bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoscale pseudobrookite layer in the surface glaze of a Japanese sekishu roof tile
Authors: Watanabe K. , Ohfuji H. , Kitagawa R. , Matsui Y. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe mineralogy of the glazed surfaces of Japanese sekishu roof tiles covered by a crustose lichen – Lecidella asema (Nyl.) Knoph & Hertel – was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The study sought to identify the Ti-Fe mineral observed as a low concentration of Ti and Fe in a previous study of the glazed surfaces of the same roof tile. The TEM analysis revealed that: (1) a thin layer of the Ti-Fe mineral pseudobrookite exists on the glaze surface; (2) the pseudobrookite consists of well-ordered single crystals, continuously and widely distributed on the glaze surface.
Comparing the efficiency of ordinary kriging and cokriging to estimate the Atterberg limits spatially using some soil physical properties
Authors: Baskan O. , Erpul G. , Dengiz O. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe spatial distribution of the Atterberg limits can be used to distinguish the consistency and behaviour of a soil and its engineering properties, which strongly depends on the water content of the soil and types of silts and clays in the soil. By spatial modeling, and comparing the results of ordinary kriging with the cokriging approach, this study aims to find correlations between the Atterberg limits and the selected physical soil parameters in order to examine how effective they are in generating an understanding of the dynamics of a physical soil system.In 156 soil samples, the Atterberg limits and soil moisture conditions were determined, and auxiliary functions were selected by application of cokriging using correlation analysis and regression equations obtained by the residual maximum likelihood (REML). These techniques were evaluated by the results of the mean absolute error (MAE) and the mean squared error (MSE). Cokriging analysis was found to be more effective at estimating the liquid limit (WLL) and the plastic limit (WPL) than kriging analysis and with smaller error values. On the other hand, the kriging approach, which had smaller MAE and MSE values, was more effective at estimating the plasticity index (WPI) values than the cokriging method. Unlike the REML regression equations, the field capacity (FC) value was the more suitable parameter for the cokriging estimates. When the necessary labour and time were considered for determining the Atterberg limits, both kriging and cokriging were found to be applicable for estimation of these limits.
Characterization of size, aspect ratio and degree of dispersion of particles in filled polymeric composites using FIB
Authors: Zhu Y. , Allen G. C. , Adams J. M. , Gittins D. , Heard P. J. , Skuse D. R. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTwo types of mineral fillers, talc and mica, were compounded into polypropylene (PP) via a twin-screw extruder. The morphologies and mechanical properties of the resultant composites were investigated. The dispersion of minerals in PP was observed using Focused Ion Beam (FIB) techniques. The particle size distribution (PSD) and aspect ratio (AR) of particles in the polymer phase were obtained from FIB image analysis. It was found that FIB imaging displays directly the micron to mesoscale level dispersion of particles in polymeric composites. The technique has significant potential for characterizing such materials, having some advantages over ‘traditional’ scanning and transmission electron microscopy in terms of generating representative data in a realistic timescale. The PSD and AR distribution and degree of dispersion in the composites give insights into the modification of mechanical properties of the composites studied.
Interactions of ammonium smectite with low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids
Authors: Gautier M. , Muller F. , Beny J.-M. , Le Forestier L. , Alberic P. , Baillif P. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe percolation of water through waste landfill sites produces leachates with large amounts of pollutants. Clay barriers are often used to limit soil and underground water pollution. A better understanding of the interaction between ammonium smectite and carboxylic acids would contribute significantly to our understanding of such systems. The SWy-2 (Wyoming smectite) was exchanged with NH4+ and then batched with carboxylic acids (acetic, formic, chloroacetic and oxalic) in concentrations between 0.01 M and 1 M. The solid phases obtained were analysed chemically and characterized by infrared absorption spectroscopy (IR) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Ionic chromatography was used for the quantitative measurement of ammonium ions in the solution after the interaction. For the four acids, the interaction was characterized by a cationic exchange of NH4+ to H3O+. A partial exchange to Al3+ due to a partial dissolution of the sample in strong acidic medium was observed with chloroacetic and oxalic acids for which adsorption of molecules on the clay sample occurs, mainly through H-bonding with the cation. Moreover, the intercalation of oxalic acid in the interlayer space was highlighted.
Contrasted mineralogical composition of the laterite cover on serpentinites of Nkamouna-Kongo, southeast Cameroon
Authors: Yongue–Fouateu R. , Yemefack M. , Wouatong A. S. L. , Ndjigui P. D. , Bilong P. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractFour drill cores along a lateritic hill in Nkamouna-Kongo (southeast Cameroon) were studied using microprobe analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The main objective of the study was to investigate the occurrence of clay silicates while evaluating the Ni-Co content of the laterite for potential mineral exploitation. The thick lateritic profiles (>40 m deep) developed on serpentinized ultramafic rocks have an Fe-rich clayey fraction, with goethite as the main mineralogical constituent and secondary quartz and relicts of magnetite-maghemite as accessory minerals. Silicate clays are less abundant and occur mainly towards the top of the profiles. At the summit of the interfluve, kaolinite and some gibbsite are associated with goethite. Along the slopes, at the bottom of profiles, the weathered bedrock shows the presence of smectite (Fe-beidellite) and kaolinite, probably due to slower water-flow conditions. Towards the top of the profile in the lower clay, ferruginous and upper clay horizons, only kaolinite remains with gibbsite, after the leaching of silica and soluble cations following repeated remobilization-recrystallization processes. At the summit, where the downward movement of water is rapid, no smectite was identified. As a whole, the mineralogical composition of the material varies in close relationship with the drainage, leading to a contrasted clay mineralogy marked by the presence of Fe-beidellite and kaolinite at the bottom, and that of kaolinite and gibbsite at the summit of the profiles.
Determination of diffusive transport in HDPy-montmorillonite by H2O-D2O exchange using in situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Schampera B. , Dultz S. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe anion adsorption capability of clays can be improved significantly by modification with certain organic cations. However, surface properties and the microstructure of the clay might change and limit the use of organo-clays in barrier systems. In this study an experimental setup is introduced which allows the rapid determination of effective diffusion coefficients (Deff) for H2O in clay samples. H2O→D2O exchange experiments on hexadecyl-pyridinium (HDPy)-montmorillonite samples were performed in a diffusion cell attached to the ATR unit of a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer. The mean Deff for H2O in a D2O-saturated original montmorillonite is 2.44 × 10–11 m2/s in the bulk density range of 1.1–1.8 g/cm3. Hydrophobic surfaces increase the diffusivity only at high bulk densities in the saturated state. The mean Deff is lower when HDPy is applied in amounts ⩾80% of the cation exchange capacity in comparison with the original sample. At a saturation degree of the pores of 40%, Deff for all samples is one order of magnitude less than in the saturated state. Results on Deff obtained by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy are in good agreement with through-diffusion studies.
Microwave irradiation used for all steps of pre-pillaring Al-montmorillonite
Authors: Yapar S. , Torres Sánchez R. M. , Emreol M. , Weidler P. , Emmerich K. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn this study, a new procedure for the synthesis of pillared clays is proposed. Ageing processes and intercalation reactions were carried out using microwave irradiation in order to decrease the consumption of three industrially-important parameters; time, water consumption and energy. The effects of microwave irradiation, the amount of Al and the Al3+/clay ratio on the physicochemical properties of Al-pillared montmorillonites were investigated. The structural changes, depending on the intercalation and microwave irradiation, were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses and by measuring the specific surface area and pore-size distribution. Additionally, simultaneous thermal analyses (STA) and zeta potential measurements were carried out to determine physicochemical properties. According to the XRD measurements, the d001 value of microwave-irradiated samples is not affected by the amount of Al and the Al3+/clay ratio; microwave irradiation causes a 0.20 nm contraction in the d001 value in comparison to that of a conventionally pillared sample. The results of FTIR analyses reveal that the intensity of peaks assigned to Keggin-OH and Keggin-H2O stretches is diminished in the case of microwave-irradiated samples. The STA analyses indicate that the amount of water released during dehydroxylation is decreased in the case of microwave-irradiated samples. By considering the contraction in d001 values and the decreases in Keggin-stretching bands and also in the amount of dehydroxylation water, it was concluded that microwave irradiation has a calcination effect.
C/EBPβ regulates transcription factors critical for proliferation and survival of multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Pal Rekha , Janz Martin , Galson Deborah L. , Gries Margarete , Li Shirong , Jöhrens Korinna , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Dörken Bernd , Mapara Markus Y. , Borghesi Lisa , Kardava Lela , Roodman G. David , Milcarek Christine , Lentzsch Suzanne 
Published: August 2009

AbstractCCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ), also known as nuclear factor–interleukin-6 (NF-IL6), is a transcription factor that plays an important role in the regulation of growth and differentiation of myeloid and lymphoid cells. Mice deficient in C/EBPβ show impaired generation of B lymphocytes. We show that C/EBPβ regulates transcription factors critical for proliferation and survival in multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma cell lines and primary multiple myeloma cells strongly expressed C/EBPβ, whereas normal B cells and plasma cells had little or no detectable levels of C/EBPβ. Silencing of C/EBPβ led to down-regulation of transcription factors such as IRF4, XBP1, and BLIMP1 accompanied by a strong inhibition of proliferation. Further, silencing of C/EBPβ led to a complete down-regulation of antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) expression. In chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, C/EBPβ directly bound to the promoter region of IRF4, BLIMP1, and BCL2. Our data indicate that C/EBPβ is involved in the regulatory network of transcription factors that are critical for plasma cell differentiation and survival. Targeting C/EBPβ may provide a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
C-reactive protein and procalcitonin as predictors of survival and septic shock in ventilator-associated pneumonia
Authors: Hillas G. , Vassilakopoulos T. , Plantza P. , Rasidakis A. , Bakakos P. 
Published: August 2009

We evaluated the performance of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) threshold values and kinetics as predictors of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) survival and septic shock development.45 adult patients with VAP were studied. Serum CRP and PCT levels and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score were measured on days 1, 4 and 7 (D1, D4, D7) of VAP and their variations between different days (kinetics) were calculated (ΔPCT, ΔCRP). A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed with either VAP 28-day survival or septic shock development as dependent variables, and PCT values, CRP values, kinetics, age, sex, SOFA and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score as independent variables.No difference was found in CRP levels between survivors and nonsurvivors. Nonsurvivors had significantly higher PCT levels on D1 and D7. In the multivariate analysis, the only factors predicting VAP survival were ΔPCT7-1(OR 7.23, 95% CI 0.008–0.468) and ΔCRP7-4(OR 4.59, 95% CI 0.013–0.824). VAP patients who developed septic shock had significantly higher CRP levels on D1 and D7 and higher PCT levels on D1 and D4. The only factor predicting the development of septic shock was SOFA on D1 (OR 7.44, 95% CI 1.330–5.715).Neither PCT and CRP threshold values nor their kinetics can predict VAP survival or septic shock development.
Absorptive clearance of DTPA as an aerosol-based biomarker in the cystic fibrosis airway
Authors: Corcoran T. E. , Thomas K. M. , Myerburg M. M. , Muthukrishnan A. , Weber L. , Frizzell R. , Pilewski J. M. 
Published: August 2009

Biomarkers providingin vivoquantification of the basic elements of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease are needed. A study was performed to determine whether the absorption of a small radiolabelled hydrophilic molecule (Indium-111 (In-)DTPA) would be increased in CF airways. DTPA clearance has been used previously to assess epithelial permeability and may also be useful for quantifying liquid absorption.The absorptive clearance rate of DTPA was quantified in 10 CF and 11 control subjects using a novel aerosol technique. Subjects inhaled an aerosol containing nonabsorbable technetium-99m sulfur colloid (Tc-SC) particles and In-DTPA. Tc-SC clearance from the lung is exclusively mucociliary, while In-DTPA is cleared by both absorption and mucociliary clearance. The difference between the In-DTPA and Tc-SC clearance rates estimates In-DTPA absorption.Tc-SC (mucociliary) clearance was similar in central and peripheral zones in CF and non-CF lungs. Total In-DTPA clearance was increased in both zones in CF lungs. The absorptive component of In-DTPA clearance was increased in the airway-dominated central lung zones in CF (42%·h−1versus32%·h−1, p = 0.03).The absorption of In-DTPA is increased in the CF airway. Further study is needed to understand the relative roles of fluid absorption, inflammation and other mechanisms potentially affecting epithelial permeability and DTPA absorption.
Comparative gene expression profiling of post-natal and post-pneumonectomy lung growth
Authors: Wolff J-C. , Wilhelm J. , Fink L. , Seeger W. , Voswinckel R. 
Published: August 2009

Although increasing numbers of patients suffer from chronic destructive lung diseases, there are no effective therapeutic options apart from transplantation. Understanding the mechanisms of physiological and regenerative alveolar septation is prerequisite for the development of regenerative therapies for the lung. We compared lung gene expression in the phase of induction of post-natal and post-pneumonectomy alveolarisation to identify regulatory genes involved in both processes.We performed genome-wide microarray screenings of newborn and pneumonectomised mouse lungs 1 and 3 days after birth or surgery. Selected candidates were validated by real-time PCR, Western blot andin situhybridisation.We found 58 genes to be regulated in both models with 40 candidates being changed likewise. Many of these genes participated in growth and differentiation processes. Additionally, immune system, structural molecules, respiratory chain, signal transduction and metabolism were involved. Some candidates were not yet linked to specific functions. The highest regulatory concordance was observed for various isoforms of (pro-)collagen molecules, elastin and the elastin-associated protein fibrillin1 being corporately upregulated.Our findings do not definitively support a common regulating mechanism for induction of post-natal and adult alveolarisation, but some candidates in the intersection of both models are promising for further investigations.
Last 3 months of life in home-ventilated patients: the family perception
Authors: Vitacca M. , Grassi M. , Barbano L. , Galavotti G. , Sturani C. , Vianello A. , Zanotti E. , Ballerin L. , Potena A. , Scala R. , Peratoner A. , Ceriana P. , Di Buono L. , Clini E. , Ambrosino N. , Hill N. , Nava S. 
Published: August 2009

We studied the family's perception of care in patients under home mechanical ventilation during the last 3 months of life.In 11 respiratory units, we submitted a 35-item questionnaire to relatives of 168 deceased patients exploring six domains: symptoms, awareness of disease, family burden, dying, medical and technical problems.Response rate was 98.8%. The majority of patients complained respiratory symptoms and were aware of the severity and prognosis of the disease. Family burden was high especially in relation to money need. During hospitalisation, 74.4% of patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). 78 patients died at home, 70 patients in a medical ward and 20 in ICU. 27% of patients received resuscitation manoeuvres. Hospitalisations and family economical burden were unrelated to diagnosis and mechanical ventilation. Families of the patients did not report major technical problems on the use of ventilators. In comparison with mechanical invasively ventilated patients, noninvasively ventilated patients were more aware of prognosis, used more respiratory drugs, changed ventilation time more frequently and died less frequently when under mechanical ventilation.We have presented good points and bad points regarding end-of-life care in home mechanically ventilated patients. Noninvasive ventilation use and diagnosis have impact on this burden.
Guidelines of the European Respiratory Society and the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons for the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Scherpereel A. , Astoul P. , Baas P. , Berghmans T. , Clayson H. , de Vuyst P. , Dienemann H. , Galateau-Salle F. , Hennequin C. , Hillerdal G. , Le Péchoux C. , Mutti L. , Pairon J-C. , Stahel R. , van Houtte P. , van Meerbeeck J. , Waller D. , Weder W. 
Published: August 2009

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare tumour but with increasing incidence and a poor prognosis. In 2008, the European Respiratory Society/European Society of Thoracic Surgeons Task Force brought together experts to propose practical and up-to-dated guidelines on the management of MPM.To obtain an earlier and reliable diagnosis of MPM, the experts recommend performing thoracoscopy, except in cases of pre-operative contraindication or pleural symphysis. The standard staining procedures are insufficient in ∼10% of cases. Therefore, we propose using specific immunohistochemistry markers on pleural biopsies. In the absence of a uniform, robust and validated staging system, we advice use of the most recent TNM based classification, and propose a three step pre-treatment assessment. Patient's performance status and histological subtype are currently the only prognostic factors of clinical importance in the management of MPM. Other potential parameters should be recorded at baseline and reported in clinical trials. MPM exhibits a high resistance to chemotherapy and only a few patients are candidates for radical surgery. New therapies and strategies have been reviewed.Because of limited data on the best combination treatment, we emphasise that patients who are considered candidates for a multimodal approach should be included in a prospective trial at a specialised centre.
Long-term efficacy of tiotropium in relation to smoking status in the UPLIFT trial
Authors: Tashkin D. P. , Celli B. , Kesten S. , Lystig T. , Mehra S. , Decramer M. 
Published: August 2009

UPLIFT (Understanding Potential Long-Term Improvements in Function with Tiotropium), a 4-yr trial of tiotropium in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allowed for assessment of smoking status on long-term responses to maintenance bronchodilator therapy.5,993 patients were randomised (tiotropium/placebo). Lung function, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, exacerbations and adverse events were followed. Patients were characterised as continuing smokers (CS), continuing ex-smokers (CE), or intermittent smokers (IS) based on self-reporting smoking behaviour.60%, 14% and 26% of patients were CE, CS and IS, respectively. The rate of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) decline for placebo patients was most rapid in CS (-51±4, -36±2 and -23±2 mL·yr−1in CS, IS, and CE, respectively). Tiotropium did not alter FEV1decline, but was associated with significant improvements in pre- and post-bronchodilator FEV1over placebo that persisted throughout the 4-yr trial for each smoking status (pre-bronchodilator: 125, 55 and 97 mL at 48 months in CS, IS and CE, respectively; p≤0.0003). Tiotropium reduced exacerbation risk in CS (HR (95%CI) 0.81 (0.68–0.97)), in CE (0.86 (0.79–0.93)) and trended towards significance in IS (0.89 (0.80–1.01)). At 4 yrs, St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire for tiotropium patients improved the most in CS (-4.62 units, p = 0.0006) and the least in IS (-0.54 units, p = 0.55), compared with control.Tiotropium provided long-term benefits irrespective of smoking status, although differences among categories were observed.
Bedside end-tidal CO2tension as a screening tool to exclude pulmonary embolism
Authors: Hemnes A. R. , Newman A. L. , Rosenbaum B. , Barrett T. W. , Zhou C. , Rice T. W. , Newman J. H. 
Published: August 2009

End tidal carbon dioxide tension (PET,CO2) is a surrogate for dead space ventilation which may be useful in the evaluation of pulmonary embolism (PE). We aimed to define the optimalPET,CO2level to exclude PE in patients evaluated for possible thromboembolism.298 patients were enrolled over 6 months at a single academic centre.PET,CO2was measured within 24 h of contrast-enhanced helical computed tomography, lower extremity duplex or ventilation/perfusion scan. Performance characteristics were measured by comparing test results with clinical diagnosis of PE.PE was diagnosed in 39 (13%) patients. MeanPET,CO2in healthy volunteers did not differ fromPET,CO2in patients without PE (36.3±2.8versus35.5±6.8 mmHg).PET,CO2in patients with PE was 30.5±5.5 mmHg (p<0.001versuspatients without PE). APET,CO2of ≥36 mmHg had optimal sensitivity and specificity (87.2 and 53.0%, respectively) with a negative predictive value of 96.6% (95% CI 92.3–98.5). This increased to 97.6% (95% CI 93.2–99.) when combined with Wells score <4.APET,CO2of ≥36 mmHg may reliably exclude PE. Accuracy is augmented by combination with Wells score.PET,CO2should be prospectively compared to D-dimer in accuracy and simplicity to exclude PE.