bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent changes of water discharge and sediment load in the Yellow River basin, China
Authors: Chiyuan Miao  , Jinren Ni  , Borthwick Alistair G.L.
Published: July 2010

The Yellow River basin contributes approximately 6% of the sediment load from all river systems globally, and the annual runoff directly supports 12% of the Chinese population. As a result, describing and understanding recent variations of water discharge and sediment load under global change scenarios are of considerable importance. The present study considers the annual hydrologic series of the water discharge and sediment load of the Yellow River basin obtained from 15 gauging stations (10 mainstream, 5 tributaries). The Mann-Kendall test method was adopted to detect both gradual and abrupt change of hydrological series since the 1950s. With the exception of the area draining to the Upper Tangnaihai station, results indicate that both water discharge and sediment load have decreased significantly (p<0.05). The declining trend is greater with distance downstream, and drainage area has a significant positive effect on the rate of decline. It is suggested that the abrupt change of the water discharge from the late 1980s to the early 1990s arose from human extraction, and that the abrupt change in sediment load was linked to disturbance from reservoir construction.
Problems With IQ Gains: The Huge Vocabulary Gap
Authors: Flynn James R.
Published: July 2010

Despite Kaufman, Raven’s Progressive Matrices and the Wechsler subtest Similarities are tests whose gains call for special explanation. The spread of “scientific spectacles” is the key, but its explanatory potential has been exhausted. Three trends force us to look elsewhere: (a) gains on Wechsler subtests such as Picture Arrangement, (b) gains in developed nations persisting into the 21st century, (c) the growing gap between the active vocabularies of parents and their children.
Experimental Evaluation of Available Surface Friction Factor on a Hoop Substrate for a Filament-wound Composite Pressure Vessel
Authors: Madhavi M. , Rama Swamy K. , Rao K.V.J. , Narayana Rao K.
Published: July 2010

Advanced fiber-reinforced polymers have emerged as an important class of engineering materials for load-bearing applications with all-round properties for many engineering and social applications. A designer can use the anisotropy produced by building up a laminate from plies with a properly selected fiber—resin combination and orientation to meet the performance requirements. The design procedure of nongeodesic filament-wound composite pressure vessels requires well determined available surface friction values between the applied fiber and the supporting surface. In this article, the variations in available surface friction with respect to time on a hoop substrate of cylindrical mandrels are presented. A correlation between the surface friction and the tackiness is also developed. Several experiments are conducted corresponding to different dimensions of mandrels by varying initial angles of winding. In addition, the machine-related process parameters like fiber speed, roving tension, roving dimensions, and wet versus dry (different substrates) winding are considered in this study. Experiments are conducted to determine tackiness of the material and its variation with respect to time. The results indicate that available surface friction on the hoop substrate and the tackiness varies along with the time. On the other hand, the influence of fiber speed, roving tension, and fiber material is negligible. Based on the experimental investigations, a composite pressure vessel is designed and developed. Hydraulic test is performed on the composite pressure vessel till the burst pressure.
Middle-Holocene climates and human population densities in the Great Basin, western USA
Authors: Louderback Lisbeth A. , Grayson Donald K. , Llobera Marcos
Published: July 2010

Much of western North America saw higher temperatures and lower precipitation during the middle Holocene. The Great Basin became much drier and warmer than it is today, causing major shifts in lake levels, treelines, plant community composition, and vertebrate distributions and abundances. To assess the impact of climate change on middle-Holocene human population densities in this region, we examine the frequency structures of radiocarbon-dated archaeological sites through time in three separate parts of the Great Basin: the Bonneville Basin, Fort Rock Basin, and western Lahontan Basin. The results of the analysis support the hypothesis that human population densities in many parts of the Great Basin dropped substantially in response to middle-Holocene climate change but also document that there were intervals during the middle Holocene in all three areas that appear to have been marked by temporary population increases. We hypothesize that these increases were associated with equally temporary increases in effective precipitation but, lacking adequate paleoenvironmental data, do not attempt to test this hypothesis.
Disease activity patterns in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus and its relation to early aggressive treatment
Authors: Otten MH , Cransberg K. , van Rossum MAJ , Groothoff JW , Kist-van Holthe JE , ten Cate R. , Van Suijlekom-Smit LWA
Published: July 2010

This study aimed to determine disease activity patterns in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) and its relation to early treatment. All jSLE patients who visited the outpatient departments of three Dutch university hospitals for at least 6 months were included. Data were retrospectively collected from each patient visit and hospitalization. Patient characteristics, clinical and laboratory findings categorized in organ systems, flare rate, medication use and disease course were analysed. Included were 35 patients (female 77%; White 47%) with a total follow-up of 142 years. Median age at diagnosis was 12.8 years. Flare rate was 0.45/ patient-year. An organ system not earlier involved was affected in 34% of flares. Identifiable disease activity patterns were: chronic active (49%), relapse remitting (14%) and long quiescence (37%), with no significant difference in organ involvement at diagnosis. Positive anti-Sm and non-White ethnicity were significantly associated with a chronic active pattern. In 14 patients with severe symptoms at diagnosis, treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide and/or biologics and/or intravenous methylprednisone in the first 6 months resulted in a long quiescence pattern in seven patients. In conclusion, distinct disease activity patterns are identifiable in children. Suppression of disease with early aggressive treatment may decrease the rate of progression.
An exploratory study of black male college athletes’ perceptions on race and athlete activism
Authors: Agyemang Kwame , Singer John N , DeLorme Joshua
Published: July 2010

This qualitative pilot case study focuses on black male athletes at a major university in the United States of America (USA) and utilizes critical race theory (CRT) to understand their perspectives on race and athlete activism in the context of American society and sport. Our interviews with this important stakeholder group uncovered four themes related to their perceptions of race and athlete activism: 1) race is still an important issue in American society and sport; 2) knowledge about the activism of black athletes from the past is important; 3) differences in the mindset and attitude toward activism between current and past black athletes exist; and 4) black athletes have a responsibility to speak on social issues and causes today. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for theory, research, and practice. In addition, future research directions are offered for scholars who are interested in diversity and social justice in the context of American higher education and college sport.
A Critique of Current Practice: Ten Foundational Guidelines for Autoethnographers
Authors: Tolich Martin
Published: July 2010

Any research is potentially compromised when researchers address ethical issues retrospectively rather than by anticipating these issues. In this regard, creative analytical practices (CAP) autoethnography has endemic problems. In Part 1 of this article, I detail a case study of an autoethnography in which journal reviewers insisted that an author gain retrospective informed consent from the 23 persons documented in an autoethnography. Yet the journal reviewers’ insistence failed to go one step further—acknowledging that a conflict of interest develops when gaining consent retrospectively. In Part 2, I contrast three leading autoethnographers’ justifications for not gaining informed consent with the Position Statement on Qualitative Research developed by successive Congresses of Qualitative Inquiry. In Part 3, I identify resources available for autoethnographers, including ethical issues present when researchers use autoethnography to heal themselves, violating the internal confidentiality of relational others. In Part 4, I question if autoethnography is research and, like journalism, exempt from formal ethics review. Throughout the article, 10 foundational ethical considerations for autoethnographers are developed, taking autoethnographers beyond procedural ethics and providing tools for their ethics in practice.
Enhancing a Health-Related Quality-of-Life Model for Laotian Migrant Workers in Thailand
Authors: Nilvarangkul Kessarawan , McCann Terence V. , Rungreangkulkij Somporn , Wongprom Jaranya
Published: July 2010

We undertook this action research study to enhance the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Laotian migrant workers, and to conceptualize a practical model for workers for use in similar situations. Seventy Laotian migrant workers, 3 researchers, and 18 stakeholders took part in the study. Several data collection methods were utilized, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observations, and field notes. Content analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data. Findings suggest that because of their participation in the study, the workers improved certain aspects of their HRQOL through participation, consciousness raising, and empowerment, which enabled them to become more self-reliant, confident, and competent, and have greater strength to overcome their difficulties. The Enhancing Laotian Workers’ HRQOL Model was conceived as a practical model that could be used by community health nurses working with migrant workers in various contexts.
Impact of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent prescribing at an Asian cancer center, after release of safety advisories
Authors: Chan QingRu , Chan Alexandre
Published: July 2010

Background. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) provide symptom relief and decrease blood transfusion support among patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia. However, due to increased cardiovascular events associated with off-labeled usage of ESAs, the FDA incorporated black box warnings in 2007 to include the following key points: (a) ESAs should be used only to treat anemia due to concomitant chemotherapy of a noncurative intent and (b) target hemogloblin level should not exceed 12 g/dL. Thus, this study was designed to compare the prescribing of epoetin alfa at National Cancer Centre Singapore before and after FDA black box updates. The secondary objective of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of efficacy and toxicity monitoring of epoetin alfa.

Methods. This was a retrospective, single-centered, drug utilization review. Patients who received at least one dose of epoetin alfa were included in this study. Utilization of epoetin alfa was segregated into two time periods: January 1, 2005 to October 15, 2007 (S1, Pre-safety advisories changes) and October 16, 2007 to December 10, 2009 (S2, Post-safety advisories changes).

Results. A total of 171 patients were prescribed epoetin alfa at NCCS during the two time periods. However, only 139 patients were eligible for analysis, with 91 and 48 patients in S1 and S2 respectively. After safety advisory changes, there were more (18.2%) metastatic patients and fewer (19.1%) patients with cardiovascular co-morbidities who were prescribed epoetin alfa, the mean hemogloblin level when epoetin alfa was initiated was lowered by 0.46 g/dL, more (43%) dose adjustments were made for ‘excessive’ responders and more (40.7%) patients had fewer blood transfusions after epoetin alfa therapy ( p < 0.05). However, blood pressure control, iron studies, and supplementation did not improve ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion. This study suggested that oncologists have generally adopted the new ESA safety warnings and adjusted prescribing habits.
Impact of early English language teaching on L1 and L2 development in children in Dutch schools
Authors: Goorhuis-Brouwer Sieneke , de Bot Kees
Published: July 2010

This article reports on the outcomes of a project aimed at the evaluation of early English language teaching (EELT) in Dutch primary education, starting at age 4. Between 2003 and 2008 four cohorts of first- and second-grade children receiving one to three hours of English language teaching per week were tested with standardized Dutch and English versions of the Reynell tests for language development. The outcomes show that all children acquire some basic skills in English leading to a native age equivalent of 2.5 years for comprehension and 2.1 years for language production. First language (L1) development is not affected by the EELT program in the sense that the majority of the children are within the age equivalent range. Furthermore, children with a non-Dutch background do not suffer from EELT in the sense that their L2 Dutch development is within the normal range though significantly lower than that of their Dutch peers. It is concluded that some of the arguments against early foreign language teaching, in particular the problems it might have for L1 development and the additional problems in language acquisition it could pose for non-native children, are not supported by our data.
Encounters of a different kind
Authors: Beyens Kristel , Scheirs Veerle
Published: July 2010

This article draws on the results of multi-method research studying the discourse of Belgian sentencing judges and report writers in relation to the use and evaluation of social reports. To understand the Belgian context, the legal framework and its underlying assumptions, as well as the institutional and cultural background to the use and evaluation of social reports, are explained. Social reports focus on the social background of the offender. Their production is embedded in a rehabilitative framework of supervision and guidance which prioritizes community-based sanctions, but which does not fit very well with judges’ neo-classical approach to sentencing. Our analysis suggests that the relatively marginal use of social reports in sentencing is an illustration of judges’ professional ownership of ‘their’ decision, and adherence to their own penal culture. Judges base their decision making on an official legal dossier which contains many different ‘voices’, both judicial and non-judicial. Compared to other documents, such as ‘moral’ reports by the police for example, social narratives are accorded less authority. As for the international penological debate on changing penality, we see little evidence of actuarial risk-based practices in the sentencing phase. Social reports are still requested and constructed within an individualizing needs-based approach. On the other hand, although the Belgian picture is changing and heterogeneous, we can see that new public management techniques are beginning to find their way into the Belgian criminal justice system, paving the way for a more managerial approach to the implementation of community-based sanctions.
Resisting risk assessment? Pre-sentence reports and individualized sentencing in Denmark
Authors: Wandall Rasmus H.
Published: July 2010

This article places the use of pre-sentence reports in Danish courts in the context of recent transnational trends toward the increasing use of risk assessments. Based on empirical studies of court decision-making processes, the article describes the production and use of pre-sentence reports on three levels of communication in the process of sentencing: preparation of reports; formal and explicit use in the courtroom; and informal and implicit use in the courtroom. The findings reveal two different modes of construction of individual defendants. One represents a modernist-welfare narrative, institutionalized in the framework of pre-sentence reports already in 1930. This narrative applies individualized assessments of the defendant’s relevant social resources to target the use of alternatives to imprisonment. The other construction echoes more recent penal changes and brings categorical risk assessment to the strategic targeting of high risk offenders for imprisonment. The empirical evidence suggests that the courtroom decision-making process is formally and explicitly dominated by a modernist-welfare account. However, at the same time and at the level of informal and implicit communication, the courtroom process provides ample room for constructions echoing more recent penal change toward risk assessment.
A sense of justice
Authors: Tata Cyrus
Published: July 2010

The criminal justice process in the lower and intermediate courts depends on defendants admitting guilt and being seen to do so voluntarily. Hitherto, there has been limited academic consideration of how pre-sentence reports and their associated processes interact with the dynamics of guilty pleas. Drawing on recent research following through the production, use, and interpretation of a sample of reports, this article concentrates on the troubling inconsistency with which legal professionals (especially judges and lawyers) are continually confronted: namely, between their ideals of ‘proper’ legal justice and the pragmatic daily reality in which they have to participate. How do legal professionals manage this sense of inconsistency? The article suggests that reports are vital to enabling legal professionals to process defendants in good, or at least not bad, conscience. In particular, reports pacify the lingering unease felt by legal professionals that the everyday summary court processes may be too abrupt, abstract and impersonal. Reports and their associated processes pacify this unease in three ways. Firstly, reports display to legal professionals that defendants are treated individually, and with a degree of respect and humanity. Secondly, report processes (including their anticipation) assist the management of defendants and facilitate the production of guilty pleas. Thirdly, reports, generally (but by no means always), help to facilitate the ‘closure’ of guilty pleas. In these three ways, the ‘efficienct’ mass processing of defendants via guilty pleas is enabled by a sense among legal professionals of the individualised justice which reports seem to them to display.
Learning in International Governmental Organizations
Authors: Duina Francesco , Nedergaard Peter
Published: July 2010

There exists considerable research on how national policy makers learn from abroad. A significant amount examines the processes and actors at work at the international level. In that strand, relatively little attention has gone to international governmental organizations (IGOs), aside from the European Union (EU)’s Open Method of Coordination. In this article, we carry out a comparative study of learning in three IGOs: the EU, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the Nordic Council of Ministers. Our policy area is social protection. We investigate what is being learned, and the factors that promote or block learning. Our methodology involves an analysis of the formal design of those IGOs and face-to-face interviews with high-ranking bureaucrats from each organization. We observe, first, that the most important learning in IGOs concerns matters that are not part of formal agendas — governance and epistemic issues above all. Second, we see that very different factors promote or block learning in different organizations. We reflect on the implications of these findings for both theory and practice.
Intramedullary Splinting or Conservative Treatment for Displaced Fractures of the Little Finger Metacarpal Neck? a Prospective Study
Authors: Strub B. , Schindele S. , Sonderegger J. , Sproedt J. , Von Campe A. , Gruenert J.G.
Published: July 2010

Forty patients with a 30 ° to 70° palmar displacement of a little finger metacarpal neck fracture were treated either with closed reduction and intramedullary splinting, or conservatively without reduction. Functional mobilization was started after 1 week in both groups. A radiological and clinical assessment of flexion and extension of the small finger metacarpophalangeal joint was done at 2 and 6 weeks, and at 3, 6 and 12 months. In addition patient satisfaction and grip strength were recorded at 12 months. No statistically significant differences in range of motion and grip strength were found between the two groups. Patient satisfaction and the appearance were superior in the surgically treated group. We conclude that intramedullary splinting for displaced fractures of the little finger metacarpal neck offers an aesthetic, but not a functional advantage.
Effect of process parameters on structure and macrosegregation upon direct chill casting of Mg–Nd–Zn–Zr alloy
Authors: Zheng X. W. , Dong J. , Zhou N. , Fu P. H. , Yao S. S. , Ding W. J.
Published: July 2010

Direct chill (DC) semicontinuous casting process has been successfully used to produce sound Mg–3·0Nd–0·4Zn–0·4Zr (NZ30K) billets. The influence of process parameters such as casting speed, casting temperature on the microstructure and macrosegregation was studied. The results show that the casting speed affects the macrosegregation greatly while it has a slight influence on the grain size of the billet; the casting temperature has a slight influence on macrosegregation of the billet while the grain size of the billet increases as the casting temperature increases. The optimal process parameters have been experimentally determined as follows: casting temperature 700°C and casting speed 90 mm min−1. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of billets cast at the optimal casting parameters are 196 MPa, 125 MPa and 16·5 respectively.
Corrosion protection by acrylamide treatment for magnesium alloy metal matrix composite (MMC) reinforced with titanium boride
Authors: Parthiban G. T. , Malarkodi D. , Palaniswamy N. , Venkatachari G.
Published: July 2010

Using potentiodynamic polarisation, polarisation resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, the effect of amide treatment to magnesium metal matrix composite in 0·6 N sodium chloride medium has been studied. The corrosion potential Ecorr, corrosion current Icorr, polarisation resistance Rp and charge transfer resistance Rct were determined from the corresponding plots. Ecorr shifted towards more negative values while Icorr decreased with increasing treatment time. Surface analysis with SEM and AFM showed an improvement in surface due to formation of a film. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies confirmed the film formation and the coordination of magnesium to the oxygen in the amide compound.
Alteration zonation in the Loma Blanca kaolin deposit, Los Menucos, Province of Rio Negro, Argentina
Authors: Marfil S. A. , Maiza P. J. , Montecchiari N.
Published: July 2010

The Loma Blanca mine is in one of the northwest kaolinized zones of the Los Menucos area (Patagonia, Argentina). The parent rocks are andesites and andesitic tuffs from the Vera Formation, Los Menucos Group (Lower Triassic). Hayase & Maiza (1974) proposed a concentric zonation model. From the parent rock outward, four different alteration patterns were recognized: Zone 1, with sericite, chlorite and montmorillonite; Zone 2, with kaolinite and dickite; Zone 3, with dickite, pyrophyllite and alunite; and Zone 4, with quartz, disseminated sulphides and diaspore.

The relationship between the chemical composition of major, minor and trace elements and the mineralogical alteration zonation was evaluated to confirm the genesis of the deposit. Fe2O3, CaO, Na2O and K2O contents decrease from Zone 1 to Zone 3, whereas Al2O3 and LOI increase in the kaolinite-alunite zone. In the chemical composition of alunite, Na > K. Large Ba, Sr, V and Zr contents were observed mainly in Zones 2 and 3. Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Rb are more common in Zone 1. LREE are more abundant than HREE in Zones 2 and 3. In kaolinites, δ18O values range from 10.8% to 13.2%, and δD from –83% to –85%.

The mineral assemblage (dickite-alunite-pyrophyllite-diaspore), the alteration zonation pattern (laterally concentric), the geochemistry of trace elements, the relation between LREE and HREE and the small δ18O values suggest that the Loma Blanca deposit was formed by hydrothermal processes.
Nano-size quartz accumulation in reservoir chalk, Ekofisk Formation, South Arne Field, North Sea
Authors: Lindgreen H. , Jakobsen F. , Springer N.
Published: July 2010

In the oil fields in the Central Graben of the North Sea, Maastrichtian chalk is an important hydrocarbon reservoir, but oil may also be found in the Danian chalk, consisting of white chalk interbedded with clay layers. Within the chalk section, discrete intervals appear like chalk but contain large amounts of quartz (up to 100%). The aim of the present investigation is to reveal the mechanism for formation of the quartz in these intervals and to discuss their regional distribution and importance for the reservoir properties. Samples of chalk, including quartz-rich intervals, and clay layers from three wells SA-1, Rigs-1 and Rigs-2 in the South Arne Field have been investigated. Calcite-free residues obtained using a buffered dissolution of calcite were investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The main silica phase in the Upper Cretaceous–Danian chalk in the three wells is a nano-size α-quartz. This has probably formed from Si dissolved from radiolarians in the free-water phase. The 600 Å diameter α-quartz spheres precipitated in the free-water phase with subsequent flocculation of the spheres and sedimentation of the flocs. Variations in the proportion of quartz in the chalk are attributed to variations in the amount of radiolarians in combination with variations in CO2 concentrations in the water; increased CO2 causes dissolution of coccoliths and thus a relative enrichment in quartz. This formation mechanism is regional and makes it probable that the layers rich in nano-quartz may be found over large areas provided that the chalk is authigenic. Quartz-rich layers are generally of low permeability and in areas with authigenic chalk these layers may act as internal seals in chalk reservoirs.
Noonkanbahite, BaKNaTi2(Si4O12)O2, a new mineral species: description and crystal structure
Authors: Uvarova Y. A. , Sokolova E. , Hawthorne F. C. , Liferovich R. P. , Mitchell R. H. , Pekov I. V. , Zadov A. E.
Published: July 2010

Noonkanbahite, ideally BaKNaTi2(Si4O12)O2, is described as a new mineral species. At Liley [Löhley], Eifel Mountains, Germany (the holotype locality), it occurs as sprays of prismatic crystals (up to 8 mm) or single prismatic crystals (up to 4 mm) on walls of cavities in alkaline igneous rocks. At Murun, Siberia, Russia, noonkanbahite forms coarse lamellar crystals up to 0.05 cm × 0.7 cm × 1.5 cm embedded in kalsilite syenite. Noonkanbahite is brittle, H = 6, Dobs. = 3.39(1), Dcalc. = 3.49 g/cm3, has a vitreous lustre and does not fluoresce in ultraviolet light. It has poor cleavage on {010} and {100} and weak parting on {011}. Noonkanbahite is biaxial positive with 2Vobs. = 75(2)°, 2Vcalc. = 72.7(9)°, α 1.730(5), β 1.740(5) and γ 1.765(5), dispersion is medium, r < v. In transmitted plane-polarized light, noonkanbahite is strongly pleochroic, with X colourless, Y yellowish, Z straw-yellow; X = a, Y = b, Z = c. Noonkanbahite is orthorhombic, space group Imma, a = 8.0884(4), b = 10.4970(5), c = 13.9372(6) Å, V = 1183.3(1) Å3, Z = 4. The strongest ten X-ray diffraction lines in the powder pattern [d in Å (I)(hkl)] are: 2.907(100)(222), 8.353(50)(001), 3.196(50)(220), 2.097(50)(242), 2.241(40)(215), 2.179(40)(035), 3.377(30)(031), 2.694(30)(015), 2.304(30)(233), and 1.564(30)(064). Electron microprobe analysis gives SiO2 37.82, TiO2 15.54, ZrO2 0.42, Nb2O5 3.18, Al2O3 0.17, Fe2O3 (recalculated from FeO) 5.63, MnO 0.32, MgO 0.53, BaO 20.60, CaO 1.36, K2O 5.32, Na2O 6.14, F 0.78, H2O 0.58, sum 98.39 wt.%, (H2O determined by SIMS). The formula unit, calculated on the basis of 14 anions (O+OH+F), is (Ba0.85K0.13)Σ0.98(K0.59Na0.26Ca0.15)Σ1.00Na(Ti1.23Fe0.453+Nb0.15Mg0.08Mn0.03Zr0.02Al0.01)Σ1.97 (Si3.99Al0.01O12)(O1.33OH0.41F0.26)Σ2.00, Z = 4.

The crystal structure was refined to R1 = 2.8% for 970 unique (F0 > 4σF) reflections collected on a Bruker single-crystal P4 diffractometer with a CCD detector and MoKα X-radiation. The crystal structure of noonkanbahite is isostructural with that of batisite, ideally BaNa2Ti2(Si4O12)O2, and scherbakovite, ideally K2NaTi2(Si4O12)O(OH). There are two octahedrally coordinated sites, M(1) and M(2), occupied by (Ti1.23Fe0.453+Nb0.15Mg0.08Mn0.03Zr0.02Al0.01), ideally Ti2 a.p.f.u. There are three interstitial A sites, [9]A(1), [8]A(2) and [6]A(3), occupied by Ba, K and Na, respectively. Si tetrahedra and M octahedra form a framework with interstitial cages occupied by Ba, K and Na atoms at the A sites. Noonkanbahite, BaKNaTi2(Si4O12)O2, is a K analogue of batisite, BaNa2Ti2(Si4O12)O2, and a Ba analogue of shcherbakovite, K2NaTi2(Si4O12)O(OH).
Complex impedance spectroscopy and ionic transport properties of natural leucite, K0.90Na0.08[Al0.98Si2.02]O6, as a function of temperature and pressure
Authors: Jones R. L. , Thrall M. , Henderson C. M. B.
Published: July 2010

The temperature (T) and pressure (P) dependence of dielectric and conductivity properties of natural leucite were determined using complex impedance spectroscopy at frequencies from 103 to 106 Hz. Experiments were carried out in a Walker multi-anvil cell at 1 atm and P from 2.5 to 6 GPa and at T from 350 to 800°C. At pressure >6 GPa and temperature >790°C the leucite broke down to kalsilite+sanidine and dielectric properties for this phase assemblage are given at 6.0–7.0 GPa and T to 1050°C.

Leucite conductivity increases with increasing T and decreases with increasing P reflecting their different effects on migration of K cations within the channels in the leucite aluminosilicate framework. Activation energies for K+ migration in leucite increase with increasing pressure (0.74–0.97 eV; 70.0–93.2 kJ/mol) and activation volumes for leucite increase with increasing T (6.42–9.51 cm3/mol; 400–700°C). The latter data provide model K+ cation diameters increasing from 2.7 Å at 400°C to 3.2 Å at 700°C. These values are consistent with the earlier suggestion of Palmer and Salje that the ionic mobility mechanism consists of diffusion along <110> rather than along the main channels parallel to <111>.
Treatment and prognosis of mature T-cell and NK-cell lymphoma: an analysis of patients with T-cell lymphoma treated in studies of the German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Study Group
Authors: Schmitz Norbert , Trümper Lorenz , Ziepert Marita , Nickelsen Maike , Ho Anthony D. , Metzner Bernd , Peter Norma , Loeffler Markus , Rosenwald Andreas , Pfreundschuh Michael
Published: July 2010

To evaluate outcome and prognosis of patients with T-cell lymphoma we analyzed 343 patients treated within trials of the German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Study Group (DSHNHL). Two hundred eighty-nine patients belonged to 1 of the 4 major T-cell lymphoma subtypes: anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), anaplastic large cell lymphoma kinase (ALK)–positive (n = 78); ALCL, ALK-negative (n = 113); peripheral T-cell lymphoma, unspecified (PTCLU; n = 70); and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL; n = 28). Treatment consisted of 6-8 courses of CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone/prednisolone) or etoposide plus (CHOEP). Three-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival were 75.8% and 89.8% (ALK-positive ALCL), 50.0% and 67.5% (AITL), 45.7% and 62.1% (ALK-negative ALCL), and 41.1% and 53.9% (PTCLU), respectively. The International Prognostic Index (IPI) was effective in defining risk groups with significantly different outcomes. For patients, ≤ 60 years with lactate dehydrogenase ≤ upper normal value (UNV), etoposide improved improved 3-year EFS: 75.4% versus 51.0%, P = .003. In patients > 60 years 6 courses of CHOP administered every 3 weeks remains the standard therapy. Patients with ALK-negative ALCL, PTCLU, or AITL presenting with IPI > 1 have a poor prognosis and should be considered candidates for novel treatment strategies.
Targeting CK2 overexpression and hyperactivation as a novel therapeutic tool in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Martins Leila R. , Lúcio Paulo , Silva Milene C. , Anderes Kenna L. , Gameiro Paula , Silva Maria G. , Barata João T.
Published: July 2010

Expression of protein kinase CK2 is frequently deregulated in cancer and mounting evidence implicates CK2 in tumorigenesis. Here, we show that CK2 is overexpressed and hyperactivated in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Inhibition of CK2 induces apoptosis of CLL cells without significantly affecting normal B and T lymphocytes. Importantly, this effect is not reversed by coculture with OP9 stromal cells, which are otherwise capable of rescuing CLL cells from in vitro spontaneous apoptosis. CLL cell death upon CK2 inhibition is mediated by inactivation of PKC, a PI3K downstream target, and correlates with increased PTEN activity, indicating that CK2 promotes CLL cell survival at least in part via PI3K-dependent signaling. Although CK2 antagonists induce significant apoptosis of CLL cells in all patient samples analyzed, sensitivity to CK2 blockade positively correlates with the percentage of CLL cells in the peripheral blood, β2 microglobulin serum levels and clinical stage. These data suggest that subsets of patients with aggressive and advanced stage disease may especially benefit from therapeutic strategies targeting CK2 function. Overall, our study indicates that CK2 plays a critical role in CLL cell survival, laying the groundwork for the inclusion of CK2 inhibitors into future therapeutic strategies.
Deriving enzymatic and taxonomic signatures of metagenomes from short read data
Authors: Weingart Uri , Persi Erez , Gophna Uri , Horn David
Published: July 2010

Background

We propose a method for deriving enzymatic signatures from short read metagenomic data of unknown species. The short read data are converted to six pseudo-peptide candidates. We search for occurrences of Specific Peptides (SPs) on the latter. SPs are peptides that are indicative of enzymatic function as defined by the Enzyme Commission (EC) nomenclature. The number of SP hits on an ensemble of short reads is counted and then converted to estimates of numbers of enzymatic genes associated with different EC categories in the studied metagenome. Relative amounts of different EC categories define the enzymatic spectrum, without the need to perform genomic assemblies of short reads.

Results

The method is developed and tested on 22 bacteria for which there exist many EC annotations in Uniprot. Enzymatic signatures are derived for 3 metagenomes, and their functional profiles are explored.

We extend the SP methodology to taxon-specific SPs (TSPs), allowing us to estimate taxonomic features of metagenomic data from short reads. Using recent Swiss-Prot data we obtain TSPs for different phyla of bacteria, and different classes of proteobacteria. These allow us to analyze the major taxonomic content of 4 different metagenomic data-sets.

Conclusions

The SP methodology can be successfully extended to applications on short read genomic and metagenomic data. This leads to direct derivation of enzymatic signatures from raw short reads. Furthermore, by employing TSPs, one obtains valuable taxonomic information.
Integrating phylogeographic patterns of microsatellite and mtDNA divergence to infer the evolutionary history of chamois (genus Rupicapra)
Authors: Rodríguez Fernando , Pérez Trinidad , Hammer Sabine E , Albornoz Jesús , Domínguez Ana
Published: July 2010

Background

The chamois, distributed over most of the medium to high altitude mountain ranges of southern Eurasia, provides an excellent model for exploring the effects of historical and evolutionary events on diversification. Populations have been grouped into two species,Rupicapra pyrenaicafrom southwestern Europe andR. rupicaprafrom eastern Europe. However, a previous study of cytochrome b revealed that the two proposed species were non-monophyletic. The reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships between animal species often depends on the markers studied. To further elucidate the evolutionary history of chamois, we extended earlier studies by analysing DNA sequences of four mitochondrial regions (ND1, 12S, tRNApro and Control Region) and microsatellites (20 loci) to include all subspecies and cover its entire distribution range.

Results

We found discordant microsatellite (μsat) and mitochondrial (mt) DNA phylogenies. Mitochondrial phylogenies form three clades, West, Central and East (mtW, mtC and mtE), at variance with taxonomic classification. Our divergence age estimates indicate an initial separation into branches mtW-mtC and mtE 1.7 million years ago (mya), in the late Pliocene-early Pleistocene, quickly followed by the split of clades mtW and mtC. Clade mtW contains haplotypes from the Iberian peninsula and the western Alps, Clade mtC includes haplotypes from the Apennines and the Massif of Chartreuse and Clade mtE comprises populations to the east of the Alps. Divergence among populations within these three major clades is recent (< 0.5 mya). New microsatellite multilocus genotypes added to previously published data revealed differences between every pair of subspecies, forming three well defined groups (μsatW, μsatC and μsatE) also with a strong geographic signature. Grouping does not correspond with the mitochondrial lineages but is closer to morphology and taxonomic classification. Recent drastic reductions in population size can be noted for the subspeciesornataas an extremely low diversity.

Conclusions

The phylogeographic patterns for mtDNA and microsatellites suggest an evolutionary history with limited range contractions and expansions during the Quaternary period and reflect a major effect of the Alpine barrier on west-east differentiation. The contrasting phylogenies for mtDNA and microsatellites indicate events of hybridization among highly divergent lineages in the central area of distribution. Our study points to the importance of reticulate evolution, with periods of isolation and reduction of population size followed by expansions and hybridizations, in the diversification at the level of close species or subspecies.
Complete mitochondrial genomes of Taenia multiceps, T. hydatigena and T. pisiformis: additional molecular markers for a tapeworm genus of human and animal health significance
Authors: Jia Wan-Zhong , Yan Hong-Bin , Guo Ai-Jiang , Zhu Xing-Quan , Wang Yu-Chao , Shi Wan-Gui , Chen Hao-Tai , Zhan Fang , Zhang Shao-Hua , Fu Bao-Quan , Littlewood D Timothy J , Cai Xue-Peng
Published: July 2010

Background

Mitochondrial genomes provide a rich source of molecular variation of proven and widespread utility in molecular ecology, population genetics and evolutionary biology. The tapeworm genus Taenia includes a diversity of tapeworm parasites of significant human and veterinary importance. Here we add complete sequences of the mt genomes of T. multiceps, T. hydatigena and T. pisiformis, to a data set of 4 published mtDNAs in the same genus. Seven complete mt genomes of Taenia species are used to compare and contrast variation within and between genomes in the genus, to estimate a phylogeny for the genus, and to develop novel molecular markers as part of an extended mitochondrial toolkit.

Results

The complete circular mtDNAs of T. multiceps, T. hydatigena and T. pisiformis were 13,693, 13,492 and 13,387 bp in size respectively, comprising the usual complement of flatworm genes. Start and stop codons of protein coding genes included those found commonly amongst other platyhelminth mt genomes, but the much rarer initiation codon GTT was inferred for the gene atp 6 in T. pisiformis. Phylogenetic analysis of mtDNAs offered novel estimates of the interrelationships of Taenia. Sliding window analyses showed nad 6, nad 5, atp 6, nad 3 and nad 2 are amongst the most variable of genes per unit length, with the highest peaks in nucleotide diversity found in nad 5. New primer pairs capable of amplifying fragments of variable DNA in nad 1, rrn S and nad 5 genes were designed in silico and tested as possible alternatives to existing mitochondrial markers for Taenia.

Conclusions

With the availability of complete mtDNAs of 7 Taenia species, we have shown that analysis of amino acids provides a robust estimate of phylogeny for the genus that differs markedly from morphological estimates or those using partial genes; with implications for understanding the evolutionary radiation of important Taenia. Full alignment of the nucleotides of Taenia mtDNAs and sliding window analysis suggests numerous alternative gene regions are likely to capture greater nucleotide variation than those currently pursued as molecular markers. New PCR primers developed from a comparative mitogenomic analysis of Taenia species, extend the use of mitochondrial markers for molecular ecology, population genetics and diagnostics.
Contrasting predictors of poor antiretroviral therapy outcomes in two South African HIV programmes: a cohort study
Authors: Dahab Mison , Charalambous Salome , Karstaedt Alan S , Fielding Katherine L , Hamilton Robin , La Grange Lettie , Churchyard Gavin J , Grant Alison D
Published: July 2010

Background

Many national antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes encourage providers to identify and address baseline factors associated with poor treatment outcomes, including modifiable adherence-related behaviours, before initiating ART. However, evidence on such predictors is scarce, and providers judgement may often be inaccurate. To help address this evidence gap, this observational cohort study examined baseline factors potentially predictive of poor treatment outcomes in two ART programmes in South Africa, with a particular focus on determinants of adherence.

Methods

Treatment-naïve patients starting ART were enrolled from a community and a workplace ART programme. Potential baseline predictors associated with poor treatment outcomes (defined as viral load > 400 copies/ml or having discontinued treatment by six months) were assessed using logistic regression. Exposure variables were organised for regression analysis using a hierarchical framework.

Results

38/227 (17%) of participants in the community had poor treatment outcomes compared to 47/117 (40%) in the workplace. In the community, predictors of worse outcomes included: drinking more than 20 units of alcohol per week, having no prior experience of chronic medications, and consulting a traditional healer in the past year (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 15.36, 95% CI 3.22-73.27; aOR 2.30, 95%CI 1.00-5.30; aOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.00-5.19 respectively). Being male and knowing someone on ART were associated with better outcomes (aOR 0.25, 95%CI 0.09-0.74; aOR 0.44, 95%CI 0.19-1.01 respectively). In the workplace, predictors of poor treatment outcomes included being uncertain about the health effects of ART and a traditional healer's ability to treat HIV (aOR 7.53, 95%CI 2.02-27.98; aOR 4.40, 95%CI 1.41-13.75 respectively). Longer pre-ART waiting time (2-12 weeks compared to <2 weeks) predicted better treatment outcomes (aOR 0.13, 95% CI 0.03-0.56).

Conclusion

Baseline predictors of poor treatment outcomes were largely unique to each programme, likely reflecting different populations and pathways to HIV care. In the workplace, active promotion of HIV testing may have extended ART to individuals who, without provider initiation, would not have spontaneously sought care. As provider-initiated testing makes ART available to individuals less motivated to seek care, patients may need additional adherence support, especially addressing uncertainty about the health benefits of ART.
Fusion of EML4 and ALK is associated with development of lung adenocarcinomas lacking EGFR and KRAS mutations and is correlated with ALK expression
Authors: Zhang Xuchao , Zhang Shirley , Yang Xuening , Yang Jinji , Zhou Qing , Yin Lucy , An Shejuan , Lin Jiaying , Chen Shiliang , Xie Zhi , Zhu Mike , Zhang Xiaolin , Wu Yi-long
Published: July 2010

Background

The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene is frequently involved in translocations that lead to gene fusions in a variety of human malignancies, including lymphoma and lung cancer. Fusion partners of ALK include NPM, EML4, TPM3, ATIC, TFG, CARS, and CLTC. Characterization of ALK fusion patterns and their resulting clinicopathological profiles could be of great benefit in better understanding the biology of lung cancer.

Results

RACE-coupled PCR sequencing was used to assess ALK fusions in a cohort of 103 non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients. Within this cohort, the EML4-ALK fusion gene was identified in 12 tumors (11.6%). Further analysis revealed that EML4-ALK was present at a frequency of 16.13% (10/62) in patients with adenocarcinomas, 19.23% (10/52) in never-smokers, and 42.80% (9/21) in patients with adenocarcinomas lacking EGFR and KRAS mutations. The EML4-ALK fusion was associated with non-smokers (P = 0.03), younger age of onset (P = 0.03), and adenocarcinomas without EGFR/KRAS mutations (P = 0.04). A trend towards improved survival was observed for patients with the EML4-ALK fusion, although it was not statistically significant (P = 0.20). Concurrent deletion in EGFR exon 19 and fusion of EML4-ALK was identified for the first time in a Chinese female patient with an adenocarcinoma. Analysis of ALK expression revealed that ALK mRNA levels were higher in tumors positive for the EML-ALK fusion than in negative tumors (normalized intensity of 21.99 vs. 0.45, respectively; P = 0.0018). However, expression of EML4 did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions

The EML4-ALK fusion gene was present at a high frequency in Chinese NSCLC patients, particularly in those with adenocarcinomas lacking EGFR/KRAS mutations. The EML4-ALK fusion appears to be tightly associated with ALK mRNA expression levels. RACE-coupled PCR sequencing is a highly sensitive method that could be used clinically for the identification of EML4-ALK-positive patients.
Increasing the sensitivity of reverse phase protein arrays by antibody-mediated signal amplification
Authors: Brase Jan C , Mannsperger Heiko , Fröhlich Holger , Gade Stephan , Schmidt Christian , Wiemann Stefan , Beissbarth Tim , Schlomm Thorsten , Sültmann Holger , Korf Ulrike
Published: July 2010

Background

Reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA) emerged as a useful experimental platform to analyze biological samples in a high-throughput format. Different signal detection methods have been described to generate a quantitative readout on RPPA including the use of fluorescently labeled antibodies. Increasing the sensitivity of RPPA approaches is important since many signaling proteins or posttranslational modifications are present at a low level.

Results

A new antibody-mediated signal amplification (AMSA) strategy relying on sequential incubation steps with fluorescently-labeled secondary antibodies reactive against each other is introduced here. The signal quantification is performed in the near-infrared range. The RPPA-based analysis of 14 endogenous proteins in seven different cell lines demonstrated a strong correlation (r = 0.89) between AMSA and standard NIR detection. Probing serial dilutions of human cancer cell lines with different primary antibodies demonstrated that the new amplification approach improved the limit of detection especially for low abundant target proteins.

Conclusions

Antibody-mediated signal amplification is a convenient and cost-effective approach for the robust and specific quantification of low abundant proteins on RPPAs. Contrasting other amplification approaches it allows target protein detection over a large linear range.