometer (HR‐ICP‐MS) with ultraviolet laser ablation (LA) for the bulk analysis of geological materials fused with Li2B4O7. Detection limits are based on data from precision measurements of a fused SiO2 sample of high purity, and sensitivity data (cps/μg g‐1) obtained on the Reference Material (RM) Syenite SY‐2. For many trace elements, the detection limits are better than 0.05 μg g‐1 using a sample to flux weight ratio of 1:7.

Calibration curves, which are based entirely on RMs, are established for Hf, Ta, Tb, Tm and Lu. They indicate that, even at this early stage in the development of the technique, data accurate to ˜ 25% can be collected. It is concluded that the method may prove to be a valuable supplement to XRF for low level element concentration measurements; it is also very practical, as the same sample discs can be used for both XRF and LA‐ICP‐MS analyses.
Pressure‐Dependence of Rare Earth Element Distribution in Amphibolite‐ and Granulite‐ Grade Garnets. A LA‐ICP‐MS Study
Authors: Bea Fernando , Montero Pilar , Garuti Giorgio , Zacharini Federica
Published: May 2007

Using an excimer (KrF) laser ablation ICP‐MS system, we studied the distribution of REE in garnets from metapelites and metabasites from Ivrea‐Verbano (Western Alps, Italy) and from the Peña Negra Anatectic Complex (Central Iberia), finding systematic variations that correlate well with the metamorphic grade. Chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of garnets from amphibolite‐grade metapelites have lower‐than‐chondrite levels from La to Sm, a very small or no Eu anomaly, and a steep rise in the abundance of heavy REE as the atomic number increases. Metapelitic garnets from the amphibolite‐granulite transition have a marked Eu negative anomaly and are enriched in MREE such that Sm is 10‐15 times chondrite and the pattern is almost flat from Dy to Yb‐Lu. In garnets from granulite‐grade metapelites, the intensity of the Eu anomaly and the relative concentration of Nd, Sm, Gd and Tb increase, with almost flat chondrite‐normalized patterns from Sm to Lu. Garnets from mafic granulites are remarkably similar to those of metapelitic garnets equilibrated at the same pressure, except for the Eu anomaly. The apparent paradox of enhanced uptake of larger REE ions with increasing pressure is attributed to the 3M2+ 2REE3++ vacancy substitution, which produces a net decrease in the dimensions of the unit‐cell of garnet. Variations in REE patterns depend essentially on the pressure and have little dependence on either temperature, bulk‐composition of garnet, or REE whole‐rock composition, so they could represent a new approach for geobarometric studies. The best numerical parameter to express pressure‐related variations of REE distribution in garnets is the Gd/Dy ratio which does not seem perceptibly affected by disequilibrium partitioning. The regression equation between GASP pressure and the average Gd/Dygarnet is P = 3.6 + 5.6 Gd/Dy.

This equation seems to be reliable for garnets: (1)equilibrated within a pressure range of 4‐9 kbar, (2) coexisting with modal monazite; and (3) with unit‐cell dimensions under 11.46 Å.
Trace Element Analysis of Natural Gold by Laser Ablation ICP‐MS: A Combined External/Internal Standardisation Approach
Authors: McCandless Tom E. , Baker Mark E. , Ruiz Joaquin
Published: May 2007

For the trace element analysis of gold by laser ablation ICP‐MS, external calibration samples of differing matrix composition have been used in previous studies. Data presented here suggest that even for calibration samples and unknowns with closely‐matched matrices, discrepancies arise due to variations in the coupling behaviour of the laser with the sample at different power deliveries, and can lead to erroneous trace element determinations. Internal standardisation for gold is complicated because Au and Ag, the most common major elements, do not have minor isotopes that can be used as internal standards. This problem was overcome for natural gold samples by using an external calibration sample only for the major elements Au and Ag, then defocussing the ion path and using 107Ag in each sample as an internal standard against which μg g‐1 levels of Te, Sb, Hg, Bi, and Cu were determined. The results suggest that trace elements can occupy lattice sites in gold rather than occurring only as micro‐inclusions of other phases. The analytical approach taken here may be used in trace element analysis where adequate external calibration samples are not readily available.
Suppression of Matrix Effects in ICP‐MS by High Power Operation of ICP: Application to Precise Determination of Rb, Sr, Y, Cs, Ba, REE, Pb, Th and U at ng g‐1 Levels in Milligram Silicate Samples
Authors: Makishima Akio , Nakamura Eizo
Published: May 2007

We found that the suppression of signals for 88Sr, 140Ce and 238U in rock solution caused by rock matrix in ICP‐MS (matrix effects) was reduced at high power operation (1.7 kW) of the ICP. To make the signal suppression by the matrix negligible, minimum dilution factors (DF) of the rock solution for Sr, Ce and U were 600, 400 and 113 at 1.1, 1.4 and 1.7 kW, respectively. Based on these findings, a rapid and precise determination method for Rb, Sr, Y, Cs, Ba, REE, Pb, Th and U using FI (flow injection)‐ICP‐MS was developed. The amount of the sample solution required for FI‐ICP‐MS was 0.2 ml, so that 1.8 mg sample was sufficient for analysis with a detection limit of several ng g‐1. Using this method, we determined the trace element concentrations in the USGS rock reference materials, DTS‐1, PCC‐1, BCR‐1 and AGV‐1, and the GSJ rock reference materials, JP‐1, JB‐1, ‐2, ‐3, JA‐1, ‐2 and ‐3. The reproducibilities (RSD %) in replicate analyses (n=5) of BCR‐1, AGV‐1, JB‐1, ‐2, ‐3, JA‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 were < 6 %, and typically 2.5%. The difference between the average concentrations of this study for BCR‐1 and those of the reference values were < 2%. Therefore, it was concluded that the method can give reliable data for trace elements in silicate rocks.
GeostandaRef Corner Geochemical Reference Sample Bibliography for 1996
Authors: Roelandts Iwan
Published: May 2007

This is the seventeenth survey in the series of Geochemical Reference Sample (GRS) Bibliography published in Geostandards Newsletter and is designated as Part XVII in the series. Part XVII contains references extracted from major analytical chemistry and geochemistry journals that have become available to the author between January and December 1996. A few earlier ones which were not available at the time of the previous report (Part XVI), together with those which were inadvertently overlooked, have also been included.
A History of the Development and Certification of NIST Glass SRMs 610‐617
Authors: Kane Jean S.
Published: May 2007

The National Bureau of Standards [NBS, now The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)] certified eight glass Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) in the early 1970s. The work was undertaken jointly with Corning Glass Works and the American Society for Testing and Materials. The materials were intended to be used for calibration and control of techniques for the bulk analysis of glass only. In the absence of any CRMs designed for use in microanalysis, many laboratories are using SRMs 610‐617 as though the certification included this use. This manuscript reviews the early certification effort, with attention to those aspects of the original work that have particular relevance to current use of SRMs 610‐617 by microanalytical laboratories.
An Assessment of the Suitability of NIST Glass SRM Literature Data for the Derivation of Reference Values
Authors: Kane Jean S.
Published: May 2007

The NIST certified reference materials, SRMs 610‐617, Trace Elements in Glass, are used extensively in geo‐analysis as microanalytical reference materials; however, present practice is not in keeping with ISO guidelines. One reason is that these samples were originally certified as bulk reference materials, and homogeneity conclusions based on test portion masses of about 0.5 g may differ significantly from those based on the much smaller mass relevant to microprobe analysis. Another is that certified values are not available for all elements of interest in micro‐analytical applications. In this manuscript, published homogeneity data is reviewed to show that these samples are suitable for use as microanalytical reference materials. In addition, an evaluation is undertaken of data quality requirements for micro‐analytical applications which shows that data contributing to existing compilations are insufficiently repeatable to detect bias between the individual contributed data and the compilation mean. Furthermore, existing published compilations do no yield reference data that is entirely “fit for purpose”, based on published criteria. To resolve these difficulties, it is proposed that a detailed measurement programme should be organised by the IAG with the intention of generating new data that would permit updating the certifications, and so greatly enhance current use of these glasses, and improve overall quality assurance in micro‐analytical laboratories based on appropriate microanalytical fitness for purpose criteria.
A Perspective on the Evolution of Geoanalytical Techniques for Silicate Rocks
Authors: Potts Philip J.
Published: May 2007

Progress in geochemical research is greatly influenced by developments in analytical technology and in this paper, the development of geoanalytical techniques over the last fifty years is reviewed, based in part on a previous study (Potts et al. 1993). From an evaluation of trends in techniques used for the bulk analysis of silicate rocks during recent years, the important future role of XRF and ICP‐MS is apparent. However, it is concluded that the techniques that will be the most important in influencing progress in geochemical research in the future will be those based on microbeam analytical techniques. These techniques are increasingly capable of making the full spectrum of analytical measurements, traditionally undertaken on bulk samples, but on a microprobe scale to spatial resolutions that currently vary from sub‐μm to about 50 μm. One way of evaluating future developments is to ask what might happen to various categories of techniques if key parameters such as sensitivity and detection limits were improved by, say, two orders of magnitude. Some suggestions are made describing the possible consequences of such an enhancement in analytical performance.
Determination of Platinum‐Group Elements and Gold in Geological Matrices by Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry (ICP‐MS) after Separation with Selenium and Tellurium Carriers
Authors: Amossé Jean
Published: May 2007

The present study describes a method for the extraction of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir and Au from various geological materials after fusion with sodium peroxide in zirconium crucibles involving samples that vary in mass from 1 g to more than 20 g. Precipitation is brought about by reduction of the platinum‐group elements (PGEs) with Sn2+, using selenium and tellurium as carriers in the presence of a catalyst (KI). The extraction yields obtained by this method are between 95 and 100% for PGEs. Gold is less well extracted (around 80%). Detection of the noble metals in the extraction residues is carried out by using ICP‐MS. The results obtained by this technique are reported for five CCRMP certified reference materials and are close to their certified values. The elements were also determined in a natural glass sample melted during a meteoritic impact and contaminated by PGEs at ultra‐trace concentrations.
Mineralogical Associations of Arsenic and Antimony in Thirty Five Geochemical Reference Materials by Sequential Extraction with Hydride Generation and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Terashima Shigeru , Taniguchi Masahiro
Published: May 2007

A method is described to estimate the chemical forms of arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) in a variety of geochemical reference materials, combining a sequential extraction scheme with hydride generation and atomic absorption spectrometry (HG‐AAS). The fractions dissolved by sequential extraction are empirically defined as the exchangeable, EDTA soluble, oxide, sulfide and residual fractions. The amount of As and Sb in the EDTA soluble fraction have been derived mainly from oxide phases, and partly from carbonate minerals. Most sulfide minerals in common geological samples were considered to be dissolved with the digestion of 0.7 mol l−1 NaOCl, but only small fraction of arsenopyrite and loellingite in ores could be dissolved in this way. Satisfactory agreement was observed between the sum of the As or Sb values from exchangeable to residual fractions and the reported total As or Sb values, with a few exceptions. Analytical results of As and Sb for thirty five geochemical reference materials are tabulated, and geochemical and mineralogical features are discussed.
Preparation of Two New GSJ Geochemical Reference Materials: Basalt JB‐1b and Coal Fly Ash JCFA‐1
Authors: Terashima Shigeru , Taniguchi Masahiro , Mikoshiba Masumi , Imai Noboru
Published: May 2007

Two new geochemical reference samples, basalt JB‐1b and coal fly ash JCFA‐1 have been prepared by the Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ) for collaborative studies on their chemical composition. Provisional values for twenty nine major, minor and trace elements are presented. The homogeneity tests showed that all elements studied can be considered to be homogeneously distributed. A description of their geological and mineralogical characteristics is also given.
Iodine (and Other Halogens) in Twenty Six Geological Reference Materials by ICP‐MS and Ion Chromatography
Authors: Schnetger Bernhard , Muramatsu Yasuyuki , Yoshida Satoshi
Published: May 2007

Analytical results for iodine in twenty six geological reference materials (RM) are presented. Bromine, fluorine and chlorine were also determined in some samples. Pyrohydrolysis in a heated quartz tube under a wet oxygen flow was used for the separation of the halogens from the matrix and the evolved gas was absorbed in a trap solution. The halogens were measured by ICP‐MS and ion chromatography (IC). All four halogens can be collected in the trap solution from one combustion procedure. The analysed samples range in type from igneous rocks to terrestrial and marine sediments. Precision, detection limits, and accuracy are also presented.
Determination of Platinum‐Group Elements and Gold in Two Russian Candidate Reference Materials SCHS‐1 and SLg‐1 by ICP‐MS after Nickel Sulfide Fire Assay Preconcentration
Authors: Li Chunsheng , Chai Chifang , Li Xiaolin , Mao Xueying
Published: May 2007

Ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, platinum and gold in two Russian geological candidate reference materials SCHS‐1 and SLg‐1 were determined using inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry after nickel sulfide fire assay preconcentration. Platinum‐group elements have very low concentrations in the samples, the range being from 0.01 ng g‐1 to 1.57 ng g‐1. Analytical results are presented along with a brief description of the analytical procedure. Accuracy of the results was assessed by the comparative analysis of the certified reference material.
The Influence of Chlorine on the Determination of Combined Water: An Investigation of a Correction Procedure
Authors: Li Jile , Liu Wenzhang
Published: May 2007

Differential thermal analysis, pH determination and ion chromatography were used to investigate the interference of chlorine in the determination of combined water (H2O+) by the Penfield tube gravimetric method. The magnitude of the chlorine interference was quantified and a correction method was proposed to obtain accurate results for H2O+. The method was applied to the determination of H2O+ in deep sea sediments containing chlorine and certified reference materials of oceanic polymetallic nodules.