bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
At the sharp end of new organizational ideologies Ethnography and the study of multinationals
Authors: Hassard John , McCann Leo , Morris Jonathan
Published: September 2007

The discipline of international management has favoured predominantly functional and structural approaches to data collection and analysis, and its concepts are usually based on rather unitarist, ethnocentric interpretations of `global business' that sideline local features and exaggerate the impact of change. On the other hand, the `varieties of capitalism' approach, while sensitive to national differences in institutions and `national business systems', also relies heavily on functionalist concepts and theories, and is vulnerable to overplaying national differences and underplaying the extent of change. We argue that the epistemic thinking of both approaches suppresses the significance of two issues crucial for explaining the restructuring of national regulatory systems and international firms: (1) the subjective interpretations of human actors in large transnational work organizations; and (2) the ideologies and philosophies surrounding the creation of `efficient' organizational forms. To construct a method for comparative international management that is sensitive to these twin forces of action and ideology, we turn to the traditions of anthropology. In particular, we demonstrate how community-based ethnography sheds light on the tougher edges of global restructuring, and facilitates the grounded analysis of the `new organizational ideology' that has taken root throughout developed capitalist economies, regardless of national differences in business systems.
Judicial Behavior and the Rehnquist Court's Federalism Revolution
Authors: Scott Kevin M.
Published: September 2007

Attempts to demonstrate that law systematically influences the behavior of the justices of the Supreme Court have traditionally foundered on the inability to provide systematic tests for such influence. At the same time, attitudinalists have traditionally asserted that the influence of law and policy preferences must be mutually exclusive, which is an unreasonably high standard. In this article, I develop a model of what federalism might look like to a Supreme Court justice. In doing so, I emphasize the difference between constitutional and political federalism but in the context of the judicial role in federalism. The model is then tested by looking at the pro-state bloc in the late Rehnquist Court, finding that four of the five justices can be considered federalists. The evidence presented here can be taken as a test of the influence of law beyond the influence of ideology of Supreme Court justices.
The impact of angina and cardiac history on health-related quality of life and depression in coronary heart disease patients
Authors: Gravely-Witte Shannon , De Gucht Véronique , Heiser Willem , Grace Sherry L. , Van Elderen Thérèse
Published: September 2007

Objective: To prospectively examine the contribution of angina and cardiac history to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and depression in cardiac patients, over 6 months post-hospitalization.

Methods: Participants were myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) outpatients under the age of 70 years. One hundred and seventy-one patients consented to participate, with 121 patients being retained 6 months later (71% response rate). The impact of the patient's cardiac history and the presence of angina on physical, social and emotional HRQoL and depression was examined.

Results: At baseline, cardiac history was not significantly related to any of the dimensions of HRQoL or depression. At 6-month follow-up, cardiac history significantly predicted a higher level of depression, and angina was predictive of a significantly worse emotional, physical and social HRQoL and a higher level of depression.

Discussion: The presence of a cardiac history is associated with depression 6 months post-cardiac event, and angina is associated with both an adverse HRQoL and higher levels of depression. As past research has demonstrated that depression is a risk factor for mortality in patients with established heart disease, it is important from both a clinical and a research perspective to address these issues.
Identifying the patient perspective of the quality of mental healthcare for common chronic problems: a qualitative study
Authors: Campbell Stephen M. , Gately Claire , Gask Linda
Published: September 2007

Objectives: To identify which aspects of quality are important to individual patients with common chronic mild-to-moderate mental health problems presenting to general practice and the best method of involving patients with chronic mental health problems in the research process, and to contrast the relevance of a generic questionnaire developed previously with these individual patient narratives.

Methods: Qualitative interviews with 16 patients in Chester and Manchester were subjected to thematic analysis.

Results: Six key themes were identified in relation to the individual patient experience set against a generic patient experience: (1) the healthcare system provides a generic `one size fits all' service, which is incompatible with an individual patient's experience and sense of being as an individual and that privileges medical over social care; (2) patients with mild-to-moderate mental health problems often have feelings of powerlessness and of being `lost' in a system that is more responsive to severe and acute episodes of illness than to chronic morbidity; (3) patients often have unmet needs in relation to the distress of living with mild-to-moderate mental health problems; (4) there are substantial quality deficits in primary care for people with mild-to-moderate chronic mental health problems; (5) general practitioners are rated highly, and the attributes of a good general practitioner can be identified; patients also value continuity of care; (6) engaging people with common chronic mental health problems in the research/policy process requires generic assessment of quality using questionnaires supplemented with more in-depth methods, such as interviews and focus groups. Interviewees highlighted substantial quality deficits in service provision for people with chronic mental health problems. Involving patients with chronic mild-to-moderate mental health problems in the research/policy process requires multiple user involvement strategies, including questionnaires but supplemented with interviews and discussion groups.

Conclusion: Patients with common chronic mental health problems have a clear view about what constitutes quality general practice/practitioner care but highlighted quality deficits for people with chronic mental health conditions.
Accountability for patient self-management of chronic conditions; ethical analysis and a proposal
Authors: Redman Barbara K.
Published: September 2007

Patient self-management (PSM) of varying portions of therapy for chronic illness is expanding. However, several current conditions of practice are ethically problematic. Standards remain process-oriented, and accountability for patient outcomes and quality of practice of both patient and provider is diffuse. PSM carries important benefits but largely unmonitored potential harms. Also, access to preparation for safe PSM appears to be skewed in favour of high socio-economic classes. This condition persists even though available evidence supports the conclusion that less advantaged patients with poor disease outcomes can be taught to self-manage, albeit they require more intensive and prolonged interventions. Routine clinical use of well-validated measurement instruments could serve to develop evidence-based standards of PSM, quality improvement and effective public policy. Development of a standard dataset would facilitate description of the effectiveness of existing programmes and comparison across programmes. Such reform will require investment in the development of instruments that measure patient ability to make sound clinical judgements and sustain PSM over changed disease and social conditions. It will take advantage of modern psychometric theory, which is increasingly necessary for building the empirical base for evidence-based healthcare.
Supporting self-management for patients with complex medical needs: recommendations of a working group
Authors: Bayliss E.A. , Bosworth H.B. , Noel P.H. , Wolff J.L. , Damush T.M. , Mciver L.
Published: September 2007

Increasing numbers of persons live with complex chronic medical needs and are at risk for poor health outcomes. These patients require unique self-management support, as they must manage many, often interacting, tasks. As part of a conference on Managing Complexity in Chronic Care sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, a working group was convened to consider self-management issues specific to complex chronic care. In this paper, we assess gaps in current knowledge on self-management support relevant to this population, report on the recommendations of our working group, and discuss directions for future study. We conclude that this population requires specialized, multidimensional self-management support to achieve a range of patient-centred goals. New technologies and models of care delivery may provide opportunities to develop this support. Validation and quantification of these processes will require the development of performance measures that reflect the needs of this population, and research to prove effectiveness.
Gold-bearing arsenopyrite and pyrite in refractory ores: analytical
refinements and new understanding of gold mineralogy
Authors: Benzaazoua M. , Marion P. , Robaut F. , Pinto A.
Published: September 2007

A multidisciplinary approach has been used to study Au occurrences within
pyrite and arsenopyrite in four refractory Au ores from Colombia, France (Le
Châtelet and Villeranges) and Portugal (Neves Norte). The Au was characterized by
optical and scanning electron microscopy and analysed using electron and ion
microprobes to determine Au distribution, with particular attention to spectral
interferences in electron and ion microprobes, background measurements in electron
probes, and quantitative analysis using external standardization in ion probes.
The ionic emission rate is proven to be dependent on the Au status; combined Au
has a greater ion emission than metallic Au. Invisible Au occurrences are closely
linked to As distribution. Gold bonding in arsenopyrite, examined by transmission
electron microscopy, is shown to be dispersed within the FeAsS crystal structure.
Typical growth patterns and As-Au diffusion zoning in pyrite and arsenopyrite may
account for the very irregular distribution of Au in these minerals.
The EUROclass trial: defining subgroups in common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Wehr Claudia , Kivioja Teemu , Schmitt Christian , Ferry Berne , Witte Torsten , Eren Efrem , Vlkova Marcela , Hernandez Manuel , Detkova Drahomira , Bos Philip R. , Poerksen Gonke , von Bernuth Horst , Baumann Ulrich , Goldacker Sigune , Gutenberger Sylvia , Schlesier Michael , Bergeron-van der Cruyssen Florence , Le Garff Magali , Debré Patrice , Jacobs Roland , Jones John , Bateman Elizabeth , Litzman Jiri , van Hagen P. Martin , Plebani Alessandro , Schmidt Reinhold E. , Thon Vojtech , Quinti Isabella , Espanol Teresa , Webster A. David , Chapel Helen , Vihinen Mauno , Oksenhendler Eric , Peter Hans Hartmut , Warnatz Klaus
Published: September 2007

The heterogeneity of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) calls for a classification addressing pathogenic mechanisms as well as clinical relevance. This European multicenter trial was initiated to develop a consensus of 2 existing classification schemes based on flowcytometric B-cell phenotyping and the clinical course. The clinical evaluation of 303 patients with the established diagnosis of CVID demonstrated a significant coincidence of granulomatous disease, autoimmune cytopenia, and splenomegaly. Phenotyping of B-cell subpopulations confirmed a severe reduction of switched memory B cells in most of the patients that was associated with a higher risk for splenomegaly and granulomatous disease. An expansion of CD21low B cells marked patients with splenomegaly. Lymphadenopathy was significantly linked with transitional B-cell expansion. Based on these findings and pathogenic consideration of B-cell differentiation, we suggest an improved classification for CVID (EUROclass), separating patients with nearly absent B cells (less than 1%), severely reduced switched memory B cells (less than 2%), and expansion of transitional (more than 9%) or CD21low B cells (more than 10%). Whereas the first group contains all patients with severe defects of early B-cell differentiation, severely reduced switched memory B cells indicate a defective germinal center development as found in inducible constimulator (ICOS) or CD40L deficiency. The underlying defects of expanded transitional or CD21low B cells remain to be elucidated. This trial is re-gistered at http://www.uniklinik-freiburg.de/zks/live/uklregister/Oeffentlich.html as UKF000308.
Haematopoietic development and immunological function in the absence of cathepsin D
Authors: Tulone Calogero , Uchiyama Yasuo , Novelli Marco , Grosvenor Nicholas , Saftig Paul , Chain Benjamin M
Published: September 2007

Background

Cathepsin D is a well-characterized aspartic protease expressed ubiquitously in lysosomes. Cathepsin D deficiency is associated with a spectrum of pathologies leading ultimately to death. Cathepsin D is expressed at high levels in many cells of the immune system, but its role in immune function is not well understood. This study examines the reconstitution and function of the immune system in the absence of cathepsin D, using bone marrow radiation chimaeras in which all haematopoietic cells are derived from cathepsin D deficient mice.

Results

Cathepsin D deficient bone marrow cells fully reconstitute the major cellular components of both the adaptive and innate immune systems. Spleen cells from cathepsin D deficient chimaeric mice contained an increased number of autofluorescent granules characteristic of lipofuscin positive lysosomal storage diseases. Biochemical and ultrastructural changes in cathepsin D deficient spleen are consistent with increased autolysosomal activity. Chimaeric mice were immunised with either soluble (dinitrophenylated bovine gamma globulin) or particulate (sheep red blood cells) antigens. Both antigens induced equivalent immune responses in wild type or cathepsin D deficient chimaeras.

Conclusion

All the parameters of haematopoietic reconstitution and adaptive immunity which were measured in this study were found to be normal in the absence of cathepsin D, even though cathepsin D deficiency leads to dysregulation of lysosomal function.
The association between compliance and persistence with bisphosphonate therapy and fracture risk: A review
Authors: Adachi Jonathan , Lynch Niall , Middelhoven Hans , Hunjan Manjit , Cowell Warren
Published: September 2007

Background

Sub optimal levels of compliance and persistence with bisphosphonates are potentially compromising the reduction of post menopausal osteoporotic (PMO) fracture risk.

Methods

A structured literature search (1990–2006) was performed to identify primary research studies evaluating the relationship between compliance and persistence with bisphosphonates and post menopausal osteoporotic (PMO) fracture risk in clinical practice. Search criteria were: bisphosphonates; osteoporosis/osteopenia in postmenopausal women; all types of fractures; compliance and persistence.

Results

Only two retrospective studies using prescription databases have specifically evaluated bisphosphonates.

A cohort study tracking 35,537 women reported that in those with a Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) of ≥80% over 24 months the risk of fracture was lower than in those with an MPR of <80% (8.5% v 10.7%, p < 0.001, Relative Risk Reduction (RRR) 21%). In women who persisted with treatment (refill gap <30 days) the risk of fracture was also lower (7.7% v 10.3%, p < 0.001, RRR 29%).

A nested case control study reported that 12 months persistence (refill gap <50% previous prescription (Rx) length) was associated with a 26% reduced risk of fracture (p < 0.05) and 24 months with a 32% reduced risk (p < 0.05).

Four other studies, not specific to bisphosphonates, reported that compliance ≥12 months decreased fracture risk by ~25%.

Conclusion

Sub optimal compliance and persistence with bisphosphonates is not providing the best possible protection against the risk of PMO fracture, however, more research is needed to delineate this relationship in clinical practice.
Antiherpevirus activity of Artemisia arborescens essential oil and inhibition of lateral diffusion in Vero cells
Authors: Saddi Manuela , Sanna Adriana , Cottiglia Filippo , Chisu Lorenza , Casu Laura , Bonsignore Leonardo , De Logu Alessandro
Published: September 2007

Background

New prophylactic and therapeutic tools are needed for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections. Several essential oils have shown to possess antiviral activity in vitro against a wide spectrum of viruses.

Aim

The present study was assess to investigate the activities of the essential oil obtained from leaves of Artemisia arborescens against HSV-1 and HSV-2

Methods

The cytotoxicity in Vero cells was evaluated by the MTT reduction method. The IC50 values were determined by plaque reduction assay. In order to characterize the mechanism of action, yield reduction assay, inhibition of plaque development assay, attachment assay, penetration assay and post-attachment virus neutralization assay were also performed.

Results

The IC50 values, determined by plaque reduction assay, were 2.4 and 4.1 μg/ml for HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively, while the cytotoxicity assay against Vero cells, as determined by the MTT reduction method, showed a CC50 value of 132 μg/ml, indicating a CC50/IC50 ratio of 55 for HSV-1 and 32.2 for HSV-2. The antiviral activity of A. arborescens essential oil is principally due to direct virucidal effects. A poor activity determined by yield reduction assay was observed against HSV-1 at higher concentrations when added to cultures of infected cells. No inhibition was observed by attachment assay, penetration assay and post-attachment virus neutralization assay. Furthermore, inhibition of plaque development assay showed that A. arborescens essential oil inhibits the lateral diffusion of both HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the antiviral activity of the essential oil in toto obtained from A. arborescens against HSV-1 and HSV-2. The mode of action of the essential oil as antiherpesvirus agent seems to be particularly interesting in consideration of its ability to inactivate the virus and to inhibit the cell-to-cell virus diffusion.
Broad genomic and transcriptional analysis reveals a highly derived genome in dinoflagellate mitochondria
Authors: Jackson Christopher J , Norman John E , Schnare Murray N , Gray Michael W , Keeling Patrick J , Waller Ross F
Published: September 2007

Background

Dinoflagellates comprise an ecologically significant and diverse eukaryotic phylum that is sister to the phylum containing apicomplexan endoparasites. The mitochondrial genome of apicomplexans is uniquely reduced in gene content and size, encoding only three proteins and two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) within a highly compacted 6 kb DNA. Dinoflagellate mitochondrial genomes have been comparatively poorly studied: limited available data suggest some similarities with apicomplexan mitochondrial genomes but an even more radical type of genomic organization. Here, we investigate structure, content and expression of dinoflagellate mitochondrial genomes.

Results

From two dinoflagellates, Crypthecodinium cohnii and Karlodinium micrum, we generated over 42 kb of mitochondrial genomic data that indicate a reduced gene content paralleling that of mitochondrial genomes in apicomplexans, i.e., only three protein-encoding genes and at least eight conserved components of the highly fragmented large and small subunit rRNAs. Unlike in apicomplexans, dinoflagellate mitochondrial genes occur in multiple copies, often as gene fragments, and in numerous genomic contexts. Analysis of cDNAs suggests several novel aspects of dinoflagellate mitochondrial gene expression. Polycistronic transcripts were found, standard start codons are absent, and oligoadenylation occurs upstream of stop codons, resulting in the absence of termination codons. Transcripts of at least one gene, cox3, are apparently trans-spliced to generate full-length mRNAs. RNA substitutional editing, a process previously identified for mRNAs in dinoflagellate mitochondria, is also implicated in rRNA expression.

Conclusion

The dinoflagellate mitochondrial genome shares the same gene complement and fragmentation of rRNA genes with its apicomplexan counterpart. However, it also exhibits several unique characteristics. Most notable are the expansion of gene copy numbers and their arrangements within the genome, RNA editing, loss of stop codons, and use of trans-splicing.
Human cytomegalovirus-derived protein UL18 alters the phenotype and function of monocyte-derived dendritic cells
Authors: Wagner Claudia S , Walther-Jallow Lilian , Buentke Eva , Ljunggren Hans-Gustaf , Achour Adnane , Chambers Benedict J
Published: September 2007

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encodes the MHC class I-like molecule UL18, which binds with high affinity to the leukocyte Ig-like receptor-1 (LIR-1), an inhibitory receptor commonly expressed on myeloid cells and subsets of NK and T cells. The exact role of UL18 is not known, in particular in relation to its proposed role in HCMV immune escape. Given the ubiquitous expression of LIR-1 on dendritic cells (DCs), we hypothesized that UL18 may affect DC function. To study the effects of UL18 on DC, we made use of UL18 fusion proteins. We demonstrate that UL18 fusion proteins inhibit the chemotaxis of DCs. Furthermore, UL18 interfered with CD40 ligand-induced maturation of DCs, resulting in reduced allogeneic T cell proliferation. Finally, we demonstrate that UL18 proteins up-regulate the expression of the maturation marker CD83 on immature monocyte-derived DCs and induce cytokine production. The capacity of UL18 to affect the function and the phenotype of DCs suggests a novel role for this HCMV-derived protein.
Gender dimorphism following injury: making the connection from bench to bedside
Authors: Sperry Jason L , Minei Joseph P
Published: September 2007

Despite ongoing prevention efforts, injury remains the leading cause of mortality over the first three decades of life in the United States. Those who survive their initial injury continue to be plagued with the development of sepsis and multiple organ failure and their attributable morbidity and mortality. An important and persistent finding has been that males and females respond differently following traumatic injury and hemorrhagic shock. A significant advancement in the experimental understanding of the gender dimorphism in response to trauma-hemorrhage and sepsis has occurred. Experimental evidence for the differential effects of sex hormones on cell-mediated immunity and organ system tolerance of shock continues to expand. Clinical studies, however, have been unable to reproduce these laboratory bench findings consistently. There continues to be a divide between the “bench and bedside” in regard to our understanding of gender-based differences following injury. Relative to controlled animal experiments, predisposing comorbidities, injury characteristics, and a lack of information about the hormone milieu of the trauma patient disallow reproducible results from clinical analyses. Continued clinical research into potential sex hormone-based differences, genetic differences, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for these gender-based differential responses is required to close this gap. This may ultimately promote therapeutic interventions, which will allow for improved outcomes for males and females in the near future.
Caregiver and Health Care Provider Satisfaction with Volumetric Bladder Ultrasound
Authors: Baumann Brigitte M. , McCans Kathryn , Stahmer Sarah A. , Leonard Mary B. , Shults Justine , Holmes William C.
Published: September 2007

Objectives: Conventional (nonimaged) bladder catheterization has lower first‐attempt success rates (67%–72%) when compared with catheterization aided by volumetric bladder ultrasonography (US) (92%–100%), yet the total time to urine sample collection with US can be quite lengthy. Given the advantage and disadvantages, the authors assessed caregiver and health care provider satisfaction with these two methods.

Methods: Caregivers and health care providers of children enrolled in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial examining the first‐attempt urine collection success rates with these two methods completed standardized questionnaires. Each child's caregiver, nurse, and physician noted their perceptions, satisfaction, and future preferences using Likert‐scale assessments.

Results: Of 93 caregivers, 45 had children randomized to the conventional arm and 48 to the US arm. Nine physicians and three nurses participated. Both caregiver groups had similar previous catheterization experience; none had children undergo volumetric bladder sonography. Caregivers in the conventional group rated their children's discomfort higher (4.4 vs. 3.4; p = 0.02) and were less satisfied (4.5 vs. 6.4; p < 0.0001) than those in the US group. Nurses' satisfaction with catheterization in the conventional group was lower than in the US group (3.0 vs. 5.5), as was physicians' satisfaction (4.3 vs. 5.7; p < 0.0001). Both nurses and physicians indicated that they would be less likely to use conventional catheterization in future attempts.

Conclusions: Caregivers in the conventional group rated their children's discomfort higher than did caregivers in the US group. Both caregivers and health care providers expressed greater satisfaction with US and were more likely to prefer this imaging modality with future catheterization attempts.
Proteins involved in sterol synthesis interact with Ste20 and regulate cell polarity
Authors: Tiedje Christopher , Holland Daniel G. , Just Ursula , Höfken Thomas
Published: September 2007

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae p21-activated kinase (PAK) Ste20 regulates various aspects of cell polarity during vegetative growth, mating and filamentous growth. To gain further insight into the mechanisms of Ste20 action, we screened for interactors of Ste20 using the split-ubiquitin system. Among the identified proteins were Erg4, Cbr1 and Ncp1, which are all involved in sterol biosynthesis. The interaction between Ste20 and Erg4, as well as between Ste20 and Cbr1, was confirmed by pull-down experiments. Deletion of either ERG4 or NCP1 resulted in various polarity defects, indicating a role for these proteins in bud site selection, apical bud growth, cell wall assembly, mating and invasive growth. Interestingly, Erg4 was required for the polarized localization of Ste20 during mating. Lack of CBR1 produced no detectable phenotype, whereas the deletion of CBR1 in the absence of NCP1 was lethal. Using a conditional lethal mutant we demonstrate that both proteins have overlapping functions in bud morphology.
Template Fabrication of Novel Structure of Polypyrrole Nanotubules Inner-embedded with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Ya-nan , Chen Miao , Zhao Yanchun , Liu Zhilu , Liu Xiang
Published: September 2007

Template fabrication is a powerful method to control the shape, size, and morphology of materials on the nanoscale. A novel structure of polypyrrole (PPy) nanotubules inner-embedded with gold nanoparticles has been successfully fabricated via polymerizing the pyrrole monomer in situ in a modified porous anodic alumina (PAA) template. Their morphology and structure have been confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and X-ray diffraction.
Novel Micro/Nanostructures of Polyaniline in the Presence of Different Amino Acids via a Self-assembly Process
Authors: Jin E , Liu Na , Lu Xiaofeng , Zhang Wanjin
Published: September 2007

Novel micro/nanostructures of polyaniline were synthesized via a self-assembly method in the presence of different amino acids, such as tryptophan, lysine, and aspartic acid. It was found that the morphologies, including spinous microspheres, smooth nanospheres, and nanosticks/tubes determined by SEM and TEM images, were related to the kind of different amino acids. The structures of the products were measured by FT-IR spectra and UV–vis spectra.
On the kinetics of ion exchange in phlogopite — An in situ AFM study
Authors: Aldushin Kirill , Jordan Guntram , Aldushina Elena , Schmahl Wolfgang W.
Published: September 2007

The kinetics of cation exchange in phlogopite have been studied in situ by hydrothermal atomic force microscopy (HAFM). The exchange of interlayer K by octylammonium ions caused an increase in the interlayer distance and the formation of reaction fronts which can be locally resolved by AFM. The observed reaction fronts revealed substantial variations in their propagation rates — even within single interlayers. This observed variability in interlayer reactivity could mainly be attributed to chemical and structural inhomogeneities of the samples. A quantitative evaluation of the front propagation at representative sites yielded a diffusion coefficient of the K+ exchange by octylammonium of 1.2±0.6 × 10−11 cm2/s assuming negligible transport normal to the layers. The reverse reaction, i.e. the exchange of organic ions by K+, resulted in a retreat of the reaction fronts and a general restoration of the original morphological state. However, indications of structural alterations and areas with trapped octylammonium ions were found.
Combined effects of tannate and ageing on structural and surface properties of aluminum precipitates
Authors: Yu G. , Saha U. K. , Kozak L. M. , Huang P. M.
Published: September 2007

The influence of organics on the crystallization of Al precipitates has been well documented. However, the effects of organics and ageing on the transformation and structural configuration of Al precipitates in relation to their surface and charge properties are not fully understood. This study investigated the structural, microporous and surface properties of Al precipitates formed under the influence of tannate and ageing. The Al precipitates were synthesized at an initial Al concentration of 7 × 10−3 M, an OH/Al molar ratio (MR) of 3.0, and initial tannate/Al MRs of 0, 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1, and aged for 1, 10 and 40 days. As indicated by a decrease in gibbsite and bayerite and an increase in the oxalate-extractable Al contents, the non-crystalline precipitates increased with the increase of the initial tannate/Al MR. This observation is in accord with the X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) data. The impact of tannic acid on the nature of the Al precipitates is also reflected in the increase of the contents of the pyrophosphate-extractable Al, which is indicative of organically bound Al. This observation is in agreement with the increase in the intensity of characteristic FTIR absorption bands of tannate and the organic C and adsorbed water contents. The decrease in the crystallinity of Al precipitates with increase in the tannate/Al MR resulted in the development of microporosity, increase in BET specific surface area and decrease of the average pore diameter and point of zero salt effect (PZSE). The FTIR absorption bands characteristic of tannate of the Al precipitates became weaker with ageing, in accord with the ageing-induced decrease in the contents of organic C and pyrophosphate-extractable Al. Ageing drastically decreased the BET specific surface area of the Al precipitates formed in the absence of tannate but this effect was less conspicuous for the products formed at the tannate/Al molar ratio of 0.1. The ageing-induced change in the PZSE of the Al precipitates formed both in the absence and presence of tannate was not significant. The results accomplished in this study are of fundamental significance to our understanding of the combined effects of organics and ageing on structural configuration of hydrolytic precipitates of Al in relation to their microporosity, surface and charge properties in the environment.
Soil Hydroxy-interlayered minerals: A re-interpretation of their crystallochemical properties
Authors: Meunier Alain
Published: September 2007

Hydroxy-interlayered minerals (HIMs) are typical of moderately acidic soils. Barnhisel and Bertsch (1989) defined the hydroxy-interlayered clay minerals as a solid-solution series between smectite, vermiculite and pedogenic or aluminous chlorite end-members. Their experimental data for the relationship between the decrease in cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the amount of Al fixed in the interlayers of smectites and vermiculites is reinterpreted using calculated structural, chemical and X-ray diffraction (XRD) evidence. The adsorbed Al ions are in a 6-fold coordination state: [Al(OH)x(H2O)y](3−x)+ with x+y = 6. The polymerization process occurs before saturation of the exchange sites by Al ions. Some of the adsorbed Al ions form polynuclear cations keeping a constant positive charge.

X-ray diffraction patterns of oriented preparations in the ethylene glycol-solvated state suggest that HIMs consist of randomly interstratified expandable and chlorite-like layers (17 and 14.2 Å). Chlorite-like layers result from the selective adsorption of Al complex ions in specific interlayer zones that behave similarly to Al-chlorite (donbassite-like) with incomplete (60%) ‘gibbsite-like’ sheets (chlorite60). Using this framework, HIM XRD patterns can be interpreted by comparison with calculated chlorite60-dismectite mixed-layer mineral patternss using the NEWMOD software.
Weathering sequences of clay minerals in soils along a serpentinitic toposequence
Authors: Hseu Z. Y. , Tsai H. , Hsi H. C. , Chen Y. C.
Published: September 2007

There has been limited research on clay mineral transformation in serpentinitic soils under humid tropical conditions. In this study, four soil pedons were selected along a toposequence from the summit (Entisol), shoulder (Vertisol), backslope (Alfisol) to footslope (Ultisol) positions to explore the contributions and the significance of landscape and weathering status of serpentinitic rock with regard to clay mineral transformations in eastern Taiwan. Experimental results indicated that the large amount of dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate-extractable Fe (Fed) and clay in the subsurface horizon were mainly caused by the strong leaching potential from intensive rainfall and weathering of the fine-grained parent rocks. The clay mineralogy reflected the clear weathering trend of the soils along the toposequence: (1) the soils on the summit and shoulder contained smectite and serpentine, which are predominant in the young soils derived from serpentinitic rocks; and (2) vermiculite gradually increased in the relatively old soils on backslope and footslope. The mineralogical transformations observed along the toposequence indicated that chlorite and serpentine, initially present in the Entisol on the summit, weather into smectite and interstratified chlorite-vermiculite in the intermediate soil on the shoulder under strong leaching and oxidizing conditions. Furthermore, vermiculite formed as the major weathering product of chlorite and smectite in the soil developed on the backslope. In addition to vermiculite, kaolinite and quartz formed in the soils on the footslope with the greatest concentration of Fedalong the toposequence.
Development of a Focused Oligonucleotide-Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization Chip for Clinical Diagnosis of Genomic Imbalance
Authors: Shen Yiping , Miller David T , Cheung Sau Wai , Lip Va , Sheng Xiaoming , Tomaszewicz Keith , Shao Hong , Fang Hong , Tang Hung Siv , Irons Mira , Walsh Christopher A , Platt Orah , Gusella James F , Wu Bai-Lin
Published: September 2007

Background: Submicroscopic genomic imbalance underlies well-defined microdeletion and microduplication syndromes and contributes to general developmental disorders such as mental retardation and autism. Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) complements routine cytogenetic methods such as karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for the detection of genomic imbalance. Oligonucleotide arrays in particular offer advantages in ease of manufacturing, but standard arrays for single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping or linkage analysis offer variable coverage in clinically relevant regions. We report the design and validation of a focused oligonucleotide-array CGH assay for clinical laboratory diagnosis of genomic imbalance.

Methods: We selected >10 000 60-mer oligonucleotide features from Agilent’s eArray probe library to interrogate all subtelomeric and pericentromeric regions and 95 additional clinically relevant regions for a total of 179 loci. Sensitivity and specificity were measured for 105 patient samples, including 51 with known genomic-imbalance events, as detected by bacterial artificial chromosome–based array CGH, FISH, or multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification.

Results: Focused array CGH detected all known regions of genomic imbalance in 51 validation samples with 100% concordance and an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The mean SD among log2 ratios of all noncontrol features without copy number alteration was 0.062 (median, 0.055). Clinical testing of another 211 samples from individuals with developmental delay, unexplained mental retardation, dysmorphic features, or multiple congenital anomalies revealed genomic imbalance in 25 samples (11.9%).

Conclusions: This focused oligonucleotide-array CGH assay, a flexible, robust method for clinically diagnosing genetic disorders associated with genomic imbalance, offers appreciable advantages over currently available platforms.
Detection of Restriction Enzyme–Digested Target DNA by PCR Amplification Using a Stem-Loop Primer: Application to the Detection of Hypomethylated Fetal DNA in Maternal Plasma
Authors: Tong Yu K , Chiu Rossa WK , Leung Tak Y , Ding Chunming , Lau Tze K , Leung Tse N , Lo YM Dennis
Published: September 2007

Background: The discovery of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma has opened up new possibilities for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis and monitoring. Among the fetal markers that have been described, methylation markers are sex and polymorphism independent. Methylation-sensitive restriction endonucleases are commonly used to digest hypomethylated DNA molecules, and the hypermethylated molecules remain intact for detection. The positive detection of the cleaved hypomethylated molecules would be useful for certain targets but has not been reported.

Methods: The use of a stem-loop primer in microRNA detection has previously been described. In this study, DNA assays were designed and performed on maternal plasma, which contained the hypomethylated placental serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade B (ovalbumin), member 5 (SERPINB5; maspin) gene in an excess background of hypermethylated maternal SERPINB5. Detection of the enzyme-digested placenta-derived hypomethylated SERPINB5 molecules was achieved by performing stem-loop extension followed by real-time PCR on maternal plasma. The placental origin of the stem-loop–extended SERPINB5 molecules was confirmed by genotyping.

Results: From the real-time PCR results on maternal plasma, stem-loop–extended SERPINB5 promoter sequences were detectable in all 11 enzyme-digested predelivery maternal plasma samples. Postpartum clearance was demonstrated. In 9 cases in which the fetal and maternal SERPINB5 genotypes were distinguishable, the placental-specific genotypes were detected in all predelivery maternal plasma samples.

Conclusion: Detection of restriction enzyme-digested hypomethylated placental DNA molecules in maternal plasma by the use of a stem-loop primer represents a novel approach in fetal epigenetic marker detection. The analytical approach may also be generally applicable to the detection of restriction enzyme-digested nucleic acid fragments.
Self‐Injurious Behavior and Eating Disorders: The Extent and Nature of the Association
Authors: Svirko Elena , Hawton Keith
Published: September 2007

We have reviewed the literature on the association between self‐injurious behaviors (SIB) and eating disorders from the psychological‐behavioral perspective. Our aims were to investigate the extent and possible reasons for the association. A literature search was conducted using the following electronic databases (1989–2005): Medline, PsychInfo and EMBASE. References in identified articles were also screened. The reported occurrence of SIB in eating disorder patients ranged between 25.4% and 55.2%. The figures for occurrence of eating disorders in SIB patients ranged between 54% and 61%. These figures indicate that there is a strong association between these disorders. Impulsivity, obsessive‐compulsive characteristics, affect dysregulation, dissociation, self‐criticizing cognitive style and need for control were identified as potential factors involved in the association. Early trauma such as childhood sexual abuse and possibly certain characteristics of early family environment might contribute to the development of these factors. We present a hypothetical model which includes these factors and argue that the co‐existence of eating disorders and SIB in patients results from several factors being present. SIB and eating disorder symptoms may provide a means whereby patients can deal with each factor simultaneously. The clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
The Value of Forgetting Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior
Authors: Klimes‐Dougan Bonnie , Safer Martin A. , Ronsaville Donna , Tinsley Ruth , Harris Susan J.
Published: September 2007

This is a prospective longitudinal study examining recollections of suicidal content and correlates of accurate and inaccurate recollection. A primarily at‐risk group of young adults (N = 78) who were initially assessed for suicidal ideation and behavior in adolescence, were asked to recall whether they had reported suicidal ideation or behavior about six years earlier. In recalling the previous interview, the majority of the participants provided consistent reports. However, with regard to those who had previously reported suicidal ideation or behavior, 38% failed to recall prior adolescent suicidal reports. Those who provided accurate reports of prior suicidal content were more symptomatic and were functioning more poorly than those who failed to recall past suicidal content. The implications for clinical assessment practices, research, and theory development are discussed.
In VitroCharacterization of Pittsburgh Compound-B Binding to Lewy Bodies
Authors: Fodero-Tavoletti Michelle T. , Smith David P. , McLean Catriona A. , Adlard Paul A. , Barnham Kevin J. , Foster Lisa E. , Leone Laura , Perez Keyla , Cortés Mikhalina , Culvenor Janetta G. , Li Qiao-Xin , Laughton Katrina M. , Rowe Christopher C. , Masters Colin L. , Cappai Roberto , Villemagne Victor L.
Published: September 2007

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is pathologically characterized by the presence of α-synuclein-containing Lewy bodies within the neocortical, limbic, and paralimbic regions. Like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Aβ plaques are also present in most DLB cases. The contribution of Aβ to the development of DLB is unclear. [11C]-Pittsburgh compound B ([11C]-PIB) is a thioflavin-T derivative that has allowedin vivoAβ burden to be quantified using positron emission tomography (PET). [11C]-PIB PET studies have shown similar high cortical [11C]-PIB binding in AD and DLB subjects. To establish the potential binding of PIB to α-synuclein in DLB patients, we characterized thein vitrobinding of PIB to recombinant human α-synuclein and DLB brain homogenates. Analysis of thein vitrobinding studies indicated that [3H]-PIB binds to α-synuclein fibrils but with lower affinity than that demonstrated/reported for Aβ1–42fibrils. Furthermore, [3H]-PIB was observed to bind to Aβ plaque-containing DLB brain homogenates but failed to bind to DLB homogenates that were Aβ plaque-free (“pure DLB”). Positive PIB fluorescence staining of DLB brain sections colocalized with immunoreactive Aβ plaques but failed to stain Lewy bodies. Moreover, image quantification analysis suggested that given the small size and low density of Lewy bodies within the brains of DLB subjects, any contribution of Lewy bodies to the [11C]-PIB PET signal would be negligible. These studies indicate that PIB retention observed within the cortical gray matter regions of DLB subjects in [11C]-PIB PET studies is largely attributable to PIB binding to Aβ plaques and not Lewy bodies.
Complete Pattern of Ocular Dominance Columns in Human Primary Visual Cortex
Authors: Adams Daniel L. , Sincich Lawrence C. , Horton Jonathan C.
Published: September 2007

The occipital lobes were obtained after death from six adult subjects with monocular visual loss. Flat-mounts were processed for cytochrome oxidase (CO) to reveal metabolic activity in the primary (V1) and secondary (V2) visual cortices. Mean V1 surface area was 2643 mm2(range, 1986–3477 mm2). Ocular dominance columns were present in all cases, having a mean width of 863 μm. There were 78–126 column pairs along the V1 perimeter. Human column patterns were highly variable, but in at least one person they resembled a scaled-up version of macaque columns. CO patches in the upper layers were centered on ocular dominance columns in layer 4C, with one exception. In this individual, the columns in a local area resembled those present in the squirrel monkey, and no evidence was found for column/patch alignment. In every subject, the blind spot of the contralateral eye was conspicuous as an oval region without ocular dominance columns. It provided a precise landmark for delineating the central 15° of the visual field. A mean of 53.1% of striate cortex was devoted to the representation of the central 15°. This fraction was less than the proportion of striate cortex allocated to the representation of the central 15° in the macaque. Within the central 15°, each eye occupied an equal territory. Beyond this eccentricity, the contralateral eye predominated, occupying 63% of the cortex. In one subject, monocular visual loss began at age 4 months, causing shrinkage of ocular dominance columns. In V2, which had a larger surface area than V1, CO stripes were present but could not be classified as thick or thin.