bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TOWARDS A SYSTEM OF PERFORMANCE MEASURES FOR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES: NIKEM RESEARCH CASE STUDY
Authors: FRATTINI FEDERICO , LAZZAROTTI VALENTINA , MANZINI RAFFAELLA 
Published: November 2006

Although theoretical approaches to research and development (R&D) performance measurement are widespread, empirical investigations into the application of these theories are far less diffused. Therefore, we started a research project aimed at studying the R&D performance measurement practices adopted by Italian technology-intensive firms. This paper discusses the earliest empirical results of the project; it deeply investigates the experience of an Italian contract research organisation in designing a system of performance measures for its research activities. The studied case is interesting for the following reasons: (i) it witnesses the increased interest by technology-intensive companies towards R&D performance measurement; (ii) it enlightens the lack of consolidated practices capable of guiding the design of an appropriate performance measurement system; (iii) it elaborates a practical framework that can help fill this gap. In fact, a systematic approach for linking different contextual variables (i.e. the company's strategy, the type of R&D activity undertaken, the purpose of the measurement and the R&D unit's organisational structure) to the critical design choices (i.e. the choice of the performance indicators and the structure of the system) is suggested.
Discovering the mechanism of capacitative calcium entry
Authors: Rosado Juan A. 
Published: November 2006

This essay examines the historical significance of an APS classic paper that is freely available online: Kwan CY, Takemura H, Obie JF, Thastrup O, and Putney JW Jr. Effects of MeCh, thapsigargin, and La3+ on plasmalemmal and intracellular Ca2+ transport in lacrimal acinar cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 258: C1006–C1015, 1990. ( http://ajpcell.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/258/6/C1006 )
Developing a Church-Based Diabetes Prevention Program With African Americans
Authors: Boltri John Mark , Davis-Smith Y. Monique , Zayas Luis E. , Shellenberger Sylvia , Seale J. Paul , Blalock Travis W. , Mbadinuju Ada 
Published: November 2006

Purpose The purpose of this study was to use a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to identify resources and barriers to implementing a church-based diabetes prevention program (DPP) in a rural African American church community in Georgia. Methods In collaboration with community leaders, researchers conducted 4 focus groups with 22 key informants to discuss their understanding of diabetes and identify key resources and barriers to implementing a DPP in the church. Three researchers analyzed and coded transcripts following a content-driven immersion-crystallization approach. Results The participants’ comments on diabetes and prevention covered 5 research domains: illness perceptions, illness concerns, illness prevention, religion and coping, and program recommendations. Program success was deemed contingent on cultural sensitivities, a focus on high-risk persons, use of church resources, and addressing barriers. Barriers identified included individuals’lack of knowledge of risk and prevention programs, lack of interest, and attendance concerns. Solutions and resources for overcoming barriers were testimonials from persons with illness, using local media to advertise the program, involving the food committee of the church, ministering to the healthy and at risk, and acquiring a support buddy. Conclusions A CBPR approach engaged church members as partners in developing a church-based DPP. Focus groups generated enthusiasm among church members and provided valuable insights regarding barriers and resources for program implementation. This methodology may prove useful in other church-based chronic disease prevention efforts with at-risk populations.
Ultrastructural Collagen Fibril Alterations in the Patellar Tendon 6 Years after Harvesting Its Central Third
Authors: Svensson Michael , Movin Tomas , Rostgård-Christensen Lars , Blomén Eva , Hultenby Kjell , Kartus Jüri 
Published: November 2006

Background Clinically, donor site problems are common, even in the long term after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using patellar tendon autograft. However, there is a lack of knowledge in terms of the mid and long-term ultrastructural appearance of the previously harvested tendon in humans. Hypothesis The patellar tendon does not regain normal ultrastructure 6 years after harvesting its central third and leaving the defect open. Study Design Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Thirteen patients were included in the study. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the central and lateral thirds of the patellar tendon under ultrasound guidance 71 months (range, 68-73 months) after the reconstruction. Ten biopsy specimens from other subjects with asymptomatic patellar tendons served as controls. The sections were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. Longitudinal sections were used for morphological evaluation, and the fibril diameter was measured on the transverse sections and grouped into 5 diameter classes. Results All control specimens were found to have a compact extracellular matrix with regularly oriented collagen fibrils. Specimens from the lateral part of the harvested tendons displayed a more heterogeneous extracellular matrix. In 3 specimens, the extracellular matrix was different from that of the control specimens. Specimens from the central part of the harvested tendons displayed an even more heterogeneous extracellular matrix, with 8 specimens judged as heterogeneous. The fibril diameter in control specimens displayed the most heterogeneous pattern, and all 5 fibril classes were present. All fibril classes were found in the lateral biopsy specimens from the previously harvested tendons, but the 2 smallest fibril classes (0-30 and 31-60 nm) were significantly more dominant compared with control specimens (P < .0001). In the central specimens from the previously harvested tendons, only the 3 smallest size classes were found (P < .0001 vs controls). Conclusion Six years after harvesting its central third and leaving the defect open, the patellar tendon revealed a “more heterogeneous matrix” with changes in ultrastructural morphology and relative fibril diameter distribution compared with normal control tendon.
Comparison of Surgically Repaired Achilles Tendon Tears Using Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrices
Authors: Sánchez Mikel , Anitua Eduardo , Azofra Juan , Andía Isabel , Padilla Sabino , Mujika Iñigo 
Published: November 2006

Background Platelet-rich fibrin matrices release a natural mixture of growth factors that play central roles in the complex processes of tendon healing. Hypothesis Application of autologous platelet-rich matrices during Achilles tendon surgery may promote healing and functional recovery. Study Design Case-control study and descriptive laboratory study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Twelve athletes underwent open suture repair after complete Achilles tendon tear. Open suture repair in conjunction with a preparation rich in growth factors (PRGF) was performed in 6 athletes and retrospectively compared with a matched group that followed conventional surgical procedure. The outcomes were evaluated on the basis of range of motion, functional recovery, and complications. Achilles tendons were examined by ultrasound at 50 ± 11 months in retrospective controls and 32 ± 10 months in the PRGF group. In the laboratory portion of the study, PRGF treatment was characterized by the number of platelets and concentration of insulin (IGF-I), transformed (TGF-β1), platelet-derived (PDGF-AB), vascular endothelial (VEGF), hepatocyte (HGF), and epidermal (EGF) growth factors in patients affected by musculoskeletal traumatic injuries. Results Athletes receiving PRGF recovered their range of motion earlier (7 ± 2 weeks vs 11 ± 3 weeks, P = .025), showed no wound complication, and took less time to take up gentle running (11 ± 1 weeks vs 18 ± 3 weeks, P = .042) and to resume training activities (14 ± 0.8 weeks vs 21 ± 3 weeks, P = .004). The cross-sectional area of the PRGF-treated tendons increased less (t = 3.44, P = .009). TGF-β1 (74.99 ± 32.84 ng/mL), PDGF-AB (35.62 ± 14.57 ng/mL), VEGF (383.9 ± 374.9 pg/mL), EGF (481.5 ± 187.5 pg/mL), and HGF (593.87 ± 155.76 pg/mL) significantly correlated with the number of platelets (677 ± 217 platelets/μL, P < .05). Conclusion The operative management of tendons combined with the application of autologous PRGF may present new possibilities for enhanced healing and functional recovery. This needs to be evaluated in a randomized clinical trial.
Luminescence in coal and its relation to clay minerals
Authors: Hessley R. K. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractRoom-temperature dehydration of aqueous coal slurries, coal extraction residue, or coal ash results in spontaneous luminescence. The phenomenon is characterized by a monotonic decay in photon activity which precedes a sharp rise in photon release. A maximum is reached within several minutes but subsequent decay is slower and photon emission continues for an extended period of time. The magnitude of photon activity is severely limited by the thickness of the strongly absorbing coal slurry. Prior removal of mineral matter from the coal appears to curtail the dehydration-induced phenomena, suggesting that clays or clay-organic interactions are responsible. Data also suggest that air is required as a medium for discharging the excited species.
Laboratory processing trials on kaolin-bearing sandstones from Pugu, Tanzania, using conventional and new hydrocyclone bodies
Authors: Bloodworth A. J. , Morgan D. J. , Briggs D. A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractKaolins have been separated from sandstones from the Pugu Hills deposit, Tanzania, using a 15 mm glass hydrocyclone and a laboratory-scale multiple unit consisting of six 10 mm cyclones. Two types of sandstone were treated—containing a disordered kaolin (Pugu D) and a well-ordered variety (Pugu K)—to see whether products could be obtained that met particle-size specifications for paper manufacture. Pugu D gave a product that would meet specifications for both paper-filling and -coating applications with minimal processing, although the extremely fine-grained nature of this kaolin could lead to high viscosities in suspension. Processing of Pugu K gave products containing up to 97% kaolin and particle-size distributions that would meet specifications for filler and, possibly, coating clay. However, it was impossible to eliminate 3% or so of fine-grained quartz from these products and this could militate against use in paper manufacture.
Beyond the Kubler Index
Authors: Eberl D. D. , Velde B. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe value of peak width at half-height for the illite 001 XRD reflection is known as the Kubler index or the illite ‘crystallinity’ index. This measurement, which has been related to the degree of metamorphism of very low-grade, pelitic rocks, is a function of at least two crystal-chemical factors: (1) illite X-ray scattering domain size; and (2) illite structural distortions (especially swelling). Reynolds' NEWMOD computer program is used to construct a grid with which these two contributions to illite peak width can be determined independently from measurements of the 001 peak width at half-height and the Środoń intensity ratio. This method yields more information about changes undergone by illite during metamorphism than application of the Kubler index method alone.
Recognition of intermediates in the possible transformation of halloysite to kaolinite in weathering profiles
Authors: Churchman G. J. , Gilkes R. J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe kaolin minerals in lateritic weathering profiles on dolerite and granite in Western Australia have been characterized by intercalation tests for halloysites, and also by their particle morphologies. Towards the surface of the profiles there is a decrease in both total kaolin mineral content, and in the expandibility of those minerals to intercalation. Tubular kaolinite that is non-expandible by any of the intercalation tests for halloysite was identified in the upper few metres of both profiles. Hydrated halloysite is most common at the base of both profiles. Formamide expands some anhydrous kaolin minerals while the sequence of hydrazine/water/glycerol (HWG) expands more of these minerals. Non-tubular (subhedral to sub-hexagonal platy) kaolinite is also present. Hydrated tubular halloysite apparently alters to tubular kaolinite via dehydrated halloysite that is expandible by formamide and a tubular ‘kaolin’ that is expandible by HWG but not by formamide.
XRD, IR and ESR study of experimental alteration of Al-nontronite into mixed-layer kaolinite/smectite
Authors: Delvaux B. , Mestdagh M. M. , Vielvoye L. , Herbillon A. J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe formation of kaolinite from Al hydroxy interlayered Garfield nontronite has been carried out at 225°C in hydrothermal conditions. The kaolinitization process, which proceeds through mixed-layer kaolinite/smectite intermediates, was followed by XRD, IR and ESR spectroscopy, chemical analysis and charge properties. The smectite content of the clay products decreases regularly with the duration of the hydrothermal treatment. The CEC and the structural Fe content of the deferrated products show a similar trend. IR features specific to nontronite disappear and are barely detectable as the smectite content of the mixed-layer clay falls below 30%. In contrast, the ESR spectrum of nontronite is characterized by a broad g2 signal that remains even after prolonged hydrothermal treatment. The calibration of the g2 ESR signal, due to Fe-smectite, shows that the synthetic kaolinites have low Fe contents (∼ 1% Fe2O3) indicating that the kaolinitization process involves destruction of the 2:1 layers and the subsequent neoformation of kaolinite and Fe oxides. As illustrated by the study of deferrated soil clay samples, representing a weathering sequence Fe-smectite → kaolinite + Fe oxides, ESR spectroscopy proved to be a powerful Fe probe for detecting Fe-rich smectite in kaolinite/Fe-smectite mixed-layer clays.
Competitive adsorption of methylene blue and crystal violet to montmorillonite
Authors: Rytwo G. , Nir S. , Margulies L. 
Published: November 2006

Methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) have been found to be adsorbed in amounts greater than the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of clays (Hang & Brindley, 1970; Ghosal & Mukherjee, 1972; Venugopal & Nair, 1974).In previous work (Rytwoet al., 1991), it was shown that CV adsorbs to montmorillonite up to 1·4 mmole dye/g clay. The amount of dye added in those experiments was up to 1·6 mM/g clay. Yet, when the added amount of CV and MB was 3·5 mM/g (Rytwoet al., unpublished), almost 1·6 (200% of the CEC) and 1·2 mM/g clay, respectively, were adsorbed. Margulieset al. (1988), who studied the adsorption of thioflavin T and MB to montmorillonite, showed that these dyes adsorb up to 1·4 and 1·2 mM dye/g clay, which corresponds to 175% and 150% of the CEC, respectively.
Compositional Variations in Smectites: Part I. Alteration of Intermediate Volcanic Rocks. A Case Study from Milos Island, Greece
Authors: Christidis G. , Dunham A. C. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe chemistry of smectites from some bentonite deposits derived from intermediate rocks has been examined by electron microprobe methods. A large variation in chemical composition within very short distances, principally controlled by a well-defined negative relationship between Si and A1, and between A1VI and Fe 3+ and A1VI and Mg has been observed. On the other hand, Mg does not vary systematically with either Si or Fe3+. In several bentonites beidellite coexists with montmorillonite and there is a compositional transition between the two smectite minerals, implying the existence of a possible solid-solution series. This transition occurs only when Cheto-type montmorillonites are present, being absent for Wyoming-type montmorillonites. No compositional transition between Wyoming-and Cheto-type montmorillonite was observed. It is believed that the compositional variations reflect initial chemical gradients originated during the devitrification of the volcanic glass, due to the migration of chemical components.
Sulphate Expansion of Lime-Stabilized Kaolinite: I. Physical Characteristics
Authors: Abdi M. R. , Wild S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe effect of gypsum additions on the physical performance of lime-stabilized kaolinite has been determined. Kaolinite containing different amounts of lime (i.e. 6 and 14 wt%) and gypsum (i.e. 2,4,6 and 8 wt%) was compacted into cylinders and moist cured at 30°C and 100% r.h. for periods from 2 days up to 20 weeks. Unconfined compressive strength, expansion during curing and subsequent soaking, and water absorption and swelling pressure were determined. The addition of lime and subsequent moist curing was found to reduce substantially the water absorption, linear expansion and swelling pressure of the kaolinite. Although small amounts of gypsum further reduced these parameters, higher gypsum levels (up to 8 wt%) produced substantial water absorption, extreme expansion and high swelling pressures. This excessive volume instability when in contact with water was found, for a particular lime content, to be very sensitive to both the initial moist curing time and the gypsum content. The results indicate that the overriding expansion mechanism operating is imbibition of water or transfer of water by osmosis. The question of what drives this process is the subject of Part II of this paper.
Flt3 Y591 duplication and Bcl-2 overexpression are detected in acute myeloid leukemia cells with high levels of phosphorylated wild-type p53
Authors: Irish Jonathan M. , Ånensen Nina , Hovland Randi , Skavland Jørn , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Bruserud Øystein , Nolan Garry P. , Gjertsen Bjørn T. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Loss or mutation of the TP53 tumor suppressor gene is not commonly observed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), suggesting that there is an alternate route for cell transformation. We investigated the hypothesis that previously observed Bcl-2 family member overexpression suppresses wild-type p53 activity in AML. We demonstrate that wild-type p53 protein is expressed in primary leukemic blasts from patients with de novo AML using 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and phospho-specific flow cytometry. We found that p53 was heterogeneously expressed and phosphorylated in AML patient samples and could accumulate following DNA damage. Overexpression of antiapoptosis protein Bcl-2 in AML cells was directly correlated with p53 expression and phosphorylation on serine residues 15, 46, and 392. Within those patients with the highest levels of Bcl-2 expression, we identified a mutation in FLT3 that duplicated phosphorylation site Y591. The presence of this mutation correlated with greater than normal Bcl-2 expression and with previously observed profiles of potentiated STAT and MAPK signaling. These results support the hypothesis that Flt3-mediated signaling in AML enables accumulation of Bcl-2 and maintains a downstream block to p53 pathway apoptosis. Bcl-2 inhibition might therefore improve the efficacy of existing AML therapies by inactivating this suppression of wild-type p53 activity.
Studies on the CPA cysteine peptidase in the Leishmania infantum genome strain JPCM5
Authors: Denise Hubert , Poot Jacqueline , Jiménez Maribel , Ambit Audrey , Herrmann Daland C , Vermeulen Arno N , Coombs Graham H , Mottram Jeremy C 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackgroundVisceral leishmaniasis caused by members of theLeishmania donovanicomplex is often fatal in the absence of treatment. Research has been hampered by the lack of good laboratory models and tools for genetic manipulation. In this study, we have characterised aL. infantumline (JPCM5) that was isolated from a naturally infected dog and then cloned. We found that JPCM5 has attributes that make it an excellent laboratory model; different stages of the parasite life cycle can be studiedin vitro, it is accessible to genetic manipulation and it has retained its virulence. Furthermore, theL. infantumJPCM5 genome has now been fully sequenced.ResultsWe have further focused our studies onLiCPA, theL. infantumhomologue toL. mexicanacysteine peptidase CPA. LiCPA was found to share a high percentage of amino acid identity with CPA proteins of otherLeishmaniaspecies. Two independentLiCPA-deficient promastigote clones (ΔLicpa) were generated and their phenotype characterised. In contrast toL. mexicana CPA-deficient mutants, both clones of ΔLicpawere found to have significantly reduced virulencein vitroandin vivo. Re-expression of just oneLiCPAallele (giving ΔLicpa::CPA) was sufficient to complement the reduced infectivity of both ΔLicpamutants for human macrophages, which confirms the importance of LiCPA forL. infantumvirulence. In contrast,in vivoexperiments did not show any virulence recovery of the re-expressor clone ΔLicpaC1::CPA compared with the CPA-deficient mutant ΔLicpaC1.ConclusionThe data suggest that CPA is not essential for replication ofL. infantumpromastigotes, but is important for the host-parasite interaction. Further studies will be necessary to elucidate the precise roles that LiCPA plays and why the re-expression of LiCPA in the ΔLicpamutants complemented the gene deletion phenotype only inin vitroand not inin vivoinfection of hamsters.
Uniform distribution of three Candida albicans microsatellite markers in two French ICU populations supports a lack of nosocomial cross-contamination
Authors: Eloy Odile , Marque Stéphanie , Botterel Françoise , Stephan François , Costa Jean-Marc , Lasserre Virginie , Bretagne Stéphane 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
The nosocomial acquisition of Candida albicans is a growing concern in intensive care units (ICUs) and understanding the route of contamination is relevant for infection control guidelines.

Methods
To analyze whether there is a specific ecology for any given hospital, we genotyped C. albicans isolates of the ICU of Versailles hospital (Hospital A) and compared the results with those previously obtained in another ICU in Henri Mondor hospital (Hospital B) using three polymorphic microsatellite markers (PMM).

Results
Among 36 patients with at least one positive culture for C. albicans, 26 had a specific multilocus genotype, two shared a common multilocus genotype, and 8 had the most common multilocus genotype found in the general population. The time interval between periods of hospitalization between patients with common genotypes differed by 13 to 78 days, thus supporting a lack of direct contamination. To confirm this hypothesis, the multilocus genotypic distributions of the three PMM were compared between the two hospitals. No statistically significant difference was observed. Multiple correspondences analysis did not indicate the association of a multilocus genotypic distribution with any given hospital.

Conclusion
The present epidemiological study supports the conclusions that each patient harbours his/her own isolate, and that nosocomial transmission is not common in any given ICU. This study also supports the usefulness and practicability of PMM for studying the epidemiology of C. albicans.