bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Burkeite and hanksite at Copahue, Argentina: the first occurrence of
sulphate-carbonate minerals in a geothermal field
Authors: Mas G. R. , Bengochea L. , Mas L. C. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Deposition of two anhydrous sulphate-carbonate minerals, burkeite and
hanksite, around a vapour escape in the pipe of a geothermal well of the Copahue
field in Argentina is described. These minerals usually occur as efflorescences in
saline soils or in continental lacustrine evaporite deposits, but have not been
reported as products from geothermal fluids. Both minerals have been studied by
means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and electron dispersive
energy, and thermo-gravimetric analysis, and have been determined as burkeite,
Na6(CO3)(SO4)2,
and hanksite,
KNa22(SO4)9(CO3)2Cl.
Forced expiratory volume in one second: not just a lung function test but a marker of premature death from all causes
Authors: Young R. P. , Hopkins R. , Eaton T. E. 
Published: September 2007

The clinical utility of spirometric screening of asymptomatic smokers for early signs of air flow limitation has recently come under review. The current authors propose that reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is more than a measure of airflow limitation, but a marker of premature death with broad utility in assessing baseline risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, coronary artery disease and stroke, collectively accounting for 70–80% of premature death in smokers.Reduced FEV1identifies undiagnosed COPD, has comparable utility to that of serum cholesterol in assessing cardiovascular risk and defines those smokers at greatest risk of lung cancer. As such, reduced FEV1should be considered a marker that identifies smokers at greatest need of medical intervention.Smoking cessation has been shown to attenuate FEV1decline and, if achieved before the age of 45–50 yrs, may not only preserve FEV1within normal values but substantially reduce cardiorespiratory complications of smoking.Recent findings suggest inhaled drugs (bronchodilators and corticosteroids), and possibly statins, may be effective in reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The current authors propose that spirometry has broad utility in identifying smokers who are at greatest risk of cardiorespiratory complications and greatest benefit from targeted preventive strategies, such as smoking cessation, prioritised screening and effective pharmacotherapy.
Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation presenting as in-flight systemic air embolisation
Authors: Belcher E. , Lawson M. H. , Nicholson A. G. , Davison A. , Goldstraw P. 
Published: September 2007

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations (CCAMs) are rarely diagnosed in adulthood. The present case study reports a case of a CCAM presenting as a cerebral air embolus during an international flight.In the present case, supportive therapy resulted in a full recovery. The patient later underwent elective excision of the pulmonary malformation.Since the overall mortality of in-flight cerebral air embolisation is high, patients with such asymptomatic cysts should be considered for elective surgery.
Urodele p53 tolerates amino acid changes found in p53 variants linked to human cancer
Authors: Villiard Éric , Brinkmann Henner , Moiseeva Olga , Mallette Frédérick A , Ferbeyre Gerardo , Roy Stéphane 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundUrodele amphibians like the axolotl are unique among vertebrates in their ability to regenerate and their resistance to develop cancers. It is unknown whether these traits are linked at the molecular level.ResultsBlocking p53 signaling in axolotls using the p53 inhibitor, pifithrin-α, inhibited limb regeneration and the expression of p53 target genes such as Mdm2 and Gadd45, suggesting a link between tumor suppression and regeneration. To understand this relationship we cloned the p53 gene from axolotl. When comparing its sequence with p53 from other organisms, and more specifically human we observed multiple amino acids changes found in human tumors. Phylogenetic analysis of p53 protein sequences from various species is in general agreement with standard vertebrate phylogeny; however, both mice-like rodents and teleost fishes are fast evolving. This leads to long branch attraction resulting in an artefactual basal emergence of these groups in the phylogenetic tree. It is tempting to assume a correlation between certain life style traits (e.g. lifespan) and the evolutionary rate of the corresponding p53 sequences. Functional assays of the axolotl p53 in human or axolotl cells using p53 promoter reporters demonstrated a temperature sensitivity (ts), which was further confirmed by performing colony assays at 37°C. In addition, axolotl p53 was capable of efficient transactivation at the Hmd2 promoter but has moderate activity at the p21 promoter. Endogenous axolotl p53 was activated following UV irradiation (100 j/m2) or treatment with an alkylating agent as measured using serine 15 phosphorylation and the expression of the endogenous p53 target Gadd45.ConclusionUrodele p53 may play a role in regeneration and has evolved to contain multiple amino acid changes predicted to render the human protein defective in tumor suppression. Some of these mutations were probably selected to maintain p53 activity at low temperature. However, other significant changes in the axolotl proteins may play more subtle roles on p53 functions, including DNA binding and promoter specificity and could represent useful adaptations to ensure p53 activity and tumor suppression in animals able to regenerate or subject to large variations in oxygen levels or temperature.
Phase III Randomized Trial of Intravenous Cisplatin Plus a 24- or 96-Hour Infusion of Paclitaxel in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study
Authors: Spriggs David R. , Brady Mark F. , Vaccarello Luis , Clarke-Pearson Daniel L. , Burger Robert A. , Mannel Robert , Boggess John F. , Lee Roger B. , Hanly Mark 
Published: September 2007

Purpose This study was undertaken to assess if prolonged paclitaxel administration in combination with cisplatin improves overall survival (OS) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Patients and Methods Eligible patients with suboptimal stage III or IV EOC, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer were randomly allocated to receive six cycles of cisplatin 75 mg/m2 and either paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 during 24 hours (arm 1) or paclitaxel 120 mg/m2 during 96 hours (arm 2). Results Planned accrual was 324 patients; 293 were enrolled before the study was closed as a result of a scheduled interim futility analysis. There were 13 ineligible patients; thus, 140 patients in each arm were assessable. In arm 1, 80% of patients completed all six cycles compared with 83% of patients in arm 2. Grade 4 granulocytopenia was more common in arm 1 (79% v 54%; P < .001) whereas grade 3 or worse anemia was more severe in arm 2 (6% v 18%; P < .003). The median progression-free survival was 1.03 years for arm 1 versus 1.05 years for arm 2. The median OS was 2.49 and 2.54 years for arms 1 and 2, respectively. There have been 237 reported deaths. The relative death rate was approximately 12% greater in arm 2 (hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.860 to 1.45). Conclusion Patients with advanced EOC have a relatively poor prognosis. The results of treatment with cisplatin and paclitaxel are not significantly improved by prolonging the paclitaxel infusion from 24 to 96 hours.
Pharmacogenomic Strategies Provide a Rational Approach to the Treatment of Cisplatin-Resistant Patients With Advanced Cancer
Authors: Hsu David S. , Balakumaran Bala S. , Acharya Chaitanya R. , Vlahovic Vanja , Walters Kelli S. , Garman Katherine , Anders Carey , Riedel Richard F. , Lancaster Johnathan , Harpole David , Dressman Holly K. , Nevins Joseph R. , Febbo Phillip G. , Potti Anil 
Published: September 2007

Purpose Standard treatment for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) includes the use of a platinum-based chemotherapy regimen. However, response rates are highly variable. Newer agents, such as pemetrexed, have shown significant activity as second-line therapy and are currently being evaluated in the front-line setting. We utilized a genomic strategy to develop signatures predictive of chemotherapeutic response to both cisplatin and pemetrexed to provide a rational approach to effective individualized medicine. Methods Using in vitro drug sensitivity data, coupled with microarray data, we developed gene expression signatures predicting sensitivity to cisplatin and pemetrexed. Signatures were validated with response data from 32 independent ovarian and lung cancer cell lines as well as 59 samples from patients previously treated with cisplatin. Results Genomic-derived signatures of cisplatin and pemetrexed sensitivity were shown to accurately predict sensitivity in vitro and, in the case of cisplatin, to predict treatment response in patients treated with cisplatin. The accuracy of the cisplatin predictor, based on available clinical data, was 83.1% (sensitivity, 100%; specificity 57%; positive predictive value, 78%; negative predictive value, 100%). Interestingly, an inverse correlation was seen between in vitro cisplatin and pemetrexed sensitivity, and importantly, between the likelihood of cisplatin and pemetrexed response in patients. Conclusion The use of genomic predictors of response to cisplatin and pemetrexed can be incorporated into strategies to optimize therapy for advanced solid tumors.
Patients With Curative Resection of cT3-4 Rectal Cancer After Preoperative Radiotherapy or Radiochemotherapy: Does Anybody Benefit From Adjuvant Fluorouracil-Based Chemotherapy? A Trial of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Radiation Oncology Group
Authors: Collette Laurence , Bosset Jean-Francois , den Dulk Marcel , Nguyen France , Mineur Laurent , Maingon Philippe , Radosevic-Jelic Ljiljana , Piérart Marianne , Calais Gilles 
Published: September 2007

Purpose European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) trial 22921 compared adjuvant fluorouracil-based chemotherapy (CT) to no adjuvant treatment in a 2 × 2 factorial trial with randomization for preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy in patients with resectable T3-4 rectal cancer. The results showed no significant impact of adjuvant CT on progression-free or overall survival, although a difference seemed to emerge at approximately, respectively, 2 and 5 years after the start of preoperative treatment. We further explored the data with the aim of refining our understanding of the long-term results. Patients and Methods Data of 785 of the 1,011 randomly assigned patients who whose disease was M0 at curative surgery were used. Using meta-analytic methods, we investigated the homogeneity of the effect of adjuvant CT on the time to relapse or death after surgery (disease-free survival [DFS]) and survival in patient subgroups. Results Although there was no statistically significant impact of adjuvant CT on DFS for the whole group (P > .5), the treatment effect differed significantly between the ypT0-2 and the ypT3-4 patients (heterogeneity P = .009): only the ypT0-2 patients seemed to benefit from adjuvant CT (P = .011). The same pattern was observed for overall survival. Conclusion Exploratory analyses suggest that only good-prognosis patients (ypT0-2) benefit from adjuvant CT. This could explain why, in the whole group, the progression-free and overall survival diverged only after the poor-prognosis patients (ypT3-4) had experienced treatment failure. Patients in whom no downstaging was achieved did not benefit. This also suggests that the same prognostic factors may drive both tumor sensitivity for the primary treatment and long-term clinical benefit from further adjuvant CT.
Genome-Wide Identification of Estrogen Receptor α-Binding Sites in Mouse Liver
Authors: Gao Hui , Fält Susann , Sandelin Albin , Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Dahlman-Wright Karin 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
We report the genome-wide identification of estrogen receptor α (ERα)-binding regions in mouse liver using a combination of chromatin immunoprecipitation and tiled microarrays that cover all nonrepetitive sequences in the mouse genome. This analysis identified 5568 ERα-binding regions. In agreement with what has previously been reported for human cell lines, many ERα-binding regions are located far away from transcription start sites; approximately 40% of ERα-binding regions are located within 10 kb of annotated transcription start sites. Almost 50% of ERα-binding regions overlap genes. The majority of ERα-binding regions lie in regions that are evolutionarily conserved between human and mouse. Motif-finding algorithms identified the estrogen response element, and variants thereof, together with binding sites for activator protein 1, basic-helix-loop-helix proteins, ETS proteins, and Forkhead proteins as the most common motifs present in identified ERα-binding regions. To correlate ERα binding to the promoter of specific genes, with changes in expression levels of the corresponding mRNAs, expression levels of selected mRNAs were assayed in livers 2, 4, and 6 h after treatment with ERα-selective agonist propyl pyrazole triol. Five of these eight selected genes, Shp, Stat3, Pdgds, Pck1, and Pdk4, all responded to propyl pyrazole triol after 4 h treatment. These results extend our previous studies using gene expression profiling to characterize estrogen signaling in mouse liver, by characterizing the first step in this signaling cascade, the binding of ERα to DNA in intact chromatin.
Pharmaceutical applications for catanionic mixtures
Authors: Bramer Tobias , Dew Noel , Edsman Katarina 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Mixtures of oppositely charged surfactants, so called catanionic mixtures, are a growing area of research. These mixtures have been shown to form several different types of surfactant aggregates, such as micelles of various forms and sizes, and lamellar structures, such as vesicles. In this review, a short introduction to the field of catanionic mixtures is presented and the pharmaceutical possibilities offered by such mixtures are reviewed. There are several interesting ideas on how to apply catanionic mixtures to improve the delivery of, for example, drug compounds and DNA, or for HIV treatment.
Development and in-vivo evaluation of insulin-loaded chitosan phthalate microspheres for oral delivery
Authors: Ubaidulla Udhumansha , Khar Roop Kishan , Ahmed Farhan Jalees , Panda Amulya Kumar 
Published: September 2007

AbstractNovel chitosan phthalate microspheres containing insulin were prepared by emulsion cross-linking technique. The feasibility of these microspheres as oral insulin delivery carriers was evaluated. The pH-responsive release behaviour of insulin from microspheres was analysed. The ability of chitosan phthalate-insulin microspheres to enhance intestinal absorption and improve the relative pharmacological availability of insulin was investigated by monitoring the plasma glucose and insulin level of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats after oral administration of microspheres at insulin dose of 20 IU kg−1. In simulated gastric fluid (pH 2.0), insulin release from the microspheres was very slow. However, as the pH of the medium was changed to simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4), a rapid release of insulin occurred. The relative pharmacological efficacy for chitosan phthalate microspheres (18.66 ± 3.84%) was almost four-fold higher than the efficacy of the chitosan phthalate-insulin solution administration (4.08 ± 1.52%). Chitosan phthalate microspheres sustained the plasma glucose at pre-diabetic level for at least 16 h. These findings suggest that the microsphere is a promising carrier as oral insulin delivery system.
Suppressive activity of fexofenadine hydrochloride on nitric oxide production in-vitro and in-vivo
Authors: Asano Kazuhito , Kanai Ken-ichi , Furuta Atsuko , Furuya Ayako , Suzaki Harumi , Hisamitsu Tadashi 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of fexofenadine hydrochloride (FEX), a histamine H1- receptor antagonist, on nitric oxide (NO) production in-vitro and in-vivo. Nasal fibroblasts (5 × 105 cells per mL) were stimulated with 25 ng mL−1 tumour necrosis factor-α in the presence of various concentrations of FEX. NO levels in 24-h-culture supernatants were measured by the Griess method and levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA levels in 12-h-cultured cells were measured by ELISA. FEX at more than 0.5 μg mL−1 suppressed NO production from fibroblasts by inhibiting expression of iNOS mRNA. We also examined whether FEX could suppress NO production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in-vivo. BALB/c mice were treated with 5.0 mg kg−1 LPS i.p. after daily oral doses of FEX, 1.0 mg kg−1, for 1–3 weeks. Plasma was obtained 6 h later and NO levels measured by the Griess method. Expression of iNOS mRNA in lung tissues was measured by ELISA 6h after LPS injection. Oral administration of FEX for 2 and 3 weeks, but not 1 week, significantly suppressed NO levels in plasma through the inhibition of iNOS mRNA expression, which were enhanced by LPS stimulation. These results suggest that the attenuating effect of FEX on NO production may be of therapeutic benefit in allergic diseases.
Theogallin and l-theanine as active ingredients in decaffeinated green tea extract: II. Characterization in the freely moving rat by means of quantitative field potential analysis
Authors: Dimpfel Wilfried , Kler Adolf , Kriesl Erwin , Lehnfeld Romanus 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The model Tele-Stereo-EEG (continuous recording of intracerebral field potentials in the freely moving rat to produce an electropharmacogram) has been used to see if l-theanine- and theogallin-enriched decaffeinated green tea extract would change electrical brain activity after oral administration, to provide proof of access of active components to the brain via the blood-brain barrier. Baseline recording (45 min) was followed by a 5-h recording session after oral ingestion of the extract or single components: l-theanine, theogallin and quinic acid, a suggested metabolite of theogallin. Power spectra from Fast Fourier Transformed (FFT) field potential changes were divided into six frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha1, alpha2, beta1 and beta2). No effects could be measured using a saline solution for control purposes. Oral administration of 75 mg kg−1 total extract led to power decreases mainly in delta and alpha2 frequencies during the first hour. This pattern has been observed in the presence of stimulatory synthetic compounds. Oral administration of 30 mg kg−1 l-theanine led to power decreases of nearly all frequencies, being more pronounced during the second and following hours in comparison with the first hour. Ingestion of 20 mg kg−1 theogallin also showed a power decreasing effect on cortical activity. Its possible metabolite quinic acid (10 mg kg−1, p.o.) also produced decreases in delta, alpha2 and beta1 frequencies. Measurement of motion resulted in an increase during the first hour in the presence of theogallin and l-theanine. A tendential decrease was observed in the presence of l-theanine during the last hour at its presumably highest plasma levels. The results with the administration of the total extract provided evidence for the maior involvement of l-theanine and theogallin (or its presumable metabolite quinic acid) in its action, since no other active compounds were present in the extract. These compounds could be classified by comparison with reference drugs using discriminant analysis as being antidepressive and cognition enhancing, respectively. The extract appeared among those drugs having stimulatory effects.
PG-liposomes: novel lipid vesicles for skin delivery of drugs
Authors: Elsayed Mustafa M A , Abdallah Ossama Y , Naggar Viviane F , Khalafallah Nawal M 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
A novel type of lipid vesicles, propylene glycol-embodying liposomes or PG-liposomes, composed of phospholipid, propylene glycol and water, is introduced. The new lipid vesicles were developed and investigated as carriers for skin delivery of the model drug, cinchocaine base. PG-liposomes showed high entrapment efficiency and were stable for at least one month of storage at 5 ± 1 °C. Preliminary in-vivo skin deposition studies, carried out using albino rabbit dorsal skin, showed that PG-liposomes were superior to traditional liposomes, deformable liposomes and ethosomes, suggesting that PG-liposomes, introduced in the current work, are promising carriers for skin delivery of drugs.
Bump steer effects in a 10 ton truck with a leaf-spring suspension
Authors: Hoyle J 
Published: September 2007

A 10 t truck with a leaf-spring suspension and beam axles was known to have suffered an incident during normal road operation that was believed to have been related to the phenomenon of bump steer. Experimental investigations using a four-post rig established that the vehicle was particularly excited while traversing, at approximately 25 m/s, a sinusoidal undulating road profile that had a wavelength of approximately 12 m. Bump steer was evident under these conditions, and the excited frequency of approximately 2.4 Hz raised the possibility that driver reaction times (a lag of approximately 0.2 s) could have compounded the problem when trying to counter the effect of the bump steer. A handling model of the vehicle has been used to investigate the bump steer effects. A three-degree-of-freedom handling model of the vehicle was created that included a non-linear tyre model, which was able to simulate the differing cornering stiffness effects created by varying tyre loads, friction limits, and slip angles. A driver model was created that made use of lateral displacement and intended vehicle-path return rate feedback loops (effectively proportional and differential feedback) but incorporated a neuromuscular lag element and steer rate and steer angle limiting functions. Simulations of violent high-speed double-lane-change manoeuvres enabled the driver's return rate and lateral displacement feedback gains to be benchmarked for these conditions. Further simulations using these feedback gains showed that, when coupled with the bump steer of the vehicle at an excitation frequency of 2.4 Hz, a typical neuromuscular lag of 0.2 s created an approximately 150° out-of-phase response from the driver that resulted in an unstable oscillatory handling system. If the neuromuscular lag was reduced to near-zero, the system remained stable in spite of the high feedback gains. Alternatively, reducing the driver's feedback gains by 50 per cent also resulted in a stable system, in spite of the neuromuscular lag, thereby demonstrating that the correct response to the bump steer effects was not to respond to them. Actual vehicle trials conducted under controlled conditions at various road locations (including the incident location) and other test centres demonstrated that this was indeed the correct response should bump steer be encountered.
New Public Management and Housing Associations: from comfort to competition
Authors: Walker Richard 
Published: September 2007

English
Substantial reform has taken place within the English housing association sector over recent years. Research attention has not focused on how these changes relate to the overall restructuring of the public sector and the emergence of the new public management. These concerns are addressed through the application of typologies of new public management, as developed by Ferlie et al (1996), to associations. The evaluation indicates that the unique nature of associations means that they have much in common with private sector-derived models of organisation and management. However, additional knowledge needs to be developed to understand comprehensively their role within public sector management debates.