bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Group size and termite consumption in the armadillo lizard, Cordylus cataphractus
Authors: van Wyk Johannes , Mouton P. le Fras , Shuttleworth Cindy
Published: April 2008

We investigated possible differences in the consumption of termites (Microhodotermes viator) by individuals in different sized groups of Cordylus cataphractus during different times of the year. Scats, collected once a month from small (2-3 individuals), medium (4-10 individuals) and large C. cataphractus groups (more than 10 individuals), from January to December 2005, were analysed for the presence of termite head material. We found termite consumption to be generally greater in larger than smaller groups throughout the year, but only significantly so during the dry months, March and April. Individuals in all group categories utilized termites throughout the year, but consumption was low at the end of winter, a time when general insect abundance is high. We conclude that termitophagy is important to individuals living in large groups, particularly during the dry period of the year, most probably to reduce intragroup competition for food.
Effect of transmitter mass and tracking duration on body mass change of two anuran species
Authors: Schmidt Benedikt , Indermaur Lukas , Tockner Klement
Published: April 2008

During tracking studies, the behaviour of animals may be affected by the tracking and tagging methods used, which may influence the results obtained. Our aim was to assess the impact of transmitter mass and the duration of tracking period on the body mass change (BMC) of two anuran species that were fitted with externally attached radio transmitters. Bufo b. spinosus and B. viridis were radio-tracked for three months during summer in the active tract of a large gravel-bed river (Tagliamento River, NE Italy). Our results demonstrated that transmitter mass and the duration of the tracking period did not affect BMC of the two anurans in their terrestrial summer habitats because methodological factors poorly predicted variation in BMC. Therefore, we encourage the use of tracking methods in amphibian ecology.
Habitat as a source of intrapopulational variation of ornament size in Galápagos lava lizards (Microlophus albemarlensis complex)
Authors: Jordan Mark , Snell Howard , Hollis Jennifer , Stone Paul
Published: April 2008

Gradients in habitat structure are expected to influence the outcome of selection on traits that contribute to communicative display. Galápagos lava lizards (Microlophus albemarlensis complex) on Isla Plaza Sur in the Galápagos Islands occur across a gradient of vegetative cover. Previous work in this population has shown that traits associated with predator avoidance are magnified in habitats with low vegetative cover. This pattern suggests that predation pressure differs by habitat and thus, may act to select against the elaboration of ornamentation. We measured the size of the chin patch, an ornament known to be used in intraspecific signaling, to test this hypothesis. The area of the chin patch was dependent on both snout-vent length and residual body mass. In contrast to expectation, males had larger chin patches in the sparsely vegetated habitat suggested to have high predation risk. This result raises questions about the presumed survival cost of ornament elaboration.
Religiös und doch modern: Die Frage der Kompatibilität von Religion und Moderne in den Schriften von Mustafā Malikyān
Authors: Poya Abbas
Published: April 2008

Der Beitrag stellt Denkansätze des iranischen Wissenschaftlers Malikyān (1956-) vor. Sein Forschungsschwerpunkt ist die Frage der Vereinbarkeit der "Rationalität" mit der "Spiritualität", zu der er bisher zahlreiche Schriften verfasst hat. Unter dem Begriff "Ratio" versteht er nicht den in der islamischen Denktradition angewandten Terminus 'aql. Nach Ansicht von Malikyān stellt 'aql ein textbezogenes Instrument zur Ermittlung und Verifizierung religiöser Lehren dar und ist zur Lösung moderner menschlicher Probleme nicht tauglich. Anstatt von Religion spricht er auch bewusst von Spiritualität. Jede Religion, so Malikyān, beansprucht für sich alleine, die Menschen glücklich und selig zu machen. Damit kann das religiöse Verständnis den modernen Anforderungen u. a. der Toleranz nicht gerecht werden. Spiritualität dagegen sei der gemeinsame Nenner aller Religionen. Bei seiner Argumentation sieht er das Problem der Diskrepanz zwischen moderner Lebensphilosophie und religiöser Überzeugung als ein globales Problem, von dem auch der muslimische Mensch als ein modern lebender Mensch betroffen ist. Dementsprechend ist Malikyān in seinen Ausführungen um eine Argumentationssprache bemüht, die nicht eine exklusiv islamische Färbung trägt, und die sich damit für einen überregionalen und interkulturellen Austausch eignet.
Egoistic Martyrdom and Hamās' Success in the 2005 Municipal Elections: A Study of Hamās Martyrs' Ethical Wills, Biographies, and Eulogies
Authors: Alshech Eli
Published: April 2008

Historical and sociological studies have shown that most monotheistic societies understood martyrdom as an act intended, first and foremost, to promote a goal in this world. They viewed any eschatological reward that resulted from martyrdom as a secondary and collateral benefit. In contrast, popular texts, such as ethical wills and biographies of Hamās martyrs, composed and distributed by the Hamās in Gaza since the breakout of the second Palestinian Intifada present a concept of martyrdom that divorces martyrdom from any goal in this world. Instead these texts promote martyrdom as a way for martyrs to extricate themselves from what the texts depict as an inherently futile life in this world and to deliver themselves into the only meaningful life possible, that of the world to come. This article argues that Hamās chose to promote this particular conception of martyrdom as a means of securing its own political and social foothold among Palestinians. It shows that Hamās views the promotion of this form of martyrdom as a highly effective means of achieving its goal of "re-Islamizing" society. By reducing the value of life in the here-and-now, the Hamās ideology makes it easier for many to undertake acts of martyrdom. In turn, the willing-ness of so many people to die for Hamās ideology is a recurring public validation of this ideology because if so many people are willing to die in its service, the thought goes, it must be true. This self-validating cycle draws Palestinians into Hamās ideology and strengthens Hamās' foothold in Palestinian society. Thus, the more martyrs commit acts of martyrdom, the more Hamās' convictional community grows within the Palestinian society.
Written On Our Hearts: Tswana Christians and the 'Word of God' in the Mid-Nineteenth Century
Authors: Volz Stephen
Published: April 2008

The adoption of Christianity by Tswana people in southern Africa during the nineteenth century generally involved being inspired in some way by stories and ideas presented in the Bible, but the role of Christian scripture varied according to local and personal circumstances. Although European missionaries introduced Christianity to the Tswana, they had little control over the different ways that early Tswana converts perceived, adapted and proclaimed the new teaching. This was particularly true among western and northern Tswana in the mid-nineteenth century before the extension of colonial rule into the interior, as many Tswana communities remained largely intact and were able to accommodate Christianity on their own terms. Rather than being simply a European-made tool, the 'lefoko la Modimo' (word of God) was also an expression of Tswana beliefs and aspirations, composed not on passive objects of missionary evangelism, colonial rule or scholarly inquiry 'but on tablets of human hearts'.
Mbiya Kuzwayo's Christianity: Revival, Reformation and the Surprising Viability of Mainline Churches in South Africa
Authors: Houle Robert
Published: April 2008

Much of the credit for the vitality of Christianity in southern Africa has gone to the African Initiated Churches that date their birth to earlier 'Ethiopian' and 'Zionist' movements. Yet far from being compromised, as they are often portrayed, those African Christians remaining in the mission churches often played a critical role in the naturalization of the faith. In the churches of the American Zulu Mission, the largest mission body in colonial Natal, one of the most important moments in this process occurred at the end of the nineteenth century when participants in a revival, led in part by a young Zulu Christian named Mbiya Kuzwayo, employed the theology of Holiness to dramatically alter the nature of their lived Christianity and bring about an internal revolution that gave them effective control of their churches.
African Clergy, Bishop Lucas and the Christianizing of Local Initiation Rites: Revisiting 'The Masasi Case'
Authors: Stoner-Eby Anne Marie
Published: April 2008

One of the most famous instances of missionary 'adaptation' was the Christianizing of initiation rites in the Anglican Diocese of Masasi in what is now southeastern Tanzania. This was long assumed to be the work of Bishop Vincent Lucas, who from the 1920s became widely known in mission, colonial and anthropological circles for his advocacy of missions that sought 'not to destroy, but to fulfill' African culture. Terence Ranger in his groundbreaking 1972 article on Lucas and Masasi was the first to point out the crucial role of the African clergy. In reexamining the creation of Christian initiation in Masasi, this article reveals that Lucas's promotion of Christianized initiation was actually based on the vision and efforts of the African clergy, an indication that mission Christianity in the colonial period cannot be assumed to reflect European initiative and African compliance.
Simulachrum, species, forma, imago: What Was Transported by Light into the Camera Obscura?: Divergent Conceptions of Realism Revealed by Lexical Ambiguities at the Beginning of the Seventeenth Century
Authors: Pantin Isabelle
Published: April 2008

At the end of the Renaissance, the complete understanding of the experiment of the camera obscura required dealing with the physical problem of the relationship between light and images. According to Kepler, this experiment demonstrated that the geometry and the physics of light were one and the same thing and that there was no need for the luminous rays to transport any form or species. The Jesuits Franciscus Aguilonius and Christoph Scheiner were conscious of the superiority of Kepler's analysis of the camera obscura, but remained attached to the old theory of species. Scheiner's attitude was particularly significant. Although he had almost entirely assimilated the new Keplerian method of demonstration, he retained the traditional conception of realism. He still believed that the mediation of species was indispensable for making certain that what was seen was a real object.
Images: Real and Virtual, Projected and Perceived, from Kepler to Dechales
Authors: Shapiro Alan
Published: April 2008

In developing a new theory of vision in Ad Vitellionem paralipomena (1604) Kepler introduced a new optical concept, pictura, which is an image projected on to a screen by a camera obscura. He distinguished this pictura from an imago, the traditional image of medieval optics that existed only in the imagination. By the 1670s a new theory of optical imagery had been developed, and Kepler's pictura and imago became real and virtual images, two aspects of a unified concept of image. The new concept of image developed out of a synthesis of Kepler's determination of the geometrical location of a pictura as the limit, or focus, of refracted pencils of rays and the triangulation used by a single eye to determine the perceived location of an imago. The distinction between real and imaginary images was largely developed by Gilles Personne de Roberval and the Jesuits Francesco Eschinardi and Claude François Milliet Dechales.
“They Might Need a Little Extra Hand, You Know”
Authors: Fairbrother Anne
Published: April 2008

This is a qualitative study in a school district in a large city in the Southwest in response to the research question, “What are staff and student expectations for, and assessment of, three `at-risk' programs in this large school district?” Four thematic findings from observations and interviews in four classes in two high school alternative programs and one alternative high school over one semester are reported, concerning (a) commitment to the programs, (b) labeling of students, (c) student satisfaction, and (d) academic expectations. The impact on students of color, especially Latinos/as, is a focus of this study. Results show that students appreciated the caring and support of the smaller communities. However, academic expectations were low, the school work was remedial, and although they gained extra credits toward graduation, students were not being prepared for more challenging academic work. Such programs do not narrow the achievement gap for students of color.
Systematic Review: Health-State Utilities in Liver Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: McLernon David J. , Dillon John , Donnan Peter T.
Published: April 2008

Objectives. Health-state utilities are essential for cost-utility analysis. Few estimates exist for liver disease in the literature. The authors' aim was to conduct a systematic review of health-state utilities in liver disease, to look at the variation of study designs used, and to pool utilities for some liver disease states. Methods. A search of MED-LINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL from 1966 to September 2006 was conducted including key words related to liver disease and utility measuring tools. Articles were included if health-state utility tools or expert opinion were used. Variance-weighted mean utility estimates were pooled using metaregression adjusting for disease state and utility assessment method. Results. Thirty studies measured utilities of liver diseases/disease states. Half of these estimated utilities for hepatitis viruses: hepatitis A (n = 1), hepatitis B (n = 4), and hepatitis C (n = 10). Others included liver transplant (n= 6) and chronic liver disease (n= 5) populations. Twelve utility methods were used throughout. The EQ-5D (n = 10) was most popular method, followed by visual analogue scale (n = 9), time tradeoff (n = 6), and standard gamble (n = 4). Respondents were patients (n= 16), an expert panel (n = 10), non— liver diseases adults ( n= 2), patient and expert (n = 1), and patient and healthy adult (n = 1). Type of perspective included community (n= 21), patient (n= 4), and both (n = 5). The pooled mean estimates in hepatitis C with moderate disease, compensated cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, and post— liver transplant using the EQ-5D were 0.75, 0.75, 0.67, and 0.71, respectively. The change in these utilities using different methods were - 0.07 (visual analogue scale), - 0.01 (health utilities index version 3), + 0.04 (standard gamble), + 0.08 (health utilities index version 2), + 0.12 (time tradeoff), and + 0.15 (standard gamble— transformed visual analogue scale). Conclusions. The authors have created a valuable liver disease— based utility resource from which researchers and policy makers can easily view all available utility estimates from the literature. They have also estimated health-state utilities for major states of hepatitis C.
Hypericum and Nurses
Authors: Carpenter Christopher , Crigger Nancy , Kugler Regan , Loya Alexis
Published: April 2008

Purpose: Many patients look to complementary and alternative medicine for a herbal solution to depression. This literature review summarizes recently published research on the treatment of depression using St. John's wort ( Hypericum perforatum). Conclusions: The compounds in St. John's wort herbal preparations are more effective than placebo and, in several studies, more effective than common antidepressant medications in treating minor depression. However, the efficacy of St. John's wort for treating major depression, cyclothymia, or bipolar disorder is less evident. Although some studies are promising in the treatment of these major disorders, research support is lacking, and it is a controversial aspect of Hypericum therapy. Practice implications: As with any herbal treatment, risks from adverse reactions and drug interactions exist. Providers have an ethical and legal obligation to stay current in knowledge and to provide useful, accurate information to patients.
How Family, Community, and Work Structured High Blood Pressure Accounts
Authors: Boutain Doris M. , Spigner Clarence
Published: April 2008

High blood pressure is one of the most often researched, yet least understood health disparities among African Americans. This descriptive, critical discourse analysis examined how family and community demographics and paid and unpaid work structured participants' accounts of high blood pressure experiences in Washington State. Thirty-seven urban-dwelling African American women ( n = 17) and men ( n = 20) in Washington State enrolled in the study from 2000-2001. Reports about stress, concerns, worry, loneliness, and paid and unpaid work were given in semi-structured interviews. Analysis results are embedded within three major themes: (a) Aware, But Not Informed, (b) Negotiating Self, Kin and Community Health, and (c) Distant Lives, Distant Love. Knowledge of life factors influencing African Americans' high blood pressure appraisals will help develop context-specific health programs focused on their concerns.
The Development and Validation of the Khon Kaen University Pediatric Pain Assessment Tool for School-Aged Isaan Children in Thailand
Authors: Jongudomkarn Darunee , Angsupakorn Nipa , Siripul Pulsuk
Published: April 2008

This research was aimed at developing a tool for pain assessment specifically for parents to use with children of the Isaan culture of Northeast Thailand. The Khon Kaen University (KKU) Pediatric Pain Assessment Tool was first constructed through the use of a qualitative study and literature reviews. Then, it was modified using the results of a pilot study with 38 stakeholders. Seventeen nurses, 150 postoperative children, and 150 family caregivers participated in a study comparing the tool with the standard Faces Scale and Numeric Rating Scale. Results revealed no difference in children's pain scores, as well as no statistical difference in children's pain score ratings between the three groups, suggesting the new tool is appropriate for Isaan children.
Work Interference with Dinnertime as a Mediator and Moderator Between Work Hours and Work and Family Outcomes
Authors: Jacob Jenet I. , Allen Sarah , Hill E. Jeffrey , Mead Nicole L. , Ferris Maria
Published: April 2008

Using a sample of U.S. IBM employees who are parents (N = 1,580), the authors evaluated whether work interference with dinnertime mediates and moderates the relationship between work hours and work, personal, and family outcomes. The negative relationships between work hours and success in personal life, relationships with spouse/partner and children, and the perception of an emotionally healthy workplace were mediated by work interference with dinnertime. The positive relationship between work hours and work—family conflict was partially mediated. Testing for interactions revealed evidence of the moderating effect of dinnertime and gender. These findings provide strong support for the potential role of dinnertime in reducing the negative work, personal, and family outcomes associated with long work hours and conflict in the work—family interface.
Increased IL-10 mRNA and IL-23 mRNA expression in multiple sclerosis: interferon-β treatment increases IL-10 mRNA expression while reducing IL-23 mRNA expression
Authors: Krakauer M , Sorensen P , Khademi M , Olsson T , Sellebjerg F
Published: April 2008

Background

Interferon (IFN)-β therapy in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been suggested to promote a deviation from T lymphocyte production of pathogenic Th1 cytokines to less detrimental Th2 cytokines, but this is still controversial. We studied patterns of in vivo blood mononuclear cell (MNC) and whole blood cytokine and transcription factor mRNA expression before and during IFN-β therapy in MS.

Methods

Twenty patients with relapsing–remitting MS were sampled before and after 3 months of treatment with IFN-β along with 15 healthy volunteers. An additional 39 patients and 50 healthy volunteers served to confirm initial findings. mRNA was analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

We found elevated expression of interleukin (IL)-23 and IL-10 in untreated MS patients. IFN-β therapy increased IL-10 and decreased IL-23 expression independently of any Th1 or Th2 cytokines. The largest changes in cytokine mRNA levels occurred early (~9–12 h) after an IFN-β injection.

Conclusion

We found no evidence of a Th1- or Th2-mRNA-promoting effect of IFN-β therapy. The therapeutic effect of IFN-β is more likely attributable to the induction of the regulatory cytokine IL-10. The elevated IL-23 mRNA levels in MS patients are noteworthy in view of the newly discovered IL-23-driven Th17 T-cell subset, which is crucial in animal models of MS. Since IFN-β therapy resulted in decreased IL-23 mRNA levels, the Th17 axis could be another target of IFN-β therapy.
Axonal loss in the retinal nerve fiber layer in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pueyo V , Martin J , Fernandez J , Almarcegui C , Ara J , Egea C , Pablo L , Honrubia F
Published: April 2008

Objective

To quantify axonal loss in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), with and without a history of optic neuritis, by means of ocular imaging technologies.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 50 patients with MS and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All patients underwent neurologic assessment and a complete ophthalmic examination that included visual acuity, visual field examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), scanning laser polarimetry (GDx) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs). Visual parameters and RNFL measurements were evaluated in MS eyes with a prior optic neuritis episode (MS-ON), with no prior episode (MS-NON) and control subjects.

Results

There were significant differences ( p < 0.05, analysis of variance) between MS-ON ( n = 25 eyes) and healthy eyes ( n = 25 eyes) for all RNFL parameters measured by OCT and GDx. Significant differences between MS-NON ( n = 75 eyes) and healthy eyes were also found for most of these parameters. RNFL thickness in the temporal quadrant was the parameter with the greatest differences between groups (71.79 μm in healthy eyes, 60.29 μm in MS-NON and 53.92 μm in MS-ON, p < 0.0005). Although there was a highly significant but moderate correlation between RNFL thickness and duration of the disease, no correlation was observed between RNFL thickness and neurologic impairment (Expanded Disability Status Scale).

Conclusions

Axonal loss was detected not only in MS eyes with a previous acute optic neuritis, but also in MS eyes with no known optic neuritis episode. Structural abnormalities correlate with functional assessments of the optic nerve.
Clinical features of patients with multiple sclerosis from a survey in	Shanghai, China
Authors: Cheng Q , Miao L , Zhang J , Guan YT , Liu ZG , Wang X , Sun XJ , Zhao ZX , Song YJ , Ding XY , Guo ZL , Cheng XJ , Chen SD , Jiang GX , Fredrikson S
Published: April 2008

Objective

To describe clinical features of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Shanghai, China.

Methods

Prevalent patients with MS were identified and investigated by a network of physicians in 11 districts of Shanghai during the period from 1 September 2004 to 31 August 2005. Admission registries of each hospital in the study area were checked systematically for patients with a diagnosis of MS, neuromyelitis optica or other demyelinating disorders. All patients with collected information were evaluated by four senior neurologists according to the McDonald criteria.

Results

There were 249 (146 female and 103 male) patients with a confirmed MS diagnosis, at a female-to-male ratio of 1.4. The mean age at onset of MS was 37.4 years for the 249 patients with MS and, on the prevalence day, 42.7 years. The most frequent location of clinical MS lesions in the central nervous system was the spinal cord (61%), followed by the cerebrum (55%) and optic nerves (41%). Nearly all (96%) of the patients with MS had been examined by magnetic resonance imaging, and 226 (94%) patients of those examined were suggestive of MS. No family history of MS was found in any of the patients. Most (86%) of the patients had no or mild disability on the prevalence day (31 December 2004). Almost all (96%) patients with MS had been treated with corticosteroids.

Conclusion

Clinical features of patients with MS are described based on the information from the largest case series reported among Chinese. Comparisons and discussions are made with findings from the other populations.
Magnetic resonance imaging metrics and their correlation with clinical outcomes in multiple sclerosis: a review of the literature and future perspectives
Authors: Bar-Zohar D , Agosta F , Goldstaub D , Filippi M
Published: April 2008

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the diagnosis and management of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Conventional MRI metrics are employed as primary endpoints in proof-of-concept clinical trials evaluating new drugs for MS and as secondary endpoints in definitive phase III trials. Metrics derived from non-conventional MRI techniques are now emerging and hold significant promise since they appear to be more correlated with the most disabling features of MS. However, none of these has been approved for use as a surrogate endpoint for accumulation of physical disability, which is the most important clinical endpoint of this disease. Taking into account the large numbers of patients needed, the extensive exposure to placebo, and the relatively long duration required for phase III clinical trials to show a meaningful effect on progression of disability, the need for a valid, reliable, and objective paraclinical marker of disease evolution cannot be overemphasized. This paper reviews the most up-to-date data regarding MRI techniques, their relationship with central nervous system pathology, as well as with clinical endpoints, and proposes future insights into the use of MRI metrics as surrogate endpoints in clinical trials of MS.
The 24th September 2007 ash eruption of the carbonatite volcano Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania: mineralogy of the ash and implications for formation of a new hybrid magma type
Authors: Mitchell R. H. , Dawson J. B.
Published: April 2008

The September 2007 ash eruption at Oldoinyo Lengai terminated a period of >30 y of relatively quiet extrusion of natrocarbonatite lavas. Ash erupted on the 24th September comprised nuclei of ijolitic phases, surrounded by finer peralkaline, silica-undersaturated material. The mantling material, as well as that forming nucleus-free particles, is dominated by nepheline, Ti-andradite, Na-melilite, combeite and a Na-Ca-phosphate-carbonate with minor amounts of K-Fe-sulphide and Mn-magnetite in a sparse matrix of alkali carbonate. The absence of clinopyroxene precludes this material from being termed either nephelinite or melilitite. We propose that the material represented by the mantles is an extremely undersaturated, peralkaline hybrid magma resulting from interaction between natrocarbonatite and nephelinite.
Mineralogical and cathodoluminescence characteristics of Ca-rich kutnohorite from the Úrkút Mn-carbonate mineralization, Hungary
Authors: Polgári M. , Bajnóczi B. , Kovács Kis V. , Götze J. , Dobosi G. , Tóth M. , Vigh T.
Published: April 2008

Kutnohorite with moderate and bright orange-red cathodoluminescence (CL) was studied by CL microscopy and spectroscopy. This mineral was found in fossiliferous concretions composed mainly of rhodochrosite from the Mn-carbonate mineralization at Úrkút, Hungary. The CL microscopy reveals that kutnohorite occurs as impregnations, layers and veinlets. X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and electron microprobe studies indicate that the luminescent kutnohorite has excess Ca (72.9–80.0 mol.% CaCO3, 16.3–20.5 mol.% MnCO3, 3.3–5.6 mol.% MgCO3 and 0.0–0.5 mol.% FeCO3). Transmission electron microscopy shows that the luminescent carbonate has a dolomite-type structure, with modulated and mosaic microstructures. The CL spectra of this Ca-rich kutnohorite have a single emission band at 630 nm that is characteristic of Mn2+substitution in the structure. Our results provide evidence for moderate-to-bright cathodoluminescence of Mn-rich natural carbonates even at 8–10 wt.% Mn and up to 2400 ppm Fe. The self-quenching of Mn appears incomplete in the case of Ca-rich kutnohorite from Úrkút.
Infrared spectroscopic study of modern and ancient ivory from sites at Jinsha and Sanxingdui, China
Authors: Wang L. , Fan H. , Liu J. , Dan H. , Ye Q. , Deng M.
Published: April 2008

Ancient ivory, from the Chengdu Jinsha and Guanghan Sanxingdui sites in China, has been buried for several thousand years. In order to determine the degradation mechanisms and to provide a scientific basis for protecting them, these ancient ivory samples have been compared with modern ivory using infrared spectroscopy in the frequency range 400–4000 cm–1. By combining chemical analysis data we compare the crystallinity and crystal chemistry of the apatite component, as well as the structural characteristics of the ivory. These investigations showed that the ancient ivory consists almost entirely of hydroxyl-carbonate apatite as the predominant phase. Compared with the modern ivory, the PO43– and CO32– bands are stronger, the PO4RF values are obviously greater, and an extra OH– band at 3569 cm–1 is observed in the ancient ivory. These results indicate that there is a greater degree of apatite crystallinity in the ancient ivory and also imply that there has been incorporation and recrystallization of CO32– in the apatite during burial. Positive correlations have been found between the apatite crystallinity, CO32– and OH– ion contents, and burial time. The organic matter in ancient ivory has been lost or decomposed as the organic bands (e.g. at 1238 cm–1 and 1337 cm–1) have disappeared. This may be the main reason that ancient ivory is easily dewatered and readily friable after being unearthed.
Phlogopite from the Ventaruolo subsynthem volcanics (Mt Vulture, Italy): a multi-method study
Authors: Schingaro E. , Scordari F. , Matarrese S. , Mesto E. , Stoppa F. , Rosatelli G. , Pedrazzi G.
Published: April 2008

Volcanic activity at Mt Vulture lasted throughout the Middle Pleistocene and produced SiO2- undersaturated volcanics. Deposits from the Monte Vulture stratovolcano have been classified into four subsynthems and clustered into the Barile Synthem. In the present investigation, trioctahedral micas from the uppermost units (the Ventaruolo Subsynthem) of the Barile Synthem are considered. The samples are labelled VUT187. The phlogopitic micas were separated from the host rock (an olivinefoidite) and underwent chemical (electron microprobe analysis - EMPA and C-H-N), structural (singlecrystal X-ray diffraction) and spectroscopic (Mössbauer) investigations.

The EMPA yielded: MgO (17.62–21.89 wt.%), FeOtot (5.98–9.78 wt.%), TiO2 (1.81–3.92 wt.%) and Al2O3 (14.47–17.98 wt.%), with H2O contents = 2.86 (±0.42) wt.% determined by C-H-N analyses. Mössbauer investigation provided [VI]Fe2+ = 12.6%, [VI]Fe3+ = 87.4%. The chemical and structural data are consistent with the occurrence of Ti-oxy, [VI]M2+ + 2(OH)– ⇋ [VI]Ti4+ + 2O2– + H2, and M3+-oxy substitutions, [VI]M2+ + (OH)– ⇋ [VI]M3+ + O2– + 1/2H2, with M3+ = Fe3+, Al3+. In particular, Fe3+-oxy substitution has affected the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratioin the studied sample. This is probably due to the fact that interaction with underground water or a hydrothermal system may have altered the oxygen fugacity and raised the Fe3+ content of VUT187 phlogopite with respect to magmatic values.
Coordination of Sr and Mg in calcite and aragonite
Authors: Finch A. A. , Allison N.
Published: April 2008

Strontium and Mg in calcite and aragonite are widely used as proxies of temperature in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. We use X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) to examine Sr and Mg substitution in calcite and aragonite. We have measured the K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) of Mg and Sr-bearing calcite and aragonite, plus the carbonates: strontianite, hydromagnesite, magnesite, dolomite and a suite of calcites with differing amounts of Mg. The Sr substitutes ideally for Ca in aragonite but causes a small (2%) dilation of the site. Strontium substitutes for octahedral Ca in calcite but with a 6.5% dilation and distortion. Magnesium in the calcites studied provides a variable XANES indicating that the Mg structural state in calcite is variable. Refinement of EXAFS gives Mg–O bond distances of ∼2.12 Å, which are much smaller than the Ca–O bond distance of 2.35 Å but consistent with published amounts of relaxation of the calcite structure. The XANES and EXAFS are consistent with a model whereby some calcites contain nanodomains, e.g. of dolomite and/or huntite structures. The variability in the XANES can be explained by domains of different types and/or sizes. Substitution of Mg into aragonite has 9-fold coordination but relatively short bond distances (2.08 Å) demonstrating either: (1) substantial distortion of the site; or (2) that Mg is accommodated in nanodomains of an unknown phase. Variability in the Mg structural state in calcite may be linked to the variety of temperature dependences observed, e.g. in foraminiferal calcite
The crystal structures, solid solutions and infrared spectra of copiapite-group minerals
Authors: Majzlan J. , Michallik R.
Published: April 2008

Copiapite is a mineral of iron- and sulphate-rich acidic environments and has a general formula AFe3+4(SO4)6(OH)2(H2O)20, where A = Fe2+, 2/3Fe3+, 2/3Al3+, Mg, Zn. The structure is built by infinite tetrahedral-octahedral chains and isolated octahedrally coordinated A sites. Our synthetic and natural copiapite samples can be divided into two large groups based on the orientation of the structural fragments. One group comprises copiapite phases where A = Al3+, Fe2+or Fe3+and we designate it as the structural type AL. The other group consists of copiapite with A = Mg2+, Zn2+or Ni2+and this is the structural type MG. The solid-solution series between Fe3+and Al3+copiapite is continuous. The series between Mg2+-Al3+, Mg2+-Fe3+and Mg2+-Al3+-Fe3+copiapite are not continuous; the samples with intermediate compositions contain two copiapite phases, one of the type AL and one of the type MG. The series between Mg2+and Zn2+copiapite is continuous only at 25°C. At 75°C, the Zn-rich portion of this systemcrystallizes a copiapite-like phase whose structure may be a superstructure of copiapite. The series between Al-Fe2+and Mg-Fe2+copiapite are not continuous and show complex behaviour of the intermediate compositions.
The relative stabilities of the copper hydroxyl sulphates
Authors: Yoder C. H. , Agee T. M. , Ginion K. E. , Hofmann A. E. , Ewanichak J. E. , Schaeffer C. D. , Carroll M. J. , Schaeffer R. W. , McCaffrey P. F.
Published: April 2008

The literature contains considerable disagreements on the relative stabilities of the members of the copper hydroxyl sulphate family. Titration of copper sulphate with sodium hydroxide is claimed by some to produce only brochantite, while other reports indicate that antlerite and a dihydrate of antlerite are produced in the titration. Most stability field diagrams show that antlerite is the more stable stoichiomer at pH 4 and sulphate activity of 0.05–1. We have reexamined this stoichiometric family by titration of aqueous copper sulphate with sodiumhydroxide and sodium carbonate, reverse titration of sodiumhydroxide with copper sulphate and simultaneous addition of copper sulphate and sodium hydroxide at a variety of mole ratios, concentrations, temperatures and reaction times. We have also explored the reaction of copper hydroxide with copper sulphate and the reaction of weak bases, such as sodiumacetate, sodiumcarbonate and urea, with copper sulphate. Our work indicates that: (1) antlerite is not formed in reactions of 0.05 to 1.2 M CuSO4 with 0.05–1.0 M NaOH or Na2CO3 at room temperature; (2) antlerite is formed in the addition of small concentrations of base (≤0.01 M) to 1 M CuSO4 at 80°C, but not at roomtem perature or with 0.01 M CuSO4 at 80°C; (3) the formation of Cu5(SO4)2(OH)6·4H2O occurs at large Cu2+ to base mole ratios; (4) the compound described in the literature as antlerite dihydrate is actually Cu5(SO4)2(OH)6.4H2O; (5) at mole ratios of Cu2+ to OH– ranging from 2:1 to 1:2 the predominant product is brochantite; and (6) brochantite and Cu5(SO4)2(OH)6.4H2O are converted to antlerite in the presence of 1 M CuSO4 (the latter requires temperatures of 80°C or greater).

The Ksp (ion activity product) values of antlerite and brochantite were determined to be 2.53 (0.01)⨯10−48 and 1.01 (0.01)⨯10−69, respectively, using atomic absorption spectroscopy and Visual MINTEQ after equilibration in solutions of varying ionic strength and pH for six days. These values are in good agreement with those from the literature. However, after 6 months, antlerite in contact with solution is partially converted to brochantite and hence is metastable with a relatively low conversion rate. The Ksp value for antlerite must therefore be considered approximate. The relative stabilities of the copper hydroxyl sulphates are rationalized using appropriate equations and Gibbs energy calculations. A Gibbs free energy of formation for Cu5(SO4)2(OH)6.4H2O of –3442 kJ/mol was obtained from the simple salt approximation.
Mn-rich graftonite, ferrisicklerite, staněkite and Mn-rich vivianite in a granitic pegmatite at Soè Valley, central Alps, Italy
Authors: Guastoni A. , Nestola F. , Mazzoleni G. , Vignola P.
Published: April 2008

Mn-rich graftonite, (Ca,Mn2+)(Fe2+,Mn2+)2(PO4)2, ferrisicklerite, Li1–x(Fe3+,Mn2+)PO4, manganoan apatite, (Ca,Mn2+,Fe2+Mg)(PO4)3Cl, staně kite, Fe3+Mn2+O(PO4) and Mn-rich vivianite, (Fe2+)3(PO4)2·8H2O, occurring in a granitic pegmatite at Soè Valley (central Alps, Italy) were characterized by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microprobe analyses. Geochemically, the Mn-rich graftonite phases are poorly evolved Fe/Mn-phosphates of rare-earth elements-lithium (REE-Li) granitic pegmatites. The assemblage Mn-rich graftonite + ferrisicklerite + staněkite has rarely beendocumen ted in pegmatites. Inthe Soè Valley pegmatite, ferrisicklerite forms exsolution lamellae with Mn-rich graftonite associated with manganoan apatite and staněkite. Graftonite is associated with Mn-rich vivianite. Powder and single-crystal XRD data indicate that the unit-cell volume of graftonite increases as a function of Mn2+ content. Staněkite shows a distinctly smaller unit-cell volume with respect to previously reported staněkites, probably due to reduced Mn2+. Vivianite with significant Mn2+ has a unit-cell volume similar to nearly Mn-free vivianite. The formation of Mn-rich graftonite and manganoan apatite is related to destabilization of Mn-rich almandine and biotite during pegmatite formation. Ferrisicklerite forms exsolution lamellae along the 010 cleavage planes of Mn-rich graftonite, whereas staněkite forms by alterationof ferrisicklerite and Mn-rich vivianite due to circulation of late-stage hydrothermal fluids.
Codification of unnamed minerals
Authors: Smith D. G. W. , Nickel E. H.
Published: April 2008

The Subcommittee for Unnamed Minerals of the IMA Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC, formerly CNMMN) has developed a codification system that includes the year of publication and qualitative chemical composition for unnamed minerals reported in the literature. Such minerals are divided into two categories: (1) those regarded as being ‘valid as unnamed minerals’ are those that do not correspond to existing species, have not been reported previously and whose published descriptions enable them to be recognized if found elsewhere. (2) Unnamed minerals regarded as being ‘invalid as unnamed minerals’ are those whose published descriptions are inadequate for their confident recognition if found elsewhere, or which correspond to existing mineral species or unnamed minerals published previously.
Borrelia infection and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Schöllkopf Claudia , Melbye Mads , Munksgaard Lars , Smedby Karin Ekström , Rostgaard Klaus , Glimelius Bengt , Chang Ellen T. , Roos Göran , Hansen Mads , Adami Hans-Olov , Hjalgrim Henrik
Published: April 2008

Reports of the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA in malignant lymphomas have raised the hypothesis that infection with B burgdorferi may be causally related to non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) development. We conducted a Danish-Swedish case-control study including 3055 NHL patients and 3187 population controls. History of tick bite or Borrelia infection was ascertained through structured telephone interviews and through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay serum analyses for antibodies against B burgdorferi in a subset of 1579 patients and 1358 controls. Statistical associations with risk of NHL, including histologic subtypes, were assessed by logistic regression. Overall risk of NHL was not associated with self-reported history of tick bite (odds ratio [OR] = 1.0; 95% confidence interval: 0.9-1.1), Borrelia infection (OR = 1.3 [0.96-1.8]) or the presence of anti-Borrelia antibodies (OR = 1.3 [0.9-2.0]). However, in analyses of NHL subtypes, self-reported history of B burgdorferi infection (OR = 2.5 [1.2-5.1]) and seropositivity for anti-Borrelia antibodies (OR = 3.6 [1.8-7.4]) were both associated with risk of mantle cell lymphoma. Notably, this specific association was also observed in persons who did not recall Borrelia infection yet tested positive for anti-Borrelia antibodies (OR = 4.2 [2.0-8.9]). Our observations suggest a previously unreported association between B burgdorferi infection and risk of mantle cell lymphoma.
CD38 gene polymorphism and chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a role in transformation to Richter syndrome?
Authors: Aydin Semra , Rossi Davide , Bergui Luciana , D'Arena Giovanni , Ferrero Enza , Bonello Lisa , Omedé Paola , Novero Domenico , Morabito Fortunato , Carbone Antonino , Gaidano Gianluca , Malavasi Fabio , Deaglio Silvia
Published: April 2008

CD38 rules proliferation signals in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells, suggesting that the molecule is not merely a prognostic marker but also a key element in the pathogenetic network underlying the disease. CD38 has a genetic polymorphism, characterized by a C>G variation in the regulatory region of intron 1. The working hypothesis is that the presence of different alleles in CLL patients marks (or accounts for) some of the clinical heterogeneity. CD38 allele distribution in 248 Italian patients overlapped with that of the controls (n = 232), suggesting that susceptibility to CLL is not influenced by CD38 genotype. Stratification of patients according to markers of unfavorable prognosis constantly resulted in a significantly higher frequency of the rare G allele. Furthermore, analysis of clinical parameters showed that G allele is independently associated with nodal/splenic involvement. The highest G allele frequency was observed in the 16 patients of the cohort that developed Richter syndrome (RS). Five-year cumulative incidence of transformation was significantly higher in G allele carriers than in CC homozygotes. Multivariate analysis on a total of 30 RS patients confirmed that the probability of transformation is strongly associated with G allele, likely representing an independent risk factor for RS development.
Characterization of a panel of six β2-adrenergic receptor antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy
Authors: Koryakina Yulia A , Fowler Tristan W , Jones Stacie M , Schnackenberg Bradley J , Cornett Lawrence E , Kurten Richard C
Published: April 2008

Background

The β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) is a primary target for medications used to treat asthma. Due to the low abundance of β2AR, very few studies have reported its localization in tissues. However, the intracellular location of β2AR in lung tissue, especially in airway smooth muscle cells, is very likely to have a significant impact on how the airways respond to β-agonist medications. Thus, a method for visualizing β2AR in tissues would be of utility. The purpose of this study was to develop an immunofluorescent labeling technique for localizing native and recombinant β2AR in primary cell cultures.

Methods

A panel of six different antibodies were evaluated in indirect immunofluorescence assays for their ability to recognize human and rat β2AR expressed in HEK 293 cells. Antibodies capable of recognizing rat β2AR were identified and used to localize native β2AR in primary cultures of rat airway smooth muscle and epithelial cells. β2AR expression was confirmed by performing ligand binding assays using the β-adrenergic antagonist [3H] dihydroalprenolol([3H]DHA).

Results

Among the six antibodies tested, we identified three of interest. An antibody developed against the C-terminal 15 amino acids of the human β2AR (Ab-Bethyl) specifically recognized human but not rat β2AR. An antibody developed against the C-terminal domain of the mouse β2AR (Ab-sc570) specifically recognized rat but not human β2AR. An antibody developed against 78 amino acids of the C-terminus of the human β2AR (Ab-13989) was capable of recognizing both rat and human β2ARs. In HEK 293 cells, the receptors were predominantly localized to the cell surface. By contrast, about half of the native rat β2AR that we visualized in primary cultures of rat airway epithelial and smooth muscle cells using Ab-sc570 and Ab-13989 was found inside cells rather than on their surface.

Conclusion

Antibodies have been identified that recognize human β2AR, rat β2AR or both rat and human β2AR. Interestingly, the pattern of expression in transfected cells expressing millions of receptors was dramatically different from that in primary cell cultures expressing only a few thousand native receptors. We anticipate that these antibodies will provide a valuable tool for evaluating the expression and trafficking of β2AR in tissues.
A single nucleotide polymorphism in CAPN1 associated with marbling score in Korean cattle
Authors: Cheong Hyun Sub , Yoon Du-Hak , Park Byung Lae , Kim Lyoung Hyo , Bae Joon Seol , Namgoong Sohg , Lee Hae Won , Han Chang Soo , Kim Ji On , Cheong Il-Cheong , Shin Hyoung Doo
Published: April 2008

Background

Marbling score (MS) is the major quantitative trait that affects carcass quality in beef cattle. In this study, we examined the association between genetic polymorphisms of the micromolar calcium-activated neutral protease gene (micro-calpain, CAPN1) and carcass traits in Korean cattle (also known as Hanwoo).

Results

By direct DNA sequencing in 24 unrelated Korean cattle, we identified 39 sequence variants within exons and their flanking regions in CAPN1. Among them, 12 common polymorphic sites were selected for genotyping in the beef cattle (n = 421). Statistical analysis revealed that a polymorphism in the 3'UTR (c.2151*479C>T) showed significant association with MS (P

cor.= 0.02).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that polymorphisms in CAPN1 might be one of the important genetic factors involved in carcass quality in beef cattle, although it could be false positive association.