bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Airway inflammation evaluated in a human nasal lipopolysaccharide challenge model by investigating the effect of a CXCR2 inhibitor
Authors: Virtala R. , Ekman A.‐K. , Jansson L. , Westin U. , Cardell L. O. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBackgroundThe existence of a link between inflammation in upper and lower airways is well established. It may therefore be assumed that the nose could be used to study inflammatory events in the lower airways.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) nasal challenge model by investigating the effect of the CXCR2 inhibitor AZD8309 on neutrophilic inflammation.MethodsA total of 18 healthy volunteers were randomized in a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, cross‐over study. AZD8309 or placebo was dosed for 3 days. Subjects were challenged nasally with LPS (50 μg/nostril), and nasal lavage was performed 6 and 24 h later. Leucocytes, neutrophils and inflammatory mediators were assessed in the lavage fluid. The outcome was compared with data from analogous experiments performed in a model of inhaled LPS followed by induced sputum. This trial was registered in the Current Controlled Trials register (ISRCTN trial number: ISRCTN46666382).ResultsThe leucocytes in nasal lavage consisted to 99% of neutrophils on average. Treatment with AZD8309 reduced the leucocyte count to 48% of placebo 6 h after the LPS challenge. There was also a reduction in LTB4 levels to 45% of placebo after 6 h and in the neutrophil elastase activity after 24 h. No major adverse events were seen with either AZD8309 or placebo. The nasal LPS model induced only minimal local irritation and no signs of systemic inflammation.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceLPS‐induced neutrophil recruitment was reduced by inhibition of CXCR2. This outcome mimicked the response previously seen in a lower airway LPS model. Hence, the nasal model offers a convenient and well‐tolerated alternative for pharmacological evaluation of anti‐inflammatory drugs affecting neutrophilic migration and activity.
Attenuating crosstalk noise with simultaneous source full waveform inversion★
Authors: Guitton Antoine , Díaz Esteban 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTFor some acquisition geometries, the cost of Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) can be considerably reduced by inverting simultaneously encoded shots. Encoded‐shot strategies have the undesirable effect of leaving crosstalk noise in the final result. For FWI, changing the coding sequence periodically mitigates this effect. Another alternative is to use preconditioning, whereby the gradient is smoothed at every iteration along predefined directions. Preconditioning steers the solution towards accurate models while attenuating crosstalk artefacts. It also increases convergence speed and robustness to noise present in the data.
Evaluation of cleaning capacity and instrumentation time of manual, hybrid and rotary instrumentation techniques in primary molars
Authors: Pinheiro S. L. , Araujo G. , Bincelli I. , Cunha R. , Bueno C. 
Published: December 2011

Pinheiro SL, Araujo G, Bincelli I, Cunha R, Bueno C. Evaluation of cleaning capacity and instrumentation time of manual, hybrid and rotary instrumentation techniques in primary molars. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 379–385, 2012.AbstractAim  To compare the cleaning effectiveness of manual, hybrid and rotary instrumentation techniques in primary molar teeth.Methodology  Fifteen primary molars were selected. After endodontic access, the teeth were immersed in a medium containing Enterococcus faecalis and divided into three groups, according to the root canal instrumentation technique: group 1 – manual, group 2 – hybrid and group 3 – nickel–titanium (NiTi) rotary files. For microbiological evaluation, comparisons before and after instrumentation were performed using the paired Student’s t‐test. One‐way anova complemented with the Student’s t‐test was used to compare the percentage of microbial reduction. Instrumentation time was evaluated by Kruskal–Wallis and Student–Newman–Keuls tests. Images obtained under scanning electron microscopy were analysed by three blinded examiners, and kappa statistics was used to evaluate calibration among examiners. The most frequent results among examiners were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis and Student–Newman–Keuls tests.Results  The hybrid technique required a significantly longer instrumentation time than the manual and rotary techniques (P < 0.05). All techniques tested were able to significantly reduce the number of E. faecalis (P < 0.05). The hybrid technique was associated with the highest intracanal bacterial reduction, with a statistically significant difference compared with manual instrumentation (P = 0.01). Manual instrumentation resulted in the lowest amount of debris and the highest amount of smear layer when compared with the rotary and hybrid techniques (P < 0.05). There was no difference between rotary and hybrid instrumentation in the removal of debris and smear layer.Conclusion  The use of NiTi rotary files is an option for root canal instrumentation in primary teeth.
Comparison of the force required to fracture roots vertically after ultrasonic and Masserann removal of broken instruments
Authors: Gerek M. , Başer E. D. , Kayahan M. B. , Sunay H. , Kaptan R. F. , Bayırlı G. 
Published: December 2011

Gerek M, Başer ED, Kayahan MB, Sunay H, Kaptan RF, Bayırlı G. Comparison of the force required to fracture roots vertically after ultrasonic and Masserann removal of broken instruments. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 429–434, 2012.AbstractAim  To evaluate the force required to fracture roots vertically after the removal of broken instruments using ultrasonic tips and a Masserann kit.Methodology  Thirty‐nine extracted human anterior teeth with single and straight roots were used. The crown of each tooth was removed until the full length of the tooth was 13 mm. All canals were instrumented with the step‐back technique to a size 25 K‐file. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups: two experimental groups and a control group. The size 30 K‐files used for the test were notched to a depth of half of the instrument with a No. 2 round bur at a point 3 mm from the tip to facilitate breakage of the file at this point. The fractured instruments were removed from the canals using ultrasonic tips or a Masserann kit. The samples were subjected to a continual vertical loading, using a universal testing machine. For each root, the force at the time of fracture was recorded in Newtons. The results were analysed statistically using one‐way anova and Tukey HSD test.Results  The force required to fracture the roots vertically was significantly higher in the control group than the experimental groups (P < 0.01). The roots from which the broken instruments had been removed using ultrasonic tips required more force to fracture than roots in the Masserann group; however, the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion  Removal of a fractured instrument from the middle third of the root decreased the force required to fracture the root vertically, regardless of the technique used for instrument removal. There was not difference between the ultrasonic technique and the Masserann technique.
Physical and mechanical properties of a thermomechanically treated NiTi wire used in the manufacture of rotary endodontic instruments
Authors: Pereira E. S. J. , Peixoto I. F. C. , Viana A. C. D. , Oliveira I. I. , Gonzalez B. M. , Buono V. T. L. , Bahia M. G. A. 
Published: December 2011

Pereira ESJ, Peixoto IFC, Viana ACD, Oliveira II, Gonzalez BM, Buono VTL, Bahia MGA. Physical and mechanical properties of a thermomechanically treated NiTi wire used in the manufacture of rotary endodontic instruments. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 469–474, 2012.AbstractAim  To compare physical and mechanical properties of one conventional and one thermomechanically treated nickel–titanium (NiTi) wire used to manufacture rotary endodontic instruments.Methodology  Two NiTi wires 1.0 mm in diameter were characterized; one of them, C‐wire (CW), was processed in the conventional manner, and the other, termed M‐Wire (MW), received an additional heat treatment according to the manufacturer. Chemical composition was determined by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, phase constitution by XRD and the transformation temperatures by DSC. Tensile loading/unloading tests and Vickers microhardness measurements were performed to assess the mechanical behaviour. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (α = 0.05).Results  The two wires showed approximately the same chemical composition, close to the 1 : 1 atomic ratio, and the β‐phase was the predominant phase present. B19′ martensite and the R‐phase were found in MW, in agreement with the higher transformation temperatures found in this wire compared with CW, whose transformation temperatures were below room temperature. Average Vickers microhardness values were similar for MW and CW (P = 0.91). The stress at the transformation plateau in the tensile load–unload curves was lower and more uniform in the M‐Wire, which also showed the smallest stress hysteresis and apparent elastic modulus.Conclusions  The M‐Wire had physical and mechanical properties that can render endodontic instruments more flexible and fatigue resistant than those made with conventionally processed NiTi wires.
Life in varying environments: experimental evidence for delayed effects of juvenile environment on adult life history
Authors: Helle Heikki , Koskela Esa , Mappes Tapio 
Published: December 2011

Summary1. The effects of environment experienced during early development on phenotype as an adult has started to gain vast amounts of interest in various taxa. Some evidence on long‐term effects of juvenile environment is available, but replicated experimental studies in wild animals are still lacking.2. Here we report the first replicated experiment in wild mammals which examines the long‐term effects of juvenile and adult environments on individual fitness (reproduction, survival and health). The early development of bank vole (Myodes glareolus) individuals took place in either food‐supplemented or un‐supplemented outdoor enclosures. After the summer, adult individuals were reciprocally changed to either a similar or opposite resource environment to overwinter.3. Adult environment had an overriding effect on reproductive success of females so that females overwintering in food‐supplemented enclosures had a higher probability of breeding and advanced the initiation of breeding. However, the characteristics of their litters were determined by juvenile environment: females initially grown in food‐supplemented conditions subsequently produced larger litters with bigger pups and a male‐biased sex ratio.4. In males, individuals growing in un‐supplemented conditions had the highest survival irrespective of adult environment during winter, whereas in females, neither the juvenile nor adult environments affected their survival significantly. The physiological condition of voles in spring, as determined by haematological parameters, was also differentially affected by juvenile (plasma proteins and male testosterone) and adult (haematocrit) environments.5. Our results suggest that (i) life‐history trajectories of voles are not strictly specialized to a certain environment and (ii) the plastic life‐history responses to present conditions can actually be caused by delayed effects of the juvenile environment. More generally, the results are important for understanding the mechanisms of delayed life‐history effects as well as recognizing their population dynamic consequences.
Dark pixel intensity determination and its applications in normalizing different exposure time and autofluorescence removal
Authors: PANG Z. , LAPLANTE N.E. , FILKINS R. J. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe purpose of this study is to investigate how to scale pixel intensity acquired from one exposure time to another. This is required when comparing grayscale images acquired at different exposure times and other image processing such as autofluorescence removal. Pixel intensity is linear to exposure time as long as images are acquired at the linear range of a camera, but importantly there exists an intercept, which is set by the camera. We termed this intercept as dark pixel intensity, as it is the pixel intensity under conditions of no light and zero exposure time. Dark pixel intensity is determined by camera's readout noise (electron/pixel), gain, and DC offset. Knowing dark pixel intensity, image acquired from one exposure time can be linearly scaled to an image at a different exposure time. Dark pixel intensity can be directly measured by obtaining an image at no light and zero (or minimum) exposure time. It can be also indirectly calculated by capturing images at a series of exposure times. Finally, the prestained and poststained images were acquired at their optimal exposures and autofluorescence was completely removed by normalizing images with the exposure time ratio and dark pixel intensity followed by subtraction.
A novel regulatory role of the Rnf complex of Azoarcus sp. strain BH72
Authors: Sarkar Abhijit , Köhler Jörg , Hurek Thomas , Reinhold‐Hurek Barbara 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe superfamily of PII proteins contains the most widely distributed signalling proteins in nature. Remarkable is the variety of targets whose activity is affected by protein–protein interactions. Here we identified as novel partner for interaction with GlnK an Rnf complex, known to couple the energy of ion transport to reduce ferredoxins. The endophytic diazotrophic betaproteobacterium Azoarcus sp. strain BH72 harbours two rnf‐like clusters in the genome, of which only the rnf1 cluster was induced under conditions of N2 fixation under control of the transcriptional activator NifA. Rapid inactivation (‘DraT‐independent switch off’) of nitrogenase activity upon ammonium upshift was dependent on the Rnf1 complex. Membrane sequestration of GlnK in steady‐state N‐surplus conditions occurred in its unmodified form, signalling N‐surplus, and was dependent on presence of the Rnf1 complex, suggesting physical interaction. In vitro binding studies by Far‐Western analysis indicated interactions of RnfC1 with specifically GlnK but not with GlnB. As ammonium upshift led to decreased activity of the Rnf1 complex in membranes, it might be inactivated by GlnK binding, leading to an interruption of electron flow to nitrogenase and thus a rapid, DraT‐independent nitrogenase switch off. Our data imply a hitherto unknown interaction partner for a PII‐like protein and an additional process under its control.
Gastrointestinal extracellular electrical recordings: fact or artifact?
Authors: O’Grady G. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractExtracellular electrical recordings underpin an important literature of basic and clinical motility science. In the November 2011 edition of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Sanders and colleagues reported that contraction artifacts could be recorded from in vitro murine gastric tissues using extracellular electrodes, and that true extracellular bioelectrical activity could not be detected when the contractions were suppressed. The authors interpret their findings to mean that previous extracellular studies have generally assayed contraction artifacts, rather than bioelectrical activity, and suggest that movement suppression is an obligatory control for extracellular experiments. If their interpretation is correct, these claims would be significant, requiring a reinterpretation of many studies, and posing major challenges for future in vivo and especially clinical work. However, a demonstration that motion artifacts can be recorded from murine in vitro tissue does not necessarily mean that other extracellular studies also represented artifacts. This viewpoint evaluates a recently published by Sanders and colleagues in light of the competing literature, and finds a considerable volume of evidence to support the veracity of GI extracellular electrical recordings. It is reasoned from biophysical principles, technical considerations, and experimental studies that motion artifacts cannot explain GI extracellular electrical recordings in general, and that bioelectrical fact and artifact can be readily and reliably distinguished in most contexts. Calls for obligatory motion suppression for extracellular studies are therefore not supported. However, the artifacts recorded by Sanders and colleagues nevertheless serve as a reminder that educated caution is needed when recording, filtering and interpreting extracellular data.
Accommodation of the abdomen to its content: integrated abdomino‐thoracic response
Authors: Burri E. , Cisternas D. , Villoria A. , Accarino A. , Soldevilla A. , Malagelada J.‐R. , Azpiroz F. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground  We previously showed that changes in intra‐abdominal content induce a volume‐dependent muscular response of the anterior abdominal wall and the diaphragm. We aimed to determine the contribution of the thorax to abdominal accommodation and the influence of the intra‐abdominal expansion rate.Methods  Gas (1440 mL total load) was infused into the colon of nine healthy subjects, while abdomino‐thoracic perimeters (by tape measure), electromyography (EMG) activity of the diaphragm (via six ring electrodes over an esophageal tube in the hiatus), intercostals and anterior abdominal wall (via five pairs of surface electrodes) and the position of the diaphragm by ultrasonography were measured. Infusion rates of 24, 48, and 96 mL min−1 were tested on separate days.Key Results  Gas infusion induced anterior abdominal wall contraction (18 ± 1% EMG increment; P < 0.001) with relatively modest girth increment (4.9 ± 0.9 mm; P = 0.001), diaphragmatic relaxation (by 15 ± 1%; P < 0.001) with cephalad displacement (by 23 ± 6 mm; P = 0.005), and intercostal contraction (by 19 ± 2%; P < 0.001) with increased thoracic perimeter (by 2.0 ± 0.5 mm; P = 0.009). Responses were similar with the three infusion rates.Conclusions & Inferences  Accommodation of intra‐abdominal loads involves a volume‐related integrated abdomino‐thoracic response regardless of the expansion rate.
Oxidative stress induces unfolding protein response and inflammation in nasal polyposis
Authors: Jeanson L. , Kelly M. , Coste A. , Guerrera I. C. , Fritsch J. , Nguyen‐Khoa T. , Baudouin‐Legros M. , Papon J.‐F. , Zadigue P. , Prulière‐Escabasse V. , Amselem S. , Escudier E. , Edelman A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:Nasal polyposis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the upper airways, is a valuable and accessible model to investigate the mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation. The main objective of this study was to investigate a potential involvement of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in the context of oxidative stress and inflammation in nasal epithelial cells from nasal polyps (NP).Methods:Epithelial cells from NP (n = 20) and normal mucosa (Controls, n = 15) in primary culture were analyzed by global proteomic approach and cell biology techniques for the glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78), the spliced X‐box‐binding protein 1 (sXBP‐1), the glucose‐regulated protein 94 (GRP94), and the calreticulin (immunoblot, mass spectrometry, immunocytochemistry).Results:Proteomics analysis of human nasal epithelial cells in culture revealed the activation of the unfolded protein response in NP. Systematic cell biology and biochemical analysis of two markers (GRP78, sXBP‐1) in the presence and absence of oxidative stress in NP showed a susceptibility of the unfolded protein response to oxidative stress compared to controls at least partially linked to an abnormal redox state of the protein disulfide‐isomerase 4. This unfolded protein response was correlated with mitochondrial depolarization and secretion of interleukin 8 (IL‐8) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and was prevented by mitochondrial antioxidant.Conclusions:We show the existence of UPR in nasal epithelial cells that is linked to oxidative stress leading to IL‐8 and LTB4 secretions. These mechanisms may participate in chronic inflammation in nasal polyposis.
Rapid phenotyping for adult‐plant resistance to stripe rust in wheat
Authors: Hickey Lee T. , Wilkinson Peter M. , Knight Cheridan R. , Godwin Ian D. , Kravchuk Olena Y. , Aitken Elizabeth A. B. , Bansal Urmil K. , Bariana Harbans S. , De Lacy Ian H. , Dieters Mark J. 
Published: December 2011

With 6 figures and 4 tablesAbstractStripe or yellow rust (YR) is a significant problem in wheat crops worldwide. The deployment of adult‐plant resistance (APR) genes in wheat cultivars is considered a sustainable management strategy, as these genes confer partial resistance that is usually non‐race specific. Screening for APR typically involves assessment of adult plants in the field, where expression may be influenced by environmental factors. We report a high‐throughput screening method for YR APR that can be used to assess fixed lines or segregating populations grown under controlled environmental conditions (CEC). Inoculation of 3‐week‐old wheat plants from lines with known APR responses to YR, when grown under constant light and temperature, provided disease responses typical of adult plants. Two F2 populations (‘H45’ × ‘ST93’ and ‘Wyalkatchem’ × ‘ST93’) segregating for APR were assessed under both CEC and field conditions. These populations showed similar variation in disease response and lines assessed in both environments attained similar rankings. Phenotypic screening using CEC and continuous light provides an opportunity to accelerate the development of new wheat cultivars with durable resistance.
Review of the past and present distribution of Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann) and Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni Froggatt) in Australia
Authors: Dominiak Bernard C , Daniels David 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata Weidemann, ‘Medfly’) is currently distributed only in Western Australia. Although occasional detections occur in South Australia and the Northern Territory, they invoke a comprehensive and rapid response to prevent establishment. Medfly previously occurred on the eastern coast of mainland Australia. However, it is believed to have been displaced by Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni Froggatt, ‘Qfly’), with the last recorded finding of Medfly in 1941 for New South Wales and 1953 in Victoria. Tasmania has not documented any incursions of Medfly since 1920 and the Northern Territory eradicated the last incursion in 1994. In contrast, Qfly is regularly found in parts of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. A species closely related to Qfly, B. aquilonis (May), is established in the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia. Occasional detections of Qfly in South Australia and southern Western Australia result in immediate regulatory actions and eradication activities to ensure that it does not become established. South Australia, Tasmania and the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone are free from fruit flies of economic concern. Any detections of pest fruit fly species in these areas are immediately quarantined and eradicated. The distribution of Qfly has remained largely unchanged for the last half‐century, with established populations along the eastern States and the Northern Territory. The Medfly distribution has also remained unchanged for the last half‐century. Qfly and Medfly do not currently co‐exist in Australia. This is likely because of the differences in egg‐laying habits, competition by larvae in fruit and differences in host range. A similar displacement of Ceratitis by Bactrocera has occurred in other parts of the world.