bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Power and Public Participation in a Hazardous Waste Dispute: A Community Case Study
Authors: Culley Marci R. , Hughey Joseph 
Published: December 2007

AbstractQualitative case study findings are presented. We examined whether public participation in a hazardous waste dispute manifested in ways consistent with theories of social power; particularly whether participatory processes or participants’ experiences of them were consistent with the three‐dimensional view of power (Gaventa, Power and powerlessness: quiescence and rebellion in an appalacian valley, 1980; Lukes, Power: A radical view, 1974; Parenti, Power and the powerless, 1978). Findings from four data sources collected over 3 years revealed that participatory processes manifested in ways consistent with theories of power, and participants’ experiences reflected this. Results illustrated how participation was limited and how citizen influence could be manipulated via control of resources, barriers to participation, agenda setting, and shaping conceptions about what participation was possible. Implications for community research and policy related to participation in hazardous waste disputes are discussed.
AdeIJK, a Resistance-Nodulation-Cell Division Pump Effluxing Multiple Antibiotics in
Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Damier-Piolle Laurence , Magnet Sophie , Brémont Sylvie , Lambert Thierry , Courvalin Patrice 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT

We have identified a second resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND)-type efflux pump, AdeIJK, in clinical isolate
Acinetobacter baumannii
BM4454. The
adeI, adeJ
, and
adeK
genes encode, respectively, the membrane fusion, RND, and outer membrane components of the pump. AdeJ belongs to the AcrB protein family (57% identity with AcrB from
Escherichia coli
). mRNA analysis by Northern blotting and reverse transcription-PCR indicated that the genes were cotranscribed. Overexpression of the cloned
adeIJK
operon was toxic in both
E. coli
and
Acinetobacter
. The
adeIJK
genes were detected in all of the 60 strains of
A. baumannii
tested. The two latter observations suggest that the AdeIJK complex might contribute to intrinsic but not to acquired antibiotic resistance in
Acinetobacter
. To characterize the substrate specificity of the pump, we have constructed derivatives of BM4454 in which
adeIJK
(strain BM4579),
adeABC
(strain BM4561), or both groups of genes (strain BM4652) were inactivated by deletion-insertion. Determination of the antibiotic susceptibility of these strains and of BM4652 and BM4579, in which the
adeIJK
operon was provided in
trans
, indicated that the AdeIJK pump contributes to resistance to β-lactams, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, erythromycin, lincosamides, fluoroquinolones, fusidic acid, novobiocin, rifampin, trimethoprim, acridine, safranin, pyronine, and sodium dodecyl sulfate. The chemical structure of these molecules suggests that amphiphilic compounds are the preferred substrates. The AdeABC and AdeIJK efflux systems contributed in a more than additive fashion to tigecycline resistance.
A Sphingolipid Inhibitor Induces a Cytokinesis Arrest and Blocks Stage Differentiation in
Giardia lamblia
Authors: Sonda Sabrina , Štefanić Saša , Hehl Adrian B. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT

Sphingolipid biosynthesis pathways have recently emerged as a promising target for therapeutic intervention against pathogens, including parasites. A key step in the synthesis of complex sphingolipids is the glucosylation of ceramide, mediated by glucosylceramide (GlcCer) synthase, whose activity can be inhibited by PPMP (1-phenyl-2-palmitoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol). In this study, we investigated whether PPMP inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of the pathogenic parasite
Giardia lamblia
, the major cause of parasite-induced diarrhea worldwide. PPMP was found to block in vitro parasite replication in a dose-dependent manner, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 3.5 μM. The inhibition of parasite replication was irreversible at 10 μM PPMP, a concentration that did not affect mammalian cell metabolism. Importantly, PPMP inhibited the completion of cell division at a specific stage in late cytokinesis. Microscopic analysis of cells incubated with PPMP revealed the aberrant accumulation of cellular membranes belonging to the endoplasmic reticulum network in the caudal area of the parasites. Finally, PPMP induced a 90% reduction in
G. lamblia
differentiation into cysts, the parasite stage responsible for the transmission of the disease. These results show that PPMP is a powerful inhibitor of
G. lamblia
in vitro and that as-yet-uncharacterized sphingolipid biosynthetic pathways are potential targets for the development of anti-
G. lamblia
agents.
Transcriptional Profiling Reveals that Daptomycin Induces the
Staphylococcus aureus
Cell Wall Stress Stimulon and Genes Responsive to Membrane Depolarization
Authors: Muthaiyan Arunachalam , Silverman Jared A. , Jayaswal Radheshyam K. , Wilkinson Brian J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT

Daptomycin is a lipopeptide antibiotic that has recently been approved for treatment of gram-positive bacterial infections. The mode of action of daptomycin is not yet entirely clear. To further understand the mechanism transcriptomic analysis of changes in gene expression in daptomycin-treated
Staphylococcus aureus
was carried out. The expression profile indicated that cell wall stress stimulon member genes (B. J. Wilkinson, A. Muthaiyan, and R. K. Jayaswal, Curr. Med. Chem. Anti-Infect. Agents 4:259-276, 2005) were significantly induced by daptomycin and by the cell wall-active antibiotics vancomycin and oxacillin. Comparison of the daptomycin response of a two-component cell wall stress stimulon regulator VraSR mutant,
S. aureus
KVR, to its parent N315 showed diminished expression of the cell wall stress stimulon in the mutant. Daptomycin has been proposed to cause membrane depolarization, and the transcriptional responses to carbonyl cyanide
m
-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) and nisin were determined. Transcriptional profiles of the responses to these antimicrobial agents showed significantly different patterns compared to those of the cell wall-active antibiotics, including little or no induction of the cell wall stress stimulon. However, there were a significant number of genes induced by both CCCP and daptomycin that were not induced by oxacillin or vancomycin, so the daptomycin transcriptome probably reflected a membrane depolarizing activity of this antimicrobial also. The results indicate that inhibition of peptidoglycan biosynthesis, either directly or indirectly, and membrane depolarization are parts of the mode of action of daptomycin.
Recombinant Immunoproapoptotic Proteins with Furin Site Can Translocate and Kill HER2-Positive Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhao Jing , Ren Jun-Lin , Zhang Li , Wen Wei-Hong , Zhang Rui , Qin Wei-Wei , Jia Lin-Tao , Yao Li-Bo , Zhang Ying-Qi , Chen Si-Yi , Yang An-Gang 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWe previously reported the selective killing of HER2-positive tumor cells by a class of immunoproapoptotic proteins containing single-chain antibody, translocation domain of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (domain II; PEA II), and constitutively active human apoptotic molecules. In this study, a novel class of antitumor immunoproapoptotic proteins was explored to mediate tumor-specific apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Three furin cleavage sequences, including a synthetic polyarginine tract, and two furin cleavable sequences from PEA and diphtheria toxin were respectively used to replace PEA II in the previously constructed immunoproapoptotic protein. When produced and secreted by the genetically modified Jurkat cells, the novel targeted proapoptotic proteins selectively bound to HER2, which is often overexpressed on tumor cell surface. Followed by receptor-mediated endocytosis and furin cleavage in the endosome, the recombinant proteins could translocate into the cytosol, leading to irreversible cell death. Moreover, delivery of these proteins by either i.m. plasmid injection or i.v. injection of plasmid-expressing Jurkat cells led to tumor regression and prolonged animal survival in a nude mouse xenograft tumor model, indicating in vivo antitumor activity of the recombinant proteins. We conclude that the new class of immunoproapoptotic proteins show comparable activity with PEA II–containing counterpart and provide an attractive therapeutic alternative as they contain much less exogenous fragments. [Cancer Res 2007;67(24):11830–39]
In vitroexpansion of human breast cancer epithelial and mesenchymal stromal cells: optimization of a coculture model for personalized therapy approaches
Authors: Veneziani Bianca Maria , Criniti Vittoria , Cavaliere Carla , Corvigno Sara , Nardone Agostina , Picarelli Silvia , Tortora Giampaolo , Ciardiello Fortunato , Limite Gennaro , De Placido Sabino 
Published: December 2007

AbstractMolecularly targeted, customized therapies are designed based on the molecular portraits of cancer tissue. The efficacy of targeted therapy in individual patients depends on the contribution of single individual cancer cells within the context of their microenvironment. We have developed an in vitro model of human mammary epithelial-stromal cocultures to answer specific clinical questions related to breast cancer, to provide a tool with which to identify a signature in each breast tumor, and to identify the metabolic molecular targets of therapy in an attempt to optimize the efficacy of targeted therapy in each patient. Fifty-five human breast cancer samples were obtained through surgery. Epithelial and stromal cells were isolated from tissue specimens by differential centrifugation, and cryopreserved. Western blot analysis and RT-PCR were used to identify the tissue-specific expression patterns of cancer cells. Dose-response curves were constructed for the aromatase inhibitor formestane and for herceptin, and a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was done for combined treatment. We collected and cryopreserved, for future use, viable living cells from 55 breast tumor specimens from which we derived short-term cocultures. The presence of cytokeratins and vimentin was evaluated in 20 samples, and pHER2/neu and aromatase were evaluated in 4 cocultures. Formestane and herceptin had a cumulative growth-inhibitory effect on cocultures expressing epidermal growth factor receptors and aromatase. The in vitro model of human mammary epithelial-stromal cocultures reported herein can be used to examine, and to store, a patient's tumor-derived, living cells that retain the characteristics of the mother-tissue and respond, in vitro, to therapy. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(12):3091–100]
Inter-Professional Conflict and Strategic Alliance Between Traditional Healers and Oncologists in Pakistan
Authors: Broom Alex , Tovey Philip 
Published: December 2007

There are increasing calls from global health organisations for the promotion of traditional medicines (TM) as one method of addressing the health needs of populations in poorer countries. However, little research has been done to explore the interactions (and potential conflicts between) traditional healthcare systems and biomedical services. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 46 cancer patients in Lahore, Pakistan, this article examines patients' experiences of the inter-professional dynamics associated with the range of traditional and biomedical cancer treatments. Results illustrate a complex set of 'cross sectoral' relationships. On the one hand, significant professional distancing was identified between certain traditional healers and biomedical clinicians, as was the deployment of discursive and regulatory gate-keeping tactics at a grassroots level. However, there was also evidence of selective strategic alliance between one traditional practice —
Dam Darood
, and biomedicine; a relationship deeply embedded in shared religious beliefs and their seemingly compatible therapeutic objectives. It is concluded that, for the development of culturally-appropriate health policy, there is the need for a multifaceted understanding of the socio-cultural processes underpinning the relationships between different treatment modalities.
Oncologist Communication About Emotion During Visits With Patients With Advanced Cancer
Authors: Pollak Kathryn I. , Arnold Robert M. , Jeffreys Amy S. , Alexander Stewart C. , Olsen Maren K. , Abernethy Amy P. , Sugg Skinner Celette , Rodriguez Keri L. , Tulsky James A. 
Published: December 2007

IntroductionCancer care involves addressing patient emotion. When patients express negative emotions, empathic opportunities emerge. When oncologists respond with a continuer statement, which is one that offers empathy and allows patients to continue expressing emotions, rather than with a terminator statement, which is one that discourages disclosure, patients have less anxiety and depression and report greater satisfaction and adherence to therapy. We studied whether oncologist traits were associated with empathic opportunities and empathic responses.Patients and MethodsWe audio-recorded 398 clinic conversations between 51 oncologists and 270 patients with advanced cancer; oncologists also completed surveys. Conversations were coded for the presence of empathic opportunities and oncologist responses. Analyses examined the relationship with oncologists' demographics, self-reported confidence, outcome expectancies, and comfort to address social versus technical aspects of care.ResultsIn 398 conversations, 37% contained at least one empathic opportunity; the range was 0 to 10, and the total empathic opportunities was 292. When they occurred, oncologists responded with continuers 22% of the time. Oncologist sex was related to the number of empathic opportunities; female patients seen by female oncologists had the most empathic opportunities (P = .03). Younger oncologists (P = .02) and those who rated their orientation as more socioemotional than technical (P = .03) were more likely to respond with empathic statements.ConclusionOncologists encountered few empathic opportunities and responded with empathic statements infrequently. Empathic responses were more prevalent among younger oncologists and among those who were self-rated as socioemotional. To reduce patient anxiety and increase patient satisfaction and adherence, oncologists may need training to encourage patients to express emotions and to respond empathically to patients' emotions.
New π-Electron Donors with a 2,2,5,5-Tetramethylpyrrolin-1-yloxyl Radical Designed for Magnetic Molecular Conductors
Authors: Fujiwara Emiko , Aonuma Shuji , Fujiwara Hideki , Sugimoto Toyonari , Misaki Yohji 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
For the development of magnetic molecular conductors, we succeeded in the synthesis of new π-electron donors containing TTF (tetrathiafulvalene) or TTP (tetrathiapentalene) framework and a stable 2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolin-1-yloxyl radical within a molecule and clarified the crystal structure and physical properties of these donors. We also discuss the conducting and magnetic properties of a TCNQF4 complex of the synthesized TTF type donor.
Hexagonal BCN Films Prepared by RF Plasma-enhanced CVD
Authors: Mannan Md Abdul , Nagano Masamitsu , Hirao Norie , Baba Yuji 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Hexagonal boron carbonitride (h-BCN) films have been synthesized on silicon (100) substrate by radio frequency plasma enhance chemical vapor deposition from tris(dimethylamino)borane (TDMAB) as a precursor. XPS and FT-IR revealed that the film with a composition of B46C18N36 had sp2 B–C–N atomic hybridization. NEXAFS suggested that the local structure of BCN showed different atomic orientations to the substrate.
Obituary for Professor Peter H. Nelde
Authors: Watts Richard J 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
As editor of Multilingua, I wish to convey to our readership the sad news of the death of Prof. Dr. Peter Hans Nelde, Professor of Germanic Linguistics and Director of the Research Center on Multilingualism at the Catholic University of Brussels. I do so with great sorrow as I had known Peter since 1985 when I first met him at the annual meeting of the Societas Linguistica Europæa in Toledo, Spain. Peter died on August 31 this year after a courageous fight against cancer.
Stereoselective degradation of benalaxyl in tomato, tobacco, sugar beet, capsicum, and soil
Authors: Gu Xu , Wang Peng , Liu Donghui , Lv Chunguang , Lu Yuele , Zhou Zhiqiang 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe stereoselective degradation of the racemic benalaxyl in vegetables such as tomato, tobacco, sugar beet, capsicum, and the soil has been investigated. The two enantiomers of benalaxyl in the matrix were extracted by organic solvent and determined by validated chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography with a cellulose‐tris‐(3, 5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate)‐based chiral column. Rac‐benalaxyl was fortified into the soil and foliar applied to vegetables. The assay method was linear over a range of concentrations (0.5–50 μg ml−1) and the mean recoveries in all the samples were more than 70% for the two enantiomers. The limit of detection for both enantiomers was 0.05 μg g−1. The results in soil showed that R‐(−)‐enantiomer dissipated faster than S‐(+)‐enantiomer and the stereoselectivity might be caused by microorganisms. In tomato, tobacco, sugar, beet, and capsicum plants, there was significantly stereoselective metabolism. The preferential absorption and degradation of S‐(+)‐enantiomer resulted an enrichment of the R‐(−)‐enantiomer residue in all the vegetables. Chirality, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Treatment Sludge Stabilization in Istanbul
Authors: Pehlivanoglu‐Mantas Elif , Okutman Tas Didem , Insel Guclu , Aydin Egemen , Ozturk Duygu C. , Olmez Tugba , Gorgun Erdem , Ubay Cokgor Emine , Orhon Derin 
Published: December 2007

AbstractStabilization levels of activated sludge samples generated from different full scale municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants were investigated. Anaerobic and aerobic stabilization tests were further applied in order to decrease the organic contents of sludges based on Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyses. The decrease in VSS and TOC in municipal wastewater sludge during aerobic stabilization was 40 and 75%, respectively. The loss of heterotrophic biomass activity assessed with respirometric evaluation and the aid of modeling for aerobic stabilization of municipal sludge was also approximately 75%. Aerobic stabilization had generally a more pronounced positive effect on the toxicities of sludges compared to anaerobic stabilization, with the municipal sludges showing no toxicity after aerobic stabilization.
Energy Use and Air Pollution Issues in Turkey
Authors: Kaygusuz Kamil 
Published: December 2007

AbstractTurkey's demand for energy and electricity is increasing rapidly and heavily dependent on expensive imported energy resources that place a big burden on the economy. As would be expected, the rapid expansion of energy production and consumption has brought with it a wide range of environmental issues at local, regional and global levels. Air pollution, for example, is becoming a great environmental concern in the country. With respect to global environmental issues, Turkey's carbon dioxide emissions have grown along with its energy consumption. States have played a leading role in protecting the environment by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). In this regard, renewable energy resources appear to be the one of the most efficient and effective solutions for clean and sustainable energy development in Turkey. Turkey's geographical location has several advantages for extensive use of most of these renewable energy sources. This article presents a review of the sustainable energy policies, potential and utilization of the renewable energy sources in Turkey.
Newer aspects of migraine preventive therapies
Authors: Freitag Frederick G. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractMigraine preventive therapy includes treatment with pharmacological therapies that result in the reduction of the frequency, severity, or intensity of attacks. There are sufficient data to make recommendations for the following seven pharmacological agents for migraine prevention: topiramate, divalproex sodium, amitriptyline, metoprolol, propranolol, timolol, and Petasites. Additional evidence and treatment recommendations are reviewed on the specific efficacy and safety of several other therapies tested for migraine prevention. Drug Dev Res 68:315–320, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Melatonin therapy for headache disorders
Authors: Peres Mario F.P. , Masruha Marcelo Rodrigues , Rapoport Alan M. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractEven though efficacy is often the most important consideration for patient preference in migraine prevention, currently available medications do not meet patient expectation. Efficacy is in the range of 50% reduction in migraine attacks in 50% of patients studied for the best medications. Therefore, new options for migraine treatment are needed. Melatonin has been considered a good candidate for migraine and other headaches prevention due to its favorable mechanisms of action and excellent tolerability profile. In this article, we review the putative role of the pineal gland and melatonin in migraine pathophysiology and treatment. Drug Dev Res 68:329–334, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unadulterated Glucose Biosensor Based on Direct Electron Transfer of Glucose Oxidase Encapsulated Chitosan Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Zhao Changzhi , Meng Yi , Shao Changli , Wan Li , Jiao Kui 
Published: December 2007

AbstractGlucose oxidase (GOD) was encapsulated in chitosan matrix and immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode, achieving direct electron transfer (DET) reaction between GOD and electrode without any nano‐material. On basis of such DET, a novel glucose biosensor was fabricated for direct bioelectrochemical sensing without any electron‐mediator. GOD incorporated in chitosan films gave a pair of stable, well‐defined, and quasireversible cyclic voltammetric peaks at about −0.284 (Epa) and −0.338 V (Epc) vs. Ag/AgCl electrode in phosphate buffers. And the peak is located at the potentials characteristic of FAD redox couples of the proteins. The electrochemical parameters, such as midpoint potential (E1/2) and apparent heterogeneous electron‐transfer rate constants (ks) were estimated to −0.311 V and 1.79 s−1 by voltammetry, respectively. Experimental results indicate that the encapsulated GOD retains its catalytic activity for the oxidation of glucose. Such a GOD encapsulated chitosan based biosensor revealed a relatively rapid response time of less than 2 min, and a sufficient linear detection range for glucose concentration, from 0.60 to 2.80 mmol L−1 with a detection limit of 0.10 mmol L−1 and electrode sensitivity of 0.233 μA mmol−1. The relative standard deviation (RSD) is under 3.2% (n=7) for the determination of practical serum samples. The biologic compounds probably existed in the sample, such as ascorbic acid, uric acid, dopamine, and epinephrine, do not affect the determination of glucose. The proposed method is satisfactory to the determination of human serum samples compared with the routine hexokinase method. Both the unique electrical property and biocompatibility of chitosan enable the construction of a good bio‐sensing platform for achieved DET of GOD and developed the third‐generation glucose biosensors.