bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biphasic Pattern of Exercise-Induced Proteinuria in Sedentary and Trained Men
Authors: Şentürk Ümit Kemal , Kuru Oktay , Koçer Günnur , Gündüz Filiz
Published: December 2006

Background/Aims: Exercise-induced proteinuria is a common consequence of physical activity, although its mechanism is not clear. Oxidant stress has been proposed as one of different factors involved in postexercise proteinuria in rats. In this study we investigated whether reactive oxygen radicals generated during exercise play a role in exercise-induced proteinuria in sedentary and trained men. Methods: The validity of oxidant stress following stepwise maximal exercise on proteinuria was investigated in sedentary and trained subjects before and after antioxidant vitamin treatment (A, C, and E) for 2 months. While protein carbonyl content in serum and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in erythrocytes and urine were used as oxidant stress markers, total protein, albumin, β2-microglobulin in urine were assayed for proteinuria in five consecutive specimens after exercise. Urines were collected before exercise, then 30 min, 2, 8 and 24 h postexercise. Results: Increased urinary protein levels and mixed type proteinuria were determined after 30 min of exercise in sedentary and trained subjects. Proteinuria was normalized at 2 and 8 h specimens. However, glomerular type proteinuria was identified at 24 h specimen in both groups. Oxidant stress markers were significantly elevated in sedentary and trained subjects. Antioxidant treatment prevented the increase in oxidant stress markers, urinary protein levels and the occurrence of glomerular type proteinuria after exhaustive exercise at 24 h in both groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the exercise-induced oxidant stress may contribute to exercise-induced proteinuria in sedentary and trained men.
Renal Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Gene Expression in Diabetic Nephropathy: Effect of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition and Pentoxifylline Administration
Authors: Navarro Juan F. , Milena Francisco J. , Mora Carmen , León Candelaria , García Javier
Published: December 2006

Background: Recent studies have shown a role for inflammation in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 are cytokines with a prevalent pro-inflammatory activity. Our objective was to study the renal gene expression of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 in DN and their relationship with renal damage assessed by urinary albumin excretion (UAE). In addition, we also investigated the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and pentoxifylline (PTF) administration on these parameters. Methods: After streptozotocin-induced diabetes, rats received either no treatment or therapy with enalapril (EN) or PTF for 8 weeks. Renal expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Urinary cytokine excretion and albuminuria were also evaluated. Results: Renal cortical mRNA expression for TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 in untreated diabetic rats was 2.4-, 1.2- and 3.4-fold higher than in non-diabetic rats. Kidney weight and UAE were significantly associated with renal mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-6. Both EN and PTF administration virtually abrogated the overexpression of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6, which was associated with a reduction in kidney weight and urinary albumin excretion. Conclusion: The renal expression of the main pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 is increased in DN, which is significantly associated with UAE. EN and PTF administration prevented this enhanced expression, leading to a decrease in urinary cytokine excretion and a reduction in albuminuria. These findings provide novel insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of DN, supporting the hypothesis that inflammatory mechanisms play a role in the renal injury secondary to diabetes mellitus.
Is a Raised CA 19-9 Level Diagnostic for a Cholangiocarcinoma in Patients with No History of Sclerosing Cholangitis ?
Authors: John Abraham R. , Haghighi Koroush S. , Taniere Phillippe , Esmat M. Emad , Tan Yu Meng , Bramhall Simon R.
Published: December 2006

Background/Aim: A cholangiocarcinoma, the second most common primary hepatic malignancy, can present with diagnostic dilemmas. The aim of this study is to assess the role of CA 19-9 in patients with a cholangiocarcinoma without primary sclerosing cholangitis. Methods: The prospectively collected information on patients with biopsy-proven cholangiocarcinomas who had the CA 19-9 level measured was obtained (n = 68) from our computer database and medical records. These patients were compared with patients who had benign liver tumours (n = 25) and benign bile duct strictures (n = 13) who also had their CA 19-9 concentration measured. Results: Sensitivity and specificity of CA 19-9 in the diagnosis of a cholangiocarcinoma were 77.9 and 76.3%, respectively, when using a cut-off value of 35 kU/l, while sensitivity and specificity were 67.5 and 86.8%, respectively, when the cut-off value was raised to 100 kU/l. The specificity was found to be higher in patients with peripheral cholangiocarcinomas (96%) using a CA 19-9 cut-off value >100 kU/l. A CA 19-9 value >600 kU/l was associated with non-resectable tumours (p = 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that CA 19-9 is a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinomas without primary sclerosing cholangitis, especially in the diagnosis of peripheral cholangiocarcinomas. However, it does not provide a reliable guide for the pathological staging of these tumours.
Fatigue Assessment Questionnaire: Standardization of a Cancer-Specific Instrument Based on the General Population
Authors: Beutel M.E. , Hinz A. , Albani C. , Brähler E.
Published: December 2006

Objectives: Fatigue has become a major issue of concern in the care of cancer patients, as it has been shown to compromise their quality of life in a significant and lasting way. However, there is a lack of economic and specific measures. The Fatigue Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ) has been developed based on thorough interviews and tested on a large mixed sample of cancer patients. The purposes of this paper are to test the psychometric properties of the FAQ and to provide norms for the German population. Methods: The FAQ was administered to a representative sample of the German population (1,340 female and 1,101 male participants) along with standardized scales of depression, mood and life satisfaction. Results: We could confirm that fatigue is multidimensional and can be measured by the scales of physical, affective and cognitive fatigue with good reliability and validity. The dependency of fatigue on sex and age makes it useful to have standard fatigue scores for oncological research as provided in this paper. Conclusion: The FAQ is a promising, differentiated, yet economic instrument for further use in oncological research.
Macrophage Phospholipid Transfer Protein Contributes Significantly to Total Plasma Phospholipid Transfer Activity and Its Deficiency Leads to Diminished Atherosclerotic Lesion Development
Authors: Vikstedt Riikka , Ye Dan , Metso Jari , Hildebrand Reeni B. , Van Berkel Theo J.C. , Ehnholm Christian , Jauhiainen Matti , Van Eck Miranda
Published: December 2006

Objective—

Systemic phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) deficiency in mice is associated with a decreased susceptibility to atherosclerosis, whereas overexpression of human PLTP in mice increases atherosclerotic lesion development. PLTP is also expressed by macrophage-derived foam cells in human atherosclerotic lesions, but the exact role of macrophage PLTP in atherosclerosis is unknown.

Methods and Results—

To clarify the role of macrophage PLTP in atherogenesis, PLTP was selectively disrupted in hematopoietic cells, including macrophages, by transplantation of bone marrow from PLTP knockout (PLTP
−/−
) mice into irradiated low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice. Selective deficiency of macrophage PLTP (PLTP
−M/−M
) resulted in a 29% (
P
<0.01 for difference in lesion area) reduction in aortic root lesion area as compared with mice possessing functional macrophage PLTP (384±36*10
3
μm
2
in the PLTP
−M/−M
group (n=10), as compared with 539±35*10
3
μm
2
in the PLTP
+M/+M
group (n=14)) after 9 weeks of Western-type diet feeding. The decreased lesion size in the PLTP
−M/−M
group coincided with significantly lower serum total cholesterol, free cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in these mice. Furthermore, plasma PLTP activity in the PLTP
−M/−M
group was 2-fold (
P
<0.001) lower than that in the PLTP
+M/+M
group.

Conclusion—

Macrophage PLTP is a significant contributor to plasma PLTP activity and deficiency of PLTP in macrophages leads to lowered atherosclerotic lesion development in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice on Western-type diet.
The role of the WHO ICF as a framework to interpret barriers and to inclusion: visually impaired people’s views and experiences of personal computers
Authors: Douglas Graeme , Corcoran Christine , Pavey Sue
Published: December 2006

This article describes how the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), 2001, was used as a framework for the design of the interview schedule used in the Network 1000 project. It is argued that the ICF offers a vocabulary to enable visually impaired participants to describe their lives in terms of participation and potential barriers to social inclusion. The article presents interview data from 960 visually impaired people who were surveyed about their use of computers (amongst other things). Results show that computer use is clearly linked with age, with older visually impaired people far less likely to use computers. It is argued that, while technology may offer many benefits (including access to information and a route into employment), many visually impaired people do not see the relevance of ICT, perceive individually based barriers to the use of ICT (e.g. their visual impairment), and perceive socially based barriers to the use of ICT (e.g. cost, availability and accessibility of technology, and issues related to training). Importantly, it appears that different barriers may be more common amongst different groups.
Acute First-Time Hamstring Strains during High-Speed Running
Authors: Askling Carl M. , Tengvar Magnus , Saartok Tönu , Thorstensson Alf
Published: December 2006

Background

Hamstring muscle strain is one of the most common injuries in sports. Still, knowledge is limited about the progression of clinical and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics and their association with recovery time in athletes.

Hypothesis

Knowing the anatomical location and extent of an acute first-time hamstring strain in athletes is critical for the prognosis of recovery time.

Study Design

Case series (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Eighteen elite sprinters with acute first-time hamstring strains were prospectively included in the study. All subjects were examined, clinically and with magnetic resonance imaging, on 4 occasions after injury: at day 2 to 4, 10, 21, and 42. The clinical follow-up period was 2 years.

Results

All sprinters were injured during competitive sprinting, and the primary injuries were all located in the long head of the biceps femoris muscle. There was an association between the time to return to pre-injury level (median, 16; range, 6-50 weeks) and the extent of the injury, as indicated by the magnetic resonance imaging parameters. Involvement of the proximal free tendon, as estimated by MRI, and proximity to the ischial tuberosity, as estimated both by palpation and magnetic resonance imaging, were associated with longer time to return to pre-injury level.

Conclusion

Careful palpation during the first 3 weeks after injury and magnetic resonance imaging investigation performed during the first 6 weeks after injury provide valuable information that can be used to predict the time to return to pre-injury level of performance in elite sprinting.
Waterproofing EMG Instrumentation
Authors: Benfield Rebecca D. , Newton Edward R. , Hortobágyi Tibor
Published: December 2006

While still experimental, measurement of external uterine electromyographic (EMG) activity is a more sensitive and noninvasive method for measuring uterine contractility in human labor than the methods currently used in clinical practice. Hydrotherapy is purported to improve contractility in labor, yet there have been no reports of abdominal uterine EMG activity measured during immersion. To test telemetric EMG equipment and different waterproofing techniques under dry and immersed conditions, the authors recorded surface EMG activity from the abdominal muscles of 11 healthy, nonpregnant women, 22 to 51 years of age. After attaching one pair of electrodes to the skin on either side of the umbilicus and applying the waterproofing material, the authors tested the signal by asking participants to perform a short series of leg lifts while seated in a chair to evoke abdominal muscle contractions. They were then immersed to the chest in a hydrotherapy tub while performing two to three leg lifts over 60 s every 5 min for 60 min with 20 lb of weight suspended from their ankles to counteract the buoyancy effect of water. EMG activity was continuously recorded. They then repeated the dry-measures sequence. While waterproofing remained intact, EMG signals were essentially unchanged between dry and wet conditions. Of the 11 waterproofing applications tested, 10 failed at some point. In the data from the successful application, EMG signals in both channels exhibited stable baselines throughout and an absence of low-frequency artifact. The development of this technique allows for the recording of external uterine EMG activity during hydrotherapy. The authors have begun using it to investigate the effects of hydrotherapy on uterine contractility during human labor.
Social services support and expenditure for children with autism
Authors: Bebbington Andrew , Beecham Jennifer
Published: December 2006

This article provides information about children with autism who are supported by English social services departments based on the Children in Need Survey 2001 (CIN2001). In 119 authorities, 6310 children were recorded as having a diagnosis of autism or related conditions, probably about one-quarter of all children with such diagnoses and about half of those actually supported. Demographically, this group appears similar to children with autism generally: there are more boys than girls, and learning, communication and behaviour difficulties are common. CIN2001 shows that mean social services support costs tend to be quite high, particularly compared with other disabled children. There are very considerable variations between social services departments in reported numbers and spending. It is unlikely that this variation can be attributed to the prevalence of autism, and more likely that it reflects the case recognition and service provision policies of local agencies.
Herod Antipas in Galilee: Friend or Foe of the Historical Jesus?
Authors: Jensen Morten
Published: December 2006

The quest for the secrets of first-century Galilee has recently attracted much intense interest, fuelling not least the occasionally heated debate about the cultural and socio-economic setting of the historical Jesus. Interest centres in particular on Herod Antipas’ impact on the region’s socio-economic stability. Was he good or bad news for the ordinary rural peasant population, and did his urbanization pro-gramme critically impact on Jesus and his movement? No consensus has been reached regarding this and similar questions, and Antipas is presently promoted as the key figure in conflicting views of first-century Galilee as either enjoying good and stable conditions, or subject to heavy economic pressure aggravating indebt-edness and tenancy. Surprisingly, the reign of Antipas has only been treated cur-sorily, with Harold Hoehner’s dissertation from 1972 being the one exception, since when intense archaeological activity has produced much new insight on ancient Galilee. Building on a larger study, this article therefore explores the sources, both literary and archaeological, of Antipas’ reign with a view to deter-mining its socio-economic consequences. It will be argued that Antipas’ impact on early first-century Galilee was probably more moderate than often assumed by scholars of the historical Jesus.
Integration of Motor Imagery and Physical Practice in Group Treatment Applied to Subjects With Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Tamir Ruth , Dickstein Ruth , Huberman Moshe
Published: December 2006

Background and Purpose. The application of motor imagery practice in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a novel treatment approach for improving motor function. The purpose of this study was to compare group treatment using a combination of physical and motor imagery practice with group treatment using only physical practice in subjects with PD.

Methods. Of 23 patients with idiopathic PD, 12 received combined therapy, whereas 11 received physical therapy alone. Exercises for both groups were applied during 1-h sessions held twice a week for 12 weeks. Comparable motor tasks provided to both groups included callisthenic exercises, functional tasks, and relaxation exercises. However, the experimental group was treated with both imagery and real practice, whereas the control group received only physical exercises. Outcome measures included the time required to complete sequences of movements, the performance of balance tasks, impairment and functional scores on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and specific cognitive abilities (Stroop and clock drawing tests).

Results. Following the intervention, the combined treatment group exhibited significantly faster performance of movement sequences than the control group. In addition, the experimental subjects demonstrated higher gains in the mental and motor subsets of the UPDRS and in the cognitive tests. Both groups improved on the activities of daily living scale.

Conclusions. The combination of motor imagery and real practice may be effective in the treatment of PD, especially for reducing bradykinesia. The implementation of this treatment regimen allows for the extension of practice time with negligible risk and low cost.
The Evolution of Walking-Related Outcomes Over the First 12 Weeks of Rehabilitation for Incomplete Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: The Multicenter Randomized Spinal Cord Injury Locomotor Trial
Authors: Dobkin B. , Barbeau H. , Deforge D. , Ditunno J. , Elashoff R. , Apple D. , Basso M. , Behrman A. , Fugate L. , Harkema S. , Saulino M. , Scott M. , Trial Group the Spinal Cord Injury Locomotor
Published: December 2006

Background. The Spinal Cord Injury Locomotor Trial (SCILT) compared 12 weeks of step training with body weight support on a treadmill (BWSTT) that included overground practice to a defined but more conventional overground mobility intervention (CONT) in patients with incomplete traumatic SCI within 8 weeks of onset. No previous studies have reported walking-related outcomes during rehabilitation.

Methods. This single-blinded, randomized trial entered 107 American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) C and D patients and 38 ASIA B patients with lesions between C5 and L3 who were unable to walk on admission for rehabilitation. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM-L) for walking, 15-m walking speed, and lower extremity motor score (LEMS) were collected every 2 weeks.

Results. No significant differences were found at entry and during the treatment phase (12-week mean FIM-L = 5, velocity = 0.8 m/s, LEMS = 35, distance walked in 6 min = 250 m). Combining the 2 arms, a FIM-L ≥ 4 was achieved in < 10% of ASIA B patients, 92% of ASIA C patients, and all of ASIA D patients. Walking speed of ≥ 0.6 m/s correlated with a LEMS near 40 or higher.

Conclusions. Few ASIA B and most ASIA C and D patients achieved functional walking ability by the end of 12 weeks of BWSTT and CONT, consistent with the primary outcome data at 6 months. Walking-related measures assessed at 2-week intervals reveal that time after SCI is an important variable for entering patients into a trial with mobility outcomes. By about 6 weeks after entry, most patients who will recover have improved their FIM-L to >3 and are improving in walking speed. Future trials may reduce the number needed to treat by entering patients with FIM-L < 4 at > 8 weeks after onset if still graded ASIA B and at > 12 weeks if still ASIA C.
Die Berechnung kristallchemischer Strukturformeln von 2:1-Schichtsilikaten unter Berücksichtigung der gemessenen Zwischenschichtladungen und Kationenumtauschkapazitäten, sowie die Darstellung der Ladungsverteilung in der Struktur mittels Dreieckskoordinaten
Authors: Köster Heinrich Martin
Published: December 2006

Die kristallchemischen Strukturformeln von 2:1-Schichtsilikaten werden unter Voraussetzung der idealen Struktur mit 22 negativen Ladungen von 10 Sauerstoffen und 2 Hydroxylgruppen berechnet. Für die Verteilung der 22 Kationenladungen auf Tetraeder-, Oktaeder- und Zwischenschichtpositionen werden unter Berücksichtigung der direkt gemessenen Zwischenschichtladungen (Lagaly & Weiss 1971) bzw. Kationenumtauschkapazitäten Voraussetzungen und Berechnungsregeln angegeben. Als Beispiele werden die Formeln eines Glaukonits und eines Nontronits berechnet.

Die Verteilung der Kationenladungen in der Kristallstruktur von 2:1-Schichtsilikaten wird am besten in einem Dreiecksdiagramm mit den Ecken Pyrophyllit-Seladonit-Muskowit dargestellt. Jeder Punkt im Dreieck stellt die gesamte Kationenladung in der Formeleinheit gleich 22 dar. Es ist die Summe der Ladungen aus Tetraeder-, Oktaeder- und Zwischenschichtkationen.
Transient scattering studies on crocidolite suspensions
Authors: Jennings B. R. , Bhanot M.
Published: December 2006

Electric fields were imposed on aqueous suspensions of the rigid asymmetric particles of crocidolite. Orientational order resulted in the field and the intensity of the light scattered by the medium changed. Such intensity changes were recorded for pulsed electric fields of up to 500 V cm−1 amplitude and 1·5 kHz frequency. When combined with data for the scattered intensity prior to the application of the field, the average particle mass (8 × 10−15 g), length of the rod-like particles (1·3 µm), rotary diffusion coefficient (2·4 s−1) and electrical polarizability (22 × 10−29 Fm2) were all evaluated for this sample. The relationship of the polarizability to the electric double layer structure of the sols is briefly discussed. The transient scattering method offers a reliable and rapid means of characterizing mineral sols.
Essai d'etude structurale de phyllosilicates suivant la normale aux feuillets a l'aide de la diffraction electronique
Authors: Eberhart J. P. , Haehnel C. , Ehret G.
Published: December 2006

Associée à une méthode de coupes minces effectuées normalement aux feuillets, la microscopie électronique permet de visualiser les feuillets avec ses différentes couches. Mais sa résolution, limitée à 2 ou 3 Å, ne permet pas d'étude structurale véritable.

Le diagramme de diffraction électronique 001 contient théoriquement toutes les informations sur la structure suivant la normale aux feuillets. Mais étant donné l'épaisseur relativement élevée des préparations, l'effet dynamique rend l'interprétation difficile. Les auteurs ont testé la méthode sur un mica, muscovite, phyllosilicate particulièrement bien cristallisé. En utilisant comme étalons des cristallites de NaCl, de même aisseur éaisseur équivalente, ils ont pu montrer que l'approximation de la théorie dynamique à deux faisceaux éait valable. En comparant à des résultats obtenus par traitement thermique, ils ont pu mettre en évidence une rapide déshydroxylation et un départ du potassium sous l'effet du bombardement électronique dans le microscope.
Mineralogy of the non-carbonate material from the Chalk of Berkshire and Oxfordshire, England
Authors: Morgan-Jones M.
Published: December 2006

This paper presents detailed mineralogical analyses of the non-carbonate material obtained from four cored boreholes in the Chalk of Berkshire and Oxfordshire, England. Consideration is given to the relationship between the non-carbonate material and the interstitial water chemistry.

Sample preparation was by means of acid digestion followed by vacuum sedimentation. Analyses were carried out using X-ray diffraction techniques.

Results are presented in a semi-quantitative form based upon integrated peak intensities and are compared to those of previous studies on the Chalk of southern England. It is concluded that the zones of occurrence of the major clay minerals as demonstrated in this study are in general agreement with those established by other authors. The non-carbonate content of the Chalk increases from the concealed beds at the Fair Cross site towards the outcrop Chalk of Lambourn and Harwell. The variation in mineralogy and purity is ascribed to changing conditions of deposition and to diagenesis related to groundwater circulation.
Mineralization at Tŷ Coch, Glamorgan (Mid Glamorgan), Wales: the second occurrence of pyrobelonite
Authors: Criddle A. J. , Symes R. F.
Published: December 2006

The second occurrence of pyrobelonite, MnPb(VO4)(OH), first recorded at långban, Sweden, is reported. It was found with other manganese and iron minerals at the site of an abandoned 19th-century manganese mine at Tŷ Coch near South Cornelly, Mid Glamorgan, Wales. Reflectance values for pyrobelonite from Tŷ Coch, topotype material from Långban, and for two of the minerals associated with pyrobelonite at Tŷ Coch, vanadinite and hausmannite, are given. Electron-probe analyses of pyrobelonite from both localities give results that are in good agreement with its theoretical composition but disagree with the only previous published analysis.
Phosphate minerals in pallasite meteorites
Authors: Buseck Peter R. , Holdsworth Edward
Published: December 2006

Phosphate minerals are widespread minor constituents of the pallasites. Both anhydrous primary and hydrous decomposition/alteration phosphates occur. The primary minerals, in decreasing order of abundance, are whitlockite, stanfieldite, and farringtonite, as well as a possibly new phosphate. The decomposition phosphates are compositionally heterogeneous and thus complex. Some may be new minerals. The phosphate minerals serve as the major repository for the alkali elements in pallasites, with individual crystals containing up to several percent of Na+K. Equilibrium established between coexisting phosphide and phosphate defines a relatively narrow range of ƒO2 values.
Pyroxenes from the gabbros of the Marangudzi ring complex, Rhodesia
Authors: Hossain M. T.
Published: December 2006

Chemical, X-ray, and optical analyses of eight Ca-rich pyroxenes and three coexisting Ca-poor pyroxenes from the gabbros of the Marangudzi ring complex, Rhodesia, are presented. Both the series show limited Fe-enrichment. High Ca-content of the clinopyroxenes together with their restricted Fe-enrichment, having a trend from Ca44·8Mg42·6Fe12·6to Ca42·7Mg37·7Fe19·6, could be indicative of an alkaline nature. But the presence of a Ca-poor pyroxene phase with a compositional trend between Ca2·9Mg71·2Fe25·9and Ca3·1Mg63·0Fe34·9onwards in small amounts suggests tholeiitic to calc-alkaline nature. Certain characteristics in the variation in composition of the pyroxenes confirm a transitional nature of the Marangudzi parent magma, originating at a depth comparatively greater than the normal tholeiitic magma, but less deep than alkaline magma, at a fairly high pressure. The Marangudzi pyroxenes are compared with the pyroxenes of the similar world-wide igneous complexes.
Chemical variation in a partially dolomitized Visean limestone bed, Isle of Man
Authors: Dickson J. A. D. , Barber C.
Published: December 2006

The analysis of an acid-soluble and acid-insoluble fraction of one systematically sampled, partially dolomitized limestone bed is reported. The original lime sediment, composed principally of skeletal remains, pellets, occasional intraclasts, detrital quartz, illite, and muscovite has been modified by the addition of calcite, dolomite, and dickite cements and has been patchily replaced by dolomite, quartz, and pyrite. Rapid chemical and mineralogical variations occur over short distances, i.e. within 10 m. Fe and Mn are both present in greater concentration in dolomite than in calcite. Dolomite itself varies in overall composition within the limestones and dolostones but is always Sr-deficient. The insoluble residue is dominated by quartz. Authigenic quartz occurs but its distribution is controlled by pre-existing detrital quartz so SiO2 distribution corresponds to a detrital arrangement. TiO2 and K2O follow the distribution of SiO2 and are believed to be sited in detrital minerals, muscovite, and other unidentified minerals. Sulphur, present in pyrite, has a patchy distribution but is deficient in totally dolomitized areas suggesting removal of pyrite during dolomitization.
The relationship of the order of crystallization of basalt melts to their classification and to the definition of rock series
Authors: Cameron E. P. , French W. J.
Published: December 2006

Basalt composition is defined as that chemical composition which when crystallized at one atmosphere under standard conditions will yield olivine, clinopyroxene, and plagioclase as the principal silicate phases. This gives six classes of basalt defined by their order of crystallization but only four of these are encountered in rocks: class 1, olivine→clinopyroxene→plagioclase; class 2, olivine→plagioclase→clinopyroxene; class 3, plagioclase→olivine→clinopyroxene; and class 4, plagioclase→linopyroxene→olivine. Classes 5 and 6 would have clinopyroxene as the first phase. The class can be determined from the rock composition from multivariate discriminant function equations but Si, Mg, Al, and Na provide a more simple diagnosis via dis-criminant diagrams. Rock series plotted on these diagrams show systematic trends that allow the series them-selves to be classified. Each class corresponds with a commonly recognized basalt type and all four classes relate to tectonic setting groups.
Serpentine minerals from two areas of the Western Australian nickel belt
Authors: Moeskops P. G.
Published: December 2006

Investigation of serpentine minerals from metaserpentinized ultramafic rocks in two Archaean green-stone belts, east of Kalgoorlie, has indicated that antigorite, exhibiting a very wide range of textures in thin section, is the dominant serpentine species; however, it is locally accompanied by relict lizardite. Chrysotile occurs both in late tectonic veins and as a present-day weathering product of relict olivine. Analytical data and structural formulae on seven serpentines, characterized independently by X-ray diffraction analysis, support the chemical differences between antigorite and chrysotile postulated by earlier workers.
Claringbullite, a new hydrated copper chloride
Authors: Fejer E. E. , Clark A. M. , Couper A. G. , Elliott C. J.
Published: December 2006

Claringbullite, Cu4CI(OH)7.nH2O where n is about 0·5, a new mineral, is reported as soft blue plates in cuprite from Nchanga open pit, Zambia and Kambowe, Mina M'sesa, Katanga. The mineral is hexagonal a 6-6708, c 9·183 Å, Z = 2. Optically, claringbullite is uniaxial negative with ω = 1·782 and ε = 1·780. Indexed powder data are given together with five electron-probe analyses of the mineral.
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression and outcome in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Sala-Torra Olga , Gundacker Holly M. , Stirewalt Derek L. , Ladne Paula A. , Pogosova-Agadjanyan Era L. , Slovak Marilyn L. , Willman Cheryl L. , Heimfeld Shelly , Boldt David H. , Radich Jerald P.
Published: December 2006

We compared the gene expression profile of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) to normal hematopoietic and non-ALL samples using oligonucleotide arrays. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was the highest overexpressed gene in B-cell ALL compared with the other groups, and displayed heterogeneous expression, suggesting it might have prognostic relevance. CTGF expression was examined by quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) on 79 adult ALL specimens. CTGF expression levels were significantly increased in ALL cases with B-lineage (P < .001), unfavorable cytogenetics (P < .001), and blasts expressing CD34 (P < .001). In a multivariate proportional hazards model, higher CTGF expression levels corresponded to worsening of overall survival (OS; hazard ratio 1.36, for each 10-fold increase in expression; P = .019). Further studies are ongoing to confirm the prognostic value of CTGF expression in ALL and to investigate its role in normal and abnormal lymphocyte biology.
Five members of the CEBP transcription factor family are targeted by recurrent IGH translocations in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL)
Authors: Akasaka Takashi , Balasas Theodore , Russell Lisa J. , Sugimoto Kei-ji , Majid Aneela , Walewska Renata , Karran E. Loraine , Brown David G. , Cain Kelvin , Harder Lana , Gesk Stefan , Martin-Subero Jose Ignacio , Atherton Mark G. , Brüggemann Monika , Calasanz María José , Davies Teresa , Haas Oskar A. , Hagemeijer Anne , Kempski Helena , Lessard Michel , Lillington Debra M. , Moore Sarah , Nguyen-Khac Florence , Radford-Weiss Isabelle , Schoch Claudia , Struski Stéphanie , Talley Polly , Welham Melanie J. , Worley Helen , Strefford Jon C. , Harrison Christine J. , Siebert Reiner , Dyer Martin J. S.
Published: December 2006

CCAAT enhancer-binding protein (CEBP) transcription factors play pivotal roles in proliferation and differentiation, including suppression of myeloid leukemogenesis. Mutations of CEBPA are found in a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and in some cases of familial AML. Here, using cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and molecular cloning, we show that 5 CEBP gene family members are targeted by recurrent IGH chromosomal translocations in BCP-ALL. Ten patients with t(8;14)(q11;q32) involved CEBPD on chromosome 8, and 9 patients with t(14;19)(q32;q13) involved CEBPA, while a further patient involved CEBPG, located 71 kb telomeric of CEBPA in chromosome band 19q13; 4 patients with inv(14)(q11q32)/t(14;14)(q11;q32) involved CEBPE and 3 patients with t(14;20)(q32;q13) involved CEBPB. In 16 patients the translocation breakpoints were cloned using long-distance inverse–polymerase chain reaction (LDI-PCR). With the exception of CEBPD breakpoints, which were scattered within a 43-kb region centromeric of CEBPD, translocation breakpoints were clustered immediately 5′ or 3′ of the involved CEBP gene. Except in 1 patient with t(14;14)(q11;q32), the involved CEBP genes retained germ-line sequences. Quantitative reverse transcription (RT)–PCR showed overexpression of the translocated CEBP gene. Our findings implicate the CEBP gene family as novel oncogenes in BCP-ALL, and suggest opposing functions of CEBP dysregulation in myeloid and lymphoid leukemogenesis.
T−B+NK+ severe combined immunodeficiency caused by complete deficiency of the CD3ζ subunit of the T-cell antigen receptor complex
Authors: Roberts Joseph L. , Lauritsen Jens Peter H. , Cooney Myriah , Parrott Roberta E. , Sajaroff Elisa O. , Win Chan M. , Keller Michael D. , Carpenter Jeffery H. , Carabana Juan , Krangel Michael S. , Sarzotti Marcella , Zhong Xiao-Ping , Wiest David L. , Buckley Rebecca H.
Published: December 2006

CD3ζ is a subunit of the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) complex required for its assembly and surface expression that also plays an important role in TCR-mediated signal transduction. We report here a patient with T−B+NK+ severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) who was homozygous for a single C insertion following nucleotide 411 in exon 7 of the CD3ζ gene. The few T cells present contained no detectable CD3ζ protein, expressed low levels of cell surface CD3ε, and were nonfunctional. CD4+CD8−CD3εlow, CD4−CD8+CD3εlow, and CD4−CD8−CD3εlow cells were detected in the periphery, and the patient also exhibited an unusual population of CD56−CD16+ NK cells with diminished cytolytic activity. Additional studies demonstrated that retrovirally transduced patient mutant CD3ζ cDNA failed to rescue assembly of nascent complete TCR complexes or surface TCR expression in CD3ζ-deficient MA5.8 murine T-cell hybridoma cells. Nascent transduced mutant CD3ζ protein was also not detected in metabolically labeled MA5.8 cells, suggesting that it was unstable and rapidly degraded. Taken together, these findings provide the first demonstration that complete CD3ζ deficiency in humans can cause SCID by preventing normal TCR assembly and surface expression.
Disease burden and related medical costs of rotavirus infections in Taiwan
Authors: Lu Chun-Yi , Lauderdale Tsai-Ling , Fang Yin-Hua , Wang Chung-Yi , Ho Yu-Huai , Hung Che-Lun , Chang Luan-Yin , Lee Chin-Yun , Huang Li-Min
Published: December 2006

Background

The disease burden and associated medical costs of rotavirus infections in inpatient and outpatient sectors in Taiwan were examined in anticipation of the availability of new rotavirus vaccines.

Methods

The yearly national case number and medical costs for all for inpatients and outpatients with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) were extracted from the Bureau of National Health Insurance database in Taiwan according to ICD-9-CM codes. A retrospective study was also performed using records of children with AGE seen at three hospitals in Taiwan in 2001 to identify laboratory confirmed rotavirus infection cases. The annual incidence and related medical costs of AGE due to rotavirus infection were then estimated.

Results

Children <5 years old comprised 83.6% of inpatient and 62.0% of outpatient pediatric AGE cases in Taiwan in 2001. Rotavirus was the most common agent detected among AGE patients in this age group in the three hospitals, and was detected in 32.9% (221/672) of inpatient and 24% (23/96) of outpatient stool specimens tested for microbial etiologies. An estimated 277,400 to 624,892 cases of rotavirus infections sought medical care in Taiwan in 2001, equaling one in 2 to 5 children <5 years old required medical care due to rotavirus infection. The incidence of hospitalization due to rotavirus infections was 1,528–1,997/100,000 for children <5 years old. The total associated medical costs due to rotavirus infection were estimated at US $10–16 millions in Taiwan in 2001. Although the per-capita medical cost of rotavirus infection was lower in Taiwan than in the United States or Hong Kong, the personal economic burden was similar among the three places when normalized for gross national incomes per capita.

Conclusion

Infections caused by rotavirus constitute an important human and economic burden among young children in Taiwan. A safe and effective vaccine is urgently needed.
Gene Expression Profiling of the Human Maternal-Fetal Interface Reveals Dramatic Changes between Midgestation and Term
Authors: Winn Virginia D. , Haimov-Kochman Ronit , Paquet Agnes C. , Yang Y. Jean , Madhusudhan M. S. , Gormley Matthew , Feng Kui-Tzu V. , Bernlohr David A. , McDonagh Susan , Pereira Lenore , Sali Andrej , Fisher Susan J.
Published: December 2006

Human placentation entails the remarkable integration of fetal and maternal cells into a single functional unit. In the basal plate region (the maternal-fetal interface) of the placenta, fetal cytotrophoblasts from the placenta invade the uterus and remodel the resident vasculature and avoid maternal immune rejection. Knowing the molecular bases for these unique cell-cell interactions is important for understanding how this specialized region functions during normal pregnancy with implications for tumor biology and transplantation immunology. Therefore, we undertook a global analysis of the gene expression profiles at the maternal-fetal interface. Basal plate biopsy specimens were obtained from 36 placentas (14–40 wk) at the conclusion of normal pregnancies. RNA was isolated, processed, and hybridized to HG-U133A&B Affymetrix GeneChips. Surprisingly, there was little change in gene expression during the 14- to 24-wk interval. In contrast, 418 genes were differentially expressed at term (37–40 wk) as compared with midgestation (14–24 wk). Subsequent analyses using quantitative PCR and immunolocalization approaches validated a portion of these results. Many of the differentially expressed genes are known in other contexts to be involved in differentiation, motility, transcription, immunity, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix dissolution, or lipid metabolism. One sixth were nonannotated or encoded hypothetical proteins. Modeling based on structural homology revealed potential functions for 31 of these proteins. These data provide a reference set for understanding the molecular components of the dialogue taking place between maternal and fetal cells in the basal plate as well as for future comparisons of alterations in this region that occur in obstetric complications.
Pus3p- and Pus1p-Dependent Pseudouridylation of Steroid Receptor RNA Activator Controls a Functional Switch that Regulates Nuclear Receptor Signaling
Authors: Zhao Xiansi , Patton Jeffrey R. , Ghosh Sajal K. , Fischel-Ghodsian Nathan , Shen Ling , Spanjaard Remco A.
Published: December 2006

It was previously shown that mouse Pus1p (mPus1p), a pseudouridine synthase (PUS) known to modify certain transfer RNAs (tRNAs), can also bind with nuclear receptors (NRs) and function as a coactivator through pseudouridylation and likely activation of an RNA coactivator called steroid receptor RNA activator (SRA). Use of cell extract devoid of human Pus1p activity derived from patients with mitochondrial myopathy and sideroblastic anemia, however, still showed SRA-modifying activity suggesting that other PUS(s) can also target this coactivator. Here, we show that related mPus3p, which has a different tRNA specificity than mPus1p, also serves as a NR coactivator. However, in contrast to mPus1p, it does not stimulate sex steroid receptor activity, which is likely due to lack of binding to this class of NRs. As expected from their tRNA activities, in vitro pseudouridylation assays show that mPus3p and mPus1p modify different positions in SRA, although some may be commonly targeted. Interestingly, the order in which these enzymes modify SRA determines the total number of pseudouridines. mPus3p and SRA are mainly cytoplasmic; however, mPus3p and SRA are also localized in distinct nuclear subcompartments. Finally, we identified an in vivo modified position in SRA, U206, which is likely a common target for both mPus1p and mPus3p. When U206 is mutated to A, SRA becomes hyperpseudouridylated in vitro, and it acquires dominant-negative activity in vivo. Thus, Pus1p- and Pus3p-dependent pseudouridylation of SRA is a highly complex posttranscriptional mechanism that controls a coactivator-corepressor switch in SRA with major consequences for NR signaling.
Early alignment of design requirements with stakeholder needs
Authors: Agouridas V , Winand H , McKay A , de Pennington A
Published: December 2006

Informality of design requirements is a problem, especially in distributed design teams, because it impacts upon the ability of a team to communicate. Since design requirements drive the design process, their miscommunication results in serious problems; for example, new products that do not align with the needs of the range of stakeholders to whom they are targeted. This, in turn, has a detrimental impact on traditional business performance indicators, such as market share, volume of sales, and profit. The research reported in this paper explored the applicability of requirements engineering and management techniques, traditionally used in the development of software-intensive systems, to the development of electromechanical consumer products. The motivational rationale traceability matrix (MoRal™) is introduced as a means to support the initial analysis of stakeholder needs and attributes, and the derivation of corresponding design requirements. The applicability of MoRalTM is demonstrated through application to a power solution case study. In this instance, the MoRalTM proved to be a powerful means of supporting the derivation of design requirements that are aligned with customer and other stakeholder needs, and are traceable to stakeholder intents.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of the axisymmetric hydromechanical deep drawing process
Authors: Fazli A , Dariani B M
Published: December 2006

In this paper the hydromechanical deep drawing process was studied and the tensile instability in this process, and related critical fluid pressure, was discussed. In the theoretical approach, the formulation for the bulging and drawing stage of the process was obtained and the successful working zone was achieved. Also, the effect of geometrical and material properties on the pressure limits was studied. An experimental approach was used to determine the reliability of the theoretical study.
An integrated fuzzy-based decision support system for the selection of lean tools: A case study from the steel industry
Authors: Singh R K , Choudhury A K , Tiwari M K , Maull R S
Published: December 2006

Lean manufacturing has been a topic of considerable interest in manufacturing for the past few years. It is now widely acknowledged that organizations that have mastered lean manufacturing methods have substantial advantage in terms of cost and quality over those still practising traditional mass production. Value stream mapping (VSM) provides a systematic way for the implementation of lean manufacturing philosophy. It consists of a range of mapping tools for the identification of the various types of waste occurring in different manufacturing stages. The selection of an appropriate mapping tool for the identification of waste at a macro- and microlevel in the manufacturing system is a complex decision-making problem. In this paper, a fuzzy-based multipreference, multicriterion, and multiperson decision-making heuristic has been developed to resolve the problem of such magnitude. A case study of the steel industry has been taken into account. Here, a hierarchy related to the decision problem has been developed and is resolved by a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The underlying issues pertaining to implementation of lean philosophy and decision-making procedures are considered, with reference to mathematically validated methods available in the literature.
Low-cost patterning of thin film
Authors: Duby S , Ramsey B , Harrison D
Published: December 2006

A novel route for the low-cost patterning of electrical thin films has been established. The process has been developed principally for the manufacture of thermocouples using high-speed reel-to-reel industrial techniques, but could be applied to the manufacture of a wide range of electronic devices including radio frequency identification (RFID) antennae, electrical interconnect, and passive electronic components. The procedure exploits high-volume processes directly to print self-removing masking layers.

The process offers substantial advantages over traditional thin-film patterning methods including faster, cheaper production runs. Raw material use and wastage are greatly reduced, affording environmental benefits.