bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of root canal fillings performed by undergraduate dental students on single‐rooted teeth*
Authors: Lynch C. D. , Burke F. M. 
Published: April 2006

Introduction:  Root canal therapy is an accepted and successful form of tooth conservation. Educational guidelines require dental schools to ensure that their graduates are competent on graduation at performing root canal therapy. The aim of this investigation was to assess the technical quality of root canal fillings placed by undergraduate students in single‐rooted teeth.Materials and methods:  A total of 100 radiographs of root canal fillings placed by undergraduate students in single‐rooted teeth were examined under even illumination in a darkened room using ×2 magnification. These were graded as ‘adequate’, where the root canal filling was within 2 mm of the radiographic apex, ‘under‐filled’, where the root canal filling was >2 mm from the radiographic apex, and ‘over‐filled’, where the root canal filling was extruded beyond the radiographic apex. The presence of voids, fractured instruments, and root perforations were also noted.Results:  All teeth were obturated with gutta‐percha and sealer (Roth Cement), using a cold lateral condensation technique. Of 100 teeth, 10% (n = 10) had voids. Of the remainder, 70% (n = 63) were judged to be ‘acceptable’, 21% (n = 19) were ‘under‐filled’, and 9% (n = 8) were ‘over‐filled’. There was no evidence of fractured instruments or root perforations in any root filling examined.Conclusions:  The quality of root canal fillings placed in single‐rooted teeth by undergraduate dental students at the University Dental School and Hospital, Cork was acceptable (63% of root fillings placed in single rooted teeth were graded as ‘adequate’). The probable reasons for this are multi‐factorial, but may be linked to the amount of pre‐clinical and clinical teaching in endodontics at the University Dental School and Hospital, Cork. It should be remembered that factors other than radiographic quality/evidence must be considered when determining the outcome of root canal therapy.
Dental school admissions in Ireland: can current selection criteria predict success?
Authors: Lynch C. D. , McConnell R. J. , Hannigan A. 
Published: April 2006

Introduction:  Entry into university education in Ireland, including dental school, is based solely on academic performance in the Leaving Certificate Examination, held at the end of formal school education. The aim of this investigation was to examine the suitability of this process for the selection of dental students in Ireland.Materials and methods:  Information for all dental students who entered the dental degree programme immediately following completion of the Leaving Certificate Examination at the National University of Ireland, Cork, during the years 1997–1999 was retrieved. Information was collected relating to gender, the number of times the student had attempted the Leaving Certificate Examination, their performance in this examination, the total number of marks awarded to each student at the end of the First and Final Dental Examinations, and their performance in individual modules.Results:  Whilst there was a significant relationship between performance in the Leaving Certificate Examination and the First Dental Examination (correlation coefficient = 0.22, P < 0.05), this relationship could only explain 12% of the variation within the performance of students in this examination. There was no relationship between performance in the Leaving Certificate and the Final Dental Examination (correlation coefficient = 0.09, P > 0.05). There was a significant correlation between performance in the Leaving Certificate Examination and performance in seven of the 55 programme modules, all of which were pre‐clinical modules, and of which five were related to basic sciences.Conclusions:  Based on the limitations of this study, the current selection process for dental students in Ireland seems to be of limited value.
The William Blake Archive: An Overview
Authors: Jones Steven E. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis essay offers an introduction to and summary of The William Blake Archive (WBA) as an online, multimedia, scholarly edition. It covers the history of the WBA's initial online publication in 1996 and then describes the conception and structure of the edition, its editorial principles, and “object‐centered” organization, hierarchical structure, and interface. Next the essay surveys the WBA's editorial methods and procedures, including how the resource – which aims for “virtually reunified” corpus – has been produced and managed at The University of Virginia's Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities (IATH), and concludes with a look at the method of publication and delivery (including the role of structural markup and the World Wide Web).
Health insurance reform and older Australians
Authors: Temple Jeromey B 
Published: April 2006

Objectives:  This study aims to (i) document the changing proportions of older persons with health insurance in a period of policy change, (ii) examine why older persons do and do not purchase health insurance, and (iii) discuss these findings in relation to implications for current and future cohorts of the aged. Method:  Data from the Private Health Insurance Administrative Council and the ABS are used to estimate cross‐sectional and cohort shifts in health insurance coverage among persons aged 55 years and over. Results:  Prior to recent reforms, approximately 37% of persons aged 55 years and older have hospital health insurance compared with 45% in 2001, with considerable variation in coverage by age and sex. Conclusion:  Health insurance coverage has increased among older Australians, albeit disproportionately. Affordability remains a key issue for older Australians and may become more problematic in future age cohorts.
Methods of Continuing Professional Education Preferred by Irish Pediatric Nurses
Authors: Doyle Carmel 
Published: April 2006

PURPOSE.  To explore the continuing professional education (CPE) of pediatric nurses in Ireland and establish if and in what ways pediatric nurses are taking part in CPE as well as factors that might assist or hinder pediatric nurses in undertaking CPE. DESIGN AND METHODS.  A stratified random sample of 205 registered children's nurses (RCNs) completed a questionnaire. RESULTS.  RCNs in Ireland use a variety of methods of CPE, the most popular being journal reading, while the least popular method is the use of computerized journal databases and the internet. Many RCNs appear to lack the computer skills necessary to utilize these methods of CPE. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  The favored methods of CPE by RCNs need to be utilized and promoted in the practice setting in order to ensure RCNs are up to date in the provision of quality care to pediatric patients.
Leaf Litter Decomposition and Substrate Chemistry of Early Successional Species on Landslides in Puerto Rico1
Authors: Shiels Aaron B. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTDecomposition is a critical process for nutrient release and accumulation of soil organic matter in disturbed soils, such as those found on landslides. I conducted a decomposition experiment on five landslides in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico as part of an investigation of the successional roles of two of the most common plant colonists to landslides,Cecropia schreberianaMiq. (Cecropiaceae) a pioneer tree species, andCyathea arborea(L.) Sm. (Cyatheaceae) a pioneer tree fern. I compared leaf litter decomposition over one year and the initial and 1‐yr chemistry for both species. Initial litter chemistry differed between the two species, asCecropiahad slightly higher nitrogen (9.2 mg/g) thanCyathea(8.2 mg/g) and higher lignin (28.6%) thanCyathea(26.0%), but water‐soluble carbon and nonpolar extractable carbon (fats and oils, waxes, chlorophylls) were higher inCyatheathanCecropia.Total carbon, acid‐soluble carbon, total phosphorus, and pH did not differ significantly between leaf litter species. Across all five landslides,Cyathea(k= 0.93 ± 0.06) leaves decomposed significantly faster thanCecropia(k= 0.68 ± 0.06). The differences in these species leaf litter decomposition rates and chemical composition could potentially influence organic matter dynamics and nutrient cycling rates in these early successional systems.
Phenology of Ficus racemosa in Xishuangbanna, Southwest China1
Authors: Zhang Guangming , Song Qishi , Yang Darong 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTLeaf and fig phenology (including leafing, flowering, and fruiting) and syconium growth of Ficus racemosa were studied in Xishuangbanna, China. Leaffall and flushing of F. racemosa occurred twice yearly: in mid‐dry season (December to March) and mid‐rainy season (July to September). The adult leaf stage of the first leaf production was remarkably longer than that of the second. F. racemosa bears syconia throughout the year, producing 4.76 crops annually. Asynchronous fig production was observed at a population level. Fig production was independent of leafing. Fig production peaks were not evident, but fluctuation was clear. Diameter growth rates of syconium were normally higher in early developmental stages than in later stages, and reached a peak coinciding with the female flower phase. The mean ± SD of syconium diameter of the female flower phase was 2.19 ± 0.36 cm, and reached 3.67 ± 0.73 cm of the male flower phase. Syconium diameter and receptacle cavity quickly enlarged at the female and male flower phases. Monthly diameter increment of the syconium was primarily affected by average monthly temperature, rather than rainfall or relative humidity.
Annual Growth Ring Patterns in Brachystegia spiciformis Reveal Influence of Precipitation on Tree Growth1
Authors: Trouet Valérie , Coppin Pol , Beeckman Hans 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTThe availability of exactly dated tree‐ring chronologies is limited in tropical regions. However, these chronologies could contribute widely to studies of the influence of natural and human‐induced factors on tropical forests. We examine the potential for building a chronology based on three sites in the miombo woodland of western Zambia. Brachystegia spiciformis Benth., a dominant species from this vegetation type, is used. Response of the chronology to several climatic factors is examined. All specimens showed very clear growth rings, and cross‐dating between radii of a tree was successful for all trees. Site chronologies could be constructed after cross‐dating of growth ring series of individual trees. The mean growth ring curves of the three sites were significantly similar, allowing for the construction of a regional chronology. Correlation function analysis between the tree‐ring chronology and regional climatic variables revealed that climate at the core of the rainy season, in December and January, has an explicit influence on tree growth. Where precipitation and relative humidity in these months influence tree growth positively, temperature correlates in a negative way. Some 20 percent of the variance in the B. spiciformis tree‐ring chronology is accounted for by wet season rainfall. The successful cross‐dating and correlation between a tree‐ring chronology and climate demonstrated in this study indicate annual ring formation in B. spiciformis trees and sensitivity to climatic conditions.
EFFECT OF PHOSPHATE SALTS AND TRANSGLUTAMINASE IN PREVENTION OF FREEZE CRACKING IN FROZEN DICED BROILER BREAST
Authors: SUNGTONG P. , CHAIWANICHSIRI S. , RUANGTRAKOOL B. , SUZUKI T. , TAKAI R. , TANTRATIAN S. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT Raw broiler breast meat was cooked and diced to 1.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 cm

3

then frozen under air‐blast, still‐air and cryogenic conditions. It was found that freezing with cryogenic at −70C at a rate of 37.50 cm/h produced 38.34% cracked pieces and increasing the freezing rate produced more cracked pieces. Cracking could be found on up to four sides of the dice. A small increase in the moisture of the dice drastically increased the cracking. Tumbling the meat with 1% sodium triphosphate solution prior to cooking and freezing at −70C reduced the amount of freeze cracking in the product from 47.50 to 24.17%. Tumbling the meat with 0.5% transglutaminase (TGase) reduced the cracked product to 25.84%. Increasing TGase not only increased the moisture content of the products but also reduced the number of cracked products. The TGase‐treated dices had narrower and shorter cracks than phosphate‐treated and without treatment dices.
Deletion ofBCY1from theSaccharomyces cerevisiaeGenome Is Semidominant and Induces Autolytic Phenotypes Suitable for Improvement of Sparkling Wines
Authors: Tabera Laura , Muñoz Rosario , Gonzalez Ramon 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTAutolysis ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeis the main source of molecules that contribute to the quality of sparkling wines made by the traditional method. In this work the possibility of accelerating this slow process in order to improve the quality of sparkling wines by using genetically engineered wine yeast strains was explored. The effect of partial or total deletion ofBCY1(which encodes a regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A) in haploid and diploid (heterozygous and homozygous) yeast strains was studied. We proved that heterozygous strains having partial or completeBCY1deletions have a semidominant phenotype for several of the properties studied, including autolysis under simulated second-fermentation conditions, in contrast to previously published reports describing mutations inBCY1as recessive. Considering the degree of autolysis, ethanol tolerance, and technical feasibility, we propose that deletion of the 3′ end of the open reading frame of a single copy ofBCY1is a way to improve the quality of sparkling wines.
Introducing TreeClimber, a Test To Compare Microbial Community Structures
Authors: Schloss Patrick D. , Handelsman Jo 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT
The phylogenetic and ecological complexity of microbial communities necessitates the development of new methods to determine whether two or more communities have the same structure even though it is not possible to sample the communities exhaustively. To address this need, we adapted a method used in population genetics, the parsimony test, to determine the relatedness of communities. Here we describe our implementation of the parsimony test, TreeClimber, in which we reanalyzed six previously published studies and compared the results of the analysis to those obtained using ∫-LIBSHUFF.
Assessment of the Environmental Fate of the Biological Control Agent of Fire Blight,
Pseudomonas fluorescens
EPS62e, on Apple by Culture and Real-Time PCR Methods
Authors: Pujol Marta , Badosa Esther , Manceau Charles , Montesinos Emilio 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT

The colonization of apple blossoms and leaves by
Pseudomonas fluorescens
EPS62e was monitored in greenhouse and field trials using cultivable cell counting and real-time PCR. The real-time PCR provided a specific quantitative method for the detection of strain EPS62e. The detection level was around 10
2
cells g (fresh weight)
−1
and the standard curve was linear within a 5-log range. EPS62e actively colonized flowers reaching values from 10
7
to 10
8
cells per blossom. In apple flowers, no significant differences were observed between population levels obtained by real-time PCR and plating, suggesting that viable but nonculturable (VBNC) cells and residual nondegraded DNA were not present. In contrast, on apple leaves, where cultivable populations of EPS62e decreased with time, significant differences were observed between real-time PCR and plating. These differences indicate the presence of VBNC cells or nondegraded DNA after cell death. Therefore, the EPS62e population was under optimal conditions during the colonization of flowers but it was stressed and poorly survived on leaves. It was concluded that for monitoring this biological control agent, the combined use of cultivable cell count and real-time PCR is necessary.
Discovery of Natural Atypical Nonhemolytic
Listeria seeligeri
Isolates
Authors: Volokhov Dmitriy , George Joseph , Anderson Christine , Duvall Robert E. , Hitchins Anthony D. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT

We found seven
Listeria
isolates, initially identified as isolates with the Xyl
+
Rha
−
biotype of
Listeria welshimeri
by phenotypic tests, which exhibited discrepant genotypic properties in a well-validated
Listeria
species identification oligonucleotide microarray. The microarray gives results of these seven isolates being atypical
hly
-negative
L. seeligeri
isolates, not
L. welshimeri
isolates. The aberrant
L. seeligeri
isolates were
d
-xylose fermentation positive,
l
-rhamnose fermentation negative (Xyl
+
Rha
−
), and nonhemolytic on blood agar and in the CAMP test with both
Staphylococcus aureus
(S
−
reaction) and
Rhodococcus equi
(R
−
reaction). All genes of the
prfA
cluster of
L. seeligeri
, located in the
prs-ldh
region, including the
orfA2
,
orfD
,
prfA
,
orfE
,
plcA
,
hly
,
orfK
,
mpl
,
actA
,
dplcB
,
plcB
,
orfH
,
orfX
,
orfI
,
orfP
,
orfB
, and
orfA
genes, were checked by PCR and direct sequencing for evidence of their presence in the atypical isolates. The
prs-prfA
cluster-
ldh
region of the
L. seeligeri
isolates was approximately threefold shorter due to the loss of
orfD
,
prfA
,
orfE
,
plcA
,
hly
,
orfK
,
mpl
,
actA
,
dplcB
,
plcB
,
orfH
,
orfX
, and
orfI
. The genetic map order of the cluster genes of all the atypical
L. seeligeri
isolates was
prs-orfA2-orfP-orfB-orfA-ldh
, which was comparable to the similar region in
L. welshimeri
, with the exception of the presence of
orfA2
. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 17 housekeeping genes indicated an
L. seeligeri
genomic background in all seven of the atypical
hly
-negative
L. seeligeri
isolates. Thus, the novel biotype of Xyl
+
Rha
−
Hly
−
L. seeligeri
strains can only be distinguished from Xyl
+
Rha
−
L. welshimeri
strains genotypically, not phenotypically. In contrast, the Rha
+
Xyl
+
biotype of
L. welshimeri
would not present an identification issue.
Degradation of Aroclor 1242 Dechlorination Products in Sediments by
Burkholderia xenovorans
LB400(
ohb
) and
Rhodococcus
sp. Strain RHA1(
fcb
)
Authors: Rodrigues Jorge L. M. , Kachel C. Alan , Aiello Michael R. , Quensen John F. , Maltseva Olga V. , Tsoi Tamara V. , Tiedje James M. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT

Burkholderia xenovorans
strain LB400, which possesses the biphenyl pathway, was engineered to contain the oxygenolytic
ortho
dehalogenation (
ohb
) operon, allowing it to grow on 2-chlorobenzoate and to completely mineralize 2-chlorobiphenyl. A two-stage anaerobic/aerobic biotreatment process for Aroclor 1242-contaminated sediment was simulated, and the degradation activities and genetic stabilities of LB400(
ohb
) and the previously constructed strain RHA1(
fcb
), capable of growth on 4-chlorobenzoate, were monitored during the aerobic phase. The population dynamics of both strains were also followed by selective plating and real-time PCR, with comparable results; populations of both recombinants increased in the contaminated sediment. Inoculation at different cell densities (10
4
or 10
6
cells g
−1
sediment) did not affect the extent of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) biodegradation. After 30 days, PCB removal rates for high and low inoculation densities were 57% and 54%, respectively, during the aerobic phase.
Paenibacillus curdlanolyticusStrain B-6 Xylanolytic-Cellulolytic Enzyme System That Degrades Insoluble Polysaccharides
Authors: Pason Patthra , Kyu Khin Lay , Ratanakhanokchai Khanok 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTA facultatively anaerobic bacterium,Paenibacillus curdlanolyticusB-6, isolated from an anaerobic digester produces an extracellular xylanolytic-cellulolytic enzyme system containing xylanase, β-xylosidase, arabinofuranosidase, acetyl esterase, mannanase, carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase), avicelase, cellobiohydrolase, β-glucosidase, amylase, and chitinase when grown on xylan under aerobic conditions. During growth on xylan, the bacterial cells were found to adhere to xylan from the early exponential growth phase to the late stationary growth phase. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed the adhesion of cells to xylan. The crude enzyme preparation was found to be capable of binding to insoluble xylan and Avicel. The xylanolytic-cellulolytic enzyme system efficiently hydrolyzed insoluble xylan, Avicel, and corn hulls to soluble sugars that were exclusively xylose and glucose. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of a crude enzyme preparation exhibited at least 17 proteins, and zymograms revealed multiple xylanases and cellulases containing 12 xylanases and 9 CMCases. The cellulose-binding proteins, which are mainly in a multienzyme complex, were isolated from the crude enzyme preparation by affinity purification on cellulose. This showed nine proteins by SDS-PAGE and eight xylanases and six CMCases on zymograms. Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration showed that the cellulose-binding proteins consisted of two multienzyme complexes with molecular masses of 1,450 and 400 kDa. The results indicated that the xylanolytic-cellulolytic enzyme system of this bacterium exists as multienzyme complexes.
Characterization of the P450 Monooxygenase NysL, Responsible for C-10 Hydroxylation during Biosynthesis of the Polyene Macrolide Antibiotic Nystatin in
Streptomyces noursei
Authors: Volokhan Olga , Sletta Håvard , Ellingsen Trond E. , Zotchev Sergey B. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT

The
nysL
gene, encoding a putative P450 monooxygenase, was identified in the nystatin biosynthetic gene cluster of
Streptomyces noursei
. Although it has been proposed that NysL is responsible for hydroxylation of the nystatin precursor, experimental evidence for this activity was lacking. The
nysL
gene was inactivated in
S. noursei
by gene replacement, and the resulting mutant was shown to produce 10-deoxynystatin. Purification and an in vitro activity assay for 10-deoxynystatin demonstrated its antifungal activity being equal to that of nystatin. The NysL protein was expressed heterologously in
Escherichia coli
as a His-tagged protein and used in an enzyme assay with 10-deoxynystatin as a substrate. The results obtained clearly demonstrated that NysL is a hydroxylase responsible for the post-polyketide synthase modification of 10-deoxynystatin at position C-10. Kinetic studies with the purified recombinant enzyme allowed determination of

K
m

and
k
cat
and revealed no inhibition of recombinant NysL by either the substrate or the product. These studies open the possibility for in vitro evolution of NysL aimed at changing its specificity, thereby providing new opportunities for engineered biosynthesis of novel nystatin analogues hydroxylated at alternative positions of the macrolactone ring.
Symbiotic
Bradyrhizobium japonicum
Reduces N
2
O Surrounding the Soybean Root System via Nitrous Oxide Reductase
Authors: Sameshima-Saito Reiko , Chiba Kaori , Hirayama Junta , Itakura Manabu , Mitsui Hisayuki , Eda Shima , Minamisawa Kiwamu 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT

N
2
O reductase activity in soybean nodules formed with
Bradyrhizobium japonicum
was evaluated from N
2
O uptake and conversion of
15
N-N
2
O into
15
N-N
2
. Free-living cells of USDA110 showed N
2
O reductase activity, whereas a
nosZ
mutant did not. Complementation of the
nosZ
mutant with two cosmids containing the
nosRZDFYLX
genes of
B. japonicum
USDA110 restored the N
2
O reductase activity. When detached soybean nodules formed with USDA110 were fed with
15
N-N
2
O, they rapidly emitted
15
N-N
2
outside the nodules at a ratio of 98.5% of
15
N-N
2
O uptake, but nodules inoculated with the
nosZ
mutant did not. Surprisingly, N
2
O uptake by soybean roots nodulated with USDA110 was observed even in ambient air containing a low concentration of N
2
O (0.34 ppm). These results indicate that the conversion of N
2
O to N
2
depends exclusively on the respiratory N
2
O reductase and that soybean roots nodulated with
B. japonicum
carrying the
nos
genes are able to remove very low concentrations of N
2
O.