bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-Chain alkylammonium montmorillonites and alcohols: gas adsorption and immersional wetting
Authors: Malberg R. , Dékány I. , Lagaly G. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractShort-chain alkylammonium derivatives of montmorillonite (< 8 or 10 C atoms in the alkyl chain) adsorb alcohols in the micropores between the alkylammonium ions. The external surface area and the micropore volume are derived from comparison plots of ethanol and butanol adsorption isotherms. The micropore volume varies between ∼0 (decylammonium derivative) and 100µl/g (methylammonium derivative); the external surface area determined by ethanol and butanol gas adsorption is about 50 m2/g, and is almost independent of the alkyl chain length. In contact with the alcohols, the alkylammonium ions in the interlayer space remain in h1 or h2 arrangement (monolayers or bilayers of flat-lying alkylammonium ions); on the external surface they move into an upward position. The heat of immersion decreases strongly with increasing alkyl chain length to a minimum for decylammonium ions, the variation being very similar for ethanol, butanol, hexanol, octanol and decanol. Immersion in ethanol increases the external surface area at the expense of the internal surface area. In butanol and longer alcohols this area remains unchanged. The increase of the external surface is related mainly to changes in the less ordered regions around the core of the crystals which consists of coherent silicate layers. The heat of wetting is ∼ 110 mJ/m2 (external and internal surfaces). The integral enthalpy of adsorption of butanol, 40–50 kJ/mol, is independent of the alkyl chain length (nc ≤ 8).
Routine identification of aluminium hydroxide polymorphs with the laser Raman microprobe
Authors: Rodgers K. A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe laser Raman microprobe spectrum of gibbsite displays four intense v (OH)- stretching bands at ~3365, 3435, 3525 and 3618 cm-1, bayerite shows three near 3425, 3545 and 3564 cm-1, nordstrandite has three near 3492, 3566 and 3623 cm-1, and doyleite one broad band centred at -3545 cm-1 with sometimes a prominent shoulder near 3615 cm-1. The four polymorphs also possess distinctly different Raman signatures of medium to strong bands in the region 100–1200 cm-1. These differences provide a non-destructive routine determinative procedure by direct microsampling of untreated crystals, fragments, and microcrystalline powders. Sample preparation is minimal. Excessive noise and non-quenchable fluorescence are the principle limitations of the technique.
Pillaring of synthetic hectorite by mixed [Al13-xFex] Pillars
Authors: Bergaya F. , Hassoun N. , Barrault J. , Gatineau L. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe pillaring of a Laponite by alumina pillars, iron pillars and mixed Al-Fe pillars was obtained by a simple in situ method starting from AlCl3 and/or FeCl3 solutions with different molar ratio Fe/(Fe + Al), and from NaOH solution added simultaneously to the clay suspension. The Al13 pillars were evidenced by XRD and NMR spectra. The density and the charge of these pillars were calculated from the chemical analysis. The Fe pillars (in samples with Fe content >26%) are larger than Al13 pillars and slowly reducible by hydrogen temperature programmed reduction (H2TPR), but we do not have any information on their structure. There is also an excess of non-pillar Fe retained by the pillared clays probably as oxyhydroxides. The isomorphic substitution in the mixed (Al-Fe)13 pillars (in samples with an Fe content >26%) was evidenced by H2TPR results compared to the chemical analyses and by the interpretation of the 27A1 peaks in the NMR spectra.
Influence of Geological Material in the Composition of Surface Waters of Galicia (Nw Spain). Genesis of Clay Minerals
Authors: Calvo De Anta R. , Macias F. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe composition of fluvial waters can be used to predict the processes of formation and evolution of secondary minerals in Galician soils. These processes are similar in areas with different rocks, from acid to basic, the only exception being strongly serpentinized materials. In general, the nature of the rock has less influence than the characteristics of the alteration system, which is always open, acid and freely draining. Mineral neoformation is always of the monosialitic type, having different degrees of evolution. The incipient phases tend to form gibbsite as a more stable mineral, and halloysite, allophanes and imogolite as metastable forms. With time, a crystalline kaolinite would be the only stable species. These results agree with the mineralogy and the andic or ferralic properties of the soils.
Interstrat-An Expert System to Help Identify Interstratified Clay Minerals from Powder XRD Data: I. Description of the Program
Authors: Garvie L. A. J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe INTERSTRAT program has been specifically designed to aid the geologist in the identification of the phyllosilicates from powder XRD data. The program achieves this by comparing the experimental00ld-spacings with a knowledge base of diffraction parameters; a set of likely solutions is then displayed. The method employed by INTERSTRAT is analogous to that used by the clay mineralogist whereby the clays are initially identified down to the group level from the d(OOl) data alone. This procedure also utilises thed-spacings collected from clays that have been subjected to standard clay mineral treatments, i.e. glycolation and heating to 300~ and 500~ One of the most important features of INTERSTRAT is its knowledge base of d-spacings for the interstratified clay minerals in which calculatedd(00l)spacings for an individual mixed-layer clay are recorded with respect to its Reichweite, the state under which the d-spacings were collected and the percentage of the mixed-layer components.
Size and Thickness Measurement of Polydisperse Clay Samples
Authors: Jennings B. R. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMeasurement of clay particle size invariably presents data in the form of equivalent spherical diameters. For asymmetric particles the equivalent spherical diameter varies with the method of measurement. Based upon an understanding of the theoretical concepts involved, a method has been proposed whereby comparison of data on a given sample from two different techniques can reveal information about the minor dimension of the particle. Theoretical expressions are given for the equivalent spherical diameter of cylindrically symmetric rods and discs from which it is shown that some of the existing measurement methods are more dependent upon size than the degree of non-sphericity whilst for others the reverse is true. It is shown how for rods and discs one can obtain information on both an average axial ratio and the distribution of this parameter for heterogeneous samples. Illustrated data are given for three kaolin samples. Far from showing inconsistency between the variable spherical diameters yielded by different instruments, the data produce compatible size and thickness parameters which match those observed in supplementary, unreported electron microscope experiments. A method of measuring particle major and minor parameter distributions is indicated.
Textural and Isotopic Variations in Diagenetic Kaolinite from the Magnus Oilfield Sandstones
Authors: Macaulay C. I. , Fallick A. E. , Haszeldine R. S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn Upper Jurassic sandstones of the Magnus Sandstone Member from the Magnus Oilfield in the North Sea, diagenetic kaolinite morphology and isotopic composition vary away from the Late Cimmerian unconformity. Near the unconformity, coarse-grained (15-30 μm) vermiform kaolinite morphology is most common, whereas downdip, 3 km away, fine-grained (∼10 μm) blocky morphology is prevalent. Kaolinite abundances increase downdip, away from the unconformity, and kaolinite near the unconformity has low δ18O (12·5-14·9%o smow) compared to that downdip (15·9−17·5%o). This reflects replacement of marine depositional pore-waters by meteoric water near the erosion surface. However, isotopic temperature estimates suggest that the majority of kaolinite formed at elevated burial temperatures of ~80°C, and not during subaerial exposure of the sandstone. The δD of kaolinite close to the unconformity is also lower than that downdip. Kaolinite morphology and isotopic composition record meteoric water ingress during Late Cimmerian subaerial erosion and retention of meteoric-derived water in the crest of the Magnus structure during burial diagenesis. Kaolinite formation during subaerial exposure is not of significance to the sandstone reservoir quality.
Deletion of the V2 vasopressin receptor gene in two Chinese patients with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Authors: Dong Yan , Sheng Haihui , Chen Xueru , Yin Jun , Su Qing 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a rare X-linked inherited disorder characterized by the excretion of large volumes of diluted urine and caused by mutations in arginine vasopressin receptor 2 (AVPR2) gene. To investigate the mutation of AVPR2 gene in a Chinese family with congenital NDI, we screened AVPR2 gene in two NDI patients and eight family members by PCR amplification and direct sequencing.

Results
Five specific fragments, covering entire coding sequence and their flanking intronic sequences of AVPR2 gene, were not observed in both patients, while those fragments were all detected in the control subjects. Several different fragments around the AVPR2 locus were amplified step by step. It was revealed that a genomic fragment of 5,995-bp, which contained the entire AVPR2 gene and the last exon (exon 22) of the C1 gene, was deleted and a 3-bp (GAG) was inserted. Examination of the other family members showed that the mothers and the grandmother were carriers for this deletion.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the two patients in a Chinese family suffering from congenital NDI had a 5,995-bp deletion and 3-bp (GAG) insertion at Xq28. The deletion contained the entire AVPR2 gene and exon 22 of the C1 gene.
Molecular patterns of sex determination in the animal kingdom: a comparative study of the biology of reproduction
Authors: Manolakou Panagiota , Lavranos Giagkos , Angelopoulou Roxani 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Determining sexual fate is an integral part of reproduction, used as a means to enrich the genome. A variety of such regulatory mechanisms have been described so far and some of the more extensively studied ones are being discussed.
For the insect order of Hymenoptera, the choice lies between uniparental haploid males and biparental diploid females, originating from unfertilized and fertilized eggs accordingly. This mechanism is also known as single-locus complementary sex determination (slCSD). On the other hand, for Dipterans and Drosophila melanogaster, sex is determined by the ratio of X chromosomes to autosomes and the sex switching gene, sxl. Another model organism whose sex depends on the X:A ratio, Caenorhabditis elegans, has furthermore to provide for the brief period of spermatogenesis in hermaphrodites (XX) without the benefit of the "male" genes of the sex determination pathway.
Many reptiles have no discernible sex determining genes. Their sexual fate is determined by the temperature of the environment during the thermosensitive period (TSP) of incubation, which regulates aromatase activity. Variable patterns of sex determination apply in fish and amphibians. In birds, while sex chromosomes do exist, females are the heterogametic (ZW) and males the homogametic sex (ZZ). However, we have yet to decipher which of the two (Z or W) is responsible for the choice between males and females.
In mammals, sex determination is based on the presence of two identical (XX) or distinct (XY) gonosomes. This is believed to be the result of a lengthy evolutionary process, emerging from a common ancestral autosomal pair. Indeed, X and Y present different levels of homology in various mammals, supporting the argument of a gradual structural differentiation starting around the SRY region. The latter initiates a gene cascade that results in the formation of a male. Regulation of sex steroid production is also a major result of these genetic interactions. Similar observations have been described not only in mammals, but also in other vertebrates, emphasizing the need for further study of both normal hormonal regulators of sexual phenotype and patterns of epigenetic/environmental disruption.
DADOS-Prospective: an open source application for Web-based prospective data collection
Authors: Nguyen Lam , Shah Anand , Harker Matthew , Martins Henrique , McCready Mariana , Menezes Andreia , Jacobs Danny O , Pietrobon Ricardo 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Randomized, prospective trials involving multi-institutional collaboration have become a central part of clinical and translational research. However, data management and coordination of multi-center studies is a complex process that involves developing systems for data collection and quality control, tracking data queries and resolutions, as well as developing communication procedures. We describe DADOS-Prospective, an open-source Web-based application for collecting and managing prospective data on human subjects for clinical and translational trials. DADOS-Prospective not only permits users to create new clinical research forms (CRF) and supports electronic signatures, but also offers the advantage of containing, in a single environment, raw research data in downloadable spreadsheet format, source documentation and regulatory files stored in PDF format, and audit trails.

Results
Feedback from formal and field usability tests was used to guide the design and development of DADOS-Prospective. To date, DADOS-Prospective has been implemented in five prospective clinical studies at our institution. Four of these studies are still in the CRF creation phase and one study has been entirely launched.

Conclusion
DADOS-Prospective has significant advantages over existing Web-based data collecting programs. At our institution, it has been demonstrated to be an efficient tool for prospective clinical studies.
MLN51and GM-CSF involvement in the proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Jang Jinah , Lim Dae-Seog , Choi Young-Eun , Jeong Yong , Yoo Seung-Ah , Kim Wan-Uk , Bae Yong-Soo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease of unclear etiology. This study was conducted to identify critical factors involved in the synovial hyperplasia in RA pathology. We applied cDNA microarray analysis to profile the gene expressions of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from patients with RA. We found that the MLN51 (metastatic lymph node 51) gene, identified in breast cancer, is remarkably upregulated in the hyperactive RA FLSs. However, growth-retarded RA FLSs passaged in vitro expressed small quantities of MLN51. MLN51 expression was significantly enhanced in the FLSs when the growth-retarded FLSs were treated with granulocyte – macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or synovial fluid (SF). Anti-GM-CSF neutralizing antibody blocked the MLN51 expression even though the FLSs were cultured in the presence of SF. In contrast, GM-CSF in SFs existed at a significant level in the patients with RA (n = 6), in comparison with the other inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and TNF-α. Most RA FLSs at passage 10 or more recovered from their growth retardation when cultured in the presence of SF. The SF-mediated growth recovery was markedly impaired by anti-GM-CSF antibody. Growth-retarded RA FLSs recovered their proliferative capacity after treatment with GM-CSF in a dose-dependent manner. However, MLN51 knock-down by siRNA completely blocked the GM-CSF/SF-mediated proliferation of RA FLSs. Taken together, our results imply that MLN51, induced by GM-CSF, is important in the proliferation of RA FLSs in the pathogenesis of RA.
Estimation of layer thickness and velocity changes using 4D prestack seismic data
Authors: Røste Thomas , Stovas Alexey , Landrø Martin 
Published: November 2006

In some hydrocarbon reservoirs, severe compaction of the reservoir rocks is observed. This compaction is caused by production and is often associated with stretching and arching of the overburden rocks. Time-lapse seismic data can be used to monitor these processes. Since compaction and stretching cause changes in layer thickness as well as seismic velocities, it is crucial to develop methods to distinguish between the two effects. We introduce a new method based on detailed analysis of time-lapse prestack seismic data. The equations are derived assuming that the entire model consists of only one single layer with no vertical velocity variations. The method incorporates lateral variations in (relative) velocity changes by utilizing zero-offset and offset-dependent time shifts. To test the method, we design a 2D synthetic model that undergoes severe reservoir compaction as well as stretching of the overburden rocks. Finally, we utilize the method to analyze a real 2D prestack time-lapse seismic line from the Valhall field, acquired in 1992 and 2002. For a horizon at a depth of around [Formula: see text], which is near the top reservoir horizon, a subsidence of [Formula: see text] and a velocity decrease of [Formula: see text] for the sequence from the sea surface to the top reservoir horizon are estimated. By assuming that the base of the reservoir remains constant in depth, a reservoir compaction of 3.6% (corresponding to a subsidence of the top reservoir horizon of [Formula: see text]) and a corresponding reservoir velocity increase of 6.7% (corresponding to a velocity increase of [Formula: see text]) are estimated.
Does the silastic eustachian tube prosthesis improve eustachian tube function?
Authors: Lesinski S. George , Fox Joseph M. , Seid Allan B. , Bratcher Glenn O. , Cotton Robin 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis clinical study attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of Eustachian tube function in 30 ears, 11–29 months after insertion of the Silastic® Eustachian tube prosthesis (SETP). Indications for the SETP were limited to persistent Eustachian tube dysfunction. Preoperatively, 13 patients had intact tympanic membranes with persistent serous otitis media. Seventeen patients underwent tympanoplasty and demonstrated persistent serous otitis media in the opposite ear.Postoperatively, aeration of the middle ear was evaluated by tympanometry, microscopic examination, and myringostomy. Microphotographs demonstrate the state of the middle ear. Histology of the middle ear mucosa was obtained in a few cases.Ninety‐six percent of the ears with an SETP demonstrated confirmed persistent Eustachian tube dysfunction beginning an average of six months after insertion. Complications were common.
Otosclerosis and vestibular dysfunction
Authors: Freeman Joseph 
Published: November 2006

AbstractVestibular dysfunction associated with otosclerosis has been observed for many years. In a recent clinical study of patients exhibiting progressive sensorineural hearing loss of unknown origin, it was demonstrated that approximately 50% of the cases had cochlear otosclerosis/otospongiosis as the most probable cause for the hypacusis. Of these, approximately 55% had vestibular symptoms. In the present study, the effect of sodium fluoride therapy in this group of patients is analyzed. It will be demonstrated that such therapy is beneficial not only in controlling the progressive sensorineural hearing loss but also the symptoms of vestibular dysfunction in patients with cochlear otosclerosis (otospongiosis).
Sacral Nerve Neuromodulation for the Treatment of Lower Bowel Motility Disorders
Authors: Kenefick Nicholas J 
Published: November 2006

INTRODUCTION Incontinence and constipation are common and cause a high degree of physical, social and psychological impairment. Maximal conservative therapy may improve some patients but many remain symptomatic. Surgical options are often unsatisfactory, with variable result and further options are limited. Sacral nerve stimulation uses electrical stimulation applied to the sacral nerves, eliciting a physiological effect on the lower bowel, anal sphincter and pelvic floor, resulting in clinical benefit. The objective of this study was to investigate whether sacral nerve neuromodulation can improve patients with disorders of bowel motility, when current maximal treatment has failed and to investigate the underlying physiological mechanism of action. RESULTS Incontinence: Nineteen patients, age 58 years (range, 37–71 years), with resistant incontinence for 6 years (range, 2–21 years) underwent stimulation. Continence improved in all at 24 months (range, 3–60 months), fourteen fully continent. Incontinent episodes decreased; 12 (range, 2–30) versus 0 (range, 0–4), P < 0.001. Urgency (P < 0.01) and quality of life improved (P < 0.05). Anal squeeze pressure (P = 0.001) and rectal sensation (P < 0.01) improved. Constipation: Four women, (aged 27–36 years) with resistant idiopathic constipation for 8–32 years underwent the first worldwide implants. Symptoms improved in all with temporary, and in three with permanent, stimulation at 8 months (range, 1–11 months). Bowel frequency increased: 1–5 versus 6–28 evacuations/3-weeks. Symptom scores and quality of life improved. Placebo effect: A double-blind, cross-over study was performed to examine placebo effect and efficacy. Once stimulation was removed, in a blinded manner, symptoms, physiological parameters and quality of life measures rapidly returned to baseline levels. Autonomic neuromodulation: Sixteen patients, median age 59 years (range, 38–71 years), were studied at 27 months (range, 2–62 years) using laser Doppler flowmetry. Chronic stimulation was at 2.8 V (range, 0.3–3.9 V). Median flux differed between none and chronic stimulation (P = 0.001). Step-wise increments caused an immediate, dose-dependent rise in flux (P < 0.0001) up to 1.0 V. CONCLUSIONS This research provides strong evidence that sacral nerve stimulation can improve patients with resistant incontinence and shows proof-of-concept for the treatment of constipation. The effect is unlikely to be due to placebo and the mechanism is rapidly reversible and involves a dose-dependent effect on the autonomic nerves.