bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heavy metal biosorption by dried powdered mycelium of Fusarium flocciferum
Authors: Delgado A. , Anselmo A.M. , Novais J.M.
Published: August 2006

The biosorption capacity of dead biomass of Fusarium flocciferum for copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni) was studied with the aim of developing the basis for an industrial effluent treatment. It was verified that a Langmuir isotherm describes well the biosorption of cadmium and nickel, whereas copper showed a more irregular behavior. Estimated maximum uptake, Qmax expressed as mg metal/100 mg biosorbent, was 19.2 for cadmium and 5.2 for nickel. Maximum reproducible values for copper biosorption were between 4 and 6 mg/100 mg. In this case, it was verified that process efficiency depends on the balance between biosorbent and metal initial concentrations. Studies with different contact times showed that the process was completed within a few minutes. No difference in biosorbent metal affinity was found for cell incubation periods ranging from 24 hours to 4 days, but the biosorbent obtained from older cultures showed a decrease in metal removal capacity. This biosorbent is prepared from a fast‐growing fungus with low nutritional and physical requirements. It can be used to remove metals from very dilute solutions at neutral pH values, as in the final steps of heavy metal removal from industrial wastewaters.
Full‐scale test of methanol addition for enhanced nitrogen removal in a Ludzack–Ettinger process
Authors: Regan John , Koopman Ben , Svoronos Spyros A. , Lee Byonghi
Published: August 2006

Methanol addition to a Ludzack–Ettinger process was tested as a short‐term means of decreasing effluent nitrogen concentrations. Results from three experiments yielded gains of 0.05 to 0.11 mg nitrate decreased per milligram methanol added. Applications of the International Association on Water Pollution Research and Control Activated Sludge Model No. 1 corroborated these gains, suggesting that the activated sludge was able to metabolize the added methanol without acclimation. Model runs indicated that 70 to 80% of the increased nitrogen removal was from enhanced denitrification, with the balance from increased uptake of nitrogen for biosynthesis.
Enrichment of Metals in the Surface Sediments of Sapanca Lake
Authors: Bakan Gülfem , Balkas Turgut I.
Published: August 2006

A comprehensive lake sediment study was performed on the Sapanca Lake of Turkey in which certain metal analyses were conducted using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The purpose of the study was to find the enrichment of metals in the surface sediments of Sapanca Lake. A method, namely, the index of geoaccumulation, was used to define the degree of anthropogenic pollution in the Sapanca Lake basin. Results of the geoaccumulation index indicate that only enrichments of trace metals, cadmium, and lead are found.
Characterization and Comparison of a Membrane Bioreactor and a Conventional Activated‐Sludge System in the Treatment of Wastewater Containing High‐Molecular‐Weight Compounds
Authors: Çiçek Nazim , Franco Juan P. , Suidan Makram T. , Urbain Vincent , Manem Jacques
Published: August 2006

The performance and characteristics of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) and a conventional activated‐sludge system (AS) fed wastewater containing casein and starch were compared. Except different solids retention times (20 days for AS, 30 days for MBR), the systems were operated under identical conditions. Approximately 99.0% chemical oxygen demand and 96.9% dissolved organic carbon removal were achieved in the MBR compared to 94.5 and 92.7% in the AS. Both systems showed effective nitrification and phosphorus utilization. The MBR sludge was composed of small flocs; free swimming bacteria; and a small number of filamentous organisms, nematodes, and ciliates. The AS sludge was composed of larger flocs and higher amounts of filamentous organism and nematodes. The biomass in the MBR had a higher viable fraction than the AS. Enzymatic activity tests showed that (1) overall activity was consistently higher in the MBR, (2) both systems produced enzymes specific for the degradation of feed chemicals, (3) no enzymes were detected in the MBR effluent compared to significant amounts in the AS, and (4) the MBR contained more enzymes in the soluble phase than the AS. Particle size distribution tests verified that the AS sludge contained large flocs, while the MBR sludge contained primarily small flocs. The specific resistance of the MBR sludge was three orders of magnitude higher than the AS. The AS sludge showed better settleability than the MBR.
Characterization and Modeling of Activated Sludge for Tannery Wastewater
Authors: Orhon Derin , Genceli Esra Ateş , Çokgör Emine Ubay
Published: August 2006

A comprehensive experimental evaluation of tannery wastewater was performed as a basis for the modeling of the activated‐sludge process. Characterization studies involved, aside from conventional parameters, a detailed chemical oxygen demand (COD) fractionation for the identification of biodegradable and inert COD components. Respirometric analysis was carried out to assess significant rate constants associated with the stoichiometry and kinetics of activated sludge. Specific emphasis was placed on the evaluation of the hydrolysis mechanism for slowly biodegradable COD, apparently the rate‐limiting step for organic carbon removal. Parallel experiments were run both on plain and chemically settled samples to investigate the effect of chemical settling on biological treatability. The fate and variation of primary process components affecting effluent quality with the sludge age were evaluated by means of model simulations using recent multicomponent modeling tools and generated experimental data.
Removal of Fluoride from Spent Pot Liner Leachate Using Ion Exchange
Authors: Singh Gurdeep , Kumar Bipul , Sen P.K. , Majumdar J.
Published: August 2006

Spent pot liner (SPL), a hazardous solid waste produced at cell houses of aluminum smelters, is a potential source of fluoride pollution. Leachates collected from SPL disposal sites were found to contain fluoride at considerable concentration levels (up to 575 mg/L). This paper reports a study of selective fluoride removal following laboratory‐prepared, ion‐exchange treatment. Spent pot liner leachates were pretreated with lime to bring the fluoride level down to approximately 10 mg/L for economic and effective working of the ion exchanger. The detailed ion‐exchange treatment study for removal of fluoride was carried out on synthetic SPL leachates and the optimum treatment thus developed was applied on natural SPL leachates. Bench‐scale studies were carried out at various flow rates and pHs and in the presence of other ions commonly available in the SPL leachates. The prepared exchanger reduced the level of fluoride from approximately 10 mg/L to less than 1 mg/L. Results indicate that the extraction was 100% up to 6‐mL/min flow rate through the ion exchanger and it works efficiently in the pH range of 7 to 10. There is no effect of the other ions present in leachates on removal of fluoride. The exchanger has good capacity to exchange and can be recharged by eluting fluoride sorbed on the exchanger using two molar hydrochloric acid.
Design of a Sand Filter for Stormwater Quality Enhancement
Authors: Urbonas Ben R.
Published: August 2006

The use of sand and other media filters is gaining acceptance in the field of urban stormwater structural best management practice. Much work has been done to develop local design guidance, such as in the State of Delaware and in Austin, Texas. Also, considerable field testing of these devices has occurred during the last 10 years. This paper consolidates much of the earlier work and provides the technical basis for the design of media filters for stormwater runoff treatment at any location in the U.S. The approach uses the unit processes known to exist in urban stormwater runoff and within filter devices. The suggested design is based on hydraulic capacity of the filter media, which, in turn, is a function of the total suspended solids removed by the filter.
Effect of Anaerobic and Anoxic Selectors on Oxygen Transfer in Wastewater
Authors: Fisher Michael J. , Boyle William C.
Published: August 2006

Pilot‐ and full‐scale systems were operated with and without anaerobic and anoxic selectors to determine the effect of selectors on fine pore diffuser oxygen‐transfer efficiency as reflected by the alpha correction factor. All systems operated at a mean cell residence time between 7.0 and 10.0 days and were fully nitrifying. Process water oxygen‐transfer performance was monitored using offgas tests. Average measured alpha (α) factors in the pilot plant ranged from 0.33 to 0.53 without selectors in operation and from 0.39 to 0.51 with selectors in operation. Average measured α factors in the full‐scale plant ranged from 0.29 to 0.79 without selectors in operation and from 0.28 to 0.68 with selectors in operation. Both pilot‐ and full‐scale tests indicated that selectors had little influence on oxygen‐transfer efficiency as reflected by α when compared with systems that were fully nitrifying.
Molybdate Sorption by Cross‐Linked Chitosan Beads: Dynamic Studies
Authors: Guibal Eric , Milot Céline , Roussy Jean
Published: August 2006

Chitosan, a biopolymer extracted from crustacean shells, exhibits high sorption capacities for metal ion recovery. Sorption efficiency and removal rates are controlled by several diffusion mechanisms. Chitosan gel beads have been prepared and have shown enhanced sorption performance in batch systems. This study shows that, in continuous systems, sorption capacities can reach 700 mg/g, a level close to that obtained in batch studies. The effects of metal concentration, flow velocity, and column size are investigated and demonstrate that, because of diffusion mechanisms, the optimum concentration range is approximately 50 to 100 mg/L. In column systems, the Biot number, though greater than 1, is lower than the Biot number obtained in batch systems, indicating that external mass transfer influences mass transfer at the low superficial velocity investigated in this work (0.5 to 2 m/h).
Development of a Fluorescent 16S rRNA Oligonucleotide Probe Specific to the Family Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Loge Frank J. , Emerick Robert W. , Thompson Donald E. , Nelson Douglas C. , Darby Jeannie L.
Published: August 2006

A fluorescent 16S rRNA oligonucleotide probe was developed specific to the family Enterobacteriaceae. The l6S oligonucleotide target sequence is 5′‐CUCGCGAGAGCAAGCGG‐3′, corresponding to positions 1273 to 1289 on the Escherichia coli 16S rRNA. Specificity of the oligonucleotide probe to the family Enterobacteriaceae was confirmed using representative members of the 20 genera comprising the family and other selected bacteria. Successful application of the probe to an environmental habitat was demonstrated using wastewater samples collected from primary and secondary effluent of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). DAPI and EUB338, an oligonucleotide probe specific to the domain Bacteria, were used to enumerate total and prokaryotic cells, respectively, in wastewater samples collected from primary and secondary effluent. The probing efficiency, defined as the number of bacteria enumerated with EUB338 divided by the total number of organisms enumerated with DAPI, in both samples was approximately 94%. The relatively high probing efficiency indicates the rRNA copy number is sufficiently high within bacteria in primary and secondary effluent to ensure a detectable fluorescent image. The oligonucleotide probe can potentially be used in the environmental engineering profession as an alternative to the standard coliform test and as a tool to evaluate the effect of upstream processes at a WWTP on disinfection performance.
New Modes of Regulation for Health and Safety: Post-Enlargement Policy Perspectives for the European Union
Authors: Woolfson Charles
Published: August 2006

The recent joining of ten new member states to the European Union, eight of which are former communist countries, has reopened inherent tensions in current European Union (EU) policy-making on safety and health in the workplace. These spring from seemingly incompatible objectives; the need to ensure broad EU member state compliance with regulation, around agreed minimum standards through active regulatory enforcement, and the promotion of “softer” voluntary initiatives in the management of workplace risks and hazards in order to create “a culture of prevention.” The present EU strategy which ends in 2006, seeks to secure a balance between both sets of objectives. However, with respect to the post-communist new member states of Central and Eastern Europe, the appropriateness of the current strategy is doubtful. This article therefore focuses on the implications of the expansion of the European Union in May 2004 in the context of the elaboration of the new “soft law” modes of regulatory governance at the EU level. In turn, this provokes the question: will the “new” European policy for occupational health and safety from 2007 onwards, be “new,” or simply more of the same? If the latter, it is suggested that the future for working environment standards in Europe as a whole may be significantly compromised.
Spatially Referenced Educational Achievement Data Exploration: A Web-Based Interactive System Integration of GIS, PHP, and MySQL Technologies
Authors: Mulvenon Sean W. , Wang Kening , McKenzie Sarah , Anderson Travis
Published: August 2006

Effective exploration of spatially referenced educational achievement data can help educational researchers and policy analysts speed up gaining valuable insight into datasets. This article illustrates a demo system developed in the National Office for Research on Measurement and Evaluation Systems (NORMES) for supporting Web-based interactive exploration of state-wide educational achievement data. The spatially referenced statistical summaries are presented in thematic maps that are generated using the Geographic Information System (GIS). Visual analysis of the thematic maps can help the educational policy analysts to “see” complex spatial relationships and to detect patterns easily. Linking among GIS maps allows the educators to interactively “drill down” through a hierarchy of geopolitical levels and to visualize statistical graphics and tables which are dynamically generated using Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) script language. Through building up the relationships between maps, graphs, and databases, this highly interactive Web-based system allows administrators to have an enhanced understanding of what is occurring in their schools, and allows the policy analysts to generate more accurate and effective policy decisions.
Impact of Software and Hardware Technologies on Occupational Health and Safety Policies in Saudi Arabian Oil Refineries
Authors: Idreis Hany M. , Siqueira Carlos E. , Levenstein Charles C.
Published: August 2006

This article seeks to examine the impact of technology importation on occupational health and safety in both Saudi Arabian and U.S. oil refining industries. Technologies imported to the Saudi oil industry take two forms: hardware (sophisticated equipment to run oil facilities) and software (policies and regulations pertaining to workers' health and safety, and employment rights installed by Aramco's founding multinational companies).

This study utilizes qualitative, historically oriented, cross-national case studies to compare and assess workers' health, safety, and rights in Saudi Aramco with its U.S. counterpart, Motiva Enterprises. Two facilities were chosen to conduct field research: the Saudi Aramco oil refinery at Jeddah and Motiva's refinery at Port Arthur, Texas. The Jeddah refinery is fully owned by Saudi Aramco, thus, representing Aramco's health and safety policies and regulations. The Port Arthur refinery serves as a reference case study for U.S. oil refining facilities. The aspects of occupational health and safety in Saudi Aramco—ExxonMobil's joint ventures SAMREF and LUBREF—also are discussed to examine workers' health policies in both companies.

The American oil industry made a significant contribution in establishing the Saudi oil industry, with the cooperation of the Saudi government. Despite having outstanding employment benefits schemes in Saudi Aramco, the presence of an organized work force better serves employee participation in Motiva than in Aramco. Safety systems such as Process Safety Management (PSM)—applied in Motiva—partially exist in Aramco to operate hardware technologies safely. Motiva training systems are better through PACE's Triangle of Prevention (TOP). Both companies follow the same pattern of handling occupational injuries and diseases; however, Saudi government agencies (GOSI) are responsible for compensating and treating injured workers. Saudi workers expressed conditional support for the worker committee program proposed by the Ministry of Labor. American and Saudi workers are concerned about the quality and sufficiency of health and safety training, employment promotion, work pressure, and job uncertainty due to continuous downsizing.

This article recommends that Saudi social actors increase safety and health awareness in the work environment by providing intensive occupational safety training to the employees (as demanded by Saudi and American workers), improve labor-management relations through establishing strong cooperative contacts with regional and international trade unions, and establish uniform and standard occupational health and safety regulations for Saudi Aramco and its subsidiaries in order to provide an equal level of protection for Saudi workers.
Effects of Embedded Strategies on Promoting the Use of Self-Regulated Learning Strategies in an Online Learning Environment
Authors: Yang Yong-Chil
Published: August 2006

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of embedded strategies on promoting the use of self-regulated learning strategies (SRLS) in an online learning environment. Cognitive strategies, performance control strategies, and self-efficacy strategies among SRLS were employed as embedded strategies into online learning. Thirty-four college students participated in the study. They were taught in online settings for 16 hours over 8 weeks. With two hours per week, one hour was assigned to learning contents, and the other for group discussions with four or five members in each group. SRLS questionnaires were administered before and after online learning. Results revealed that students' use of cognitive strategies and performance control strategies have been improved during online learning, but their use of self-efficacy strategies have not. Findings from this study provide important suggestions for design and development of learning environments to promote the use or acquisition of students' self-regulated learning strategies.
Protecting Workers and Residents from Wood Floor-Finishing Hazards
Authors: Azaroff Lenore S. , Doan Tam , Nguyen Huong , Goldstein-Gelb Marcy , Fraser-Cook Madeline , Kota Supriya
Published: August 2006

The recent deaths of three hardwood floor finishers in the Boston area have highlighted the urgency of addressing hazards in this industry. Among other dangers to health and safety, fire is a constant threat in a work setting that combines highly flammable solvents, large quantities of airborne wood dust, electrical equipment, heat, and friction inside old homes. Immigrant workers, who perform a large proportion of this work, are at special risk. An Environmental Justice partnership of community-based organizations, community health centers, and environmental health researchers funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (the “Dorchester Occupational Health Initiative”) had been studying the occupational health of hardwood floor finishing when these workers died. This preparation enabled community, health, labor, business, and political leaders to mobilize a response and release recommendations within weeks of the second fatal fire. Their report, adapted below, contains important information for health and labor activists in all areas where wood flooring is common. Most notably, the use of less flammable (higher flash point) products can help reduce the risk of more fatal fires. For further information, please contact the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health, masscosh.org .
Free and non-free subgroups of the fundamental group of the Hawaiian Earrings
Authors: Zastrow Andreas
Published: August 2006

The space which is composed by embedding countably many circles in such a way into the plane that their radii are given by a null-sequence and that they all have a common tangent point is called “The Hawaiian Earrings”. The fundamental group of this space is known to be a subgroup of the inverse limit of the finitely generated free groups, and it is known to be not free. Within the recent move of trying to get hands on the algebraic invariants of non-tame (e.g. non-triangulable) spaces this space usually serves as the simplest example in this context. This paper contributes to understanding this group and corresponding phenomena by pointing out that several subgroups that are constructed according to similar schemes partially turn out to be free and not to be free. Amongst them is a countable non-free subgroup, and an uncountable free subgroup that is not contained in two other free subgroups that have recently been found. This group, although free, contains infinitely huge “virtual powers”, i.e. elements of the fundamental group of that kind that are usually used in proofs that this fundamental group is not free, and, although this group contains all homotopy classes of paths that are associated with a single loop of the Hawaiian Earrings, this system of ‘natural generators’ can be proven to be not contained in any free basis of this free group.
On asymptotic independence of the exit moment and position from a small domain for diffusion processes
Authors: Gasanenko Vitalii
Published: August 2006

If ξ(t) is the solution of homogeneous SDE in R
m, and T
∃ is the first exit moment of the process from a small domain D
∃, then the total expansion for the following functional showing independence of the exit time and exit place is
$$Eexp( - \lambda T_\varepsilon )f(\frac{{\xi (T_\varepsilon )}}{\varepsilon }) - Eexp( - \lambda T_\varepsilon )Ef(\frac{{\xi (T_\varepsilon )}}{\varepsilon }),\varepsilon \searrow 0,\lambda > 0.$$
Advanced oxidation processes for decolorization of aqueous solution containing acid red G azo dye
Authors: Surpăţeanu Mioara , Zaharia Carmen
Published: August 2006

Some investigations concerning the decolorization of Acid Red G azo dye by photooxidation with hydrogen peroxide were performed. The influences of pH, oxidant concentration, and the presence of Fe2+ or other metal ions (Co2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Mn2+) as potential catalysts, were investigated. The best results were obtained in the presence of ferrous ions in acid and neutral media. The other ions are not as effective as Fe2+ for dye decolorization. Co2+ and Cu2+ ions have a catalytic action, at low concentration, within a wide range of pH. Ni2+ and Mn2+ ions have no catalytic effect in photooxidation with hydrogen peroxide at acid Ni2+ and Mn2+ ions have no catalytic effect in photooxidation with hydrogen peroxide at acid pH values, but show a weak action in alkaline media.
The application of the CSB to the prediction of single step reactions and reaction pathways
Authors: Nowak Grażyna , Fic Grzegorz
Published: August 2006

Applications of the CSB (Common-Sense Builder) system for the logic-oriented and knowledge-assisted simulation of chemical reaction courses are described. We present the possibility of using the CSB for two ways of reaction simulation, i.e., as a multi-step process or as single step procedure. Results of the first simulation type are given to predict the course, and to model reaction mechanism. The second one is capable of complex chemical transformations such as multi-component and cascade reactions to generate structurally diverse products for combinatorial chemistry. In several experiments performed, we analyze the capabilities and limitations of the CSB modules and controlling tools for the examination and selective generation of solutions.
Pyrazoles as molecular probes to study the properties of co-crystals by solid state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: López Concepción , Claramunt Rosa , García M. , Elguero José
Published: August 2006

Equimolar mixtures of 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (1) with four NH-imidazoles (2–5) have been studied by13C and 15N CPMAS NMR and by DSC. In three cases, the solid mixture behaves as the sum of the individual components [imidazole (2), 2-methylimidazole (3) and 2,4(5)-dimethylimidazole (5)]. In one case [4,5-dimethylimidazole (4)], the mixture corresponds to a new species in which the dynamic behavior of1 no longer exists.
Synthesis of a series of vicinal diamines with potential biological activity
Authors: Kurteva Vanya , Lyapova Maria
Published: August 2006

A broad range of vicinal diamines based on styrene oxide are synthesisedvia mixtures of regioisomeric amino alcohols. The ring opening of the intermediate aziridinium ions by primary amines proceeds with high regioselectivity, leading to the target diamines as single regioisomers for all reaction series. The compounds are of potential biological interest as ligands for cisplatin analogues. Anticancer activity tests of both groups of compounds are in progress.
QSAR studies of 2-substituted 2,3-dihydro-1h-naphtho[1,8-de]-1,3,2-diazaphosphorine 2-oxides and sulphides
Authors: Madhuritha A. , Kumar B. , Parthasarathy T. , Uma V.
Published: August 2006

A quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) study of 2-substituted 2,3-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,8,de]-1,3,2-diazaphosphorine 2-oxides and sulphides (DND), examines the extent of the contribution by various physicochemical parameters with respect to their antimicrobial activity. Simple bivariant regression analysis, based on the least squares method, is applied in order to predict models. The predicted models reveal that the steric factor, MR, is the major contributor influencing antimicrobial activity. Bulky groups at the C-19 (C=0 group) position positively influence the potency of the compounds
Distribution and characterization of Aegilops and Triticum species from the Bulgarian Black Sea coast
Authors: Spetsov Penko , Plamenov Dragomir , Kiryakova Vanya
Published: August 2006

A total of 158 Aegilops-Triticum samples representing six Aegilops species (one diploid, four tetraploid and one hexaploid) and one diploid Triticum were collected along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, and their distribution on the 350 km long coastal line was reported. The region south of Kamchia river, accepted as the middle point of the coast, was characterized by the greatest diversity of these wild relatives of wheat. The most widely distributed species in this area was Ae. geniculata. Ae. cylindrica was distributed only in north (Durankulak), while Ae. biuncialis and Ae. triuncialis were collected both north and south of Kamchia river. All samples of Ae. neglecta were hexaploid. Natural hybrids of goatgrass and wheat were found in Ae. cylindrica populations. Triticum monococcum ssp. aegilopoides had limited distribution in the south region. Aegilops uniaristata was recorded as a new species for the Bulgarian flora. Most of the samples expressed resistance to powdery mildew in seedling and adult stage, but all of them were polymorphic regarding the resistance to leaf rust (cultures 73760 and 43763). The study revealed additional data for the distribution of Aegilops and Triticum species in Bulgaria and their potential value as genetic resources in wheat improvement.
Biological activity of vanadium compounds
Authors: Goc Anna
Published: August 2006

Vanadium compounds are characterised by a broad spectrum of action in vivo and in vitro. Their insulin-mimetic activity is manifested in their ability to normalize changes observed in both clinical and experimental diabetes (i.e. hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, lowered cell sensitivity to insulin) through the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and the removal of secondary symptoms of this disease (as e.g. retinopathy, cardiomyopathy, nephropathy). Nevertheless, vanadium is considered to be a toxic element in both cationic and anionic form, although the latter type has more serious side effects. This is accounted for by the faster absorption of anionic forms, although the chemical structure, geometry, and the manner of synthesis of its derivatives also contributes to this elevated toxicity. Besides their antidiabetic properties, vanadium derivatives have also been observed to influence processes related to mitogenic cell responses (apoptosis, proliferation, neoplastic transformation). However, both anti-and pro-neoplastic properties of vanadium are reported.
DNA oxidation and superoxide dismutase in the kidney of diabetic animals: effects of pioglitazone and repaglinide
Authors: Gumieniczek Anna , Hopkała Hanna , Rzymowska Jolanta , Niemczyk Maciej
Published: August 2006

In the present study, DNA oxidative damage was elevated and superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) metabolism was disturbed in the kidney of alloxan-induced diabetic animals. The effects of pioglitazone and repaglinide, new oral antidiabetics, on 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and Cu,Zn-SOD were studied. Diabetic versus control levels (mean ± SE) of 8-OHdG were 24.9 ± 0.2 vs. 21.8 ± 0.1 and 21.5 ± 0.2 vs 20.1 ± 0.2 pmol/µg DNA after 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. At p<0.05, pioglitazone diminished this parameter in diabetic animals (22.0 ± 0.2 and 20.1 ± 0.3 pmol/µg DNA). The level was not affected in diabetic groups receiving repaglinide (24.9 ± 0.2 and 21.5 ± 0.3 pmol/µg DNA). In diabetic kidney, Cu,Zn-SOD mRNA was diminished relative to control animals and was modulated by pioglitazone and repaglinide treatments. Simultaneously, Cu,Zn-SOD activity was also diminished (1.5 ± 0.2 vs. 2.8 ± 0.3 and 1.8 ± 0.1 vs 2.9 ± 0.3 U/mg protein after 4 and 8 weeks, respectively) and partly changed after pioglitazone (2.1 ± 0.4 and 2.3 ± 0.3 U/mg protein) and repaglinide (2.0 ± 0.1 and 2.4 ± 0.2 U/mg protein). These results suggest that a reduction in oxidative stress in diabetic kidney can be achieved with the administration of pioglitazone and to some extent using repaglinide treatment.
Aspirin and statin medication decreases the risk of myocardial infarction associated with LTA and NFKBIL1 polymorphisms
Authors: Höyssä Salla , Rontu Riikka , Kuukasjärvi Pekka , Mennander Ari , Laurikka Jari , Tarkka Matti , Nikus Kjell , Islam Md. , Karhunen Pekka , Lehtimäki Terho
Published: August 2006

Lymphotoxin-α (LTA) is a cytokine involved in inflammatory reactions. NFKBIL1 is a regulator of the NF-κB complex. The study investigated the associations of LTA 804 C>A and NFKBIL1-63 T>A polymorphisms with the use of statin and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) treatment in relation to myocardial infarction (MI).

The study population comprised of 600 Finnish individuals who underwent coronary angiography volunteering for the Angiography and Genes Study. Genotypes were detected by the TaqMan 5′ nuclease assay. We found a interaction between the LTA genotype (p=0.002) and the NFKBIL1 genotype (p=0.012) and statin treatment in relation to MI. Subjects with the LTA AA or the NFKBIL1 AA genotype were at a 2.77 (95% CI:1.22-6.24) and 2.85 (95% CI:1.22-6.66) times higher risk, respectively, of suffering an MI when compared to other genotypes among statin non-users. ASA treatment also modulated associations between LTA and NFKBIL1 genotypes and MI (p=0.015 and p=0.028 respectively). The NFKBIL1-A-LTA-A haplotype showed a 61% increase in the risk of MI compared to the NFKBIL1-T-LTA-C haplotype among statin non-users.

Anti-inflammatory medication modifies the genotype-related risk of MI, suggesting that subjects with LTA and NFKBIL1 AA haplotype might especially benefit from the treatment.
Cover Picture: High‐Performance Organic Single‐Crystal Transistors on Flexible Substrates (Adv. Mater. 17/2006)
Authors: Briseno A. L. , Tseng R. J. , Ling M.‐M. , Falcao E. H. L. , Yang Y. , Wudl F. , Bao Z.
Published: August 2006

The cover shows a comparison of thin and thick rubrene single crystals where the flexibility of the thin rubrene crystals is clearly illustrated. On p. 2320, Yang, Bao, and co‐workers report that high performance flexible transistors on plastic substrates fabricated by using these rubrene “thin‐film” single‐crystals demonstrate mobility as high as 4.6 cm2 Vs–1 and ON/OFF ratios of approximately 106.
Inside Front Cover: Macroscopic Parallel Nanocylinder Array Fabrication Using a Simple Rubbing Technique (Adv. Mater. 17/2006)
Authors: Yu H. , Li J. , Ikeda T. , Iyoda T.
Published: August 2006

A simple rubbing technique to macroscopically align nanocylinders in an amphiphilic diblock liquid‐crystalline copolymer is reported by Ikeda and co‐workers on p. 2213. The inside cover shows highly ordered arrays of nanocylinders parallel to the rubbing direction owing to supramolecular cooperative motions between mesogens and microphase‐separated domains. This opens a novel, convenient pathway for controlling defect‐free nanoscopic domains over large areas.
Nucleolar staining cannot be used as a screening test for the scleroderma marker anti–RNA polymerase I/III antibodies
Authors: Yamasaki Yoshioki , Honkanen‐Scott Minna , Hernandez Liza , Ikeda Keigo , Barker Tolga , Bubb Michael R. , Narain Sonali , Richards Hanno B. , Chan Edward K. L. , Reeves Westley H. , Satoh Minoru
Published: August 2006

Objective

Anti–RNA polymerase I/III (anti–RNAP I/III) antibodies are clinically useful markers of scleroderma, and their presence is associated with diffuse skin disease and an increased risk of cardiac and kidney involvement. Although RNAP I antibodies localize to the nucleolus, nucleolar staining by many anti‐RNAP antibody–positive sera is not always observed. Nucleolar staining by anti‐RNAP antibody–positive sera was examined by double staining with antifibrillarin antibodies to evaluate whether nucleolar staining can be used as a screening test for anti–RNAP I/III antibodies. In addition, the relationships between nucleolar staining and levels of anti–RNAP III antibodies were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoprecipitation (IP) assay.

Methods

Sera were tested using immunofluorescent antinuclear antibodies on HEp‐2 cell slides, by anti–RNAP III ELISA, and by IP assay using 35S‐labeled K562 cell extract. Nucleolar staining by anti‐RNAP antibody IP‐positive sera was confirmed by double staining using antifibrillarin monoclonal antibodies. The levels of anti–RNAP III antibodies were quantitated by ELISA and by IP assay using a serially diluted reference serum as a standard, and their relationship was analyzed.

Results

All 18 anti–RNAP I/III antibody–positive sera showed nuclear speckled patterns, but nucleolar staining was readily noticeable in only 44% of the sera. A positive correlation was found between ELISA and IP units for anti–RNAP III antibodies. The levels of anti–RNAP III antibodies and anti–RNAP I antibodies correlated well, with the exception of a few sera. Levels of anti–RNAP III antibodies were low in sera with nucleolar staining, whereas several sera with high levels of anti–RNAP I antibodies clearly showed nucleolar staining.

Conclusion

Although some sera positive for anti–RNAP I/III antibodies clearly stain nucleoli, nucleolar staining is inconsistent and cannot be used to screen for anti–RNAP I/III antibodies.
Association of increased interferon‐inducible gene expression with disease activity and lupus nephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Feng Xuebing , Wu Hui , Grossman Jennifer M. , Hanvivadhanakul Punchong , FitzGerald John D. , Park Grace S. , Dong Xin , Chen Weiling , Kim Michelle H. , Weng Haoling H. , Furst Daniel E. , Gorn Alan , McMahon Maureen , Taylor Mihaela , Brahn Ernest , Hahn Bevra H. , Tsao Betty P.
Published: August 2006

Objective

To study 5 type I interferon (IFN)–inducible genes (LY6E, OAS1, OASL, MX1, and ISG15) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to correlate expression levels with disease activity and/or clinical manifestations.

Methods

Peripheral blood cells were obtained from 48 SLE patients, 48 normal controls, and 22 rheumatic disease controls, and total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed into complementary DNA. Gene expression levels were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, standardized to a housekeeping gene, and summed to an IFN score. Disease activity was determined by the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus: National Assessment–Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA‐SLEDAI) composite.

Results

Each gene was highly expressed in SLE patients compared with normal controls (P ≤ 0.0003) or disease controls (P ≤ 0.0008 except for MX1). IFN scores were positively associated with the SELENA‐SLEDAI instrument score (P = 0.001), the SELENA‐SLEDAI flare score (P = 0.03), and the physician's global assessment score (P = 0.005). Compared with patients without nephritis, lupus nephritis patients had higher IFN scores (overall P < 0.0001), especially during active renal disease. IFN scores were weakly associated with neurologic manifestations. Elevated IFN scores were positively associated with the current presence of anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibodies (P = 0.007) or hypocomplementemia (P = 0.007). LY6E expression levels distinguished active from inactive lupus nephritis (P = 0.02) and were positively associated with proteinuria (P = 0.009).

Conclusion

The 5 IFN‐inducible genes were highly expressed in SLE patients, and increased levels were correlated with disease activity defined by several methods. IFN scores, or LY6E levels, were elevated in lupus nephritis patients, especially during active renal disease, and in patients with anti‐dsDNA antibody positivity and hypocomplementemia. IFN scores, or LY6E levels, may be useful as a biomarker for lupus nephritis therapy.
IgG and IgM anticardiolipin antibodies following treatment with infliximab plus methotrexate in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Visvanathan Sudha , Wagner Carrie , Smolen Josef , St.Clair E. William , Hegedus Ron , Baker Daniel , Keenan Gregory
Published: August 2006

Objective

To assess the occurrence of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving treatment with infliximab plus methotrexate (MTX) versus MTX alone.

Methods

The first 299 patients enrolled in the randomized, Active‐Controlled Study of Patients Receiving Infliximab for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Early Onset (ASPIRE) trial who had baseline (week 0) samples available for aCL testing were included in this study. Sera were collected at weeks 0, 30, and 54 from 110 patients taking infliximab 3 mg/kg plus MTX, 98 patients taking infliximab 6 mg/kg plus MTX, and 91 patients taking placebo plus MTX. IgG and IgM aCL were measured using an anticardiolipin assay.

Results

IgG and IgM aCL positivity at baseline was similar in all treatment groups. Most patients were negative for IgG aCL at baseline and remained so at the last followup evaluation. One percent (2 of 208) of patients who received infliximab plus MTX and were negative for IgG aCL at baseline were positive for IgG aCL at weeks 30 and 54. A slightly higher proportion of patients who received infliximab plus MTX and were negative for IgM aCL at baseline were positive for IgM aCL at weeks 30 and 54 (4.8% [10 of 208]) as compared with patients who received placebo plus MTX (1.1% [1 of 91]), but the difference was not significant.

Conclusion

There was a low incidence of the development of aCL in patients with early RA who received infliximab in combination with MTX, and the difference was not significant compared with patients who received placebo plus MTX.
Lymphocyte‐independent connective tissue mast cells populate murine synovium
Authors: Shin Kichul , Gurish Michael F. , Friend Daniel S. , Pemberton Alan D. , Thornton Elisabeth M. , Miller Hugh R. , Lee David M.
Published: August 2006

Objective

Mast cells (MCs) are a heterogeneous population of tissue‐resident bone marrow–derived cells; distinct MC subpopulations are situated at specific microanatomic locations. The phenotype of the murine synovial MC remains undefined. Since MCs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis, we sought to define the phenotype of the murine synovial MC population in normal and arthritic joints. We also examined the contribution of lymphocytes to synovial MC physiology.

Methods

The MC phenotype in healthy and K/BxN serum transfer–induced arthritic synovial tissue was defined using immunohistochemical staining of prototypic MC‐specific proteases (murine MC proteases [mMCP] 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7) (chymases and tryptases). MC numbers and density were determined by histomorphometry in healthy and arthritic synovia. The lymphocyte contribution to MC populations was assessed using RAG‐null mice.

Results

We found that synovial MCs display a connective tissue mast cell (CTMC) phenotype in both normal and arthritic synovial tissue, which expresses mMCP‐4, ‐5, ‐6, and ‐7, but not mMCP‐1 or mMCP‐2. In addition, MC hyperplasia was seen in the arthritic synovium. In RAG‐null mice, the phenotype and degree of MC hyperplasia were identical to those observed in normal mice with and without arthritis. Furthermore, in contrast to skin CTMCs, all synovial MCs expressed mMCP‐6, demonstrating discrete differences between synovial CTMCs and other anatomic CTMC populations.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that the murine synovial MC population is composed of lymphocyte‐independent CTMCs and identify arthritic synovium as a model system by which to gain insight into the poorly understood physiology of CTMCs in chronic inflammation.
Increased levels of transforming growth factor β receptor type I and up‐regulation of matrix gene program: A model of scleroderma
Authors: Pannu Jaspreet , Gardner Humphrey , Shearstone Jeffrey R. , Smith Edwin , Trojanowska Maria
Published: August 2006

Objective

Previously published studies have demonstrated that a majority of systemic sclerosis (SSc) fibroblasts exhibit elevated levels of transforming growth factor β type I receptor (TGFβRI). An experimental model that recapitulates this condition was established in control dermal fibroblasts by titrating the dose of adenovirus vector expressing TGFβRI (AdTGFβRI). The present study was undertaken to determine the functional consequences of increased levels of TGFβRI in SSc.

Methods

Gene array analysis of control dermal fibroblasts transduced with AdTGFβRI was performed using GeneChip expression arrays. Gene validation was done by Northern blot, quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot techniques. TGFβ blockade was performed using soluble TGFβ receptor. TGFβRI kinase/activin receptor–like kinase 5 was inhibited with pharmacologic inhibitors. TGFβRI and TGFβRII protein levels and collagen production were examined by Western blotting in primary dermal fibroblasts from 9 SSc patients and 9 healthy adults. Endogenous TGFβRI levels were suppressed in control and SSc fibroblasts using specific small interfering RNA (siRNA).

Results

Global gene analysis indicated that a 2‐fold increase in TGFβRI levels in control fibroblasts resulted in profibrotic changes that closely resembled the phenotype of SSc fibroblasts. A total of 125 genes were up‐regulated, including COL1A1, COL1A2, and connective tissue growth factor, and 206 genes were down‐regulated. Elevated production of collagen in cells transduced with AdTGFβRI was dependent on the autocrine TGFβ, but not TGFβRI kinase activity. Eight of the 9 SSc strains exhibited increased levels of TGFβRI protein, which correlated with increased collagen synthesis. Treatment of SSc and matched control fibroblasts with siRNA that normalizes TGFβRI levels reverted collagen protein production in SSc fibroblasts to the levels observed in control fibroblasts.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that aberrantly expressed TGFβRI may drive an autocrine loop involved in the up‐regulation of collagen and other matrix‐related genes in SSc fibroblasts.
Walking barefoot decreases loading on the lower extremity joints in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Shakoor Najia , Block Joel A.
Published: August 2006

Objective

To evaluate the effects that modern shoes have on gait and lower extremity joint loads in osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Gait analyses were performed on 75 subjects with knee OA while they were wearing their everyday walking shoes and while they were walking barefoot. The trials involved optoelectronic detection of external markers during ambulation over a multicomponent force plate, and were matched for speed. Comparisons were made of gait parameters and joint loading during trials in which the subjects walked while wearing shoes and while barefoot.

Results

Peak joint loads at the hips and knees significantly decreased during barefoot walking, with an 11.9% reduction noted in the knee adduction moment. Stride, cadence, and range of motion at the lower extremity joints also changed significantly, but these changes could not explain the reduction in the peak joint loads.

Conclusion

Shoes may detrimentally increase loads on the lower extremity joints. Once factors responsible for the differences in loads between with‐shoe and barefoot walking are better delineated, modern shoes and walking practices may need to be reevaluated with regard to their effects on the prevalence and progression of OA in our society.
Collaborative information synthesis I: A model of information behaviors of scientists in medicine and public health
Authors: Blake Catherine , Pratt Wanda
Published: August 2006

Scientists engage in the discovery process more than any other user population, yet their day‐to‐day activities are often elusive. One activity that consumes much of a scientist's time is developing models that balance contradictory and redundant evidence. Driven by our desire to understand the information behaviors of this important user group, and the behaviors of scientific discovery in general, we conducted an observational study of academic research scientists as they resolved different experimental results reported in the biomedical literature. This article is the first of two that reports our findings. In this article, we introduce the Collaborative Information Synthesis (CIS) model that reflects the salient information behaviors that we observed. The CIS model emerges from a rich collection of qualitative data including interviews, electronic recordings of meetings, meeting minutes, e‐mail communications, and extraction worksheets. Our findings suggest that scientists provide two information constructs: a hypothesis projection and context information. They also engage in four critical tasks: retrieval, extraction, verification, and analysis. The findings also suggest that science is not an individual but rather a collaborative activity and that scientists use the results of one analysis to inform new analyses. In Part 2, we compare and contrast existing information and cognitive models that have inadvertently reported synthesis, and then provide five recommendations that will enable designers to build information systems that support the important synthesis activity.