bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An efficient on‐column expressed protein ligation strategy: Application to segmental triple labeling of human apolipoprotein E3
Authors: Zhao Wentao , Zhang Yonghong , Cui Chunxian , Li Qianqian , Wang Jianjun 
Published: February 2008

AbstractExpressed protein ligation (EPL) is an intein‐based approach that has been used for protein engineering and biophysical studies of protein structures. One major problem of the EPL is the low yield of final ligation product, primarily due to the complex procedure of the EPL, preventing EPL from gaining popularity in the research community. Here we report an efficient on‐column EPL strategy, which focuses on enhancing the expression level of the intein‐fusion protein that generates thioester for the EPL. We applied this EPL strategy to human apolipoprotein E (apoE) and routinely obtained 25–30 mg segmental, triple‐labeled apoE from 1‐L cell culture. The approaches reported here are general approaches that are not specific for apoE, thus providing a general strategy for a highly efficient EPL. In addition, we also report an isotopic labeling scheme that double‐labels one domain and keeps the other domain of apoE deuterated. Such an isotopic labeling scheme can only be achieved using the EPL strategy. Our data indicated that the segmental triple‐labeled apoEs using this labeling scheme produced high‐quality, simplified NMR spectra, facilitating NMR spectral assignment. For large proteins, such as apoE, perdeuterated protein samples have to be used to reduce the linewidth of NMR signals, causing a major problem for the NOE‐based NMR method, since perdeuterated proteins lack protons for NOE measurement. The new labeling strategy solves this problem and provides 13C/15N double‐labeled, protonated protein domains, allowing for determination of high‐resolution NMR structure of these large proteins.
Ex vivo evaluation of the accuracy of two electronic apex locators during root canal length determination in primary teeth
Authors: Leonardo M. R. , Silva L. A. B. , Nelson‐Filho P. , Silva R. A. B. , Raffaini M. S. G. G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim  To evaluate ex vivo the accuracy of two electronic apex locators during root canal length determination in primary incisor and molar teeth with different stages of physiological root resorption.Methodology  One calibrated examiner determined the root canal length in 17 primary incisors and 16 primary molars (total of 57 root canals) with different stages of root resorption based on the actual canal length and using two electronic apex locators. Root canal length was measured both visually, with the placement of a K‐file 1 mm short of the apical foramen or the apical resorption bevel, and electronically using two electronic apex locators (Root ZX II – J. Morita Corp. and Mini Apex Locator – SybronEndo) according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Data were analysed statistically using the intraclass correlation (ICC) test.Results  Comparison of the actual root canal length and the electronic root canal length measurements revealed high correlation (ICC = 0.99), regardless of the tooth type (single‐rooted and multi‐rooted teeth) or the presence/absence of physiological root resorption.Conclusions  Root ZX II and Mini Apex Locator proved useful and accurate for apex foramen location during root canal length measurement in primary incisors and molars.
Dimensional characterization and mechanical behaviour of K3 rotary instruments
Authors: Melo M. C. C. , Pereira E. S. J. , Viana A. C. D. , Fonseca A. M. A. , Buono V. T. L. , Bahia M. G. A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim  To correlate the mechanical behaviour in torsion, bending and fatigue tests of K3 instruments with their dimensional characteristics.Methodology  Instrument length, tip angle, distance between blades (pitch length) and the diameter at each millimetre from the tip of sizes 20, 25 and 30, 0.04 taper and sizes 20 and 25, 0.06 taper K3 rotary instruments were measured in an optical microscope equipped with digital micrometers. The cross‐sectional area at 3 mm from the tip of the same instruments was determined using digital image analysis of scanning electron microscopy images. Maximum torque and angular deflection, as well as bending moment at 45° were measured according to specification of ISO 3630‐1. Fatigue resistance of instruments size 30, 0.04 taper, and sizes 20 and 25, 0.06 taper was determined in a fatigue test bench device.Results  The analysed instruments presented no uniformity in the distance between adjacent blades, but the measured diameters at each millimetre from the tip were regular, showing compliance with manufacturing standards. Torque and bending moment of the tested instruments increased significantly with diameter and cross‐sectional area at 3 mm from the instrument tip. The fatigue resistance of the instruments showed a tendency to decrease as the diameter of the instruments increased.Conclusions  The bending moment at 45° and the torsional resistance of K3 instruments can be predicted using instrument diameter and cross‐sectional area at 3 mm from the tip. Fatigue resistance decreased as the instrument diameter increased.
Disagreement between subjective and actigraphic measures of sleep duration in a population‐based study of elderly persons*
Authors: VAN DEN BERG JULIA F. , VAN ROOIJ FRANK J.A. , VOS HENK , TULEN JOKE H.M. , HOFMAN ALBERT , MIEDEMA HENK M.E. , NEVEN ARIE KNUISTINGH , TIEMEIER HENNING 
Published: February 2008

SummarySleep duration is an important concept in epidemiological studies. It characterizes a night’s sleep or a person’s sleep pattern, and is associated with numerous health outcomes. In most large studies, sleep duration is assessed with questionnaires or sleep diaries. As an alternative, actigraphy may be used, as it objectively measures sleep parameters and is feasible in large studies. However, actigraphy and sleep diaries may not measure exactly the same phenomenon. Our study aims to determine disagreement between actigraphic and diary estimates of sleep duration, and to investigate possible determinants of this disagreement. This investigation was embedded in the population‐based Rotterdam Study. The study population consisted of 969 community‐dwelling participants aged 57–97 years. Participants wore an actigraph and kept a sleep diary for, on average, six consecutive nights. Both measures were used to determine total sleep time (TST). In 34% of the participants, the estimated TST in the sleep diaries deviated more than 1 h from actigraphically measured TST. The level of disagreement between diary and actigraphic measures decreased with subjective and actigraphic measures of sleep quality, and increased with male gender, poor cognitive function and functional disability. Actigraphically measured poor sleep was often accompanied by longer subjective estimates of TST, whereas subjectively poor sleepers tended to report shorter TST in their diaries than was measured with actigraphy. We recommend, whenever possible, to use multiple measures of sleep duration, to perform analyses with both, and to examine the consistency of the results over assessment methods.
The CBS subdomain of inosine 5′‐monophosphate dehydrogenase regulates purine nucleotide turnover
Authors: Pimkin Maxim , Markham George D. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryInosine 5′‐monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) catalyses the rate‐limiting step in guanine nucleotide biosynthesis. IMPDH has an evolutionary conserved CBS subdomain of unknown function. The subdomain can be deleted without impairing the in vitro IMPDH catalytic activity and is the site for mutations associated with human retinitis pigmentosa. A guanine‐prototrophic Escherichia coli strain, MP101, was constructed with the subdomain sequence deleted from the chromosomal gene for IMPDH. The ATP content was substantially elevated in MP101 whereas the GTP content was slighty reduced. The activities of IMPDH, adenylosuccinate synthetase and GMP reductase were two to threefold lower in MP101 crude extracts compared with the BW25113 wild‐type strain. Guanine induced a threefold reduction in the MP101 ATP pool and a fourfold increase in the GTP pool within 10 min of addition to growing cells; this response does not result from the reduced IMPDH activity or starvation for guanylates. In vivo kinetic analysis using 14‐C tracers and 33‐P pulse‐chasing revealed mutation‐associated changes in purine nucleotide fluxes and turnover rates. We conclude that the CBS subdomain of IMPDH may coordinate the activities of the enzymes of purine nucleotide metabolism and is essential for maintaining the normal ATP and GTP pool sizes in E. coli.
Effects of environmental parameters, leaf physiological properties and leaf water relations on leaf water δ18O enrichment in different Eucalyptus species
Authors: KAHMEN ANSGAR , SIMONIN KEVIN , TU KEVIN P. , MERCHANT ANDREW , CALLISTER ANDREW , SIEGWOLF ROLF , DAWSON TODD E. , ARNDT STEFAN K. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTStable oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) have become a valuable tool in the plant and ecosystem sciences. The interpretation of δ18O values in plant material is, however, still complicated owing to the complex interactions among factors that influence leaf water enrichment. This study investigated the interplay among environmental parameters, leaf physiological properties and leaf water relations as drivers of the isotopic enrichment of leaf water across 17 Eucalyptus species growing in a common garden. We observed large differences in maximum daily leaf water δ18O across the 17 species. By fitting different leaf water models to these empirical data, we determined that differences in leaf water δ18O across species are largely explained by variation in the Péclet effect across species. Our analyses also revealed that species‐specific differences in transpiration do not explain the observed differences in δ18O while the unconstrained fitting parameter ‘effective path length’ (L) was highly correlated with δ18O. None of the leaf morphological or leaf water related parameters we quantified in this study correlated with the L values we determined even though L was typically interpreted as a leaf morphological/anatomical property. A sensitivity analysis supported the importance of L for explaining the variability in leaf water δ18O across different species. Our investigation highlighted the importance of future studies to quantify the leaf properties that influence L. Obtaining such information will significantly improve our understanding of what ultimately determines the δ18O values of leaf water across different plant species.
Metabolic interactions between algal symbionts and invertebrate hosts
Authors: YELLOWLEES DAVID , REES T. ALWYN V. , LEGGAT WILLIAM 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTSome invertebrates have enlisted autotrophic unicellular algae to provide a competitive metabolic advantage in nutritionally demanding habitats. These symbioses exist primarily but not exclusively in shallow tropical oceanic waters where clear water and low nutrient levels provide maximal advantage to the association. Mostly, the endosymbiotic algae are localized in host cells surrounded by a host‐derived membrane (symbiosome). This anatomy has required adaptation of the host biochemistry to allow transport of the normally excreted inorganic nutrients (CO2, NH3 and PO43−) to the alga. In return, the symbiont supplies photosynthetic products to the host to meet its energy demands. Most attention has focused on the metabolism of CO2 and nitrogen sources. Carbon‐concentrating mechanisms are a feature of all algae, but the products exported to the host following photosynthetic CO2 fixation vary. Identification of the stimulus for release of algal photosynthate in hospite remains elusive. Nitrogen assimilation within the symbiosis is an essential element in the host's control over the alga. Recent studies have concentrated on cnidarians because of the impact of global climate change resulting in coral bleaching. The loss of the algal symbiont and its metabolic contribution to the host has the potential to result in the transition from a coral‐dominated to an algal‐dominated ecosystem.
Understanding the pathway between the transplant experience and health‐related quality of life outcomes in adolescents
Authors: Simons Laura E. , Anglin Grace , Warshaw Barry L. , Mahle William T. , Vincent Robert N. , Blount Ronald L. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract: Developments in solid organ transplantation have resulted in improved survival for children with advanced kidney, liver, and heart disease; however, concerns have been raised regarding the quality of life of survivors. This study examined HRQOL in adolescent transplant recipients. We examined the influence of demographic, treatment regimen, and family factors on physical and mental health domains of HRQOL. The current single‐center investigation involved 68 solid organ transplant recipients and their parents. All families participated in a structured interview to collect information on demographics, characteristics of the adolescents’ disease and treatment regimen, family functioning, and HRQOL for parents and adolescents. Using hierarchical regression analyses, predictive models of physical functioning and mental health outcomes for adolescent transplant recipients were developed for parent‐proxy and adolescent self‐report. Perceived frequency of medication side‐effects and family conflict significantly contributed to adolescent physical functioning and mental health outcomes. Taken together, transplant consequences and family environment significantly impact physical and mental health outcomes in adolescent transplant recipients. Our findings demonstrate the need for pharmacological considerations and psychological interventions to address these areas.
Inheritance of time of flowering in upland cotton under natural conditions
Authors: Hao J. J. , Yu S. X. , Ma Q. X. , Fan S. L. , Song M. Z. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractTime to flowering is an essential component of the adaptation and productivity of cotton (Gossipium hirsutum) in various agro‐ecological zones. This article presents a study of the genetic control of this trait in two crosses obtained from different early‐maturity parental lines. In each cross, multiple generations including P1, F1, P2, B1, B2 and F2 were evaluated under two natural field conditions in 2004 and 2005. The data on time to flowering in the F2 populations had a continuous distribution but deviated from normality. A joint segregation analysis (JSA) revealed that time of flowering in upland cotton was controlled by a mixture of an additive major gene and additive‐dominant polygenes. The first‐ and second‐order genetic parameters were all calculated based on the mixture of major gene and polygene inheritance models using JSA. These results suggested that there was considerable genetic diversity and complexity in days to anthesis in upland cotton. This variation can be used to formulate the most efficient breeding strategy and to design cotton for a particular environment.
The meaning of leisure for well‐elderly Italians in an Australian community: Implications for occupational therapy
Authors: Pereira Robert B. , Stagnitti Karen 
Published: February 2008

Aim: This paper documents a study that aimed to discover the meaning of leisure experiences for an ageing Italian community in a large regional centre in Victoria, Australia.Methods: This qualitative investigation used a phenomenological study design, and data were collected through semistructured interviews with 10 well‐elderly Australian Italians.Results: Participants engaged in numerous leisure occupations that were meaningful to them and directly impacted on positive subjective experiences and health outcomes.Conclusion: This paper adds to an understanding of how leisure impacts on the health of well‐elderly Australians and how occupational therapists can use leisure effectively in interventions for successful ageing.
VASCULAR ANGIOTENSIN AT2RECEPTORS IN HYPERTENSION AND AGEING
Authors: Widdop Robert E , Vinh Antony , Henrion Daniel , Jones Emma S 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYAngiotensin II (Ang II) acts on both subtype 1 receptors (AT1R) and subtype 2 receptors (AT2R). AT1R stimulation mediates all of the classical actions of Ang II including vasoconstriction and cardiovascular hypertrophy. By contrast, AT2R stimulation is thought to exert a counter‐regulatory effect on AT1R and exert direct vasodilatation and antigrowth effects.In this brief review, the vascular effects of AT2R are reviewed in the context of recent data relating to hypertension and ageing.In particular the vascular AT2R phenotype in isolated mesenteric arteries may switch from that of relaxation to contraction in hypertension or ageing and this AT2R contractile phenotype can be converted to relaxation, at least with chronic antihypertensive treatment in spontaneously hypertensive rats.In vivodata pertaining to hypertension and ageing are consistent with vasodilator and antiremodelling effects of AT2R.
CHILDHOOD OBESITY, HYPERTENSION, THE METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ADULT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Authors: Beilin Lawrence , Huang Rae‐Chi 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

The worldwide epidemic of obesity in adults has been mirrored in children in developed and developing countries.
Central obesity appears to be driving a cluster of abnormalities often referred to as the metabolic syndrome.
The definition of the metabolic syndrome in children is not suited to arbitrary cut‐offs and a definition using the significant clustering of risk factors that is already evident in childhood and adolescent populations may be preferable.
An Australian population study showed that 25% of 8‐year‐olds and 29% of 14‐year‐olds could be described by the high risk cluster with features similar to adult metabolic syndrome.
The high risk cluster was significantly linked to high and low birthweight, shorter duration of breast‐feeding, larger postnatal weight gains after 12 months of age and raised C‐reactive protein, gamma glutamyl transferase and alanine transaminase levels. At‐risk young adults have also been shown to have macroscopic atherosclerosis in post‐mortem studies.
Identification of at‐risk children has obvious benefits for the individual and as well, for prevention of a future cohort with raised cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; however, complexities and controversies exist in doing so. Familial, genetic and lifestyle risk factors aggregate and labelling children with predisease may be problematic. Committed political and societal changes are necessary to reduce childhood obesity and subsequent adult cardiovascular disease.
NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE SYMPATHETIC, ENDOTHELIAL AND CORONARY EFFECTS OF NICOTINE
Authors: Adamopoulos Dionysios , Van De Borne Philippe , Argacha Jean Francois 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYNicotine is a well studied pleiotropic agent which occurs naturally in tobacco smoke and has been largely accused for many of the adverse effects of smoking on the cardiovascular system, including autonomic imbalance, endothelial dysfunction and coronary blood flow dysregulation.The acute sympathoexcitatory effects of smoking on the cardiovascular system are partially mediated by catecholamine release, muscle sympathetic nerve excitation and peripheral chemoreceptor sensitivity increase, consecutive to nicotinic receptor stimulation in the autonomic nervous system.Recent animal data suggest that nicotine promotes the oxidative and inflammatory stress to the endothelium and induces pathological angiogenesis, leading to the progression of the atherosclerotic lesions.Nicotine increases myocardial work without impairing the physiological coronary vasodilatation. Consequently, nicotine per se cannot explain the sudden reduction in coronary flow reserve after exposure to both active and passive smoking.Nicotine's biological effects are characterized by a rapid onset of tolerance, which can explain why nicotine administration does not elicit acute coronary and chemoreflex side‐effect in smokers.
Shaken baby syndrome in New Zealand, 2000–2002
Authors: Kelly Patrick , Farrant Bridget 
Published: February 2008

Aim:  To describe the epidemiology of subdural haemorrhage (SDH) in New Zealand infants.Methods:  Prospective enrolment of all cases of infantile SDH from 2000 to 2002. Retrospective analysis of national discharge and death data for the same period.Results:  Seventy‐seven cases of infantile SDH were identified prospectively, and a further 49 cases retrospectively. Of these 126 cases, 92 resulted from non‐birth‐related trauma. Forty‐eight of these were attributed to abuse and 28 to accidental injury. Sixteen cases were undetermined. The ‘minimum’ annual incidence of inflicted infantile SDH in New Zealand is 14.7 per 100 000 (95% confidence interval(CI) 10.8–19.4), and the ‘maximum’ 19.6 per 100 000 (95% CI 15.1–25.0). Among Maori, the ‘minimum’ is 32.5 per 100 000 (95% CI 21.4–47.3), and the ‘maximum’ 38.5 per 100 000 (95% CI 26.3–54.4).Conclusions:  The epidemiology of infantile subdural haemorrhage in New Zealand is similar to that described elsewhere. Non‐accidental head injury is a significant child health issue in New Zealand, and the incidence is particularly high among Maori.
Effect of gravel conditions on seedling emergence of the endangered monocarpic perennial Aster kantoensis (Compositae) on a floodplain
Authors: KAGAYA MITSUKO , TANI TAKASHI , KACHI NAOKI 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe short‐lived monocarpic perennial Aster kantoensis Kitamura inhabits gravelly floodplains in the Kanto district of Honshu, Japan. Seedlings of this species are often found in unembedded‐gravel habitats where gravels shade the sand surface, and are rare in embedded‐gravel habitats where the sand surface is exposed to sunlight. To examine whether gravel conditions at the ground surface directly affect the seedling emergence of A. kantoensis, seeds were experimentally sown around unembedded gravels in the unembedded‐gravel habitat and around embedded and artificially unembedded gravels in the embedded‐gravel habitat on a floodplain of the Tama River. The cumulative numbers of seedlings that emerged around the unembedded and artificially unembedded gravels were approximately fourfold and sixfold of that around the embedded gravel. Results of this study indicate that gravel conditions at the ground surface directly affect the seedling emergence of A. kantoensis and that unembedded gravel conditions created by flooding provide microhabitats suitable for seedling emergence.
Management of localized prostate cancer in senior adults: the crucial role of comorbidity
Authors: Fitzpatrick John M. 
Published: February 2008

Prostate cancer is predominantly a disease of senior adults, i.e. those aged >70 years. With the increasing life expectancy worldwide, the burden of prostate cancer in senior adults is expected to increase.The management of senior adults with localized prostate cancer is not optimal. While most senior adults have indolent disease and will not die from it, some patients with aggressive tumours will rapidly progress to an advanced stage if not adequately treated. Treatment decisions need to balance life expectancy and the benefits of therapy vs treatment‐related adverse events. Comorbidity is a crucial predictor of nonprostate cancer mortality in senior adults. Moreover, complications of curative treatments appear to be related to comorbidity to a greater degree than to chronological age. Nevertheless, there is evidence that, in everyday clinical practice, treatment decisions are strongly influenced by patient age and that a minority of senior adults with prostate cancer will benefit from curative therapy, regardless of the comorbidity. Conversely, a large proportion of senior adults will receive hormone‐deprivation therapy, although it has no curative intent and is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular mortality and bone fractures.In conclusion, every effort should be made to improve the standard of care of senior adults with localized prostate cancer. There is a need for specific treatment guidelines dedicated to this population.