bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the flood resilience properties of walls in typical UK dwellings
Authors: Escarameia M. , Karanxha A. , Tagg A. 
Published: September 2007

Building for resilience against floodwater has become increasingly important given the high demand for new houses in the UK and the need to build in flood-prone areas. There are current recommendations on the use of building materials that will minimise the impact of floods; however, these are rarely substantiated by scientific evidence and tend to relate to individual building materials rather than composite constructions. To fill this gap, a laboratory investigation was undertaken aimed at quantifying the properties of walls (and their constituents) when exposed to floodwater. Time-varying leakage rates and drying rates were determined for 13 different wall constructions subjected to 1 m water depth. Both masonry and timber frame walls were studied, incorporating common types of cavity insulation. Recommendations are given for resilient construction. Practical application: The work described in this paper was part of a larger study commissioned by the Department for Communities & Local Government (DCLG) and EA/ DEFRA, aimed at obtaining a better understanding of how buildings behave when subjected to floodwater. The ultimate aim was to develop guidance for the construction of new buildings, focusing on domestic properties in areas at risk of flooding. This will be taken into account in the next revision of the Building Regulations, namely in Approved Document C. A guidance document on resilient and resistant construction, synthesising the findings of the overall project, will be a reference document for the new Planning Policy Statement (PPS25), which defines the requirements for resilient developments in England and Wales.
The impact of angina and cardiac history on health-related quality of life and depression in coronary heart disease patients
Authors: Gravely-Witte Shannon , De Gucht Véronique , Heiser Willem , Grace Sherry L. , Van Elderen Thérèse 
Published: September 2007

Objective: To prospectively examine the contribution of angina and cardiac history to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and depression in cardiac patients, over 6 months post-hospitalization. Methods: Participants were myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) outpatients under the age of 70 years. One hundred and seventy-one patients consented to participate, with 121 patients being retained 6 months later (71% response rate). The impact of the patient's cardiac history and the presence of angina on physical, social and emotional HRQoL and depression was examined. Results: At baseline, cardiac history was not significantly related to any of the dimensions of HRQoL or depression. At 6-month follow-up, cardiac history significantly predicted a higher level of depression, and angina was predictive of a significantly worse emotional, physical and social HRQoL and a higher level of depression. Discussion: The presence of a cardiac history is associated with depression 6 months post-cardiac event, and angina is associated with both an adverse HRQoL and higher levels of depression. As past research has demonstrated that depression is a risk factor for mortality in patients with established heart disease, it is important from both a clinical and a research perspective to address these issues.
Identifying the patient perspective of the quality of mental healthcare for common chronic problems: a qualitative study
Authors: Campbell Stephen M. , Gately Claire , Gask Linda 
Published: September 2007

Objectives: To identify which aspects of quality are important to individual patients with common chronic mild-to-moderate mental health problems presenting to general practice and the best method of involving patients with chronic mental health problems in the research process, and to contrast the relevance of a generic questionnaire developed previously with these individual patient narratives. Methods: Qualitative interviews with 16 patients in Chester and Manchester were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Six key themes were identified in relation to the individual patient experience set against a generic patient experience: (1) the healthcare system provides a generic `one size fits all' service, which is incompatible with an individual patient's experience and sense of being as an individual and that privileges medical over social care; (2) patients with mild-to-moderate mental health problems often have feelings of powerlessness and of being `lost' in a system that is more responsive to severe and acute episodes of illness than to chronic morbidity; (3) patients often have unmet needs in relation to the distress of living with mild-to-moderate mental health problems; (4) there are substantial quality deficits in primary care for people with mild-to-moderate chronic mental health problems; (5) general practitioners are rated highly, and the attributes of a good general practitioner can be identified; patients also value continuity of care; (6) engaging people with common chronic mental health problems in the research/policy process requires generic assessment of quality using questionnaires supplemented with more in-depth methods, such as interviews and focus groups. Interviewees highlighted substantial quality deficits in service provision for people with chronic mental health problems. Involving patients with chronic mild-to-moderate mental health problems in the research/policy process requires multiple user involvement strategies, including questionnaires but supplemented with interviews and discussion groups. Conclusion: Patients with common chronic mental health problems have a clear view about what constitutes quality general practice/practitioner care but highlighted quality deficits for people with chronic mental health conditions.
Gold-bearing arsenopyrite and pyrite in refractory ores: analytical
refinements and new understanding of gold mineralogy
Authors: Benzaazoua M. , Marion P. , Robaut F. , Pinto A. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
A multidisciplinary approach has been used to study Au occurrences within
pyrite and arsenopyrite in four refractory Au ores from Colombia, France (Le
Châtelet and Villeranges) and Portugal (Neves Norte). The Au was characterized by
optical and scanning electron microscopy and analysed using electron and ion
microprobes to determine Au distribution, with particular attention to spectral
interferences in electron and ion microprobes, background measurements in electron
probes, and quantitative analysis using external standardization in ion probes.
The ionic emission rate is proven to be dependent on the Au status; combined Au
has a greater ion emission than metallic Au. Invisible Au occurrences are closely
linked to As distribution. Gold bonding in arsenopyrite, examined by transmission
electron microscopy, is shown to be dispersed within the FeAsS crystal structure.
Typical growth patterns and As-Au diffusion zoning in pyrite and arsenopyrite may
account for the very irregular distribution of Au in these minerals.
Haematopoietic development and immunological function in the absence of cathepsin D
Authors: Tulone Calogero , Uchiyama Yasuo , Novelli Marco , Grosvenor Nicholas , Saftig Paul , Chain Benjamin M 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundCathepsin D is a well-characterized aspartic protease expressed ubiquitously in lysosomes. Cathepsin D deficiency is associated with a spectrum of pathologies leading ultimately to death. Cathepsin D is expressed at high levels in many cells of the immune system, but its role in immune function is not well understood. This study examines the reconstitution and function of the immune system in the absence of cathepsin D, using bone marrow radiation chimaeras in which all haematopoietic cells are derived from cathepsin D deficient mice.ResultsCathepsin D deficient bone marrow cells fully reconstitute the major cellular components of both the adaptive and innate immune systems. Spleen cells from cathepsin D deficient chimaeric mice contained an increased number of autofluorescent granules characteristic of lipofuscin positive lysosomal storage diseases. Biochemical and ultrastructural changes in cathepsin D deficient spleen are consistent with increased autolysosomal activity. Chimaeric mice were immunised with either soluble (dinitrophenylated bovine gamma globulin) or particulate (sheep red blood cells) antigens. Both antigens induced equivalent immune responses in wild type or cathepsin D deficient chimaeras.ConclusionAll the parameters of haematopoietic reconstitution and adaptive immunity which were measured in this study were found to be normal in the absence of cathepsin D, even though cathepsin D deficiency leads to dysregulation of lysosomal function.
The association between compliance and persistence with bisphosphonate therapy and fracture risk: A review
Authors: Adachi Jonathan , Lynch Niall , Middelhoven Hans , Hunjan Manjit , Cowell Warren 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

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

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

Results
Only two retrospective studies using prescription databases have specifically evaluated bisphosphonates.
A cohort study tracking 35,537 women reported that in those with a Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) of ≥80% over 24 months the risk of fracture was lower than in those with an MPR of <80% (8.5% v 10.7%, p < 0.001, Relative Risk Reduction (RRR) 21%). In women who persisted with treatment (refill gap <30 days) the risk of fracture was also lower (7.7% v 10.3%, p < 0.001, RRR 29%).
A nested case control study reported that 12 months persistence (refill gap <50% previous prescription (Rx) length) was associated with a 26% reduced risk of fracture (p < 0.05) and 24 months with a 32% reduced risk (p < 0.05).
Four other studies, not specific to bisphosphonates, reported that compliance ≥12 months decreased fracture risk by ~25%.

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract

Background

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

Objectives: Conventional (nonimaged) bladder catheterization has lower first‐attempt success rates (67%–72%) when compared with catheterization aided by volumetric bladder ultrasonography (US) (92%–100%), yet the total time to urine sample collection with US can be quite lengthy. Given the advantage and disadvantages, the authors assessed caregiver and health care provider satisfaction with these two methods.Methods: Caregivers and health care providers of children enrolled in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial examining the first‐attempt urine collection success rates with these two methods completed standardized questionnaires. Each child's caregiver, nurse, and physician noted their perceptions, satisfaction, and future preferences using Likert‐scale assessments.Results: Of 93 caregivers, 45 had children randomized to the conventional arm and 48 to the US arm. Nine physicians and three nurses participated. Both caregiver groups had similar previous catheterization experience; none had children undergo volumetric bladder sonography. Caregivers in the conventional group rated their children's discomfort higher (4.4 vs. 3.4; p = 0.02) and were less satisfied (4.5 vs. 6.4; p < 0.0001) than those in the US group. Nurses' satisfaction with catheterization in the conventional group was lower than in the US group (3.0 vs. 5.5), as was physicians' satisfaction (4.3 vs. 5.7; p < 0.0001). Both nurses and physicians indicated that they would be less likely to use conventional catheterization in future attempts.Conclusions: Caregivers in the conventional group rated their children's discomfort higher than did caregivers in the US group. Both caregivers and health care providers expressed greater satisfaction with US and were more likely to prefer this imaging modality with future catheterization attempts.
Template Fabrication of Novel Structure of Polypyrrole Nanotubules Inner-embedded with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Ya-nan , Chen Miao , Zhao Yanchun , Liu Zhilu , Liu Xiang 
Published: September 2007

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

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

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