bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and Photoluminescent Properties of Microstructural YBO3 : Eu3+ Nanocrystals
Authors: Pan Guohui , Song Hongwei , Yu Lixin , Liu Zhongxin , Bai Xue , Lei Yanqiang , Fan Libo , Lu Shaozhe , Ren Xinguang
Published: November 2006

YBO3 : Eu3+ nanocrystals (NCs) were prepared by a hydrothermal method and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
The results demonstrate that morphology and structure of the NCs varied strongly with hydrothermal temperature. Their luminescent properties were investigated in comparison to the bulk. A large number of NO&minus3 groups were adsorbed at the surface of hydrothermal
products, which acted as luminescent killers; Two symmetry sites of Eu3+ ions in NCs, the interior and the surface sites, were identified by the site-selective excitation and time-resolved emission experiments; The intensity ratio of 5D0–7F2
to 5D0–7F1 of Eu3+ at the surface site increased greatly than that at the interior site; as a result, the chromaticity was improved; The total radiative transition rate of 5D0–ΣJ7Fj
for Eu3+ at the surface site was 3–5 times larger than that at the interior.
Interfacial Construction of Gold Nanoshells on 3-Aminopropyl Triethoxysilane Modified ITO Electrode Surface for Studying Cytochrome b562 Electrochemistry
Authors: Jing Aihua , Tan Yong , Wang Yi , Ding Shaohua , Qian Weiping
Published: November 2006

An interface of gold nanoshells (GNSs) was constructed on the surface of the 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) modified ITO glass substrates by a simple self-assemble method to form the GNSs-coated ITO electrode. UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cyclic
voltammetry were used to characterize the GNSs interface architectures. SEM and UV-vis spectroscopy showed that an interconnected and stable GNSs interface was formed on the APTES modified ITO glass substrate. The cytochrome b562 (Cyt b562) was selected to observe electron
transfer reactions of redox protein at the GNSs-coated ITO electrodes. Quasi-reversible electrochemistry of Cyt b562 was obtained and its electrochemical behaviors were discussed.
Synthesis of TiO2-Based Nanotube on Ti Substrate by Hydrothermal Treatment
Authors: Chi Bo , Victorio Erick S. , Jin Tetsuro
Published: November 2006

TiO2-based titanate nanotube film was directly synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of Ti substrate in NaOH solution. The prepared high aspect ratio nanotubes have diameter of 10nm and pore size of 5 nm with length of several microns. The nanotubes show the same structure
and component characteristics as the nanotubes prepared through hydrothermal treatment of TiO2. Other nanostructured titanate as oriented nanofiber film and translucent film were also prepared by adjusting the hydrothermal conditions. The formation mechanism of nanostructured titanate
was discussed.
A Single-Source Solid-Precursor Method for Making Eco-Friendly Doped Semiconductor Nanoparticles Emitting Multi-Color Luminescence
Authors: Manzoor K. , Aditya V. , Vadera S. R. , Kumar N. , Kutty T. R. N.
Published: November 2006

A novel synthesis method is presented for the preparation of eco-friendly, doped semiconductor nanocrystals encapsulated within oxide-shells, both formed sequentially from a single-source solid-precursor. Highly luminescent ZnS nanoparticles, in situ doped with Cu+–Al3+
pairs and encapsulated with ZnO shells are prepared by the thermal decomposition of a solid-precursor compound, zinc sulfato-thiourea-oxyhydroxide, showing layered crystal structure. The precursor compound is prepared by an aqueous wet-chemical reaction involving necessary chemical reagents
required for the precipitation, doping and inorganic surface capping of the nanoparticles. The elemental analysis (C, H, N, S, O, Zn), quantitative estimation of different chemical groups (SO2−4 and NH−4) and infrared studies suggested
that the precursor compound is formed by the intercalation of thiourea, and/or its derivatives thiocarbamate (CSNH−2), dithiocarbamate (CS2NH−2), etc., and ammonia into the gallery space of zinc-sulfato-oxyhydroxide corbel
where the ZnII ions are both in the octahedral as well as tetrahedral coordination in the ratio 3 : 2 and the dopant ions are incorporated within octahedral voids. The powder X-ray diffraction of precursor compound shows high intensity basal reflection corresponding to the large
lattice-plane spacing of d = 11.23 Å and the Rietveld analysis suggested orthorhombic structure with a = 9.71 Å, b = 12.48 Å, c = 26.43 Å, and β = 90°. Transmission electron microscopy studies show the presence of micrometer
sized acicular monocrystallites with prismatic platy morphology. Controlled thermolysis of the solid-precursor at 70–110 °C leads to the collapse of layered structure due to the hydrolysis of interlayer thiourea molecules or its derivatives and the S2− ions liberated
thereby reacts with the tetrahedral ZnII atoms leading to the precipitation of ZnS nanoparticles at the gallery space. During this process, the dopant ions situated at octahedral voids gets incorporated into the nano-ZnS lattice and results in bright photoluminescence. On further
heat treatment above 1100 °C, the corbel zinc-oxyhydroxide sheets undergo dehydroxylation to form ZnO which eventually encapsulates the ZnS nanoparticles at the gallery leading to significant enhancement in the luminescence quantum efficiency, up to ∼22%. The emission color of thus
formed nano-ZnS/micro-ZnO composites could be tuned over wide spectral ranges from 480 to 618 nm and the spectral changes are attributed to a number of factors including lattice defects, Cu+–Al3+ dopant-pairs and iso-electronic oxygen in nano-ZnS and oxygen-vacancy
or -interstitial centers in non-stoichiometric ZnO.
Measurements of the Total Water Content of Cirrus Clouds. Part I: Instrument Details and Calibration
Authors: Weinstock E. M. , Smith J. B. , Sayres D. , Spackman J. R. , Pittman J. V. , Allen N. , Demusz J. , Greenberg M. , Rivero M. , Solomon L. , Anderson J. G.
Published: November 2006

This paper describes an instrument designed to measure the sum of gas phase and solid phase water, or total water, in cirrus clouds, and to be mounted in a pallet in the underbelly of the NASA WB-57 research aircraft. The ice water content of cirrus is determined by subtracting water vapor measured simultaneously by the Harvard water vapor instrument on the aircraft. The total water instrument uses an isokinetic inlet to maintain ambient particle concentrations as air enters the instrument duct, a 600-W heater mounted directly in the flow to evaporate the ice particles, and a Lyman-α photofragment fluorescence technique for detection of the total water content of the ambient air. Isokinetic flow is achieved with an actively controlled roots pump by referencing aircraft pressure, temperature, and true airspeed, together with instrument flow velocity, temperature, and pressure. Laboratory calibrations that utilize a water vapor addition system that adds air with a specific humidity tied to the vapor pressure of water at room temperature and crosschecked by axial and radial absorption of Lyman-α radiation at the detection axis are described in detail. The design provides for in-flight validation of the laboratory calibration by intercomparison with total water measured by radial absorption at the detection axis. Additionally, intercomparisons in clear air with the Harvard water vapor instrument are carried out. Based on performance of the Harvard water vapor instrument, this instrument has the detection capability of making accurate measurements of total water with mixing ratios in the mid- to upper troposphere of up to 2500 ppmv and mixing ratios in the lower stratosphere of about 5 ppmv, corresponding to almost three orders of magnitude in measurement capability.
Measurements of the Total Water Content of Cirrus Clouds. Part II: Instrument Performance and Validation
Authors: Weinstock E. M. , Smith J. B. , Sayres D. , Pittman J. V. , Allen N. , Anderson J. G.
Published: November 2006

This paper describes the performance and in-flight validation of an instrument mounted in a pallet on the NASA WB-57 research aircraft that measures the sum of gas phase and solid phase water, or total water, in cirrus clouds. Using a heated isokinetic inlet and a Lyman-α photofragment fluorescence technique for detection, measurements of total water have been made over three orders of magnitude. During the Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers Florida Area Cirrus Experiment (CRYSTAL FACE), the instrument operated at duct temperatures sufficiently warms to completely evaporate particles up to 150-μm diameter. Laboratory calibrations, in-flight diagnostics, intercomparison with water vapor measured by absorption in flight, and intercomparisons in clear air with the Harvard water vapor instrument validate the detection sensitivity of the instrument and illustrate the minimal hysteresis from instrument surface contamination. The Harvard total water and water vapor instruments together provide measurements of the ice water content of cirrus clouds in the mid- and upper troposphere with an uncertainty of 18%.
Nonintrusive Measurement of Ocean Waves: Lidar Wave Gauge
Authors: Irish Jennifer L. , Wozencraft Jennifer M. , Cunningham A. Grant , Giroud Claudine
Published: November 2006

In December 1999, a nonintrusive directional lidar wave gauge (LWG) was field tested at the Field Research Facility (FRF) in North Carolina. The LWG uses proven lidar technology to directly measure water surface elevation from above the water’s surface. Therefore, unlike bottom-mounted gauges, the surface elevation measurement from the LWG is independent of other hydrodynamic processes. The LWG prototype consists of four rangefinders, where each collects water surface elevation time series at a rate of 10 Hz. During the field test, ground truth data were collected concurrently with the LWG data using a biaxial current and pressure meter mounted directly beneath the LWG. Additional ground truth data were available from the existing FRF wave-gauging infrastructure. This paper describes principles of LWG operation and field experiment setup, LWG environmental and technical constraints, and LWG performance in measuring spectral wave parameters.
Microwave Radiative Transfer in the Mixed-Phase Regions of Tropical Rainfall
Authors: Wilheit T. T. , Hobbs P. V. , Jin K. , Rangno A. L. , Triesky M. E. , Wang J. R.
Published: November 2006

Here airborne observations of the mixed-phase regions of tropical oceanic rainfall are reported as part of the Kwajalein Experiment. The University of Washington Convair-580 aircraft carrying upward-viewing 21- and 37-GHz microwave radiometers spiraled down through stratiform rain. It was observed that the microwave absorption coefficient in the bright band (melting layer) in the stratiform rainfall was roughly twice or thrice that of the rain below. Radiative transfer models of the melting layer have a similar range of uncertainties. In addition to the potential bias from modeling uncertainties, comparison with previous observations suggests that there is a natural variability of about the same magnitude.

The aircraft also made penetrations of a convective line at altitudes of 2.6, 3.4, and 4.5 km. From the microwave observations, it can be concluded that the effect of supercooled water above the freezing level was extremely small, on the order of 2% or less of the total rain signal for this case.
A Gas Tension Device with Response Times of Minutes
Authors: McNeil Craig , D’Asaro Eric , Johnson Bruce , Horn Matthew
Published: November 2006

The development and testing of a new, fast response, profiling gas tension device (GTD) that measures total dissolved air pressure is presented. The new GTD equilibrates a sample volume of air using a newly developed (patent pending) tubular silicone polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane interface. The membrane interface is long, flexible, tubular, and is contained within a seawater-flushed hose. The membrane interface communicates pressure to a precise pressure gauge using low dead-volume stainless steel tubing. The pressure sensor and associated electronics are located remotely from the membrane interface. The new GTD has an operating depth in seawater of 0–300 m. The sensor was integrated onto an upper-ocean mixed layer, neutrally buoyant float, and used in air–sea gas exchange studies. Results of laboratory and pressure tank tests are presented to show response characteristics of the device. A significant hydrostatic response of the instrument was observed over the depth range of 0–9 m, and explained in terms of expulsion (or absorption) of dissolved air from the membrane after it is compressed (or decompressed). This undesirable feature of the device is unavoidable since a large exposed surface area of membrane is required to provide a rapid response. The minimum isothermal response time varies from (2 ± 1) min near the sea surface to (8 ± 2) min at 60-m depth. Results of field tests, performed in Puget Sound, Washington, during the summer of 2004, are reported, and include preliminary comparisons with mass-spectrometric analysis of in situ water samples analyzed for dissolved N2 and Ar. These tests served as preparations for deployment of two floats by aircraft into the advancing path of Hurricane Frances during September 2004 in the northwest Atlantic. The sensors performed remarkably well in the field. A model of the dynamical response of the GTD to changing hydrostatic pressure that accounts for membrane compressibility effects is presented. The model is used to correct the transient response of the GTD to enable a more precise measurement of gas tension when the float was profiling in the upper-ocean mixed layer beneath the hurricane.
Anticlastic Stability Modeling for Cross-ply Composites
Authors: Tawfik Samer , Tan Xinyan , Ozbay Serkan , Armanios Erian
Published: November 2006

A viable aspect of fiber-reinforced composites is their elastic tailoring ability. Anticlastic curvature is one example of elastic tailoring that occurs with an unsymmetric cross-ply layup. Residual stresses resulting from differences in coefficients of thermal expansion and elastic properties in each lamina can cause large out-of-plane deformations. In the case of thin unsymmetric cross-ply laminates under thermal curing load, a cylindrical shape is observed because of this inherent geometrical nonlinearity as opposed to the saddle shape that classical lamination theory predicts. In this article, a finite element approach, using ABAQUS™, is implemented in order to predict the unsymmetric cross-ply laminate shapes under thermal curing stresses and understand the underlying limit point instability. Numerical results for curvatures of the predicted shapes are in agreement with published experimental and analytical data. The stability of the cylindrical laminates is also investigated. Depending on the aspect ratio of the rectangular laminate, a cylindrical shape may snap-through from its current stable configuration to another stable cylindrical shape with a different curvature. In particular, both the critical aspect ratio where snap-through will cease to occur and the buckling load are reported.
Bullying Among Girls
Authors: Besag Valerie E.
Published: November 2006

The focus of this study was to identify whether there was a pattern of instability within the friendship bonds of a group of young girls aged between 10 and 12-years-old. Changes were monitored over 16 months within friendship clusters of dyads, triads and larger groups. Research has shown a trend towards gender difference in preferred forms of aggression. The relationship of this to the instability of the friendship bonding and ensuing conflicts among the girls is considered. Instability in the friendship bonds and groupings among the girls was found to be in evidence. The structure of these groups in the context of conflict was identified, as was the role of some individuals in bringing about the pattern of instability within the groups. The pattern and frequency of these changes are given in the context of recent work on gender. The girls considered their friendships extremely important and nominated the breaking of a friendship as the most anxiety provoking aspect of school life. Themes were uncovered that can be developed to support schools in addressing conflicts between girls.
Scottish Secondary School Students' Preferences for Location, Format of Counselling and Sex of Counsellor
Authors: Cooper Mick
Published: November 2006

Within the United Kingdom there is a significant revival of therapeutic counselling services in schools. This study looks at three factors which may affect students' willingness to attend such a service: location of the service (school-based or external); format (individual or group); and sex of counsellor. The views of 584 students from four Scottish secondary schools were surveyed. Approximately three-quarters of students expressed a preference for seeing a counsellor in their school. Over 80 percent of students expressed a preference for seeing a counsellor on their own, and this was particularly marked in older pupils. There was also a preference within the sample for female counsellors, particularly amongst female respondents, and most markedly amongst young female respondents. Implications of these findings are discussed in the light of related qualitative research, and methodological limitations of the study are highlighted.
Environmental lead exposure and its relationship to traffic density among Senegalese children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Diouf A , Garçon G , Diop Y , Ndiaye B , Thiaw C , Fall M , Kane-Barry O , Ba D , Haguenoer J M , Shirali P
Published: November 2006

Leaded-gasoline is probably the primary source of lead (Pb) exposure in Dakar (Senegal). The present cross sectional study was undertaken to investigate the levels of Pb in Senegalese children and to present helpful data on the relationship between Pb levels and changes in biological markers of heme biosynthesis and oxidative stress. A total of 330 children, living since birth either in rural or urban areas (ie, Khombole (n=162) and Dakar (n=168), respectively) were included. During this cross sectional study, the mean blood (B)-Pb level in all children was 7.32±5.33 ųg/dL, and was influenced by the area of residence and gender. In rural children, 27 subjects (16.7%), 18 boys (19.6%) and nine girls (12.9%), had a B-Pb level >10 ųg Pb/dL, whereas 99 urban children (58.9%), respectively, 66 boys (71.8%) and 33 girls (43.4%), had alarmingly high B-Pb levels. Accordingly, urine delta-aminolevulinic acid levels were higher in children living in the urban area than in the rural areas (P B±0.001), and closely correlated with the B-Pb levels (P B±0.01). Moreover, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, selenium (Se) level, glutathione reductase (GR) activity, and glutathione status were significantly influenced by area of residence and/or by gender. GPx activity and Se level were not only negatively correlated with B-Pb levels, but also positively correlated together (P B±0.01). Taken together, the present results allow us to conclude that urban children have higher B-Pb levels than rural children, and that of these children, boys have higher B-Pb levels than girls, leading thereby to alterations of heme biosynthesis and pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance. We also suggest that exposure to Pb and the Pb-induced adverse effects merits attention and that the development of preventive actions are of increasing importance in Senegal.
Should all patients with unexplained anaemia be screened for chronic lead poisoning?
Authors: Gawarammana I B , Dargan P I , Woodcock S , Sculley M , House I M , Wood D M , Jones A L
Published: November 2006

The global prevalence of lead poisoning is declining. However, the prevalence of lead poisoning in patients with either microcytic or normocytic anaemia is unknown. Blood samples from anaemic patients residing in south-east London without an obvious cause for anaemia had their blood lead concentration (BLC) analysed.A batch of 988 samples was analysed for BLC using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Median haemoglobin was 10.3 g/dL (range: 4.2–10.9) in females, 10.6 g/dL (range: 5.2–11.4) in males and 10.7 g/dL (range: 6.7–10.9) in children. Median BLC was 2.63 μg/dL (0.21–24.0 μg/dL; 95th centile 7.54 μg/dL). Fifteen samples (1.5%) had a BLC>10.0 μg/dL, five samples (1%)>15.0 μg/dL and one sample (0.1%)>20.0 μg/L. In the 106 children, median BLC was 2.34 μg/dL (0.5–14.5 μg/dL; 95th centile 6.12 μg/ dL). Only one child (14.5 μg/L) had a BLC>10.0 μg/dL. There was a poor correlation between haemoglobin and BLC (r2=0.08).Routine screening for lead poisoning cannot be justified in all patients with unexplained anaemia, unless there is a history or clinical features to suggest lead toxicity. Additionally, we have shown that in this former high-risk area for lead exposure, there is a low point prevalence of significant lead poisoning, even in an anaemic population.
Platelet activation, upregulation of CD11b/CD18 expression on leukocytes and increase in circulating leukocyte-platelet aggregates in Indian women chronically exposed to biomass smoke
Authors: Ray M R , Mukherjee S , Roychoudhury S , Bhattacharya P , Banerjee M , Siddique S , Chakraborty S , Lahiri T
Published: November 2006

The majority of households in rural India still rely on unprocessed solid biomass for domestic energy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether chronic exposure to biomass smoke causes activation of leukocytes and the formation of leukocyte-platelet aggregates. We conducted flow cytometric analysis of β2 Mac-1 integrin (CD11b/CD18) expression on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and monocytes, and P-selectin (CD62P) expression on the platelets of 165 women from eastern India, who cook solely with wood, dung and agricultural wastes, and 155 age- and socio-economic condition-matched control subjects, who used relatively cleaner fuel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Leukocyte-platelet aggregates were defined as CD11b-positive PMN and monocytes co-expressing platelet-specific markers CD41 or CD62P. A significant increase in leukocyte-platelet aggregates was found in women who used biomass as cooking fuel. In addition, they showed increased surface expression of CD11b/CD18 in circulating PMN and monocytes and CD62P expression on platelets. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD11b on the surface of circulating monocytes and PMN of biomass users increased by 50 and 68%, respectively. Similarly, a 62 and 48% increase in MFI was observed in CD18 expression on the surface of these cells in biomass users. The results show that chronic biomass smoke exposure activates circulating platelets, PMN and monocytes, and increases the number of leukocyte-platelet aggregates, which are considered a risk factor for thrombosis.
Artificial Neural Network Models for Forecasting Stock Price Index in the Bombay Stock Exchange
Authors: Dutta Goutam , Jha Pankaj , Laha Arnab Kumar , Mohan Neeraj
Published: November 2006

Artificial Neural Network (ANN) has been shown to be an efficient tool for non-parametric modelling of data in a variety of different contexts where the output is a non-linear function of the inputs. These include business forecasting, credit scoring, bond rating, business failure prediction, medicine, pattern recognition and image processing. A large number of studies have been reported in literature with reference to the use of ANN in modelling stock prices in western countries. However, not much work along these lines has been reported in the Indian context.

In this article we discuss the modelling of the Indian stock market (price index) data using ANN. We study the efficacy of ANN in modelling the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) SENSEX weekly closing values. We develop two networks with three hidden layers for the purpose of this study which are denoted as ANN1 and ANN2. ANN1 takes as its inputs the weekly closing value, 52-week moving average of the weekly closing SENSEX values, 5-week moving average of the same, and the 10-week Oscillator for the past 200 weeks. ANN2 takes as its inputs the weekly closing value, 52-week moving average of the weekly closing SENSEX values, 5-week moving average of the same and the 5-week volatility for the past 200 weeks. Both the neural networks are trained using data for 250 weeks starting January 1997.

To assess the performance of the networks we used them to predict the weekly closing SENSEX values for the two-year period beginning January 2002. The root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) are chosen as indicators of performance of the networks. ANN1 achieved an RMSE of 4.82 per cent and MAE of 3.93 per cent while ANN2 achieved an RMSE of 6.87 per cent and MAE of 5.52 per cent.
Superpower vs Supernatural: Black Superheroes and the Quest for a Mutant Reality
Authors: Scott Anna Beatrice
Published: November 2006

Comic books can be understood as a visualization of oral folk culture in the US. Well beyond stereotype, these tales are informed by white supremacist visuality, circulating in mainstream culture as overdetermined narration. In this experimental article, the choreography of the panel and the choreography of the epidermis are explored in order to excavate the continuing problem of black superhero character development. Both white and black renderings of a superpowered black body are shown to have a limiting yet fulfilling perspective on blackness: that it is supernatural and therefore impossibly powerful. This supernaturalness is further explored as a site of antagonism to linear narration and fantasy-driven character development. The conflation of black everyday life with a supposedly fictional one reveals a central problem in white supremacist visioning of ‘the real’.
Oxidation of Structural Ferrous Iron in Vermiculites: I. Oxidation by Fe3+
Authors: Graf H. , Reichenbach V. , Beyme B.
Published: November 2006

Vermiculite prepared from biotite by interlayer cation exchange was reacted with solutions exhibiting redox potentials between 625 and 765 mV. The redox potential was controlled by the Fe2+/Fe3+ activity ratio, measured with a Pt electrode, and kept constant by addition of hydrogen peroxide to balance electron transfer from structural Fe2+ to Fe3+ in solution. Oxidation of structural Fe2+ was followed by Eh-stat titration and the rate of oxidation was shown to depend on the amount of Fe3+ penetrating into interlayer positions. Consequently, it was affected not only by the redox potential, but also by the activity between Fe3+ and all other cations present in solution or in an exchangeable state. Oxidation and cation exchange are coupled reactions. In contrast to the redox potential in solution, the effective redox potential controlling the oxidation of structural Fe2+ was increased by preferential sorption of the Fe3+ ion.
The intercalation of CsF in kaolinite
Authors: Lapides I. , Yariv S. , Lahav N.
Published: November 2006

Caesium aluminium silicates, caesium aluminium fluoride and aluminium fluoride were identified in a mixture obtained through the evaporation of kaolinite aqueous suspension with CsF. The mixture was studied by X-ray powder diffraction and IR spectroscopy. Two types of intercalation complexes of kaolinite were identified (A and B) which were characterized by c-spacings of ∼0.99 and 0.83 nm, respectively. Complex A seems to be an hydrated CsF intercalation complex, whereas complex B is a water intercalation complex, probably containing H3O+ and F−. It showed an IR absorption band at 3518 cm−1. The c-spacings of similar CsCl and CsBr complexes depend on the ionic radii. The intercalated ions are keyed into the ditrigonal cavities of the oxygen plane. A straight line plot of the keying values versus the ionic size indicates that keying is high for F−and decreases with increasing ionic size.
Results of the randomized international FAB/LMB96 trial for intermediate risk B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children and adolescents: it is possible to reduce treatment for the early responding patients
Authors: Patte Catherine , Auperin Anne , Gerrard Mary , Michon Jean , Pinkerton Ross , Sposto Richard , Weston Claire , Raphael Martine , Perkins Sherrie L. , McCarthy Keith , Cairo Mitchell S. ,   for the FAB/LMB96 International Study Committee
Published: November 2006

A previous study (LMB89) of the French Society of Pediatric Oncology for childhood mature B-cell lymphoma (B-NHL) demonstrated a 92% 3-year event-free survival (EFS) for intermediate-risk group B defined as “non-resected” stage I/II and CNS-negative advanced-stage III/IV (70% of cases). We performed the FAB/LMB96 trial to assess the possibility of reducing treatment in children/adolescents with intermediate-risk B-NHL without jeopardizing survival. “Early responding” patients (tumor response > 20% at day 7) were randomized in a factorial design between 4 arms, 2 receiving half-dose of cyclophosphamide in the second induction course with cyclophosphamide, Oncovin (vincristine), prednisone, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), methotrexate (COPADM) and 2 not receiving the maintenance course M1. A total of 657 patients were randomized (May 1996 to June 2001) and 637 were analyzed. The analysis showed no significant effect of any of the treatment reductions on EFS and survival. The 4-year EFS was 93.4% and 90.9% in the groups with full-dose and half-dose of cyclophosphamide (RR = 1.3, P = .40) and 91.9% and 92.5% in the groups with and without M1 (RR = 1.01, P = .98). There was no interaction between the 2 treatment reductions or between each treatment reduction and LDH level or histologic subtypes (Burkitt/Burkitt-like or large B-cell). Children/adolescents with intermediate-risk B-NHL who have an early response and achieve a complete remission after the first consolidation course can be cured with a 4-course treatment with a total dose of only 3.3 g/m2 cyclophosphamide and 120 mg/m2 doxorubicin.
SigFlux: A novel network feature to evaluate the importance of proteins in signal transduction networks
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Dong , Zhang Jiyang , Zhu Yunping , He Fuchu
Published: November 2006

Background

Measuring each protein's importance in signaling networks helps to identify the crucial proteins in a cellular process, find the fragile portion of the biology system and further assist for disease therapy. However, there are relatively few methods to evaluate the importance of proteins in signaling networks.

Results

We developed a novel network feature to evaluate the importance of proteins in signal transduction networks, that we call SigFlux, based on the concept of minimal path sets (MPSs). An MPS is a minimal set of nodes that can perform the signal propagation from ligands to target genes or feedback loops. We define SigFlux as the number of MPSs in which each protein is involved. We applied this network feature to the large signal transduction network in the hippocampal CA1 neuron of mice. Significant correlations were simultaneously observed between SigFlux and both the essentiality and evolutionary rate of genes. Compared with another commonly used network feature, connectivity, SigFlux has similar or better ability as connectivity to reflect a protein's essentiality. Further classification according to protein function demonstrates that high SigFlux, low connectivity proteins are abundant in receptors and transcriptional factors, indicating that SigFlux candescribe the importance of proteins within the context of the entire network.

Conclusion

SigFlux is a useful network feature in signal transduction networks that allows the prediction of the essentiality and conservation of proteins. With this novel network feature, proteins that participate in more pathways or feedback loops within a signaling network are proved far more likely to be essential and conserved during evolution than their counterparts.
Impact of on-site cardiac catheterization on resource utilization and fatal and non-fatal outcomes after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Halabi Abdul R , Beck Christine A , Eisenberg Mark J , Richard Hugues , Pilote Louise
Published: November 2006

Background

Patterns of care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) strongly depend on the availability of on-site cardiac catheterization facilities. Although the management found at hospitals without on-site catheterization does not lead to increased mortality, little it known about its impact on resource utilization and non-fatal outcomes.

Methods

We identified all patients (n = 35,289) admitted with a first AMI in the province of Quebec between January 1, 1996 and March 31, 1999 using population-based administrative databases. Medical resource utilization and non-fatal and fatal outcomes were compared among patients admitted to hospitals with and without on-site cardiac catheterization facilities.

Results

Cardiac catheterization and PCI were more frequently performed among patients admitted to hospitals with catheterization facilities. However, non-invasive procedures were not used more frequently at hospitals without catheterization facilities. To the contrary, echocardiography [odds ratio (OR), 2.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.93–2.16] and multi-gated acquisition imaging (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.17–1.32) were used more frequently at hospitals with catheterization, and exercise treadmill testing (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.91–1.15) and Sestamibi/Thallium imaging (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88–0.98) were used similarly at hospitals with and without catheterization. Use of anti-ischemic medications and frequency of emergency room and physician visits, were similar at both types of institutions. Readmission rates for AMI-related cardiac complications and mortality were also similar [adjusted hazard ratio, recurrent AMI: 1.02, 95% CI, 0.89–1.16; congestive heart failure: 1.02; 95% CI, 0.90–1.15; unstable angina: 0.93; 95% CI, 0.85–1.02; mortality: 0.99; 95% CI, 0.93–1.05)].

Conclusion

Although on-site availability of cardiac catheterization facilities is associated with greater use of invasive cardiac procedures, non-availability of catheterization did not translate into a higher use of non-invasive tests or have an impact on the fatal and non-fatal outcomes available for study in our administrative database.
Altered Ca2+ homeostasis in polymorphonuclear leukocytes from chronic myeloid leukaemia patients
Authors: Revankar Chetana M , Advani Suresh H , Naik Nishigandha R
Published: November 2006

Background

In polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL), mobilization of calcium ions is one of the early events triggered by binding of chemoattractant to its receptors. Besides chemotaxis, a variety of other functional responses are dependent on calcium ion mobilization. PMNL from chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) patients that were morphologically indistinguishable from normal PMNL were found to be defective in various functions stimulated by a chemoattractant – fMLP. To study the mechanism underlying defective functions in CML PMNL, we studied calcium mobilization in CML PMNL in response to two different classical chemoattractants, fMLP and C5a.

Results

Release of calcium estimated by flow cytometry and spectrofluorimetry using fluo-3 as an indicator showed that the [Ca2+]ilevels were lower in CML PMNL as compared to those in normal PMNL. But, both normal and CML PMNL showed maximum [Ca2+]iin response to fMLP and C5a at 10 sec and 30 sec, respectively. Spectrofluorimetric analysis of the total calcium release in chemoattractant treated PMNL indicated more and faster efflux of [Ca2+]iin CML PMNL as compared to normal PMNL.

Conclusion

Fine-tuning of Ca2+homeostasis was altered in CML PMNL. The altered Ca2+homeostasis may contribute to the defective functions of CML PMNL.
Relationship between parental estimate and an objective measure of child television watching
Authors: Robinson Jodie L , Winiewicz Dana D , Fuerch Janene H , Roemmich James N , Epstein Leonard H
Published: November 2006

Many young children have televisions in their bedrooms, which may influence the relationship between parental estimate and objective measures of child television usage/week. Parental estimates of child television time of eighty 4–7 year old children (6.0 ± 1.2 years) at the 75thBMI percentile or greater (90.8 ± 6.8 BMI percentile) were compared to an objective measure of television time obtained from TV Allowance™ devices attached to every television in the home over a three week period. Results showed that parents overestimate their child's television time compared to an objective measure when no television is present in the bedroom by 4 hours/week (25.4 ± 11.5 vs. 21.4 ± 9.1) in comparison to underestimating television time by over 3 hours/week (26.5 ± 17.2 vs. 29.8 ± 14.4) when the child has a television in their bedroom (p = 0.02). Children with a television in their bedroom spend more objectively measured hours in television time than children without a television in their bedroom (29.8 ± 14.2 versus 21.4 ± 9.1, p = 0.003). Research on child television watching should take into account television watching in bedrooms, since it may not be adequately assessed by parental estimates.
Identification of novel citrullinated autoantigens of synovium in rheumatoid arthritis using a proteomic approach
Authors: Matsuo Kosuke , Xiang Yang , Nakamura Hiroshi , Masuko Kayo , Yudoh Kazuo , Noyori Koji , Nishioka Kusuki , Saito Tomoyuki , Kato Tomohiro
Published: November 2006

Recently, autoantibodies to some citrullinated autoantigens have been reported to be specific for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, an entire profile of and autoimmunity of the citrullinated proteins have been poorly understood. To understand the profile, we examined citrullinated autoantigens by a proteomic approach and further investigated the significance of citrullination in antigenicity of one of the autoantigens. Specifically, we detected citrullinated autoantigens in synovial tissue of a patient with RA by two-dimensional electrophoresis and Western blotting by using pooled sera from five patients with RA and anti-citrulline antibodies. After identifying the detected autoantigens by mass spectrometry, we investigated the contribution of citrullination to autoantigenicity by using a recombinant protein with or without citrullination on one of the identified novel citrullinated autoantigens. As a result, we found 51 citrullinated protein spots. Thirty (58.8%) of these spots were autoantigenic. We identified 13 out of the 30 detected citrullinated autoantigenic proteins. They contained three fibrinogen derivatives and several novel citrullinated autoantigens (for example, asporin and F-actin capping protein α-1 subunit [CapZα-1]). We further analyzed the contribution of citrullination to autoantigenicity in one of the detected citrullinated autoantigens, CapZα-1. As a result, frequencies of autoantibodies to non-citrullinated CapZα-1 were 36.7% in the RA group tested, 10.7% in the osteoarthritis (OA) group, and 6.5% in healthy donors. On the other hand, those to citrullinated CapZα-1 were 53.3% in the RA group, 7.1% in the OA group, and 6.5% in the healthy donors. This shows that autoantigenicity of citrullinated or non-citrullinated CapZα-1 is relevant to RA. The antibody titers to the citrullinated CapZα-1 were significantly higher than those to the non-citrullinated CapZα-1 in 36.7% of patients; however, the other patients showed almost equal antibody titers to both citrullinated and non-citrullinated CapZα-1. Therefore, the autoantibodies would target citrulline-related and/or citrulline-unrelated epitope(s) of CapZα-1. In conclusion, we report a profile of citrullinated autoantigens for the first time. Even though citrullination is closely related to autoantigenicity, citrullination would not always produce autoantigenicity in RA. Citrullinated and non-citrullinated autoantigens/autoepitopes would have different pathological roles in RA.
Induction of multiple matrix metalloproteinases in human dermal and synovial fibroblasts by Staphylococcus aureus: implications in the pathogenesis of septic arthritis and other soft tissue infections
Authors: Kanangat Siva , Postlethwaite Arnold , Hasty Karen , Kang Andrew , Smeltzer Mark , Appling Whitney , Schaberg Dennis
Published: November 2006

Infections of body tissue by Staphylococcus aureus are quickly followed by degradation of connective tissue. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are more prone to S. aureus-mediated septic arthritis. Various types of collagen form the major structural matrix of different connective tissues of the body. These different collagens are degraded by specific matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) produced by fibroblasts, other connective tissue cells, and inflammatory cells that are induced by interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). To determine the host's contribution in the joint destruction of S. aureus-mediated septic arthritis, we analyzed the MMP expression profile in human dermal and synovial fibroblasts upon exposure to culture supernatant and whole cell lysates of S. aureus. Human dermal and synovial fibroblasts treated with cell lysate and filtered culture supernatants had significantly enhanced expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-10, and MMP-11 compared with the untreated controls (p < 0.05). In the S. aureus culture supernatant, the MMP induction activity was identified to be within the molecular-weight range of 30 to >50 kDa. The MMP expression profile was similar in fibroblasts exposed to a combination of IL-1/TNF. mRNA levels of several genes of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathway were significantly elevated in fibroblasts treated with S. aureus cell lysate and culture supernatant. Also, tyrosine phosphorylation was significantly higher in fibroblasts treated with S. aureus components. Tyrosine phosphorylation and MAPK gene expression patterns were similar in fibroblasts treated with a combination of IL-1/TNF and S. aureus. Mutants lacking staphylococcal accessory regulator (Sar) and accessory gene regulator (Agr), which cause significantly less severe septic arthritis in murine models, were able to induce expression of several MMP mRNA comparable with that of their isogenic parent strain but induced notably higher levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). To our knowledge, this is the first report of induction of multiple MMP/TIMP expression from human dermal and synovial fibroblasts upon S. aureus treatment. We propose that host-derived MMPs contribute to the progressive joint destruction observed in S. aureus-mediated septic arthritis.
Molecular subtypes of breast cancer in relation to paclitaxel response and outcomes in women with metastatic disease: results from CALGB 9342
Authors: Harris Lyndsay N , Broadwater Gloria , Lin Nancy U , Miron Alexander , Schnitt Stuart J , Cowan David , Lara Jonathan , Bleiweiss Ira , Berry Donald , Ellis Matthew , Hayes Daniel F , Winer Eric P , Dressler Lynn
Published: November 2006

Introduction

The response to paclitaxel varies widely in metastatic breast cancer. We analyzed data from CALGB 9342, which tested three doses of paclitaxel in women with advanced disease, to determine whether response and outcomes differed according to HER2, hormone receptor, and p53 status.

Methods

Among 474 women randomly assigned to paclitaxel at a dose of 175, 210, or 250 mg/m2, adequate primary tumor tissue was available from 175. Immunohistochemistry with two antibodies and fluorescence in situ hybridization were performed to evaluate HER2 status; p53 status was determined by immunohistochemistry and sequencing. Hormone receptor status was obtained from pathology reports.

Results

Objective response rate was not associated with HER2 or p53 status. There was a trend toward a shorter median time to treatment failure among women with HER2-positive tumors (2.3 versus 4.2 months; P = 0.067). HER2 status was not related to overall survival (OS). Hormone receptor expression was not associated with differences in response but was associated with longer OS (P = 0.003). In contrast, women with p53 over-expression had significantly shorter OS than those without p53 over-expression (11.5 versus 14.4 months; P = 0.002). In addition, triple negative tumors were more frequent in African-American than in Caucasian patients, and were associated with a significant reduction in OS (8.7 versus 12.9 months; P = 0.008).

Conclusion

None of the biomarkers was predictive of treatment response in women with metastatic breast cancer; however, survival differed according to hormone receptor and p53 status. Triple negative tumors were more frequent in African-American patients and were associated with a shorter survival.
Why Is Type 1 Diabetes Uncommon in Asia?
Authors: PARK YONGSOO
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  T1D (type 1 diabetes) incidence rates are extremely low in Asian populations. The prevalences of islet‐specific autoantibodies are reported to be low compared with Caucasians. Although the clinical and immunologic characteristics of T1D in Asians appear to be different from those of Caucasians, if we apply correct patient definition and standardized methods, the typical T1D patients are very similar, in the immunologic as well as genetic perspectives. Although the association of individual allele seems to be different between populations, if we compare the identical DR‐DQ haplotypes, the association and transmission to diabetic offspring were similar for Asians and Caucasians. The high‐risk HLA genotypes/haplotypes were found to be independent determinants of diabetes in the first‐degree relatives of individuals with T1D, particularly in the presence of autoantibodies. A different genetic susceptibility including a low frequency of high‐risk HLA alleles could explain the lower prevalence of islet‐specific autoantibodies and the low incidence of T1D, or different genetic and environmental interactions might be involved in the etiology of T1D. It is certain that DR‐DQ linkage disequilibrium (LD) is an important factor explaining the difference in T1D incidence in different countries. LD between highly susceptible DRB1 alleles and protective DQB1 alleles, and vice versa, is the major contributing factor to the low incidence of T1D in Asians. We also suggested that different genetic/environmental interactions might operate in the etiology of T1D between Caucasians and Asians. It would be of great help for primary prevention to investigate to what degree genetic determinants influence the well‐known regional differences in incidences, since we can identify environmental risk factors that may either initiate the autoimmune process or promote already ongoing β cell damage in different countries. For this, population‐based epidemiological studies are necessary to identify risk determinants that may be useful for primary prevention strategies.
Immunopathological and Genetic Features in Slowly Progressive Insulin‐Dependent Diabetes Mellitus and Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults
Authors: KOBAYASHI TETSURO , TANAKA SHOICHIRO , HARII NORIKAZU , AIDA KAORU , SHIMURA HIROKI , OHMORI MASAYUKI , KANESIGE MASAHIRO , SHIMADA AKIRA , MARUYAMA TARO
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  In 1982 we proposed the presence of a subtype of type 1 diabetes [slowly progressive insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (SPIDDM)], which was characterized by persistently positive islet cell antibody, late age of onset, noninsulin‐dependent diabetes, and slowly progressive beta cell failure. Since then many studies demonstrated that this subtype of type 1 diabetes is prevalent in many ethnic groups and was later called the latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). Recent epidemiological studies reported that about 10% of patients with apparent type 2 diabetes have at least one autoantibodies against islet‐specific antigen with high potential to progress to insulin‐dependent state. Between SPIDDM and LADA some differences are reported in terms of some genetic predispositions including HLA class II and class I genes, vitamin D receptor gene, and CTLA4 genes. Common features in SPIDDM and LADA including preserved beta cells at the onset of diabetes and weak T cell response to residual beta cells suggest that these subtypes of type 1 diabetes are suitable candidates for prevention treatment for further progression of beta cell failure.