bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C-Reactive Protein in Adolescent Twins: Patterns and Relationship to Adiposity
Authors: Wang Guoying , Christoffel Katherine Kaufer , Brickman Wendy J. , Hong Xiumei , Arguelles Lester , Zhang Shanchun , Wang Binyan , Li Zhiping , Xing Houxun , Tang Gengfu , Zimmerman Donald , Xu Xiping , Wang Xiaobin 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Context:
Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of cardiovascular risk in adults. Patterns and determinants of CRP in adolescents have not been well described.

Objective:
This study aimed to determine how CRP varies by age, gender, Tanner stage, and body fat composition in rural Chinese adolescents and to what degree adiposity-CRP associations are attributable to shared genetic and environmental factors.

Design and Setting:
Data were derived from an ongoing study of metabolic syndrome in a large community-based twin cohort enrolled in Anqing, China.

Participants:
The study sample included 1180 adolescent twins aged 13–21 yr.

Main Outcome Measures:
Plasma CRP concentrations were measured by sandwich immunoassay using flow metric xMAP technology. Body fat composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

Results:
CRP levels linearly increased across age and Tanner stage in males (P ≤ 0.0001), but in females, CRP exhibited no trend after adjusting for fat mass (P &gt; 0.05). For males, the most explanatory measure was body mass index (partial r2 = 5.2%), whereas percent body fat (partial r2 = 8.8%) was more explanatory in females. Of the phenotypic correlations between adiposity measures and CRP (0.25–0.28), 86–89% were attributed to shared genetic factors and 11–14% to common unique environmental factors in both sexes.

Conclusions:
Adiposity is a strong determinant of CRP even in this relatively lean Chinese population. There is notable gender difference for the CRP pattern and the relationship of CRP with adiposity during adolescence. To a large degree, common genetic factors may underlie the observed adiposity-CRP-phenotypic correlations.
Legal Abortion Worldwide in 2008: Levels and Recent Trends
Authors: Sedgh Gilda , Singh Susheela , Henshaw Stanley K. , Bankole Akinrinola 
Published: August 2011

CONTEXT: Periodic assessments of abortion incidence are essential for monitoring trends in unintended pregnancy and gaps in contraceptive services and use.
METHODS: Statistics and estimates of legal induced abortions in 2008 were compiled for 64 of the 77 countries in which legal abortion is generally available; the 64 are home to 98% of women aged 15–44 who live in the countries eligible for inclusion. Data sources included reports or completed questionnaires from national statistical offices and nationally representative surveys. The completeness of official figures was assessed by in‐country and regional experts. Trends since 1996 and 2003 were examined.
RESULTS: Of the 77 countries with liberal abortion laws, 36 are in the developing world. In 2008, abortion rates in the 25 countries with complete records—all of which were developed—ranged from seven (Germany and Switzerland) to 30 (Estonia) per 1,000 women aged 15–44. Abortion rates declined in about half of the 20 countries with consistently reliable information on trends between 1996 and 2008; declines were generally steeper than increases, although the pace of decline slowed after 2003. The highest observed abortion rates were in developing countries with incomplete estimates. For most developing countries that had liberal laws, the reported abortion rates were incomplete and varied widely.
CONCLUSIONS: High abortion rates in some countries, and small increases in rates in others, indicate a great need for more effective family planning services for these populations. Reliable data collection systems, needed to ensure that trends can be effectively monitored, are lacking in many countries.
Static Evaluation of Pedicle Screw Spinal Constructs to the ASTM Standard: A Comparison of Multiple Test Laboratories
Authors: Spenciner David 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Newly acquired mechanical test data along with predicate device data—sometimes from the designer’s historical records—are a requisite part of the regulatory submission process for new pedicle screw spinal constructs. Several studies have compared the mechanical properties of various designs of these medical devices, which are commonly inserted during spinal fusion operations. However, a rigorous comparison of the results coming from different laboratories testing the same devices under controlled conditions has not been performed. Six different test labs performed a series of static bending compression and static torsion tests on identically prepared pedicle screw and rod test constructs (n = 5 for both tests). Sufficient data were acquired to uncover and understand differential interpretations of the methodology described in the standard test method ASTM F1717. For ultimate displacement in compressive bending, the mean values ranged between 47.64 mm and 71.64 mm, and every single laboratory’s data were statistically significantly different from those of every other laboratory. Significant differences in the mean values carried through to the ultimate load data, but this trend did not continue for stiffness, yield displacement, yield load, and elastic displacement. For stiffness in static torsion, the mean values ranged between 0.38 Nm/° and 1.07 Nm/°. There were statistically significant differences among some of the labs for some of the parameters, but no strict patterns emerged. This is likely due to methodological and interpretive differences among the labs, such as the depth of the clevis fixtures and the direction of rotation during torsion testing. These differences in the test labs’ methodology have caused the ASTM subcommittees to clarify the standard so that fewer aspects are open for interpretation, but more work is needed. With appropriate refining of F1717 (and adherence to the new methodology by the test laboratories), test results from different laboratories would likely be more directly comparable than in the current situation.
Evidence That HLA Class I and II Associations With Type 1 Diabetes, Autoantibodies to GAD and Autoantibodies to IA-2, Are Distinct
Authors: Howson Joanna M.M. , Stevens Helen , Smyth Deborah J. , Walker Neil M. , Chandler Kyla A. , Bingley Polly J. , Todd John A. 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE
A major feature of type 1 diabetes is the appearance of islet autoantibodies before diagnosis. However, although the genetics of type 1 diabetes is advanced, the genetics of islet autoantibodies needs further investigation. The primary susceptibility loci in type 1 diabetes, the HLA class I and II genes, are believed to determine the specificity and magnitude of the autoimmune response to islet antigens. We investigated the association of glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA) and insulinoma-associated antigen-2 autoantibodies (IA-2A) with the HLA region.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Associations of GADA and IA-2A with HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-A, MICA, and 3,779 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed in 2,531 childhood-onset case subjects (median time since diagnosis 5 years). All analyses were adjusted for age-at-diagnosis and duration of diabetes.

RESULTS
GADA and IA-2A were associated with an older age-at-diagnosis (P &lt; 10−19). For GADA, the primary association was with HLA-DQB1 (P = 9.00 × 10−18), with evidence of a second independent effect in the HLA class I region with SNP, rs9266722 (P = 2.84 × 10−6). HLA-DRB1 had the strongest association with IA-2A (P = 1.94 × 10−41), with HLA-A*24 adding to the association, albeit negatively (P = 1.21 × 10−10). There was no evidence of association of either IA-2A or GADA with the highly type 1 diabetes predisposing genotype, HLA-DRB1*03/04.

CONCLUSIONS
Despite genetic association of type 1 diabetes and the islet autoantibodies localizing to the same HLA class II genes, HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1, the effects of the class II alleles and genotypes involved are quite different. Therefore, the presence of autoantibodies is unlikely to be causal, and their role in pathogenesis remains to be established.
The Accuracy of Optical Scanning: Influence of Convergence and Die Preparation
Authors: Chan DCN , Chung AK-H , Haines J , Yau EH-T , Kuo C-C 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARY
The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of the data acquisition and modeling process of laser and white light scanners by evaluating the reproducibility of digitized simulated crowns with different convergences. A secondary purpose was to analyze the influence of die preparation by testing this hypothesis with a set of dies without ditching compared with a set with well-defined margins. Ditching or trimming the die defines the position of the margin and acts as a guide to gingival contour when the restoration is being waxed. Two light scanners (a white light optical scanner [Steinbichler Gmbh, Neubeuern, Germany] and red laser light scanner [TurboDent System, Taichung, Taiwan]) were evaluated. Two sets of simulated crowns were fabricated as cone frustrum models with a total occlusal convergence (TOC) of 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, and 25° and a 9-mm base and 3-mm height using a precision milling machine and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technique. One set of the dies was ditched immediately below the finish line to enhance marginal definition. Each die was optically digitized five times directly with the two different measuring systems. The area of each triangle in the scan that is occlusal to the margin line was calculated and summed to produce the final surface area measurement provided. The digitizing error was compared with the computed surface area of the original master die sets and compared with a paired t-test (df=4; 95% CI). There was no difference in accuracy of the untrimmed dies between the two systems evaluated. We also did not find any difference in the 0° (p=0.12) and 5° degree (p=0.21) groups among the ditched dies. However, when the TOC exceeded 5°, there was a significant difference between the two groups, with the laser groups having a smaller error percentage. Three-dimensional light scanning was not affected by the convergence angle except in the 0°-5° range. Trimming the dies greatly affected the accuracy of scanning.
Enamel Wetness Effects on Bond Strength Using Different Adhesive Systems
Authors: Furuse AY , Cunha LF , Moresca R , Paganeli G , Mondelli RFL , Mondelli J 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARY

Objective
To evaluate, through the application of different dentin bonding systems, the influence of wetness on shear bond strength in enamel.

Methods
This study evaluated three etch-and-rinse adhesive systems (Scotchbond MP [used with and without primer]; Singlebond; and Prime&Bond 2.1) and two self-etching adhesive systems (Clearfil SE Bond; and Xeno IV). Flat bovine enamel surfaces were either air-dried for 30 seconds or blotted with absorbent paper after acid-etching for the conventional bonding agents or before the application of self-etching bonding agents. The resin composite EsthetX was bonded to flat surfaces that had been treated with one of the adhesives, following the manufacturer's instructions. After being stored in water at 37°C for one week, bonded specimens were broken in shear. Data were evaluated with two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student-Newman-Keuls tests (α=0.05). For comparing each condition individually, regardless of the adhesive or wetness condition, a one-way ANOVA and a Student-Newman-Keuls test (α=0.05) were applied.

Results
The two-way ANOVA showed significant differences among adhesive systems. An interaction effect was also observed (p&lt;0.05), but wetness did not influence shear bond strength (p=0.98). The one-way ANOVA showed that the all-in-one adhesive was the only material influenced by the presence of water at the enamel's surface.

Conclusion
The all-in-one adhesive behaved differently depending on whether the enamel surface was dry or wet.
Effect of Grape Seed Extract on the Bond Strength of Bleached Enamel
Authors: Vidhya S , Srinivasulu S , Sujatha M , Mahalaxmi S 
Published: August 2011

Clinical Relevance
Bleached enamel is not conducive to immediate composite restoration. The use of oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes as antioxidants enables an immediate composite restoration post bleaching.
Effect of CPP-ACP Application on Flexural Strength of Bleached Enamel and Dentin Complex
Authors: Khoroushi M , Mazaheri H , Manoochehri AE 
Published: August 2011

Clinical RelevanceIn the absence of saliva, flexural strength of the bovine enamel-dentin complex decreases after in vitro simulation of both at-home and in-office bleaching procedures. Application of Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) subsequent to both bleaching regimens could compensate for this decrease.
Chemical Analysis of Enamel and Dentin Following the Application of Three Different At-home Bleaching Systems
Authors: Cakir FY , Korkmaz Y , Firat E , Oztas SS , Gurgan S 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARY

Purpose
To determine the change in the chemical composition of enamel and dentin as well as to evaluate the differences in surface texture of the same dental hard tissues following three at-home bleaching systems in vitro.

Methods
Sixty extracted intact human anterior teeth were used in this study. Thirty teeth were used as samples for enamel, and the buccal surfaces of the remaining 30 teeth were abraded and used as dentin samples. Prior to bleaching treatments, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), fluoride (F), and oxygen (O) levels of each sample were measured using an energy dispersive spectrometer. The teeth were then randomly allocated into three groups according to the bleaching system used, as follows: GI, 10% carbamide peroxide (CP); GII, 20% CP; GIII, and 35% CP. Following the bleaching treatments, Ca, P, K, Na, Mg, F, and O measurements were repeated. The surface configurations were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank and Kruskal-Wallis tests followed by the Dunn test.

Results
All three bleaching systems tested caused similar changes in the chemical composition of enamel and dentin. Bleaching systems decreased Ca and K, while F and O levels increased in enamel. In dentin, Ca, P, and K levels decreased; however, Na, F, and O levels increased. SEM observations revealed no deleterious effect on enamel and dentin.

Conclusion
The use of home bleaching agents could affect the chemical composition of dental hard tissues, whereas the change in the chemical composition of enamel and dentin was not affected by the CP concentration of the bleaching systems used.
ERp57/GRP58: A protein with multiple functions
Authors: Turano Carlo , Gaucci Elisa , Grillo Caterina , Chichiarelli Silvia 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe protein ERp57/GRP58 is a stress-responsive protein and a component of the protein disulfide isomerase family. Its functions in the endoplasmic reticulum are well known, concerning mainly the proper folding and quality control of glycoproteins, and participation in the assembly of the major histocompatibility complex class 1. However, ERp57 is present in many other subcellular locations, where it is involved in a variety of functions, primarily suggested by its participation in complexes with other proteins and even with DNA. While in some instances these roles need to be confirmed by further studies, a great number of observations support the participation of ERp57 in signal transduction from the cell surface, in regulatory processes taking place in the nucleus, and in multimeric protein complexes involved in DNA repair.
Cooperative Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning for Multi-Component Robotic Systems: guidelines for future research
Authors: Graña Manuel , Fernandez-Gauna Borja , Lopez-Guede Jose Manuel 
Published: August 2011

AbstractReinforcement Learning (RL) as a paradigm aims to develop algorithms that allow to train an agent to optimally achieve a goal with minimal feedback information about the desired behavior, which is not precisely specified. Scalar rewards are returned to the agent as response to its actions endorsing or opposing them. RL algorithms have been successfully applied to robot control design. The extension of the RL paradigm to cope with the design of control systems for Multi-Component Robotic Systems (MCRS) poses new challenges, mainly related to coping with scaling up of complexity due to the exponential state space growth, coordination issues, and the propagation of rewards among agents. In this paper, we identify the main issues which offer opportunities to develop innovative solutions towards fully-scalable cooperative multi-agent systems.
Effect of the turbulence models on Rushton turbine generated flow in a stirred vessel
Authors: Chtourou Wajdi , Ammar Meriem , Driss Zied , Abid Mohamed 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
In this paper, we performed a comparison of four turbulence models using for numerical simulation of the hydrodynamic structure generated by a Rushton turbine in a cylindrical tank. The finite volume method was employed to solve the Navier-Stokes equations governing the transport of momentum. In this study four closure models tested were: k-ɛ standard, k-ɛ RNG, k-ɛ Realizable and RSM (Reynolds Stress Model). MRF (Multi Reference Frame) technique was used with FLUENT software package. The present work aimed to provide improved predictions of turbulent flow in a stirred vessel and in particular to assess the ability to predict the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy (e) that constitutes a most stringent test of prediction capability due to the small scales at which dissipation takes place. The amplitude of local and overall dissipation rate is shown to be strongly dependent on the choice of turbulence model. The numerical predictions were compared with literature results for comparable configurations and with experimental data obtained using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). A very good agreement was found with regards to turbulence.
Expression and characterisation of the ryegrass mottle virus non-structural proteins
Authors: Baļķe Ina , Resēviča Gunta , Skrastiņa Dace , Zeltiņš Andris 
Published: August 2011

Expression and characterisation of the ryegrass mottle virus non-structural proteins
The Ryegrass mottle virus (RGMoV) single-stranded RNA genome is organised into four open reading frames (ORF) which encode several proteins: ORF1 encodes protein P1, ORF2a contains the membrane-associated 3C-like serine protease, genome-linked protein VPg and a P16 protein gene. ORF2b encodes replicase RdRP and the only structural protein, coat protein, is synthesised from ORF3. To obtain the non-structural proteins in preparative quantities and to characterise them, the corresponding RGMoV gene cDNAs were cloned in pET- and pColdI-derived expression vectors and overexpressed in several E. coli host cells. For protease and RdRP, the best expression system containing pColdI vector and E. coli WK6 strain was determined. VPg and P16 proteins were obtained from the pET- or pACYC- vectors and E. coli BL21 (DE3) host cells and purified using Ni-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Attempts to crystallize VPg and P16 were unsuccessful, possibly due to non-structured amino acid sequences in both protein structures. Methods based on bioinformatic analysis indicated that the entire VPg domain and the C-terminal part of the P16 contain unstructured amino acid stretches, which possibly prevented the formation of crystals.
H1-antihistamines suppress wheal-and-flare reaction and skin blood perfusion measured by Laser Dopppler flowmetry: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design study
Authors: Bukovskis Māris , Tirzīte Madara , Strazda Gunta , Jurka Normunds , Ligere Renāte , Isajevs Sergejs , Taivans Immanuels 
Published: August 2011

H1-antihistamines suppress wheal-and-flare reaction and skin blood perfusion measured by Laser Dopppler flowmetry: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design study
The aim of our study was to compare the influence of pre-treatment with H1-antihistamines (levocetirizine, desloratadine, clemastine, quifenadine, and sequifenadine) and a placebo on the histamine-induced weal and flare reaction, increase of skin blood perfusion and sedation. Thirty healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. The study design was a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, balanced clinical trial. Volunteers in randomised and double-blind order were treated with oral levocetirizine 5 mg, desloratadine 5 mg, clemastine 1 mg, quifenadine 50 mg, sequifenadine 50 mg or a placebo. Two hours after intake of medication, the histamine skin prick test was performed and skin blood perfusion was registered with further evaluation of sedative effect. We conclude that levocetirizine induced a significant and pronounced decrease of weal and flare reaction and skin blood perfusion compared to the placebo and the other H1-antihistamines. The effect of quifenadine and sequifenadine on weal reaction area was similar to desloratadine and clemastine. Regarding the sedative effect, we can conclude that second generation antihistamines appear to be not non-sedative but the least impairing, and the first generation antihistamines appear to be the most impairing on central nervous system function. There is a necessity to consider the sedating potential of antihistamines, along with other factors such as efficacy, when prescribing antihistamines to patients.
Wavelet analysis of the Baltic region river runoff longh-term trends and fluctuations
Authors: Timuhins Andrejs , Rodinovs Valērijs , Kļaviņš Māris 
Published: August 2011

Wavelet analysis of the Baltic region river runoff longh-term trends and fluctuations
The study of changes in river discharge and flood regime can provide important information on climate change and its impacts. Wavelet analysis offers new possibilities to study changes of river discharge patterns in regard to periodical processes on a background of climate change. In this study wavelet analysis was used to study long-term changes of river discharge in the Baltic region. Periodic oscillations of discharge intensity, and low- and high-water flow years are common for the major rivers in the Eastern Baltic region. Main frequencies of river discharge were estimated to be 14, 28, 37 years for the studied rivers. Wavelet analysis allowed to identify similarities between the river discharge regime, and thus, the factors influencing it. Years of maximal and minimal discharges for major rivers were identified and the impact of large-scale atmospheric circulation processes on the river discharge was studied.