bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Trp140 at subsite −6 on the maltohexaose production of maltohexaose‐producing amylase from alkalophilic Bacillus sp.707
Authors: Kanai Ryuta , Haga Keiko , Akiba Toshihiko , Yamane Kunio , Harata Kazuaki 
Published: February 2006

AbstractMaltohexaose‐producing amylase (G6‐amylase) from alkalophilic Bacillus sp.707 predominantly produces maltohexaose (G6) in the yield of >30% of the total products from short‐chain amylose (DP = 17). Our previous crystallographic study showed that G6‐amylase has nine subsites, from −6 to +3, and pointed out the importance of the indole moiety of Trp140 in G6 production. G6‐amylase has very low levels of hydrolytic activities for oligosaccharides shorter than maltoheptaose. To elucidate the mechanism underlying G6 production, we determined the crystal structures of the G6‐amylase complexes with G6 and maltopentaose (G5). In the active site of the G6‐amylase/G5 complex, G5 is bound to subsites −6 to −2, while G1 and G6 are found at subsites + 2 and −7 to −2, respectively, in the G6‐amylase/G6 complex. In both structures, the glucosyl residue located at subsite −6 is stacked to the indole moiety of Trp140 within a distance of 4Å. The measurement of the activities of the mutant enzymes when Trp140 was replaced by leucine (W140L) or by tyrosine (W140Y) showed that the G6 production from short‐chain amylose by W140L is lower than that by W140Y or wild‐type enzyme. The face‐to‐face short contact between Trp140 and substrate sugars is suggested to regulate the disposition of the glucosyl residue at subsite −6 and to govern product specificity for G6 production.
Hyperalgesia induced by cutaneous freeze injury for testing analgesics in healthy volunteers
Authors: Chassaing Claude , Schmidt Jeannot , Eschalier Alain , Cardot Jean Michel , Dubray Claude 
Published: February 2006

AimsThe early phases of the clinical development of new analgesic agents are severely hindered by a lack of reliable sensitive tests based on experimental pain models. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of a localized hyperalgesia model induced by cutaneous freeze injury to evaluate the pharmacodynamic profile of weak analgesic agents in healthy volunteers.Method and resultsTwo groups of 24 healthy volunteers were enrolled in controlled, randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over studies. After freeze injury, punctate mechanical pain thresholds (MPT) were measured over three consecutive daily sessions to characterize the induced hyperalgesia and compare the effects of (i) oral ibuprofen and acetaminophen and (ii) oral and topical ibuprofen vs. placebo. The freeze injury model provides two types of hyperalgesia, primary and secondary, stable over 72 h. The MPT values (means; 95% confidence interval) in the primary (38.9 g; 34.3, 43.5) and secondary (82.2 g; 81.4, 88.0) areas of hyperalgesia were different from normal skin (107.5 g; 101.5, 115.2). This model clearly showed the antihyperalgesic effect of both systemic and topical ibuprofen (42.1%; 26.6, 61.2 and 33.8%; 16.4, 51.2 of MPT increase, respectively) but not that of acetaminophen.ConclusionCutaneous freeze injury coupled with a von Frey electronic device to assess the mechanical pain threshold is a convenient model that causes no discomfort. The improved sensitivity and stability of this experimental model of hyperalgesia over three consecutive days make it a useful tool for evaluating the efficacy and detecting the potential sites of action of analgesic agents such as nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in healthy human subjects.
Effect of grapefruit juice on the disposition of manidipine enantiomers in healthy subjects
Authors: Uno Tsukasa , Ohkubo Tadashi , Motomura Shigeru , Sugawara Kazunobu 
Published: February 2006

AimTo examine the effect of grapefruit juice, an inhibitor of CYP3A4 in the small intestine, on the disposition of manidipine enantiomers in healthy subjects.MethodsA randomized cross‐over study with at least a 2‐week wash‐out period was performed. Seven healthy male volunteers received an oral 40‐mg dose of racemic manidipine after an overnight fast with either grapefruit juice (GFJ) or water, as a control study. Plasma concentrations of (S)‐ and (R)‐manidipine were monitored up to 10 h after the dosing.ResultsThe plasma concentrations of (S)‐manidipine were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those of (R)‐manidipine in the control phase with an S/R ratio for the AUC0–∞ of 1.62 (95% confidence interval 1.52, 1.73). GFJ significantly increased Cmax and AUC0–∞ of (S)‐manidipine by 2.4‐fold (P < 0.01) and 2.3‐fold (P < 0.01), respectively, and Cmax and AUC0–∞ of (R)‐manidipine were increased by 3.4‐fold (P < 0.01) and 3.0‐fold (P < 0.01), respectively. There were significant differences (P < 0.01) in GFJ‐mediated percentage increases in Cmax and AUC0–∞ of (S)‐manidipine compared with those of (R)‐manidipine. The S/R ratio for AUC0–∞ was significantly decreased from 1.6 to 1.2 during the GFJ phase (P < 0.01).ConclusionThese results indicate that the stereoselective disposition of manidipine was altered by GFJ, as an inhibitor of CYP3A4. GFJ appears to affect this metabolic disposal of (R)‐manidipine to a greater extent than that of (S)‐manidipine.
Circulating levels and clinical significance of soluble CD86 in myeloma patients
Authors: Hock B. D. , Drayson M. , Patton W. N. , Taylor K. , Kerr L. , McKenzie J. L. ,   the Working Party on Leukaemia in adults (part of the NCRI Haematological Oncology Clinical Studies Group)
Published: February 2006

SummaryCirculating soluble CD86 (sCD86) levels are elevated in a number of leukaemias and are an independent prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukaemia. We investigated the clinical significance of circulating sCD86 in 299 patients from the UK Medical Research Council myeloma VIth trial, where patients received ABCM [adriamycin, carmustine (BCNU), cyclophosphamide, melphalan] either alone or with prednisolone (ABCM + P). Serum levels of sCD86 were significantly elevated (P = 0·0001) in myeloma patients and using the median normal donor level (0·621 ng/ml) as a cut‐off point, 70% of patients had elevated levels (range = 0·015–15·87 ng/ml, median = 1·1 ng/ml). In univariate analysis elevated sCD86 levels were associated with significantly shorter (P < 0·001) survival (median = 22 vs. 51 months) and event‐free survival (median = 14 vs. 31 months) in ABCM + P but not ABCM patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that sCD86 was a significant, independent prognostic marker of both overall [risk ratio (RR) = 2·04, P = 0·0006] and event‐free (RR = 1·95, P = 0·0004) survival in ABCM + P patients. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that sCD86 levels are a significant independent prognostic marker in at least some myeloma treatment groups and its biological role and prognostic value should be further investigated.
Carrying capacity and survival strategy for the Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientalis, in the Western Pacific
Authors: MATSUKAWA YASUO 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe carrying capacity for the Pacific bluefin tuna at each life stage is estimated and its survival strategy is examined numerically, using a new method to define the hypothetical capacity, the standard population, and the search volumes that are necessary and are feasible for the tuna. The carrying capacity for the adult is estimated at 1–2 × 106 individuals, which corresponds with 5–10% of the hypothetical capacity and is comparable with the maximum levels of the southern and the Atlantic bluefin tuna populations. It is hypothesized semiquantitatively that the migration at each life stage and the remarkable decrement of growth at 120 days and about 40 cm occur as an evolutionary response to population excess over the carrying capacity. It is also hypothesized semiquantitatively that the early larvae have minimal food available in the Subtropical Water and develop the predatory morphology, high growth rate, and high mobility, however, at the expense of a high mortality as an evolutionary response to the tuna spawning in the Subtropical Water. This method may be an available tool to not only investigate the carrying capacity and survival strategy of a specific fish species, but also predict when and in how much abundance the fish species occurs in a specific area of its habitat.
Spatial distribution of the Japanese common squid, Todarodes pacificus, during its northward migration in the western North Pacific Ocean
Authors: KAWABATA ATSUSHI , YATSU AKIHIKO , UENO YASUHIRO , SUYAMA SATOSHI , KURITA YUTAKA 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe spatial distribution of Todarodes pacificus in and near the Kuroshio/Oyashio Transition Zone during its northward migration was examined by comparative surveys using two types of mid‐water trawl net and supplementary squid jigging from June to July 2000. The vertical and horizontal distribution patterns varied for different body sizes in relation to the oceanographic structure. Todarodes pacificus of 1–20 cm dorsal mantle length (ML) were widely distributed from the coastal waters of Japan to near 162°E longitude, probably due to transport by the Kuroshio Extension (KE). Todarodes pacificus smaller than 10 cm ML were mainly distributed in temperate surface layers at sea surface temperatures (SSTs) >15°C near the KE meander probably because of their poor tolerance to lower temperatures and limited swimming ability. Squid of 10–15 cm ML were distributed in the offshore waters of 10–15°C SST and in the coastal waters of northern Honshu, and underwent diel vertical migrations between the sea surface at night and deeper layers during the daytime. Squid larger than 15 cm ML were distributed in the coastal feeding grounds of northern Honshu and Hokkaido until they began their southward spawning migration. They also underwent diel vertical migrations, but remained deeper at night than the squid of 10–15 cm ML; this migration pattern closely matched that of their main prey such as euphausiids. We concluded that as T. pacificus grow, they shift their distribution range from the temperate surface layer around the KE toward the colder deeper layers, above 5°C, in the Oyashio and coastal areas.
Change in habitat associations and geographic distribution of thorny skate (Amblyraja radiata) in the southern Gulf of St Lawrence: density‐dependent habitat selection or response to environmental change?
Authors: SWAIN D. P. , BENOÎT H. P. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWe describe changes in the habitat associations and geographic distribution of thorny skate during their feeding season in the southern Gulf of St Lawrence, based on 32 yr of monitoring by a bottom‐trawl survey. In the 1990s, geographic range contracted sharply and distribution shifted into a narrow band of warm deep waters. These changes appeared to reflect altered habitat selection by individual skates, rather than local depletion of the skates that had habitually occupied the vacated areas or a change in the timing of seasonal migrations. Changes in skate distribution coincided with a decline in skate biomass and a cooling of bottom waters. The contraction in the geographic range of skates appeared to be a density‐dependent response, more closely linked to the decline in skate abundance than to the change in environmental conditions. The cause of the shift in habitat associations is less certain. An index of the distribution shift was more strongly correlated with skate biomass than with an index of temperature conditions, and the change in temperature associations is in the direction predicted by density‐dependent bioenergetic considerations. However, the shift into deeper waters is into a depth zone where skate condition is relatively low, contrary to the expectation that fish should be concentrated in optimal habitat at low population size. On the other hand, while the shift into warm deep waters coincided with a cooling of waters at intermediate depths, distribution failed to shift back to the earlier pattern as these waters warmed in the late 1990s.
Assessment of different gutta‐percha brands during the filling of simulated lateral canals
Authors: Gurgel‐Filho E. D. , Feitosa J. P. A. , Gomes B. P. F. A. , Ferraz C. C. R. , Souza‐Filho F. J. , Teixeira F. B. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAim  To compare the ability of five different commercially available gutta‐percha points to fill simulated lateral canals when subjected to warm vertical compaction.Methodology  Fifty clear plastic teeth with a lateral canal in each third of the root were used. All teeth were filled using warm vertical compaction. Backfilling was completed with a sealer and the same gutta‐percha point used during the apical condensation. After this, they were horizontally sectioned using a diamond disc adapted to a low‐speed saw. The resulting sections were embedded in epoxy resin. The extent of gutta‐percha and sealer filling were measured in each lateral canal using an IMAGE‐PRO 4.0 software system. The voids in each canal were measured using the same system. Data were ranked and analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis statistical test.Results  The mean percentage of the three lateral canals filled with gutta‐percha and sealer were respectively: Konne (68.23% and 24.50%), Analytic (67.90% and 25.28%), Obtura (63.80% and 29.60%), Tanari (49.42% and 45.86%) and Dentsply (44.60% and 47.05%). There was significantly (P < 0.05) more gutta‐percha in the lateral canal filled with AnalyticTM, ObturaTM and KonneTM points than with TanariTM and DentsplyTM points.Conclusions  The brand of gutta‐percha cone had an influence on the length of filling within lateral canals. This may be a reflection of the chemical formulation of the gutta‐percha points.
Influence of phase transformation on the torsional and bending properties of nickel–titanium rotary endodontic instruments
Authors: Miyai K. , Ebihara A. , Hayashi Y. , Doi H. , Suda H. , Yoneyama T. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAim  To investigate the relationship between the functional properties and the phase transformation of nickel–titanium endodontic instruments.Methodology  Five types of rotary nickel–titanium endodontic instruments with a 0.30 mm diameter tip (EndoWave, HERO 642, K3, ProFile.06, and ProTaper) were selected to investigate torsional and bending properties, and phase transformation behaviour. A torsional test was performed according to ISO publication 3630‐1, and maximum torque and angular deflection at fracture were measured. Bending load of the instruments was measured in a cantilever‐bending test at 37 °C with the maximum deflection of 4.0 mm. A stainless steel K‐file was used for reference. Phase transformation behaviour was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). From the DSC curve, transformation temperatures were calculated. Data were analysed by anova and the Tukey–Kramer's test.Results  The maximum torsional torque values of HERO, K3 and ProTaper were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of EndoWave, ProFile and K‐file. The K‐files had the lowest torque value. Angular deflection at fracture was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for K‐files than that for any nickel–titanium instrument. The bending load values of HERO and K3 were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of EndoWave, ProFile, ProTaper and K‐file. The K‐files had the lowest load value, although residual deflection remained. The transformation temperatures of HERO and K3 were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of EndoWave, ProFile and ProTaper.Conclusions  The functional properties of nickel–titanium endodontic instruments, especially their flexible bending load level, were closely related to the transformation behaviour of the alloys.
Evaluation of the accuracy of three electronic apex locators using glass tubules
Authors: Fan W. , Fan B. , Gutmann J. L. , Bian Z. , Fan M. W. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAim  To evaluate the accuracy of three different electronic apex locators (EALs) using glass tubules.Methodology  Forty‐eight glass tubules with different diameters and an agar model were used to mimic root canals. A size 15 stainless steel K‐file was used as the measuring electrode. The Root ZX, Propex and Neosono Ultima EZ were used to measure the tubule length with tubules dry, or filled with 0.9% NaCl, 3% H2O2, 2.5% NaOCl or 17% EDTA. The distance between the real length (RL) and measured length (ML) of the tubules was recorded. The range of RL ± 0.5 mm and RL ± 1 mm was used to evaluate the accuracy of the EALs. Results were subject to correlation analysis and Friedman's test.Results  In dry tubules, the accuracy of Root ZX was 75–91.7% for RL ± 0.5 mm and 100% for RL ± 1 mm, whilst the measurements of the other two EALs were all within the RL ± 0.5 mm. No influence from the increase in tubule diameter on the accuracy of all three EALs was observed in dry tubules. In tubules filled with electrolyte, the accuracy of the Root ZX decreased as tubule diameter increased (Rd > 0, P < 0.05). The RL–ML distance recorded by Propex was inversely related to the tubule diameter (Rd < 0, P < 0.05). The accuracy of Propex was 75–100% for RL ± 0.5 mm and 100% for RL ± 0.5 mm when the tubule diameter was not more than 0.80 mm, but decreased in tubules with diameter over 0.80 mm and filled with 2.5% NaOCl or 17% EDTA. Nearly, all the measurements (except for six tubules) using Neosono Ultima EZ were within 1 mm shorter than RL despite the contents in tubules and the increase of tubule diameter.Conclusions  The accuracy of the Root ZX decreased as the tubule diameter increased when tubules were filled with electrolytes. The electrolytes in the tubules decreased the accuracy of Propex when the tubule diameter was large. The electrolytes in tubules and tubule diameter had no influence on the accuracy of Neosono Ultima EZ. The Propex and Neosono Ultima EZ were more accurate than the Root ZX under various conditions in this laboratory study.
The effect of pre‐soaking and time in the ultrasonic cleaner on the cleanliness of sterilized endodontic files
Authors: Aasim S. A. , Mellor A. C. , Qualtrough A. J. E. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAims  To assess whether pre‐soaking files in an enzymatic cleaner prior to ultrasonic cleaning had any effect on cleanliness and also to assess the effect of the time that endodontic files spend in an ultrasonic bath prior to sterilization on their overall cleanliness.Methodology  Twenty root canals in a total of ten patients were cleaned and shaped using conventional techniques. Following use, some of the files were pre‐soaked and then ultrasonically cleaned for either 5, 10, 30 or 60 min. Other files had no pre‐soaking and were then ultrasonically cleaned. There were two control groups, one where the files were pre‐soaked and not ultrasonically cleaned and the other where the files were neither pre‐soaked nor ultrasonically cleaned. All files were then subjected to a standard packing and autoclaving process. Following autoclaving, the files were examined using a light microscope at a magnification of 40×. The cutting section of each file was divided into two parts, the tip and the shaft, for visualization under the microscope. Any debris or cement on the files was scored using a modification of the scale used by Smith et al. (Journal of Hospital Infection, 51, 2002, 233). The data were analysed using one‐way analysis of variance.Results  Pre‐soaking had no significant effect on the cleanliness of the files (P = 0.18 at the tip, P = 0.93 at the shaft). Ultrasonic cleaning had a significant effect on the cleanliness of the files (P < 0.00) but there was not a linear relationship between cleanliness and the ultrasonic cleaning time. There was little benefit in extending the ultrasonic cleaning time beyond 5 min. Calcium hydroxide deposits on two files were resistant to ultrasonic cleaning.Conclusions  There is no benefit in pre‐soaking endodontic files prior to ultrasonic cleaning. The optimum time for ultrasonic cleaning was between 5 and 10 min. Further ultrasonic exposure, up to 60 min, did not improve cleanliness. Although a majority of files were free from debris following ultrasonic cleaning, a substantial minority still retained debris. This supports the case for endodontic files being single‐use only.
Spatial heterogeneity, land use and conservation in the cerrado region of Brazil
Authors: Silva J. F. , Fariñas M. R. , Felfili J. M. , Klink C. A. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAim  This paper presents a spatial classification of the environmental and ecological diversity of the cerrado region of Brazil, as well as an appraisal of the levels of conversion to agriculture and of the extent of land protection.Location  The cerrado region of Brazil, located in the centre of Brazil, occupies c. 2.5 million square kilometres. Our study area represents roughly 85% of the total. This ecologically heterogeneous region is dominated by savannas, but also contains several types of forests and xerophytic communities that often form mosaics with the savannas. Its high biodiversity is seriously threatened by the accelerated process of conversion to agriculture and a deficiency in the extent and the representativeness of protected areas.Methods  We selected 124 land systems from a previous study of the lowlands of South America. The maps were digitized and 41 parameters, where environmental information was available, were used to build a matrix. A cluster analysis was then performed and the results used to classify the land systems into units at two scales. The larger units, characterized by the dominant landform and vegetation, were considered as landscape units. Within each of these, smaller units called ecological units were defined by the physiognomy and phenology of the dominant vegetation, topography and drainage. Using GIS, we mapped the resulting ecological units and incorporated the information on land use from the municipal agricultural census of 1996. In addition, data on the extent of protected land units was used to assess the status of land protection in each ecological unit.Results  Five landscape units and 15 ecological units were identified, mapped and explained. These units were not continuous but were represented by disjunct patches located in different parts of the study region. Brief descriptions are given including the geographical locations and dominant ecological features. They also include the extent of land conversion to agriculture (1996 census figures) in each of the various patches as well as the number and area of units of conservation.Main conclusions  The high level of land conversion to agriculture is a major threat to the conservation of the remarkable biodiversity of the cerrado region. This, together with the poor status of land protection, represents the major environmental problem facing this region. However, the fact that areas with similar general ecological conditions have a disjunct distribution is important for conservation purposes, even though the details of floristic similarities and biogeographic influences have still to be worked out. Our detailed spatial classification has made this disjunction clearly apparent and has allowed us to map ecologically similar areas accurately. This allows the evaluation of the status of these areas in terms of land use and land protection and may be used in the design of conservation strategies.