bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nontronite: chemistry and x-ray diffraction
Authors: Eggleton R. A. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractChemical and X-ray analysis of eight samples of nontronite are consistent with the Hofmann et al. montmorillonite structure. The finest fraction of some fully hydrated (15·3 Å) samples is composed of crystals all about 6 or 7 unit cells thick, and having 12 H2O per 8 Si, arranged at three levels in the interlayer, possibly as upright octahedra. During dehydration, non-integral 00l sequences, and variations in d001 result from a range of layer thickness in one crystal, caused by loss of water from the crystal periphery with consequent margin collapse. At about 50% relative humidity, the H2O content of nontronite is determined by the tetrahedral aluminium, probably because Aliv controls maximum crystal size.
Alteration of allophane and imogolite by alkaline digestion
Authors: Farmer V. C. , Smith B. F. L. , Tait J. M. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractSince digestion of imogolite or allophane in 5% Na2CO3 at 95°C for periods of 2–100 h leads to solid products different in structure and composition from the starting materials, the procedure is unsuitable for selective dissolution of reactive silica-alumina gels from complex clay mixtures. Cold 5% Na2CO3 does not alter these clays, but effects partial solution, the extent of which depends on the degree of dispersion of the clay and the ratio of solids to solution.
Preparation and properties of some hydroxy-aluminium beidellites
Authors: Brindley G. W. , Sempels R. E. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractHydroxy-aluminium beidellites are prepared by treating Na-saturated beidellites from Taiwan, with compositions intermediate between end-member beidellite and end-member montmorillonite, with hydroxy-aluminium solutions having OH/Al ratios mainly between 2·00 and 2·50. Chemical analyses show that hydroxy-aluminium ions have compositions near Al6(OH,O)16 and charges near 1·0 in two cases, and near 2·2 in a third case. The basal spacing of the prepared clays is near 17 Å and remains without collapse up to 500°C. Argon adsorption measurements at liquid nitrogen temperatures, after heat-treatment up to 325°C in vacuo overnight, give surface areas near 500 m2/g when the exchangeable Na ions are about one-third replaced by hydroxy-aluminium, but near 200 m2/g when wholly replaced by hydroxy-aluminium. In the latter case the hydroxy-aluminium covers the internal surfaces of the clay almost completely prior to the heat-treatment.
Karyotype is an independent prognostic factor in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): analysis of cytogenetic data from patients treated on the Medical Research Council (MRC) UKALLXII/Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 2993 trial
Authors: Moorman Anthony V. , Harrison Christine J. , Buck Georgina A. N. , Richards Sue M. , Secker-Walker Lorna M. , Martineau Mary , Vance Gail H. , Cherry Athena M. , Higgins Rodney R. , Fielding Adele K. , Foroni Letizia , Paietta Elisabeth , Tallman Martin S. , Litzow Mark R. , Wiernik Peter H. , Rowe Jacob M. , Goldstone Anthony H. , Dewald Gordon W. ,   on behalf of the Medical Research Council (MRC)/National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Adult Leukaemia Working Party of the United Kingdom and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Pretreatment cytogenetics is a known predictor of outcome in hematologic malignancies. However, its usefulness in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is generally limited to the presence of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome because of the low incidence of other recurrent abnormalities. We present centrally reviewed cytogenetic data from 1522 adult patients enrolled on the Medical Research Council (MRC) UKALLXII/Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 2993 trial. The incidence and clinical associations for more than 20 specific chromosomal abnormalities are presented. Patients with a Ph chromosome, t(4;11)(q21;q23), t(8;14)(q24.1;q32), complex karyotype (5 or more chromosomal abnormalities), or low hypodiploidy/near triploidy (Ho-Tr) all had inferior rates of event-free and overall survival when compared with other patients. In contrast, patients with high hyperdiploidy or a del(9p) had a significantly improved outcome. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the prognostic relevance of t(8;14), complex karyotype, and Ho-Tr was independent of sex, age, white cell count, and T-cell status among Ph-negative patients. The observation that Ho-Tr and, for the first time, karyotype complexity confer an increased risk of treatment failure demonstrates that cytogenetic subgroups other than the Ph chromosome can and should be used to risk stratify adults with ALL in future trials.
Homeostatic response under carcinogen withdrawal, heme oxygenase 1 expression and cell cycle association
Authors: Castronuovo Cynthia C , Sacca Paula A , Meiss Roberto , Caballero Fabiana A , Batlle Alcira , Vazquez Elba S 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Chronic injury deregulates cellular homeostasis and induces a number of alterations leading to disruption of cellular processes such as cell cycle checkpoints and apoptosis, driving to carcinogenesis. The stress protein heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) catalyzes heme degradation producing biliverdin, iron and CO. Induction of HO-1 has been suggested to be essential for a controlled cell growth. The aim of this work was to analyze the in vivo homeostatic response (HR) triggered by the withdrawal of a potent carcinogen, p-dimethylaminoazobenzene (DAB), after preneoplastic lesions were observed. We analyzed HO-1 cellular localization and the expression of HO-1, Bcl-2 and cell cycle related proteins under these conditions comparing them to hepatocellular carcinoma (HC).

Methods
The intoxication protocol was designed based on previous studies demonstrating that preneoplastic lesions were evident after 89 days of chemical carcinogen administration. Male CF1 mice (n = 18) were used. HR group received DAB (0.5 % w/w) in the diet for 78 days followed by 11 days of carcinogen deprivation. The HC group received the carcinogen and control animals the standard diet during 89 days. The expression of cell cycle related proteins, of Bcl-2 and of HO-1 were analyzed by western blot. The cellular localization and expression of HO-1 were detected by immnunohistochemistry.

Results
Increased expression of cyclin E/CDK2 was observed in HR, thus implicating cyclin E/CDK2 in the liver regenerative process. p21cip1/waf1 and Bcl-2 induction in HC was restituted to basal levels in HR. A similar response profile was found for HO-1 expression levels, showing a lower oxidative status in the carcinogen-deprived liver. The immunohistochemical studies revealed the presence of macrophages surrounding foci of necrosis and nodular lesions in HR indicative of an inflammatory response. Furthermore, regenerative cells displayed changes in type, size and intensity of HO-1 immunostaining.

Conclusion
These results demonstrate that the regenerative capacity of the liver is still observed in the pre-neoplastic tissue after carcinogen withdrawal suggesting that reversible mechanism/s to compensate necrosis and to restitute homeostasis are involved.
Is the Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire (PSOCQ) a useful tool for predicting participation in a self-management programme? Further evidence of validity, on a sample of UK pain clinic patients
Authors: Carr Jane L , Moffett Jennifer A Klaber , Sharp Donald M , Haines Derek R 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
In the context of finite health resources, encouraging self-management of chronic conditions is important. Indeed, it is a key priority in the UK. An increasing number of self-management programmes are becoming available. However, patients may not always choose to participate in them. Some will prefer a more directed or medically orientated treatment. The acceptability of self-management programmes for patients suffering from chronic pain is an important issue. Few measures exist that examine the process of change to a self-management approach. The Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire (PSOCQ) was evaluated for this purpose in the present study. Hypotheses were centred around criterion and construct validity of the PSOCQ.

Methods
A sample of pain patients was surveyed about their interest in participating in a lay-led self-management programme ('the Expert Patients Programme'). In addition, participants completed two psychometric measures: the Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire (PSOCQ) together with the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ). This is the first study as far as we are aware to examine these two scales together. The psychometric properties of the PSOCQ were examined. Analyses focused on the associations between the PSOCQ scores and interest in participating in the self-management programme. Further associations were examined between the PSOCQ and the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire.

Results
The results demonstrated qualified support for the PSOCQ, in particular the Contemplation sub-scale. There was a significant positive association between interest and likelihood of joining the self-management programme and contemplation scores. The action and maintenance sub-scales appeared to be measuring a unitary dimension. The associations between the PSOCQ and the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire were in the directions predicted. The limitations of the study were discussed.

Conclusion
The results showed some support for the PSOCQ as a potentially useful tool in assessing who may or may not be likely to join a self-management course.
Structure of the yeast histone H3-ASF1 interaction: implications for chaperone mechanism, species-specific interactions, and epigenetics
Authors: Antczak Andrew J , Tsubota Toshiaki , Kaufman Paul D , Berger James M 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
The histone H3/H4 chaperone Asf1 (anti-silencing function 1) is required for the establishment and maintenance of proper chromatin structure, as well as for genome stability in eukaryotes. Asf1 participates in both DNA replication-coupled (RC) and replication-independent (RI) histone deposition reactions in vitro and interacts with complexes responsible for both pathways in vivo. Asf1 is known to directly bind histone H3, however, high-resolution structural information about the geometry of this interaction was previously unknown.

Results
Here we report the structure of a histone/histone chaperone interaction. We have solved the 2.2 Å crystal structure of the conserved N-terminal immunoglobulin fold domain of yeast Asf1 (residues 2–155) bound to the C-terminal helix of yeast histone H3 (residues 121–134). The structure defines a histone-binding patch on Asf1 consisting of both conserved and yeast-specific residues; mutation of these residues abrogates H3/H4 binding affinity. The geometry of the interaction indicates that Asf1 binds to histones H3/H4 in a manner that likely blocks sterically the H3/H3 interface of the nucleosomal four-helix bundle.

Conclusion
These data clarify how Asf1 regulates histone stoichiometry to modulate epigenetic inheritance. The structure further suggests a physical model in which Asf1 contributes to interpretation of a "histone H3 barcode" for sorting H3 isoforms into different deposition pathways.
A novel genetic system for recombinant protein secretion in the Antarctic Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125
Authors: Cusano Angela Maria , Parrilli Ermenegilda , Marino Gennaro , Tutino Maria Luisa 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
The final aim of recombinant protein production is both to have a high specific production rate and a high product quality. It was already shown that using cold-adapted bacteria as host vectors, some "intractable" proteins can be efficiently produced at temperature as low as 4°C.

Results
A novel genetic system for the production and secretion of recombinant proteins in the Antarctic Gram-negative bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125 was set up. This system aims at combining the low temperature recombinant product production with the advantages of extra-cellular protein targeting.
The psychrophilic α-amylase from Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAB23 was used as secretion carrier. Three chimerical proteins were produced by fusing intra-cellular proteins to C-terminus of the psychrophilic α-amylase and their secretion was analysed. Data reported in this paper demonstrate that all tested chimeras were translocated with a secretion yield always higher than 80%.

Conclusion
Data presented here demonstrate that the "cold" gene-expression system is efficient since the secretion yield of tested chimeras is always above 80%. These secretion performances place the α-amylase derived secretion system amongst the best heterologous secretion systems in Gram-negative bacteria reported so far. As for the quality of the secreted passenger proteins, data presented suggest that the system also allows the correct disulphide bond formation of chimera components, secreting a fully active passenger.
The use of genotyping in antimalarial clinical trials: a systematic review of published studies from 1995–2005
Authors: Collins William J , Greenhouse Bryan , Rosenthal Philip J , Dorsey Grant 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
The use of genotyping to distinguish recrudescent from new infections is currently recommended for all clinical antimalarial efficacy trials by the World Health Organization. However, genotyping-adjusted drug efficacy estimates may vary between trials due to the use of different genotyping methods and to the different settings in which these methods are applied.

Methods
A systematic review of all clinical antimalarial efficacy trials published from 1995–2005 was performed to characterize the use of genotyping, including the methods used and the effect of these methods on estimates of drug efficacy.

Results
In a multivariate analysis, the method of interpretation of genotyping results, the studied therapy, the location of the trial, and the duration of study follow-up all had statistically significant effects on the percent of genotyped outcomes classified as new infections.

Conclusion
Criteria for defining appropriate, standardized genotyping methods for use in different settings are needed to enable more accurate estimates of antimalarial drug efficacy and better comparison between trials. The advantages and disadvantages of different genotyping methods and their potential impact in various settings are discussed.
C60-Fullerenes: detection of intracellular photoluminescence and lack of cytotoxic effects
Authors: Levi Nicole , Hantgan Roy R , Lively Mark O , Carroll David L , Prasad Gaddamanugu L 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
We have developed a new method of application of C60 to cultured cells that does not require water-solubilization techniques. Normal and malignant cells take-up C60 and the inherent photoluminescence of C60 is detected within multiple cell lines. Treatment of cells with up to 200 μg/ml (200 ppm) of C60 does not alter morphology, cytoskeletal organization, cell cycle dynamics nor does it inhibit cell proliferation. Our work shows that pristine C60 is non-toxic to the cells, and suggests that fullerene-based nanocarriers may be used for biomedical applications.
Barriers to the dissemination of four harm reduction strategies: a survey of addiction treatment providers in Ontario
Authors: Hobden Karen L , Cunningham John A 
Published: December 2006

AbstractA sample of service providers at addictions agencies' in Ontario were interviewed by telephone to assess attitudes toward, anticipated internal and external barriers to implementing, and expected benefits of four harm reduction strategies: needle exchange, moderate drinking goals, methadone treatment, and provision of free condoms to clients. Respondents were also asked to define harm reduction, list its most important elements, and describe what they find most troubling and most appealing about harm reduction. Attitudes toward harm reduction in general and the services provided at each agency were also assessed. Results indicated that the service providers surveyed had positive attitudes toward each of the four harm reduction strategies and harm reduction in general, and the majority of respondents were aware of the benefits associated with each strategy. Almost all of the agencies surveyed allowed for moderate drinking outcomes in the treatment of alcohol problems, and most agencies provided free condoms to clients. In terms of barriers, anticipated negative community reaction to needle exchange, methadone treatment, and free condoms was a major concern for the majority of respondents. Lack of staff, of funding, or anticipated staff resistance were also cited as potential barriers to introducing these strategies. In the case of methadone maintenance, the unavailability of a qualified physician was listed as the primary constraint. Implications for future efforts directed at encouraging the adoption of these strategies and suggestions for future research are discussed.
An examination of the psychometric structure of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory in temporomandibular disorder patients: a confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Andreu Yolanda , Galdon Maria J , Durá Estrella , Ferrando Maite , Pascual Juan , Turk Dennis C , Jiménez Yolanda , Poveda Rafael 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
This paper seeks to analyse the psychometric and structural properties of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) in a sample of temporomandibular disorder patients.

Methods
The internal consistency of the scales was obtained. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was carried out to test the MPI structure section by section in a sample of 114 temporomandibular disorder patients.

Results
Nearly all scales obtained good reliability indexes. The original structure could not be totally confirmed. However, with a few adjustments we obtained a satisfactory structural model of the MPI which was slightly different from the original: certain items and the Self control scale were eliminated; in two cases, two original scales were grouped in one factor, Solicitous and Distracting responses on the one hand, and Social activities and Away from home activities, on the other.

Conclusion
The MPI has been demonstrated to be a reliable tool for the assessment of pain in temporomandibular disorder patients. Some divergences to be taken into account have been clarified.
HLA-C locus alleles may modulate the clinical expression of psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Queiro Ruben , Gonzalez Segundo , López-Larrea Carlos , Alperi Mercedes , Sarasqueta Cristina , Riestra Jose Luis , Ballina Javier 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the relative contribution of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-C locus alleles in determining the risk and the clinical expression of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). One hundred PsA patients were randomly selected and grouped into three disease subsets: oligoarthritis (n = 40), polyarthritis (n = 25) and spondylitis (n = 35). The HLA-C locus profile of this cohort was studied by methods based on molecular biology and was compared with that of 45 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 177 healthy blood donors from the same ethnic origin. HLA-Cw*0602 was found associated with both psoriasis (odds ratio (OR) 6.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.1 to 12.5; p < 0.0001) and PsA (OR 6.2; 95% CI 3.6 to 10.8; p < 0.0001); however, this allele was equally found among the PsA subsets. HLA-Cw6-positive patients showed a longer psoriasis-arthritis latency period (p = 0.012). HLA-Cw*0701 was found under-represented in PsA in comparison with controls (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3 to 0.9; p = 0.04), as was HLA-Cw*0802 (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.08 to 1; p = 0.05). A positive association was found between psoriatic spondylitis and HLA-Cw*0702 (OR 5.0; 95% CI 1.4 to 25; p = 0.01). HLA-Cw*0602 seems to confer a general risk for psoriasis, but the presence of other HLA-C locus alleles may explain an additional arthritogenic risk. HLA-C alleles may modulate some aspects of the clinical expression of PsA, but these findings need confirmation.
Inferring steady state single-cell gene expression distributions from analysis of mesoscopic samples
Authors: Mar Jessica C , Rubio Renee , Quackenbush John 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Background
A great deal of interest has been generated by systems biology approaches that attempt to develop quantitative, predictive models of cellular processes. However, the starting point for all cellular gene expression, the transcription of RNA, has not been described and measured in a population of living cells.

Results
Here we present a simple model for transcript levels based on Poisson statistics and provide supporting experimental evidence for genes known to be expressed at high, moderate, and low levels.

Conclusion
Although the model describes a microscopic process occurring at the level of an individual cell, the supporting data we provide uses a small number of cells where the echoes of the underlying stochastic processes can be seen. Not only do these data confirm our model, but this general strategy opens up a potential new approach, Mesoscopic Biology, that can be used to assess the natural variability of processes occurring at the cellular level in biological systems.
Temperature-dependent effects of cadmium and purine nucleotides on mitochondrial aconitase from a marine ectotherm,Crassostrea virginica: a role of temperature in oxidative stress and allosteric enzyme regulation
Authors: Cherkasov Anton A. , Overton Robert A. , Sokolov Eugene P. , Sokolova Inna M. 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARYTemperature and heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) are important environmental stressors that can strongly affect mitochondrial function of marine poikilotherms. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of temperature (20°C and 30°C) and Cd stress on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress in a marine poikilotherm Crassostrea virginica (the eastern oyster) using mitochondrial aconitase as a sensitive biomarker of oxidative damage. We also assessed potential involvement of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) in antioxidant protection in oyster mitochondria using purine nucleotides (GDP,ATP and ADP) as specific inhibitors, and free fatty acids as stimulators, of UCPs. Our results show that exposure to Cd results in elevated ROS production and oxidative damage as indicated by aconitase inactivation which is particularly pronounced at elevated temperature. Unexpectedly, oyster mitochondrial aconitase was inhibited by physiologically relevant levels of ATP (IC50=1.93 and 3.04 mmol l-1 at 20°C and 30°C, respectively), suggesting that allosteric regulation of aconitase by this nucleotide may be involved in regulation of the tricarboxylic acid flux in oysters. Aconitase was less sensitive to ATP inhibition at 30°C than at 20°C, consistent with the elevated metabolic flux at higher temperatures. ADP and GDP also inhibited mitochondrial aconitase but at the levels well above the physiological concentrations of these nucleotides (6-11 mmol l-1). Our study shows expression of at least three UCP isoforms in C. virginica gill tissues but provides no indication that UCPs protect mitochondrial aconitase from oxidative inactivation in oysters. Overall, the results of this study indicate that temperature stress exaggerates toxicity of Cd leading to elevated oxidative stress in mitochondria, which may have important implications for survival of poikilotherms in polluted environments during seasonal warming and/or global climate change, and suggest a novel temperature-dependent mechanism of allosteric regulation of TCA flux in oyster mitochondria.