bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seventeen‐Year Clinical Study of Ultraviolet‐Cured Posterior Composite Class I and II Restorations
Authors: WILDER ALDRIDGE D. , MAY KENNETH N. , BAYNE STEPHEN C. , TAYLOR DUANE F. , LEINFELDER KARL F.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Objectives: To compare the clinical performance of four commercial ultraviolet light‐cured composite materials, and to evaluate curing‐system effects on long‐term wear resistance of Class I and II restorations.

Materials and Methods: Approximately 32 samples of each of four different ultraviolet light‐cured composites (n = 130) were inserted into conventional Class I and I1 cavity preparations by two clinicians. Cavosurface margins of the preparations were not beveled. Enamel walls of the preparation were etched, and the respective bonding agent was applied. Each restoration was evaluated by two clinicians at 5, 10, and 17 years. Direct evaluations were performed using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Indirect evaluations were performed using the Leinfelder cast evaluation method.

Results: After 17 years, 65% of the restorations were recalled and pooled direct evaluations were conducted for color matching (94% alfa), marginal discoloration (100% alfa), marginal integrity (100% alfa), secondary caries (92% alfa), surface texture (72% alfa), and anatomic form (22% alfa). Mean occlusal wear from indirect evaluations at 5, 10, and 17 years was 197 ± 85 pm, 235 ± 72 μm, and 264 ± 80 μm, respectively. For direct and indirect evaluations there were significant differences (p±.05) between the baseline and 5‐year recall evaluations.
Effect of Two Abrasive Systems on Resin Bonding to Laboratory‐Processed Indirect Resin Composite Restorations
Authors: BOUSCHLICHER MURRAY R. , COBB DEBORAH S. , VARGAS MARCOS A.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Purpose: This study compared two methods of surface roughening or preparation, with or without the use of proprietary surface wetting agents, to evaluate their effect on resin cement adhesion to the following laboratory‐processed, indirect restorations: Artglass (AG), belleGlass HP (BG), Concept (C), and Targis (T). Methods of surface roughening or preparation included microetching with aluminum oxide (AC): 50 μm at 34 psi and silanized silica coating, CoJet‐Sand (CJ): 30 μm at 34 psi. Artglass and Concept were tested with and without the use of their respective surface wetting agents: Artglass Liquid (AGL) and Special Bond II (SB).

Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty specimens, each consisting of a pair of cylinders (7.0 × 3 mm and 4.3 × 3 mm) were fabricated. The larger cylinder or base was embedded in self‐curing resin in a phenolic ring, and bonding surfaces were finished with 320‐grit silicon carbide paper. Specimen pairs for each restorative material were randomly assigned to treatment groups (n = 10) and received the following surface treatments prior to cementation group 1 (AG/AO/+AGL), group 2 (AG/AO/‐AGL), POUP 3 (AG/CJ/+AGL), group 4 (AG/CJ/‐AGL), group 5 (BG/AO), group 6 (BG/CJ), group 7 (C/AO/+SB), group 8 (C/AO/‐SB), group 9 (C/CJ/+SB), group 10 (C/CJ/‐SB), group 11 (T/AO), and group 12 (T/CJ). Specimen pairs were cemented with a dual‐cure resin cement (Dual) and a standardized force of 1 MPa. Specimens were light‐cured 40 seconds per side (80 s total), then thermocycled 300 times at between 5° and 55°C. Shear bond strengths (MPa) were determined using a Zwick Materials Testing Machine at a crosshead speed of 5 mm per minute.

Results: One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's multiple range test (α= 0.05) by restoration type indicated no significant differences in shear bond strength between BG group 5 (29.8 ± 5.8), BG group 6 (28.3 ± 4.3), T group 11 (29.3 ± 4.9), and T group 12 (29.0 ± 4.4). Shear bond strength in AG group 3 (35.9 ± 3.4) was significantly higher than in AG group 4 (32.4 ± 4.0) and equal to that in AG group 2 (31.9 ± 3.9) and AG group 1 (30.0 ± 3.6). Shear bond strength in C group 10 (24.8 ± 5.7) was equal to that in C group 9 (21.5 ± 2.9), but was higher than in C groups 7 (19.4 ± 3.1) and 8 (19.3 ± 3.4).
Follow‐up Evaluation of a Series of Dentin‐Bonded Ceramic Restorations
Authors: BURKE F.J. TREVOR , QUALTROUGH ALISON J.E.
Published: July 2007

Purpose: The results of a retrospective evaluation of 60 dentin‐bonded full‐coverage restorations with an average time in service of 2.4 years previously have been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the crowns after a further 2 years in service.

Materials and Methods: The 23 patients in the initial study whose restorations were found to be intact in June 1996 were contacted by mail and invited to present for review in October 1998. The restorations of 20 respondents were assessed by two examiners using modified United States Public Health Service criteria.

Results: The patients had received a total of 53 restorations (mean age of restorations, 4.4 years; range, 5.5–3 yr). At the time of examination, 48 restorations were found to be intact. No secondary caries was detected in these restorations, and optimal scores for gingival health, anatomic form, and marginal discoloration were recorded for 39, 47, and 33 crowns, respectively. Color match was assessed as being very good in 43 of the 48 restorations assessed. The reasons for replacement of the failed restorations were gingival recession (n = 1), restoration fracture (n = 1), core fracture (n = 1), and unknown (n = 2). Each patient's perception of his or her restorations was recorded by means of a questionnaire, with the responses indicating that all but two patients were satisfied. Only one patient had experienced any discomfort.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The dentin‐bonded full‐coverage restorations assessed in this study had provided satisfactory service and a high level of patient satisfaction over the period of the evaluation.
Critical Appraisal
Authors: Swift Edward J. , Pereira Patricia N.R.
Published: July 2007

Bonding of resin to dentin involves three basic steps: etching, priming, and bonding. Many of the simplified systems currently on the market have combined priming and bonding steps, forming the so‐called one‐bottle adhesives. Another approach to simplification is combining the etching and priming steps to formulate self‐etching primers. The development of self‐etching primers has taken place mainly in Japan. This review analyzes several recent publications on this interesting aspect of resin bonding to enamel and dentin.
Properties of Packable Dental Composites
Authors: CHOI KYOUNG KYU , FERRACANE JACK L. , HILTON THOMAS J. , CHARLTON DAVID
Published: July 2007

The introduction of many new packable composites suggests that these products are rapidly gaining popularity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro properties of a variety of packable composites and to determine if significant enhancements in physical and mechanical properties have been achieved for these materials compared with two popular nonpackable posterior composites. For the five packable and two regular composites tested (ALERT, Pyramid‐Dentin, Pyramid‐Enamel, Solitaire, SureFil, Heliomolar, and Z100), the values for fracture toughness, flexure strength, flexure modulus, hardness, and volumetric polymerization shrinkage were determined. In general, although the packable composites were of heavier consistency, they had mechanical properties that were intermediate to (ALERT, Pyramid, and SureFil) or lower than (Solitaire) those of the nonpackable materials. These results could have been predicted based on the similar meth‐acrylate resin chemistry and filler volumes of the various composites. No composite had adequate depth‐of‐cure when tested in increments greater than 2 mm thick. Polymerization contraction of the packable composites was similar to or higher than that of the nonpackable composites. In addition, the radiopacity of at least one material, Solitaire, was not considered to be adequate (less than 2 mm of aluminum). The results of this study suggest that these packable composites are unlikely to offer improved clinical performance over well‐placed nonpackable composites.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Packable composites have physical and mechanical properties that are similar to those of nonpackable posterior composites and are, therefore, expected to provide equivalent clinical performance.
Where Next in Victorian Literary Studies? – Historicism and Hospitality
Authors: Bowen John
Published: July 2007

This paper forms part of a Literature Compass cluster of articles which examines the current state of Victorian Literary Studies and future directions. This group of four essays was originally commissioned by Francis O’Gorman (University of Leeds), who also provides an introduction to the cluster.

The full cluster is made up of the following articles:

‘Where Next in Victorian Literary Studies? – Introduction’, Francis O’Gorman, Literature Compass 4 (2007), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2007.00467.x.

‘Where Next in Victorian Literary Studies? – Revising the Canon, Extending Cultural Boundaries, and the Challenge of Interdisciplinarity’, Joanne Shattock, Literature Compass 4 (2007), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2007.00468.x.

‘Where Next in Victorian Literary Studies? –“Interesting Times” and the Lesson of “A Corner in Lightning”’, David Amigoni, Literature Compass 4 (2007), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2007.00469.x.

‘Where Next in Victorian Literary Studies? – Historicism, Collaboration and Digital Editing’, Valerie Sanders, Literature Compass 4 (2007), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2007.00470.x.

‘Where Next in Victorian Literary Studies? – Historicism and Hospitality’, John Bowen, Literature Compass 4 (2007), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2007.00471.x.

***

The field of Victorian Studies has been dominated by a historicist approach and methodology. Much of the most influential work in Victorian Studies could be summarised under the heading ‘historical research in culture’. Yet there are serious conceptual difficulties with such an historicist approach, in particular those identified in Martin Heidegger's seminal essay ‘The Age of the World Picture’ and by the exemplary work of Jacques Derrida, particularly his writings on the question of hospitality. In this article, I explore the hospitality of Victorian studies, both within nineteenth‐century texts and the hospitality of the field itself, to question the limits of the Victorian historicism to which we are accustomed. I argue that the lack of attention to European literary and philosophical work – my examples include the fiction of Gustave Flaubert, as well as the work of Heidegger and Derrida – mark particularly problematic limits to the hospitality of Victorian studies in its dominant historicist conceptions.
Byron and Mesolongi
Authors: Minta Stephen
Published: July 2007

This article is a new examination of Byron's relationship with Mesolongi. The town is conventionally represented as the theatre of Byron's failure – whether heroic, foolish, tragic or otherwise – and his death there as the unintended consequence of a largely ill‐considered commitment. In the context of Greek archival material, however, Byron's time in Mesolongi can be read very differently. For westernising Greeks, such as the political and military leader Alexandros Mavrokordatos, Byron had a role to play in Greek affairs that was both symbolic and pragmatic. He would be a symbol of an important change in British foreign policy towards Greek independence, a development associated with the advent of Canning as Foreign Secretary; and he was to have the primary responsibility for the disbursement of a loan which Greece was raising on the London market, a loan which would reunite the Greek insurgents after a period of civil war. Byron clearly understood the nature of this dual role and was fully prepared to take it on. Only the accident of his death prevented the full realisation of its possibilities. I use here a number of important Greek archives: those of Mavrokordatos, the Koundouriotis brothers, the Metropolitan Ignatios, as well as material from the papers of the London Greek Committee which are held in the National Library of Greece. I seek to show that Byron's time in Mesolongi can be read constructively, whatever local and temporary difficulties may cloud the picture, and that he pursued a vision of Greek Independence that was both coherent and pragmatic.
Nurse‐led flexible cystoscopy: the UK experience informs a New Zealand nurse specialist’s training
Authors: Osborne Sue
Published: July 2007

Flexible cystoscopy utilizes a fibre‐optic scope with a light source to examine the internal surfaces of the bladder and urethra. The procedure is undertaken to investigate and diagnose the cause of lower urinary tract symptoms. It is also used extensively to detect the recurrence of bladder tumours in people diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and kidney. In the UK, the advent of flexible cystoscopy clinics undertaken by appropriately trained and supervised nurses has been one way of improving provision of a flexible cystoscopy service. Information from published literature informed the decision to establish a nurse‐led flexible cystoscopy clinic at one large District Health Board in New Zealand. This article reviews the current body of knowledge on nurse‐led flexible cystoscopy, focusing on the education and training required to prepare nurses for independent cystoscopy practice. Literature findings are discussed, along with the observations of a urology nurse specialist undertaking flexible cystoscopy training in New Zealand and anecdotal evidence from visits with nurse cystoscopists in England during 2006. Carefully designed research studies published in literature have a key role to play in augmenting the body of evidence around this relatively new area of nursing practice, and as such should be strongly encouraged in both countries. It is recommended that nurse cystoscopy training and competencies are standardized and adopted internationally in order to increase the transferability of findings from research on the clinical outcomes of nurses performing nurse‐led flexible cystoscopy.
Incomplete bladder emptying in frail older adults: a clinical conundrum
Authors: Ostaszkiewicz Joan
Published: July 2007

This paper reviews the evidence on incomplete bladder emptying in frail older adults. It argues the case for interpreting the clinical significance of postvoid residual urine in this group of individuals with caution and in context to avoid either under‐ or overtreatment.
Relation Between Microscopic and Macroscopic Mechanical Properties in Random Mixtures of Elastic Media
Authors: Giordano Stefano
Published: July 2007

A material composed of a mixture of distinct homogeneous media can be considered as a homogeneous one at a sufficiently large observation scale. In this work, the problem of the elastic mixture characterization is solved in the case of linear random mixtures, that is, materials for which the various components are isotropic, linear, and mixed together as an ensemble of particles having completely random shapes and positions. The proposed solution of this problem has been obtained in terms of the elastic properties of each constituent and of the stoichiometric coefficients. In other words, we have explicitly given the features of the micro-macro transition for a random mixture of elastic material. This result, in a large number of limiting cases, reduces to various analytical expressions that appear in earlier literature. Moreover, some comparisons with the similar problem concerning the electric characterization of random mixtures have been drawn. The specific analysis of porous random materials has been performed and largely discussed. Such an analysis leads to the evaluation of the percolation threshold, to the determination of the convergence properties of Poisson’s ratio, and to good agreements with experimental data.
Hole-Drilling Residual Stress Profiling With Automated Smoothing
Authors: Schajer Gary S.
Published: July 2007

An effective procedure is presented that allows stable hole-drilling residual stress calculations using strain data from measurements taken at many small increments of hole depth. This use of many strain measurements is desirable because it improves the data content of the calculation, and the statistical reliability of the residual stress results. The use of Tikhonov regularization to reduce the noise sensitivity that is characteristic of a fine-increment calculation is described. This mathematical procedure is combined with the Morozov criterion to identify the optimal amount of regularization that balances the competing tendencies of noise reduction and stress solution distortion. A simple method is described to estimate the standard error in the strain measurements so that the optimal regularization can be chosen automatically. The possible use of a priori information about the trend of the expected solution is also discussed as a further means of improving the stress solution. The application of the described method is demonstrated with some experimental measurements, and realistic results are obtained.
On the Micromechanics-Based Simulation of Metal Matrix Composite Response
Authors: Pindera Marek-Jerzy , Bansal Yogesh
Published: July 2007

The response of metal matrix composites is affected by factors such as inclusion distribution and shape, inclusion/matrix interfacial bond, residual stresses, and fabrication-altered in situ matrix properties. These effects are studied using a finite-volume micromechanics model whose extensive modeling capabilities are sufficient to account for these diverse factors. A consistent micromechanics-aided methodology is developed for extracting the unknown in situ matrix plastic parameters using a minimum amount of experimental data. Subsequent correlation of the micromechanics-based predictions with carefully generated data on off-axis response of unidirectional boron/aluminum composite specimens under tensile and compressive axial loading validates the model’s predictive capability and quantifies the importance of each factor.
Serotypes, Clones, and Mechanisms of Resistance of Erythromycin-Resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Isolates Collected in Spain
Authors: Calatayud Laura , Ardanuy C. , Cercenado E. , Fenoll A. , Bouza E. , Pallares R. , Martín R. , Liñares J.
Published: July 2007

The aim of this study was to analyze the distributions of antibiotic susceptibility patterns, serotypes, phenotypes, genotypes, and macrolide resistance genes among 125 nonduplicated erythromycin-resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
clinical isolates collected in a Spanish point prevalence study. The prevalence of resistance to macrolides in this study was 34.7%. Multiresistance (to three or more antimicrobials) was observed in 81.6% of these strains. Among 15 antimicrobials studied, cefotaxime, moxifloxacin, telithromycin, and quinupristin-dalfopristin were the most active drugs. The most frequent serotypes of erythromycin-resistant isolates were 19F (25%), 19A (17%), 6B (12%), 14 (10%), and 23F (10%). Of the 125 strains, 109 (87.2%) showed the MLS
B
phenotype [103 had the
erm
(B) gene and 6 had both
erm
(B) and
mef
(E) genes]. Sixteen (12.8%) strains showed the M phenotype [14 with
mef
(E) and 2 with
mef
(A)]. All isolates were tested by PCR for the presence of the
int, xis, tnpR
, and
tnpA
genes associated with conjugative transposons (Tn
916
family and Tn
917
). Positive detection of
erm
(B),
tet
(M),
int
, and
xis
genes related to the Tn
916
family was found in 77.1% of MLS
B
phenotype strains. In 16 strains, only the
tndX, erm
(B), and
tet
(M) genes were detected, suggesting the presence of Tn
1116
, a transposon recently described for
Streptococcus pyogenes
. Five clones, namely, Sweden
15A
-25, clone
19F
ST87, Spain
23F
-1, Spain
6B
-2, and clone
19A
ST276, accounted for half of the MLS
B
strains. In conclusion, the majority of erythromycin-resistant pneumococci isolated in Spain had the MLS
B
phenotype, belonged to multiresistant international clones, and carried the
erm
(B),
tet
(M),
xis
, and
int
genes, suggesting the spread of transposons of the Tn
916
family.
Concanavalin A Protects Mice from a Lethal Inoculation of IntragastricKlebsiella pneumoniaeand Reduces the Induced Liver Damage
Authors: Kuo Chih-Feng , Wang Ya-Hui , Lei Huan-Yao , Wang Chiou-Huey , Tsao Nina
Published: July 2007

Intragastric inoculation ofKlebsiella pneumoniaecan cause invasive diseases, including necrosis of liver tissues and bacteremia. The effect of concanavalin A (ConA) onK. pneumoniaewas tested. Pretreatment with ConA was able to protect mice fromK. pneumoniaeinfection in an intragastric model.K. pneumoniae-induced mouse death and liver injury such as liver necrosis, as well as blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by ConA. ConA administered intravenously as late as 24 h afterK. pneumoniaeinoculation was still protective. In an in vitro assay, ConA was able to bindK. pneumoniaecells directly and further agglutinate them but had no effect on their in vitro growth. Surveys of bacterial counts of ConA-treated mice revealed that the bacteria were eliminated effectively in both blood and liver tissues. Furthermore, the bactericidal activity of macrophages againstK. pneumoniaewas also enhanced in a dose-dependent manner by ConA in an in vitro culture. These data suggest that ConA is a potentially therapeutic agent forK. pneumoniae-induced liver infection.
An Early Response to Environmental Stress Involves Regulation of OmpX and OmpF, Two Enterobacterial Outer Membrane Pore-Forming Proteins
Authors: Dupont Myrielle , James Chloë E. , Chevalier Jacqueline , Pagès Jean-Marie
Published: July 2007

Bacterial adaptation to external stresses and toxic compounds is a key step in the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains that are a serious threat to human health. Although some of the proteins and regulators involved in antibiotic resistance mechanisms have been described, no information is available to date concerning the early bacterial response to external stresses. Here we report that the expression of
ompX
, encoding an outer membrane protein, is increased during early exposure to drugs or environmental stresses. At the same time, the level of
ompF
porin expression is noticeably affected. Because of the role of these proteins in membrane permeability, these data suggest that OmpF and OmpX are involved in the control of the penetration of antibiotics such as β-lactams and fluoroquinolones through the enterobacterial outer membrane. Consequently, the early control of
ompX
and
ompF
induced by external stresses may represent a preliminary response to antibiotics, thus triggering the initial bacterial line of defense against antibiotherapy.
Bartonella quintanaLipopolysaccharide Is a Natural Antagonist of Toll-Like Receptor 4
Authors: Popa Calin , Abdollahi-Roodsaz Shahla , Joosten Leo A. B. , Takahashi Nozomi , Sprong Tom , Matera Giovanni , Liberto Maria Carla , Foca Alfredo , van Deuren Marcel , Kullberg Bart Jan , van den Berg Wim B. , van der Meer Jos W. M. , Netea Mihai G.
Published: July 2007

Bartonella quintanais a gram-negative microorganism that causes trench fever and chronic bacteremia.B. quintanalipopolysaccharide (LPS) was unable to induce the production of proinflammatory cytokines in human monocytes. Interestingly,B. quintanaLPS is a potent antagonist of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), as it inhibited both mRNA transcription and the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 byEscherichia coliLPS in human monocytes, at ratios ranging from 1,000:1 to 10:1 (B. quintanaLPS toE. coliLPS). Likewise,B. quintanaLPS blocked the interaction ofE. coliLPS with TLR4 in transfected cell lines. The extent of the inhibitory effect ofB. quintanaLPS was demonstrated in microarray studies, which showed downregulation of practically all genes induced by LPS in monocytes. Because of the role of TLR4 in inflammation,B. quintanaLPS may prove useful as a potent anti-TLR4 agent with therapeutic potential in both infections and autoimmune inflammation.
Chemokine Signatures in the Skin Disorders of Lyme Borreliosis in Europe: Predominance of CXCL9 and CXCL10 in Erythema Migrans and Acrodermatitis and CXCL13 in Lymphocytoma
Authors: Müllegger Robert R. , Means Terry K. , Shin Junghee J. , Lee Marshall , Jones Kathryn L. , Glickstein Lisa J. , Luster Andrew D. , Steere Allen C.
Published: July 2007

The three skin disorders of Lyme borreliosis in Europe include erythema migrans, an acute, self-limited lesion; borrelial lymphocytoma, a subacute lesion; and acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans, a chronic lesion. Using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, we determined mRNA expression of selected chemokines, cytokines, and leukocyte markers in skin samples from 100 patients with erythema migrans, borrelial lymphocytoma, or acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans and from 25 control subjects. Chemokine patterns in lesional skin in each of the three skin disorders included low but significant mRNA levels of the neutrophil chemoattractant CXCL1 and the dendritic cell chemoattractant CCL20 and intermediate levels of the macrophage chemoattractant CCL2. Erythema migrans and particularly acrodermatitis lesions had high mRNA expression of the T-cell-active chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 and low levels of the B-cell-active chemokine CXCL13, whereas lymphocytoma lesions had high levels of CXCL13 and lower levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10. This pattern of chemokine expression was consistent with leukocyte marker mRNA in lesional skin. Moreover, using immunohistologic methods, CD3+T cells and CXCL9 were visualized in erythema migrans and acrodermatitis lesions, and CD20+B cells and CXCL13 were seen in lymphocytoma lesions. Thus, erythema migrans and acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans have high levels of the T-cell-active chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10, whereas borrelial lymphocytoma has high levels of the B-cell-active chemokine CXCL13.
Bacillus anthracis
Spores of the
bclA
Mutant Exhibit Increased Adherence to Epithelial Cells, Fibroblasts, and Endothelial Cells but Not to Macrophages
Authors: Bozue Joel , Moody Krishna L. , Cote Christopher K. , Stiles Bradley G. , Friedlander Arthur M. , Welkos Susan L. , Hale Martha L.
Published: July 2007

Bacillus anthracis
is the causative agent of anthrax, and the spore form of the bacterium represents the infectious particle introduced into a host. The spore is surrounded by an exosporium, a loose-fitting membrane composed of proteins and carbohydrates from which hair-like projections extend. These projections are composed mainly of BclA (
Bacillus
-collagen-like protein of
B. anthracis
). To date, exact roles of the exosporium structure and BclA protein remain undetermined. We examined differences in spore binding of wild-type Ames and a
bclA
mutant of
B. anthracis
to bronchial epithelial cells as well as to the following other epithelial cells: A549, CHO, and Caco-2 cells; the IMR-90 fibroblast line; and human umbilical vein vascular endothelium cells. The binding of wild-type Ames spores to bronchial epithelial cells appeared to be a dose-dependent, receptor-ligand-mediated event. There were similar findings for the
bclA
mutant, with an additional nonspecific binding component likely leading to significantly more adherence to all nonprofessional phagocytic cell types. In contrast, we detected no difference in adherence and uptake of spores by macrophages for either the wild-type Ames or the
bclA
mutant strain. These results suggest that one potential role of the BclA fibers may be to inhibit nonspecific interactions between
B. anthracis
spores with nonprofessional phagocytic cells and thus direct the spores towards uptake by macrophages during initiation of infection in mammals.
Antibodies Elicited by the Bovine Lungworm,Dictyocaulus viviparus, Cross-React with Platelet-Activating Factor
Authors: Kooyman Frans N. J. , de Vries Erik , Ploeger Harm W. , van Putten Jos P. M.
Published: July 2007

Parasite N-glycans may play an important role in helminth infections. As antibodies fromDictyocaulus viviparus-infected calves strongly react with N-glycans, we investigated the characteristics of the major immunodominant glycoprotein (GP300) of this parasite. Probing of worm extracts with various lectins demonstrated unique binding of GP300 to wheat germ agglutinin. Analysis of lectin-purified GP300 revealed that the glycan was substituted with phosphorylcholine and reacted with the phosphorylcholine-specific antibody TEPC-15. Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with GP300-coated plates and GP300-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) in conjunction with free phosphorylcholine or TEPC-15 demonstrated that antibodies from infected calves recognized phosphorylcholine on GP300. Additional assays showed that these antibodies cross-reacted with the phosphorylcholine moiety present on platelet-activating factor (PAF; 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), a proinflammatory mediator of the host. Heavily infected calves contained high levels of serum GP300-specific IgG1 but low levels of IgA and IgG2 and showed a reduced influx of eosinophils in the lungs, all consistent with a neutralization of PAF activity. In conclusion, we demonstrated thatD. viviparusinfection elicits GP300-specific antibodies that cross-react with PAF and may neutralize PAF function, thus limiting the development of a protective response as well as parasite-induced host pathology.
Kin Selection and the Evolutionary Theory of Aging
Authors: Bourke Andrew F.G.
Published: July 2007

Researchers are increasingly recognizing that social effects influence the evolution of aging. Kin selection theory provides a framework for analyzing such effects because an individual's longevity and mortality schedule may alter its inclusive fitness via effects on the fitness of relatives. Kin-selected effects on aging have been demonstrated both by models of intergenerational transfers of investment by caregivers and by spatially explicit population models with limited dispersal. They also underlie coevolution between the degree and form of sociality and patterns of aging. In this review I critically examine and synthesize theory and data concerning these processes. I propose a classification, stemming from kin selection theory, of social effects on aging and describe a hypothesis for kin-selected conflict over parental time of death in systems with resource inheritance. I conclude that systematically applying kin selection theory to the analysis of the evolution of aging adds considerably to our general understanding of aging.
Mast Cell Stabilization Reduces Hemorrhage Formation and Mortality After Administration of Thrombolytics in Experimental Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Strbian Daniel , Karjalainen-Lindsberg Marja-Liisa , Kovanen Petri T. , Tatlisumak Turgut , Lindsberg Perttu J.
Published: July 2007

Background—

Thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) improves stroke outcome, but hemorrhagic complications and reperfusion injury occasionally impede favorable prognosis after vessel recanalization. Perivascularly located cerebral mast cells (MCs) release on degranulation potent vasoactive, proteolytic, and fibrinolytic substances. We previously found MCs to increase ischemic and hemorrhagic brain edema and neutrophil accumulation. This study examined the role of MCs in tPA-mediated hemorrhage formation (HF) and reperfusion injury.

Methods and Results—

Exposure to tPA in vitro induced strong MC degranulation. In vivo experiments in a focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model in rats showed 70- to 100-fold increase in HF after postischemic tPA administration (
P
<0.001). Pharmacological MC stabilization with cromoglycate led to significant reduction in tPA-mediated HF at 3 (97%), 6 (76%), and 24 hours (96%) compared with controls (
P
<0.01,
P
<0.001, and
P
<0.01, respectively). Furthermore, genetically modified MC-deficient rats showed similarly robust reduction of tPA-mediated HF at 6 (92%) and 24 (89%) hours compared with wild-type littermates (
P
<0.01 and
P
<0.001, respectively). MC stabilization and MC deficiency also significantly reduced other hallmarks of reperfusion injury, such as brain swelling and neutrophil infiltration. These effects of cromoglycate and MC deficiency translated into significantly better neurological outcome (
P
<0.01 and
P
<0.05, respectively) and lower mortality (
P
<0.05 and
P
<0.05, respectively) after 24 hours.

Conclusions—

MCs appear to play an important role in HF and reperfusion injury after tPA administration. Pharmacological stabilization of MCs could offer a novel type of therapy to improve the safety of administration of thrombolytics.
The Challenge of Diagnosing Atheroembolic Renal Disease
Authors: Scolari Francesco , Ravani Pietro , Gaggi Rossella , Santostefano Marisa , Rollino Cristiana , Stabellini Nevio , Colla Loredana , Viola Battista Fabio , Maiorca Paolo , Venturelli Chiara , Bonardelli Stefano , Faggiano Pompilio , Barrett Brendan J.
Published: July 2007

Background—

Atheroembolic renal disease (AERD) is caused by showers of cholesterol crystals released by eroded atherosclerotic plaques. Embolization may occur spontaneously or after angiographic/surgical procedures. We sought to determine clinical features and prognostic factors of AERD.

Methods and Results—

Incident cases of AERD were enrolled at multiple sites and followed up from diagnosis until dialysis and death. Diagnosis was based on clinical suspicion, confirmed by histology or ophthalmoscopy for all spontaneous forms and for most iatrogenic cases. Cox regression was used to model time to dialysis and death as a function of baseline characteristics, AERD presentation (acute/subacute versus chronic renal function decline), and extrarenal manifestations. Three hundred fifty-four subjects were followed up for an average of 2 years. They tended to be male (83%) and elderly (60% >70 years) and to have cardiovascular diseases (90%) and abnormal renal function at baseline (83%). AERD occurred spontaneously in 23.5% of the cases. During the study, 116 patients required dialysis, and 102 died. Baseline comorbidities, ie, reduced renal function, presence of diabetes, history of heart failure, acute/subacute presentation, and gastrointestinal tract involvement, were significant predictors of event occurrence. The risk of dialysis and death was 50% lower among those receiving statins.

Conclusions—

Clinical features of AERD are identifiable. These make diagnosis possible in most cases. Prognosis is influenced by disease type and severity.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Plays an Obligatory Role in the Late Phase of Ischemic Preconditioning by Activating the Protein Kinase Cε–p44/42 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase–pSer-Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription1/3 Pathway
Authors: Xuan Yu-Ting , Guo Yiru , Zhu Yanqing , Wang Ou-Li , Rokosh Gregg , Bolli Roberto
Published: July 2007

Background—

The role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in ischemic preconditioning (PC) and cardioprotection is poorly understood. We addressed this issue using a genetic, rather than pharmacological, approach.

Methods and Results—

In the nonpreconditioned state,
eNOS
−/−
mice exhibited infarct sizes similar to those of wild-type mice. A sequence of six 4-minute coronary occlusion/4-minute reperfusion cycles (ischemic PC) induced late PC in wild-type mice; genetic deletion of eNOS abrogated the cardioprotection induced by late PC. In wild-type mice, ischemic PC induced membranous translocation of protein kinase C (PKC)ε and an increase in pSer-MEK-1/2 and pTyr-p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear pSer-signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)1 and pSer-STAT3, and nuclear STAT1/3 DNA binding activity, followed by upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 protein and activity 24 hours later. All of these changes were abrogated in
eNOS
−/−
mice. The NO donor diethylenetriamine/NO recapitulated the effects of ischemic PC.

Conclusions—

In contrast to previous reports, we found that basal eNOS activity does not modulate infarct size in the nonpreconditioned state. However, eNOS is obligatorily required for the development of the cardioprotective effects of late PC and acts as the trigger of this process by activating the PKCε-MEK-1/2-p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, leading to Ser-727 phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 and consequent upregulation of STAT-dependent genes such as cyclooxygenase-2. The effects of eNOS-derived NO are reproduced by exogenous NO (NO donors), implying that nitrates can upregulate cardiac cyclooxygenase-2.
Blood Pressure Control and Improved Cardiovascular Outcomes in the International Verapamil SR-Trandolapril Study
Authors: Mancia Giuseppe , Messerli Franz , Bakris George , Zhou Qian , Champion Annette , Pepine Carl J.
Published: July 2007

Uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) increases cardiovascular risk, independent of type of treatment. In this posthoc International Verapamil SR-Trandolapril Study analysis, we determined whether adverse outcomes are related to consistency of BP control, defined as the proportion of visits in which BP was in control. A total of 22 576 patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease were divided into 4 groups according to the proportion of visits in which BP was in control (<140/90 mm Hg): <25%, 25% to <50%, 50% to <75%, and ≥75%. Risk of primary outcome (first occurrence of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke), myocardial infarction, and stroke decreased progressively from the group with <25% to the group with ≥75% of visits with BP control. Adjusted risks of primary outcome (heart rate: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.67), myocardial infarction (heart rate: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.70), and stroke (heart rate: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.67) were less in the group with ≥75% of visits with BP control compared with the group with <25% of visits with BP control. Baseline BP was not predictive of outcomes. Proportion of visits with BP control was associated with mean follow-up systolic BP (
r
2
=0.64), both being independently related to primary outcome. As proportion of visits with BP control increases, there is an associated steep reduction in cardiovascular risk, independent of baseline characteristics and mean on-treatment BP. Consistency of BP control during treatment provides additional information on the protective effect of antihypertensive treatment. Physicians need to be concerned at each visit if BP is not controlled.
Effects of Fenofibrate on Cardiac Remodeling in Aldosterone-Induced Hypertension
Authors: LeBrasseur Nathan K. , Duhaney Toni-Ann S. , De Silva Deepa S. , Cui Lei , Ip Peter C. , Joseph Lija , Sam Flora
Published: July 2007

Hypertension and cardiac remodeling are associated with myocardial fibrosis, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, and diastolic heart failure. Fenofibrate suppresses aldosterone-mediated increases in myocyte matrix metalloproteinase activity and extracellular signal–regulated kinase phosphorylation. It is unknown whether the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α agonist, fenofibrate, improves cardiac remodeling in a model of aldosterone-induced hypertension and LV hypertrophy. Twelve-week-old uninephrectomized FVB mice received 1% NaCl drinking water. Miniosmotic pumps delivered saline or aldosterone for 4 weeks. Mice were either untreated (n=14) or treated with fenofibrate 100 mg/kg per day (n=12) for 1 week before and 4 weeks after surgery. Aldosterone increased systolic blood pressure in untreated mice versus saline-untreated mice (134±3 versus 91±3 mm Hg;
P
<0.01). This was unaffected by fenofibrate (131±3 mm Hg). Aldosterone increased LV end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions, which were significantly attenuated by fenofibrate (3.8±0.1 versus 3.5±0.1 mm, and 1.5±0.1 versus 1.15±0.1 mm, respectively). Fenofibrate also decreased aldosterone-induced LV hypertrophy (LV weight/body weight, 4.1±0.2 versus 4.6±0.1 mg/g) and improved percent LV fractional shortening (67±7% versus 60±2%). Additionally, fenofibrate ameliorated the increased matrix metalloproteinase-2/tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 ratio and fibrosis seen in aldosterone-untreated hearts (
P
<0.05 for both). Furthermore, in aldosterone-untreated hearts, fenofibrate decreased transforming growth factor-β, collagen type III (
P
<0.05 for both), and collagen type I (
P
<0.01) protein expression. Conversely fenofibrate increased peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α, peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α expression, and acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase phosphorylation (
P
<0.05 for all) in aldosterone-infused hearts; uncoupling protein-3 and medium-chain acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase protein expression decreased with fenofibrate (
P
<0.05 and
P
<0.01, respectively, versus aldosterone-infused), suggesting that improved myocardial remodeling is independent of fatty acid oxidation. Thus, fenofibrate improved aldosterone-induced LV hypertrophy independently of an effect on blood pressure with decreased fibrosis and altered extracellular matrix.
Effects of Programmatic Selectivity on the Academic Achievement, Academic Self-Concepts, and Aspirations of Gifted College Students
Authors: Rinn Anne N.
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study is to examine the academic achievement, academic self-concepts, and aspirations of gifted college students who are enrolled in an honors program and of gifted college students who are not enrolled in an honors program. Participants include 294 gifted college students, 248 of whom were enrolled in an honors program and 46 who were not enrolled in an honors program. A series of analyses of covariance is used to compare the mean grade point averages, academic self-concepts, and educational aspirations of the two groups. Academic self-concept is measured using the Academic subscale of the Self Description Questionnaire III. Results indicate the gifted/honors students have higher academic achievement and higher academic self-concepts than the gifted/ nonhonors students, even when controlling for SAT score. No significant differences are found with regard to aspirations. Implications are discussed.
What Predicts Teachers' Attitudes Toward the Gifted?
Authors: McCoach D. Betsy , Siegle Del
Published: July 2007

The present study explores teachers' attitudes toward the gifted and gifted education. Specifically, the authors examine whether teachers tailor their responses about attitudes toward the gifted to fit the perceived interests of the researcher. In addition, the authors examine several potential predictors of attitudes toward the gifted: training or experience in gifted education, training or experience in special education, and self-perceptions as gifted. A total of 262 teachers participate in the study. The perceived epistemic interests of the researcher do not affect teachers' self-reported attitudes toward the gifted. Teachers who had received training in gifted education hold higher perceptions of themselves as gifted. However, teachers' self-perceptions as gifted are unrelated to their attitudes toward gifted education. Finally, special education teachers hold slightly lower attitudes toward the gifted. The authors discuss the implications of these results for the field of gifted education.
School-Within-a-School Gifted Programs
Authors: Matthews Dona , Kitchen Julian
Published: July 2007

The authors conduct open-ended surveys of 530 students and teachers in three publicly funded schools with different approaches to providing a high-ability “school-within-a-school”: a gifted program, an international baccalaureate program, and a high-ability program with a science focus. Overall, the authors find that teachers and students in all of these gifted programs express strong satisfaction with their academic programs. At the same time, however, all groups (students and teachers in gifted and regular programs at all three schools) express concerns about the relationship between the special gifted programs and the schools within which they are housed. Based on an analysis of stakeholders' concerns and suggestions in the contexts of the different schools' approaches to integration, suggestions are made for and questions are raised about fostering a positive school climate in secondary schools that offer programming for high-ability learners.
A Two-dimensional Progressive Failure Analysis of Pinned Joints in Unidirectional-Fabric Laminated Composites
Authors: Kweon Jin-Hwe , Shin So-Young , Choi Jin-Ho
Published: July 2007

A two-dimensional progressive failure analysis is conducted to predict the failure loads and modes of combined unidirectional-fabric laminated composite joints under pin-loading. The first objective of this study is to investigate the possibility of applying ACOS-J, a two-dimensional progressive damage analysis program, to the strength analysis of composite joints. The second objective is to study how the various failure criteria could be applied, separately or in combination, to pinned joints in combined unidirectional and fabric laminated composites. An eight-node laminated shell element is used for the finite element modeling. Post-failure stiffness is evaluated based on the complete unloading method combined with various failure criteria. A total of 52 specimens with nine different geometries were tested to obtain the experimental strength and failure mode. The results show that a finite element analysis based on the combined Yamada—Sun and Tsai—Wu criteria most accurately predicts the failure loads of the composite laminated joints.
Experimental Study of Bending Fatigue Characteristics of a Hybrid Aluminum/Composite Drive Shaft
Authors: Mutasher S.A. , Sahari B.B. , Hamouda A.M.S. , Sapuan S.M.
Published: July 2007

Experiments were carried out to study the bending fatigue characteristics of a hybrid aluminum/composite drive shaft. A hybrid shaft was fabricated using a wetted filament winding method by winding glass and carbon fibers onto an aluminum tube with different winding angles, numbers of layers, and stacking sequence. The flexural moment fatigue life relationships were obtained and the failure modes of the hybrid shaft were studied. The results show that the fatigue life for a winding angle of 45° is larger than it is for 90°, for both glass and carbon fibers. For [±45] 3, carbon fiber/epoxy laminates enhance the fatigue strength of aluminum tube up to 40% and the hybrid specimen does not fail until 107 cycles under 14.7 N.m applied bending moment. In the hybridized specimens the percentage containing carbon and glass fiber are significantly affected by the fatigue life of the hybrid shaft at high and low level load. The results of a fatigue test on a macroscopic level indicate that the cracks initiating in the zones free of fibers or in the outer skin of resin, increase with increasing number of cycles until failure of specimen. On the other hand the micro damage shows that the delamination completely took place between the composite layer and the surface of the aluminum tube before the catastrophic failure of a hybrid specimen. In addition, the aluminum tube failure was perpendicular to the applied bending load and this phenomena is the same as for the aluminum shaft under a bending fatigue test. Furthermore, there is no fiber breakage observed from the rotating bending fatigue test.