bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Transmission of Sustained Growth through the Terms of Trade in an Endogenous Growth Model
Authors: Álvarez‐Albelo Carmen Dolores , Perera‐Tallo Fernando 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper develops a two‐country model of endogenous growth and international trade in intermediate goods. In autarky just one of the economies enjoys sustained growth. The trade situation may be characterized by complete specialization of both countries, or by incomplete specialization of the growing economy. In either case, trade transmits perpetual growth to the stagnant economy because of the permanent improvements in its terms of trade. The existence of a non‐reproducible factor in the growing economy is crucial to ensure propagation of growth. Moreover, under incomplete specialization countries converge in per capita income. This result relies on two assumptions. First, there must be a large enough share of world income to pay for the input in which the stagnant economy has comparative advantage. Second, all technologies producing intermediate goods should be equally intensive in the non‐reproducible factor.
The Effects of Technology Changes on Sectoral Trade Patterns*
Authors: Kasuya Munehisa , Okada Toshihiro 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe develop a model in which sectoral trade patterns depend on both the technology common to all sectors and the technologies specific to each sector. Changes in the common technology level affect sectoral trade patterns through their impact on intertemporal optimization behavior, while changes in the sector‐specific technology levels affect sectoral trade patterns by influencing comparative advantage. The model shows: (1) unexpected increases in the common technology level worsen sectoral trade balances, but expected increases in the common technology level improve them; and (2) given other countries’ sectoral technology levels, an increase in a sector‐specific technology level relative to other sectors improves sectoral trade balances through its operation on comparative advantage. Using Japanese data, the empirical results reported in this paper support the model’s predictions.
Association of gene polymorphisms for plasminogen activators with alveolar bone loss
Authors: DeCarlo A. A. , Grenett H. , Park J. , Balton W. , Cohen J. , Hardigan P. 
Published: February 2007

Background and Objective:  The plasminogen activating system is a protease/inhibitor system central to extracellular matrix remodeling with a suggested role in periodontal disease pathology. A few studies have reported polymorphisms in the genes of plasminogen activator inhibitors to be associated with periodontal disease severity. Two gene polymorphisms – a BamHI restriction fragment length polymorphism in the urokinase plasminogen activator gene (uPA) and a HindIII restriction fragment length polymorphism in the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 gene (PAI‐1) – have been associated with conditions having a vascular component, and our objective was to assess the association of these gene polymorphisms with alveolar bone loss in chronic periodontal disease of adults.Material and Methods:  Genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification of whole blood, pertinent histories were obtained by interview, and alveolar bone loss was assessed from current radiographs.Results:  In 77 elderly patients with a normal distribution of alveolar bone loss, we demonstrated a significant association between levels of alveolar bone loss and these polymorphisms in the uPA and PAI‐1 genes. Controlling for the contributions of smoking or diabetes to periodontal bone loss, estimated odds ratios for predicting lower levels of alveolar bone loss, associated with a greater degree of periodontal health, were strongest when defined by the concurrent presence of a homozygous urokinase plasminogen activator genotype and the nuclease‐sensitive plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (HindIII) allele (odds ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval: 5.8–1.3).Conclusion:  The urokinase plasminogen activator (BamHI) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (HindIII) genotypes may serve as useful markers for heritability of bone loss associated with periodontal disease.
Measurement of skin elasticity on the foot
Authors: Hashmi Farina , Malone‐Lee James 
Published: February 2007

Background/purpose: The Cutometer® 580 MPA is a device that is designed to measure the viscoelastic properties of skin in response to the application of negative pressure. The aim of this study was to test the Cutometer® 580 MPA for the repeatable, quantitative measurement of the specific indices of elasticity of pedal skin. The device was used to measure and compare these indices at weight‐bearing and non‐weight‐bearing skin sites on the foot.Methods: The relationship between the pressure application and skin displacement was determined. The inter‐ and intra‐tester repeatability was tested. These series of experiments were conducted on 20 individuals. Data were then collected from a group of 87 healthy people for the measurement of elasticity, viscoelasticity and plasticity on several sites on the foot. The possible influences of physiological variables such as age and sex on the indices of elasticity were analysed.Results: The Hookian elastic behaviour of the skin was confirmed. The pressure application did not remain constant during the collection of displacement data, resulting in an error in these readings of between 1.71% and 3.73%. Intra‐tester and variability was minimal (CV<7%). The elasticity, viscoelasticity and plasticity indices were significantly greater (P<0.001) in dorsal skin compared with skin from medial longitudinal arch (MLA) and plantar aspect of the third metatarsophalangeal joint (PMA) sites. There was a negative correlation between age and elasticity on the dorsum and MLA skin sites (r=−0.216 and −0.261, respectively). Female skin exhibited greater plasticity than male skin on all three sites on the foot (P<0.05).Conclusion: Under well‐controlled conditions, the Cutometer® 580 MPA has the ability to measure accurately the viscoelastic properties of pedal skin. Such non‐invasive measurements may be useful for the evaluation of changes in the skin in response to therapeutic interventions and for monitoring the progression of dermatological conditions associated with the foot.
Electrical impedance model for evaluation of skin irritation in rabbits and humans
Authors: Ferreira D. M. , Silva C. S. , Souza M. N. 
Published: February 2007

Background/aim: The electrical impedance method has been used as a quantitative technique for evaluating changes in the skin during irritation within the invisible range. The purpose of this study was to apply an electrical model of skin to the interpretation of impedance data after the application of an irritant (SLS) in the skin of humans and rabbits.Methods: Investigations were performed on 12 humans and 15 albino rabbits. Responses were evaluated by measuring electrical impedance before irritant exposure and 24 h after its removal and also by visual inspection. Using the raw impedance parameter, a novel index was developed and its value was correlated with visual scoring.Results: The derived impedance index showed a significant correlation with visual scores and its value decreased (P<0.05) after irritant removal even without macroscopic signs of irritation.Conclusion: The proposed electrical model of skin seems to be suitable for the detection and interpretation of changes in the impedance characteristics of skin induced by SLS in rabbits and humans.
Photodynamic treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Sohl Sirius , Kauer Friederike , Paasch Uwe , Simon Jan C. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryLeishmaniasis is a widespread arthropod‐borne protozoan zoonosis caused by more than 21 Leishmania species. Vectors are sandflies of different genera. The disease is classified into „Old World” versus „New World” leishmaniasis and further subclassified in cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral forms. Most therapeutic approaches are not evidence‐based. We report a patient with facial cuta‐neous Leishmania tropica infection which proved to be resistant to various therapeutic regimes. Excellent results were achieved with photody‐namic therapy.
One‐Stage Operative Procedure Using Two Different Implant Systems: A Prospective Study on Implant Overdentures in the Edentulous Mandible
Authors: Tawse‐Smith Andrew , Payne Alan G.T. , Kumara Rohana , Thomson W. Murray 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT Background: Evidence‐based reports are needed to support the application of a one‐stage surgical protocol for unsplinted implants supporting mandibular overdentures. Purpose: To examine the feasibility and success of using two different dental implant systems (originally designed for two‐stage operative technique) using a one‐stage operative procedure in patients being rehabilitated with implant mandibular overdentures. Materials and Methods: The study sample involved 24 edentulous subjects (aged 55–80 yr) randomly allocated to two different implant systems, one with a machined titanium implant surface (Steri‐Oss, Nobel Biocare, Göteborg, Sweden) and the other with a roughened titanium surface (Southern Implants, Ltd., Irene, South Africa). Two unsplinted implants to support implant overdentures were placed in the anterior mandible of all patients, using a standardized one‐stage surgical and prosthodontic procedure. Primary stability and bicortical anchorage of the implants was mandatory before healing abutments were connected at the time of implant placement. Implant overdentures and their respective matrices were inserted following a standard 12‐week healing period. Data relating to mobility tests, radiographs, and peri‐implant parameters were documented at 12, 16, and 52 weeks after surgery. Results: A success rate of 95.8% for the Steri‐Oss and 100% for the Southern Implants was found, without any statistically significant differences in the marginal bone loss. Significant changes in Periotest values were observed for both types between 12 and 52 weeks (p <.001). Minor changes were observed in the peri‐implant parameters evaluated. Conclusions: These preliminary findings show a successful application of this one‐stage approach for unsplinted implants supporting mandibular overdentures with Steri‐Oss and Southern Implant Systems.
New Developments in the Meaning of Life
Authors: Metz Thaddeus 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn this article I survey philosophical literature on the topic of what, if anything, makes a person's life meaningful, focusing on systematic texts that are written in English and that have appeared in the last five years. My aims are to present overviews of the most important, fresh, Anglo‐American positions on meaning in life and to raise critical questions about them worth answering in future work.
Use of an Inhibition Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Quantification of Capsular Polysaccharide or Proteins in Vaccines
Authors: Inzana Thomas J. , Champion Anna 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTAn inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is described for quantification of capsular polysaccharide or proteins in vaccines and other samples containing whole cells or extracts ofActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. The assay can be used to quantify any antigen that can be purified and for which highly specific antibodies are not available. The assay can be carried out by any laboratory capable of performing an ELISA.
Human Models of Low-Grade Inflammation: Bolus versus Continuous Infusion of Endotoxin
Authors: Taudorf S. , Krabbe K. S. , Berg R. M. G. , Pedersen B. K. , Møller K. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

Systemic low-grade inflammation is recognized in an increasing number of chronic diseases. With the aim of establishing an experimental human in vivo model of systemic low-grade inflammation, we measured circulating inflammatory mediators after intravenous administration of
Escherichia coli
endotoxin (0.3 ng/kg of body weight) either as a bolus injection or as a 4-h continuous intravenous infusion, as well as after saline administration, in 10 healthy male subjects on three separate study days. Only bolus endotoxin caused an increase in heart rate, whereas a slight increase in rectal temperature was observed in both endotoxin groups. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6, and neutrophil responses were earlier and more pronounced in the bolus trial compared with the infusion trial results, whereas lymphocytes increased after endotoxin bolus injection as well as infusion without any difference between groups. Finally, endotoxin activated the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis slightly earlier in the bolus compared to the infusion trial. The continuous endotoxin infusion model may be more representative of human low-grade inflammation than the bolus injection model due to a less dynamic and more sustained increase in circulating levels of inflammatory mediators over time. In conclusion, low-dose endotoxin infusion elicits an inflammatory response, as assessed by a rise in TNF-α, and the responses are significantly different according to whether low-dose endotoxin is applied as a bolus injection or as a continuous infusion.
Reduction of Worm Fecundity and Canine Host Blood Loss Mediates Protection against Hookworm Infection Elicited by Vaccination with Recombinant
Ac-
16
Authors: Fujiwara Ricardo T. , Zhan Bin , Mendez Susana , Loukas Alex , Bueno Lilian L. , Wang Yan , Plieskatt Jordan , Oksov Yelena , Lustigman Sara , Bottazzi Maria Elena , Hotez Peter , Bethony Jeffrey M. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

Hookworm infection is one of most important parasitic infection of humans, occurring in 740 million people. Here we report the protective vaccination of dogs with
Ac
-16, an immunodominant surface antigen from the hookworm
Ancylostoma caninum
. We show that immunization with
Ac
-16 formulated with AS03 elicited specific humoral and cellular immune responses and provided partial protection against hookworm infection and morbidity as evidenced by a significant reduction of hookworm egg counts (64% reduction;
P
= 0.0078) and worm-induced blood loss (
P
< 0.05). Moreover, specific anti-
Ac
-16 antibodies recognized the native protein on the surface of third-stage larvae and blocked their migration through tissue in vitro. Our data support the use of
Ac
-16 as a potential candidate for vaccination against hookworm infection.
Serological Assays for Identification of Human Gastric Colonization by
Helicobacter pylori
Strains Expressing VacA m1 or m2
Authors: Ghose Chandrabali , Perez-Perez Guillermo I. , Torres Victor J. , Crosatti Marialuisa , Nomura Abraham , Peek Richard M. , Cover Timothy L. , Francois Fritz , Blaser Martin J. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

The
Helicobacter pylori vacA
gene encodes a secreted protein (VacA) that alters the function of gastric epithelial cells and T lymphocytes.
H. pylori
strains containing particular
vacA
alleles are associated with differential risk of disease. Because the VacA midregion may exist as one of two major types, m1 or m2, serologic responses may potentially be used to differentiate between patients colonized with
vacA m1
- or
vacA m2
-positive
H. pylori
strains. In this study, we examined the utility of specific antigens from the m regions of VacA as allele-specific diagnostic antigens. We report that serological responses to P44M1, an
H. pylori
m1-specific antigen, are observed predominantly in patients colonized with
m1
-positive strains, whereas responses to VacA m2 antigens, P48M2 and P55M2, are observed in patients colonized with either
m1
- or
m2
-positive strains. In an Asian-American population, serologic responses to VacA m region-specific antigens were not able to predict the risk of development of gastric cancer.
Two Gene Determinants Are Differentially Involved in the Biogenesis of Fap1 Precursors inStreptococcus parasanguis
Authors: Wu Hui , Bu Su , Newell Peter , Chen Qiang , Fives-Taylor Paula 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTMature Fap1, a 200-kDa fimbria-associated adhesin, is required for fimbrial biogenesis and biofilm formation inStreptococcus parasanguis. Fap1-like proteins are found in the genomes of many streptococcal and staphylococcal species. Fap1 is a serine-rich glycoprotein modified by O-linked glycan moieties. In this study, we identified a seven-gene cluster includingsecY2,orf1,orf2,orf3,secA2,gtf1, andgtf2that is localized immediately downstream offap1. The lower G+C contents and the presence of a putative transposase element suggest that this gene cluster was horizontally transferred from other bacteria and represents a genomic island. At least two genes in this island mediated Fap1 biogenesis. Mutation of a glucosyltransferase (Gtf1) gene led to accumulation of a Fap1 precursor, which had no detectable glycan moieties. Inactivation of a gene coding for an accessory Sec protein (SecY2) resulted in expression of a distinct Fap1 precursor, which reacted with one glycan-specific Fap1 antibody but not with another glycan-specific antibody. Furthermore, partially glycosylated Fap1 was detected on the cell surface and in the culture supernatant. These data suggest that SecY2 has a role in complete glycosylation of Fap1 and imply that SecY2 is not the only translocation channel for the Fap1 precursor and that alternative secretion machinery exists. Together, Gtf1 and SecY2 are involved in biogenesis of two distinct Fap1 precursors inS. parasanguis. Discovery of the effect of an accessory Sec protein on Fap1 glycosylation suggests that Fap1 secretion and glycosylation are coupled during Fap1 biogenesis.
Role of Streptococcal T Antigens in Superficial Skin Infection
Authors: Lizano Sergio , Luo Feng , Bessen Debra E. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTFCT region genes ofStreptococcus pyogenesencode surface proteins that includefibronectin- andcollagen-binding proteins and the serological markers known asTantigens, some of which give rise to pilus-like appendages. It remains to be established whether FCT region surface proteins contribute to virulence by in vivo models of infection. In this study, a highly sensitive and ecologically relevant humanized mouse model was used to measure superficial skin infection. Three genes encoding FCT region surface proteins essential for T-serotype specificity were inactivated. Both the Δcpaand ΔprtF2mutants were highly attenuated for virulence when topically applied to the skin following exponential growth but were fully virulent when delivered in stationary phase. In contrast, the ΔfctAmutant was virulent at the skin, regardless of its initial growth state. Immunoblots of cell extracts revealed anti-FctA-reactive, ladder-like polymers characteristic of streptococcal pili. In addition, FctA formed a heteropolymer with the putative collagen-binding protein Cpa. The ΔfctAmutant showed a loss in anti-Cpa-reactive polymers, whereas anti-FctA-reactive polymers were reduced in the Δcpamutant. The findings suggest that both FctA and Cpa are required for pilus formation, but importantly, an intact pilus is not essential for Cpa-mediated virulence. Although it is an integral part of the T-antigen complex, the fibronectin-binding protein PrtF2 is not covalently linked to the FctA- and Cpa-containing heteropolymer derived from cell extracts. The data provide direct evidence that streptococcal T antigens function as virulence factors in vivo, but they also reveal that a pilus-like structure is not essential for the most common form of streptococcal skin disease.
Significant Genetic and Antigenic Variability within the
env
Gene of Systemic Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Group O Populations during the Natural Course of a Heterosexual Infection: a Pilot Study
Authors: Andréoletti Laurent , Réveil Brigitte , Moret Hélène , Brodard Véronique , Philbert Frédérique , Tabary Thierry , Cohen Jacques Henri Max 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

We assessed the genetic and the antigenic variability within the
env
gene of peripheral blood human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 (HIV-1) group O populations during the natural course of a female heterosexual infection. Our data revealed the existence of a significant increase in amino acid sequence variability within the C2-V3 and gp41 regions (
P
= 0.023 and
P
< 0.001, respectively) in association with substitutions within neutralizing epitope sequences usually selected for HIV serological assays. These antigenic variations might significantly decrease the sensitivity of classical HIV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with blood samples of subjects heterosexually infected by HIV-1 group O strains. These findings may be of significant use both to devise diagnostic tools and to pursue suitable therapeutic modalities in cases of heterosexual infection by outlier HIV-1 strains.
Outbreak of Gastroenteritis Due to Sapovirus
Authors: Hansman Grant S. , Saito Hiroyuki , Shibata Chihiro , Ishizuka Shizuko , Oseto Mitsuaki , Oka Tomoichiro , Takeda Naokazu 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT
An outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred at a kindergarten in Yokote City, Japan, between February 2006 and March 2006. Sapovirus was identified in 19 of 26 stool specimens by reverse transcription-PCR. A high viral shedding pattern was found for this strain, which was shown to be antigenically distinct from other genogroups.
Report of the First Human Case of
Caulobacter
sp. Infection
Authors: Justesen Ulrik S. , Holt Hanne M. , Thiesson Helle C. , Blom Jens , Nielsen Xiaohui C. , Dargis Rimtas , Kemp Michael , Christensen Jens J. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

A
Caulobacter
sp. isolate was recovered from the dialysis fluid of a patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Bacterial identification included electron microscopy and 16S rDNA sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the first report of human
Caulobacter
infection. Special growth requirements suggest that
Caulobacter
spp. may be overlooked in the clinical microbiology laboratory.
Arginine Methylation of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Tat Protein by PRMT6 Negatively Affects Tat Interactions with both Cyclin T1 and the Tat Transactivation Region
Authors: Xie Baode , Invernizzi Cédric F. , Richard Stéphane , Wainberg Mark A. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT
Arginine methylation has been shown to regulate signal transduction, protein subcellular localization, gene transcription, and protein-protein interactions that ultimately alter gene expression. Although the role of cellular protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMT) in viral gene expression is largely unknown, we recently showed that the Tat protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a substrate for one such enzyme, termed PRMT6. However, the mechanism by which arginine methylation impairs the transactivation potential of Tat and the sites of arginine methylation within Tat remain obscure. We now show that Tat is a specific in vitro and in vivo substrate of PRMT6 which targets the Tat R52 and R53 residues for arginine methylation. Such Tat methylation led to decreased interaction with the Tat transactivation region (TAR) of viral RNA. Furthermore, arginine methylation of Tat negatively affected Tat-TAR-cyclin T1 ternary complex formation and diminished cyclin T1-dependent Tat transcriptional activation. Overexpression of wild-type PRMT6, but not a methylase-inactive PRMT6 mutant, reduced levels of Tat transactivation of HIV-1 long terminal repeat chloramphenicol acetyltransferase and luciferase reporter plasmids in a dose-dependent manner. In cell-based assays, knockdown of PRMT6 resulted in increased HIV-1 production and faster viral replication. Thus, PRMT6 can compromise Tat transcriptional activation and may represent a form of innate cellular immunity in regard to HIV-1 replication. Finding a way of inhibiting or stimulating PRMT6 activity might help to drive quiescently infected cells out of latency or combat HIV-1 replication, respectively.