bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between markers of metabolic control and inflammation on severity of periodontal disease in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lim L. P. , Tay F. B. K. , Sum C. F. , Thai A. C. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between markers of metabolic control and inflammation and periodontal disease parameters in patients with diabetes.Material & Methods: One hundred and eighty one adult patients with diabetes attending treatment at two diabetes centres were invited to participate in the study. Periodontal examination included full‐mouth assessment for probing depths and bleeding on probing (BOP). Blood analyses were carried out for glycated haemoglobin, (HbA1c), high‐sensitivity C reactive protein, (hsCRP) and lipid profile comprising total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL chol), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL chol) and triglycerides.Results: Upon multivariate analysis, periodontal disease severity in terms of increased percentage of BOP and mean percentage of sites with probing depths 5 mm were found to be associated with inadequate glycaemic control as measured by HbA1c (p<0.01). HsCRP was also found to be a significant predictor for mean percentage of sites with probing depths 5 mm (p<0.05). After controlling for age, gender, smoking habits and number of teeth, positive correlations were found between HbA1c and percentage sites with probing depths 5 mm, percentage sites BOP, total cholesterol, LDL chol and triglycerides (p<0.05). Using the adjusted differences, subjects with acceptable glycaemic control (HbA1c <8%) showed a lower percentage of sites with BOP and probing depths 5 mm (p<0.05) when compared with those having inadequate glycaemic control. There was also a trend towards lower blood cholesterol in the well‐controlled group.Conclusion: The level of glycaemic control as measured by HbA1c emerged as the most consistent risk factor associated with the extent and severity of periodontal disease in this study cohort.
Inhibition of MITF transcriptional activity independent of targeting p300/CBP coactivators
Authors: Vachtenheim Jiri , Šestáková Blanka , Tuháčková Zdena 
Published: December 2006

SummaryMicrophthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) activates the expression of melanocyte‐specific markers and promotes the survival of embryonic, adult and malignant melanocytes. Although numerous MITF‐dependent downstream genes have been identified, the mechanisms by which the MITF activity is coregulated remain elusive. Here we used a non‐melanocytic cell line U2‐OS as a model in which MITF evokes transcription of a paradigmatic MITF target tyrosinase and show that the adenoviral E1A protein represses the MITF‐driven transcription in these cells. The E1A CR1 domain (which alone is insufficient to bind p300) was sufficient for repression, while the N‐terminus, through which E1A binds the p300/CBP proteins and other coactivators, was unable to repress. Correspondingly, CR1 inhibited colony formation of MITF‐positive, but not MITF‐negative, melanoma cells. The repression by CR1 was largely independent of the PCAF‐binding motif, previously recognized to be necessary for suppression of muscle‐specific enhancer. Interestingly, CR1 conferred transcriptional competence to the MITF‐CR1 chimera in which the MITF portion was rendered transcription‐deficient. Moreover, MITF mutants defective in binding to p300/CBP in vivo still activated transcription, further supporting a p300/CBP‐independent coactivation of MITF targets. MITF is amplified in a subset of melanomas and is thought to be required for sustained proliferation of malignant melanocytes. Our results suggest that understanding how CR1 represses Mitf activity may reveal a route to melanoma therapy.
Regulation of human skin pigmentation and responses to ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Miyamura Yoshinori , Coelho Sergio G. , Wolber Rainer , Miller Sharon A. , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Zmudzka Barbara Z. , Ito Shosuke , Smuda Christoph , Passeron Thierry , Choi Wonseon , Batzer Jan , Yamaguchi Yuji , Beer Janusz Z. , Hearing Vincent J. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryPigmentation of human skin is closely involved in protection against environmental stresses, in particular exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is well known that darker skin is significantly more resistant to the damaging effects of UV, such as photocarcinogenesis and photoaging, than is lighter skin. Constitutive skin pigmentation depends on the amount of melanin and its distribution in that tissue. Melanin is significantly photoprotective and epidermal cells in darker skin incur less DNA damage than do those in lighter skin. This review summarizes current understanding of the regulation of constitutive human skin pigmentation and responses to UV radiation, with emphasis on physiological factors that influence those processes. Further research is needed to characterize the role of skin pigmentation to reduce photocarcinogenesis and to develop effective strategies to minimize such risks.
Attraction of Fruit‐Eating Bats with Essential Oils of Fruits: A Potential Tool for Forest Restoration
Authors: Bianconi Gledson V. , Mikich Sandra B. , Teixeira Sirlei D. , Maia Beatriz Helena L.N.S. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTPrevious tests with essential oils from ripe chiropterochoric fruits suggested they can be used to attract and capture fruit‐eating bats inside forest remnants. Here we evaluated the efficiency of these oils to attract frugivorous bats to open areas. We performed field tests with artificial fruits impregnated with essential oils of the genera Piper or Ficus that were attached to two groups of mist‐nets set 50 m outside the border of a forest remnant. One group of artificial fruits received the corresponding oil isolated through hydrodistillation and the other received water only. Fruits with oils attracted significantly more fruit‐eating bats, especially Artibeus lituratus that regularly crosses open habitats to reach other forest remnants. The highly significant attraction of A. lituratus by the oil of Piper was unexpected, since this bat is a specialist on Ficus fruits. We hypothesize that in habitats with no fruit available it is possible to attract frugivorous bats with the odor of several ripe fruit species. Furthermore, we verified that almost half of the individuals captured defecated seeds, indicating that the oils also attract recently fed bats, even when their preferred food is available nearby. This technique potentially may increase seed rain at specific locations, being particularly promising to restoration projects.
Maintenance of Specificity in an Isolated Fig
Authors: Harrison Rhett D. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTThe obligate interaction between figs and their pollinating wasps is often cited as an extraordinary example of reciprocal species specificity and evolutionary cospeciation. However, recent studies have shown that breakdowns in one‐to‐one specificity are not rare (30–60% of species depending on the locality). Combined with evidence of hybridization in some species, this led researchers to propose that a better evolutionary model was one of groups of genetically well‐defined pollinators coevolving with groups of frequently hybridizing figs. Nevertheless, these recent studies still indicate that a majority of fig species have one or more host‐specific pollinator. The extent to which specificity barriers in these species are leaky will have important consequences for the evolutionary process inFicus. At Lambir Hills N.P., Sarawak, a single individual ofFicus acamptophyllahas become recently isolated from conspecifics through clearance of its specialized habitat, but adjacent forest has a diverse fig flora, including 16 species with congeneric pollinators. Thus, when this individual flowered I was able to investigate the maintenance of its specificity barriers in the absence of competition from the normal pollinator. Only 1 percent of inflorescences were entered by a single pollinator species, which had very low reproductive success, and no viable seeds were produced. Nonpollinating wasps also failed to reproduce in any of the inflorescences. These results indicate the maintenance of strict specificity barriers in this fig individual.
The Influence of Hunting on Antipredator Behavior in Central African Monkeys and Duikers
Authors: Croes Barbara M. , Laurance William F. , Lahm Sally A. , Tchignoumba Landry , Alonso Alfonso , Lee Michelle E. , Campbell Patrick , Buij Ralph 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTMany animals can adjust their behavioral strategies to reduce predation risk. We investigated whether rain forest monkeys and duikers alter their antipredatory behavior in response to hunting by humans in southwestern Gabon. We compared monkey and duiker responses to human observers in an area where hunting is prohibited, to those in a nearby area where hunting pressure is moderate but spatially variable. The results of our study indicate that monkeys become more secretive when hunted, commencing alarm calls only when at a certain distance (typically > 50 m) from humans. We found no difference in monkey group size between hunted and no‐hunting areas. In no‐hunting areas, duikers often freeze in response to approaching observers, but in hunted areas they abandon this strategy and rapidly flee from humans. Duikers also whistle more often in areas where they are hunted frequently. Our findings have at least two important implications. First, behavioral observations of monkeys and duikers may be useful in gauging local hunting intensity in African rain forests. Second, duiker densities are likely to be overestimated in hunted areas, where they more readily flee and whistle, and underestimated in no‐hunting areas, where they rely on freezing behavior to avoid detection. Because behavioral adaptations to hunting vary both among species and localities, these differences should be considered when attempting to derive population‐density estimates for forest wildlife.
Puzzled by GRB 060218
Authors: Ghisellini G. , Ghirlanda G. , Tavecchio F. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
We study the optical–UV/X-ray spectral energy distribution of GRB 060218 during the prompt and what seems to be the afterglow phases. The results are puzzling, since if the optical–UV and the X-ray emission belong to a single blackbody then its luminosity is too large, and this blackbody cannot be interpreted as the signature of the shock breakout of the supernova. There are also serious problems in associating the emission expected from the supernova shock breakout with either the optical–UV or the X-ray emission. In the former case we derive too small ejecta velocities; in the latter case, in contrast, the required velocity is too large, corresponding to the large radius of a blackbody required to peak close to the UV band. We then present what we think is the most conservative alternative explanation, namely a synchrotron spectrum, self-absorbed in the optical–UV and extending up to the X-ray band, where we observe the emission of the most energetic electrons, which are responsible for the exponential roll-over of the spectrum. The obtained fit can explain the entire spectrum except the blackbody observed in the X-rays, which must be a separate component. The puzzling feature of this interpretation is that the same model is required to explain the spectrum also at later times, up to 105 s, because the optical–UV emission remains constant in shape and also (approximately) in normalization. In this case the observed X-ray flux is produced by self-Compton emission. Thus the prompt emission phase should last for ∼105 s or more. Finally, we show that the blackbody observed in X-rays, up to 7000 s, can be photospheric emission from the cocoon or stellar material, energized by the gamma-ray burst jet at radii comparable to the stellar radius (i.e. 1010–1011 cm), not very far from where this material becomes transparent (e.g. 1012 cm).
Morality and Psychology
Authors: Andreou Chrisoula 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThis article briefly discusses the connection between moral philosophy and moral psychology, and then explores three intriguing areas of inquiry that fall within the intersection of the two fields. The areas of inquiry considered focus on (1) debates concerning the nature of moral judgments and moral motivation; (2) debates concerning good and bad character traits and character‐based explanations of actions; and (3) debates concerning the role of moral rules in guiding the morally wise agent.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSIDERING PREDICTION VARIANCE IN ANALYSES USING PHOTOGRAMMETRIC MASS ESTIMATES
Authors: Proffitt Kelly M. , Garrott Robert A. , Rotella Jay J. , Banfield Jeff 
Published: December 2006

AbstractDevelopment and application of photogrammetric mass‐estimation techniques in marine mammal studies is becoming increasingly common. When a photogrammetrically estimated mass is used as a covariate in regression modeling, the error associated with estimating mass induces bias in regression statistics and decreases model explanatory power. Thus, it is important to understand and account for prediction variance when addressing ecological questions that require use of estimated mass values. In a simulation study based on data collected from Weddell seals, we developed regression models of pup weaning mass as a function of maternal postparturition mass where maternal mass was directly measured and second where maternal mass was photogrammetrically estimated. We demonstrate that when estimated mass was used, the regression coefficient was biased toward zero and the coefficient of determination was 30% less than the value obtained when using maternal postparturition mass obtained from direct measurement. After applying bias correction procedures, however, the regression coefficient and coefficient of determination were within 2% of their true values. To effectively use photogrammetrically estimated masses, prediction variance should be understood and accounted for in all analyses. The methods presented in this paper are effective and simple techniques to explore and account for prediction variance.
LESSONS FROM MONITORING TRENDS IN ABUNDANCE OF MARINE MAMMALS
Authors: Taylor Barbara L. , Martinez Melissa , Gerrodette Tim , Barlow Jay , Hrovat Yvana N. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractWe assessed scientists' ability to detect declines of marine mammal stocks based on recent levels of survey effort, when the actual decline is precipitous. We defined a precipitous decline as a 50% decrease in abundance in 15 yr, at which point a stock could be legally classified as “depleted” under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act. We assessed stocks for three categories of cetaceans: large whales (n= 23, most of which are listed as endangered), beaked whales (n= 11, potentially vulnerable to anthropogenic noise), and small whales/dolphins/porpoises (n= 69, bycatch in fisheries and important abundant predators), for two categories of pinnipeds with substantially different survey precision: counted on land (n= 13) and surveyed on ice (n= 5), and for a category containing polar bear and sea otter stocks (n= 6). The percentage of precipitous declines that wouldnotbe detected as declines was 72% for large whales, 90% for beaked whales, and 78% for dolphins/porpoises, 5% for pinnipeds on land, 100% for pinnipeds on ice, and 55% for polar bears/sea otters (based on a one‐tailedt‐test, α= 0.05), given the frequency and precision of recent monitoring effort. We recommend alternatives to improve performance.
TURNING MANEUVERS IN STELLER SEA LIONS (EUMATOPIAS JUBATUS)
Authors: Cheneval O. , Blake R. W. , Trites A. W. , Chan K. H. S. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractSteller sea lions are highly maneuverable marine mammals (expressed as minimum turning radius). Video recordings of turns (n= 195) are analyzed from kinematic measurements for three captive animals. Speed‐time plots of 180° turns have a typical “V‐shape.” The sea lions decelerated during the first half of the turn, reached a minimum speed in the middle of the curved trajectory and reaccelerated by adduction of the pectoral flippers. The initial deceleration was greater than that for passive gliding due to pectoral flipper braking and/or change in body contour from a stiff, straight streamlined form. Centripetal force and thrust were determined from the body acceleration. Most thrust was produced during the power phase of the pectoral flipper stroke cycle. Contrary to previous findings on otariids, little or no thrust was generated during initial abduction of the pectoral flippers and during the final drag‐based paddling phase of the stroke cycle. Peak thrust force at the center of gravity occurs halfway through the power phase and the centripetal force is maximal at the beginning of the power stroke. Performance is modulated by changes in the duration and intensity of movements without changing their sequence. Turning radius, maximum velocity, maximum acceleration and turning duration were 0.3 body lengths, 3.5 m/s, 5 m/s2, and 1.6 s, respectively. The relative maneuverability based on velocity and length specific minimum turning radius is comparable to other otariids, superior to cetaceans but inferior to many fish.
Supplementary Backward Equations T(p,h), v(p,h), and T(p,s), v(p,s) for the Critical and Supercritical Regions (Region 3) of the Industrial Formulation IAPWS-IF97 for Water and Steam
Authors: Kretzschmar H.-J. , Cooper J. R. , Dittmann A. , Friend D. G. , Gallagher J. S. , Harvey A. H. , Knobloch K. , Mareš R. , Miyagawa K. , Okita N. , Stöcker I. , Wagner W. , Weber I. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
In modeling advanced steam power cycles, thermodynamic properties as functions of pressure and enthalpy (p,h) or pressure and entropy (p,s) are required in the critical and supercritical regions (region 3 of IAPWS-IF97). With IAPWS-IF97, these calculations require cumbersome two-dimensional iteration of temperature T and specific volume v from (p,h) or (p,s). While these calculations in region 3 are not frequently required, the computing time can be significant. Therefore, the International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam (IAPWS) adopted backward equations for T(p,h), v(p,h), T(p,s), and v(p,s) in region 3, along with boundary equations for the saturation pressure as a function of enthalpy, p3sat(h), and of entropy, p3sat(s). Using the new equations, two-dimensional iteration can be avoided. The numerical consistency of temperature and specific volume obtained in this way is sufficient for most uses. This paper summarizes the need and the requirements for these equations and gives complete numerical information. In addition, numerical consistency and computational speed are discussed.
A Bulk-Flow Model of Angled Injection Lomakin Bearings
Authors: Andrés Luis San , Soulas Thomas , Fayolle Patrice 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
This paper introduces a bulk-flow model for prediction of the static and dynamic force coefficients of angled injection Lomakin bearings. The analysis accounts for the flow interaction between the injection orifices, the supply circumferential groove, and the thin film lands. A one control-volume model in the groove is coupled to a bulk-flow model within the film lands of the bearing. Bernoulli-type relationships provide closure at the flow interfaces. Flow turbulence is accounted for with shear stress parameters and Moody’s friction factors. The flow equations are solved numerically using a robust computational method. Comparisons between predictions and experimental results for a tangential-against-rotation injection water Lomakin bearing show that novel model well predicts the leakage and direct stiffness and damping coefficients. Computed cross-coupled stiffness coefficients follow the experimental trends for increasing rotor speeds and supply pressures, but quantitative agreement remains poor. A parameter investigation shows evidence of the effects of the groove and land geometries on the Lomakin bearing flowrate and force coefficients. The orifice injection angle does not influence the bearing static performance, although it largely affects its stability characteristics through the evolution of the cross-coupled stiffnesses. The predictions confirm the promising stabilizing effect of the tangential-against-rotation injection configuration. Two design parameters, comprised of the feed orifices area and groove geometry, define the static and dynamic performance of Lomakin bearing. The analysis also shows that the film land clearance and length have a larger impact on the Lomakin bearing rotordynamic behavior than its groove depth and length.
Fuzzy Logic Estimation Applied to Newton Methods for Gas Turbines
Authors: Martis Dan 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
This method, based on fuzzy logic principles, is intended to find the most likely solution of an over-determined system, in specific conditions. The method addresses typical problems encountered in gas turbine performance analysis and, more specifically, to the alignment of a synthesis model with measured data. Generally speaking, the relatively low accuracy of measurements introduces a random noise around the true value of a performance parameter and distorts any deterministic solution of a square matrix-based linear system. The fuzzy logic estimator is able to get very close to the real solution by using additional (pseudo-redundant) parameters and by building the most likely solution based on each of the measurement accuracies. The accuracy—or “quality”—of a measurement is encapsulated within an extra dimension which is defined as fuzzy and which encompasses the whole range of values, between 0 (false) and 1 (true). The value of the method is shown in two examples. The first simulates compressor fouling, the other deals with actual engine test data following a hardware modification. Both examples experience noisy measurements. The method is stable and effective even at high level of noise. The results are within the close vicinity of the expected levels (within 0.2% accuracy) and the accuracy is about ten times lower than the noise level.
Evaluation of a New Selective Chromogenic Agar Medium for Detection of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing
Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Glupczynski Youri , Berhin Catherine , Bauraing Caroline , Bogaerts Pierre 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

A novel chromogenic agar medium (ESBL-Bx; bioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France) was compared to MacConkey agar supplemented with 2 mg ceftazidime/liter (MCKC) for the selective isolation and presumptive identification of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
directly from clinical samples. Of a total of 644 clinical specimens (including 551 fecal samples), 496 yielded no growth and 148 yielded growth on one or both media. Overall, 44 ESBL-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
strains (
Escherichia coli
[
n
= 17],
Enterobacter aerogenes
[
n
= 17],
Klebsiella
spp. [
n
= 5], and
Citrobacter freundii
[
n
= 5]) were isolated from 37 specimens by a combination of both methods after 18 to 24 h of incubation. The sensitivities were 97.7 and 84.1% for ESBL-Bx and MCKC, respectively, with 43 ESBL-positive strains isolated as colored colonies from 36 specimens on ESBL-Bx versus 37 ESBL-positive organisms isolated from 32 specimens on MCKC. The specificities by specimens were 89 and 91% for ESBL-Bx and MCKC, respectively. On either one of the two media, natural AmpC-hyperproducing
Enterobacter
spp. (
n
= 25) and
Citrobacter
spp. (
n
= 14) were the most common false positives as well as non-ESBL-producing
Klebsiella oxytoca
(
n
= 18) on ESBL-Bx and
Morganella morganii
(
n
= 10) on MCKC. We conclude that ESBL-Bx is a sensitive and specific medium for the isolation of ESBL-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
from clinical samples. The main advantages of ESBL-Bx over MCKC reside in its chromogenic character and its sensitivity and selectivity, which enabled the recovery and presumptive identification of most ESBL-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
within 24 h and reduced by 27% the need for unnecessary identification and confirmation of ESBL testing when disregarding all colorless colonies growing on this medium.