bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Varicella vaccination update Neuere Erkenntnisse zur Varizellenimpfung
Authors: Nürnberg Wolf , Schneeweiß Burkhard 
Published: June 2006

SummaryVaricella is the most common infection which is preventable by vaccination. Even though varicella usually runs a mild course, some patients require hospitalization and a small number die. The German Immunization Commission (STIKO) in 2004 recommended varicella vaccination for all children.The discussion remains controversial. We review the most frequently asked questions about varicella vaccination, with emphasis on its effectiveness with the possibilities for use after incubation or exposure to limit the spread, as well as its effects on the prevalence of herpes zoster. The average age of varicella patients has not increased in the USA after 10 years of childhood vaccination. In addition, there has not been an expected increase of herpes zoster in non‐immunized individuals. Vaccinated children have a lower incidence of herpes zoster than those who have had varicella. Finally, a recent study using a live zoster vaccine with increased antigenicity in older adults halved the incidence of herpes zoster and reduced that of post‐herpetic neuralgia to one‐third.
The effect of various concentrations of human recombinant epidermal growth factor on split‐thickness skin wounds
Authors: Hong Joon Pio , Kim Yun Wha , Jung Heun Don , Jung Kwon Il 
Published: June 2006

AbstractEpidermal growth factor (EGF) is a potent stimulant of epithelialisation. However, topical application of EGF to achieve facilitated re‐epithelialisation in partial thickness wounds has been controversial. A total of 10 pigs, each with eight 4 × 4 cm partial thickness wounds, were treated twice a day for 10 days to observe the effect of human recombinant EGF in concentrations of 0·1, 1, 5, 10, 25 ug/g, vehicle only and two controls. The control and the vehicle‐only wounds each demonstrated 100% healing time (HT100) of 9·31 ± 1·34 and 8·5 ± 1·12 while the wounds treated with EGF ointment with concentrations of 0·1 (HT100 = 6·4 ± 0·71), 1 (HT100 = 5·2 ± 0·63), 5 (HT100 = 5·8 ± 0·85), 10 (HT100 = 7·1 ± 1·45) and 25 ug/g (HT100 = 7·4 ± 0·57) demonstrated significant reduction in time to achieve re‐epithelialisation. Among the EGF‐treated wounds, the wounds treated with EGF concentrations of 1 and 5 ug/g achieved the fastest re‐epithelialisation with evidence of substantial increase in basal keratinocyte activity observed through Ki‐67 activity. In conclusion, this article demonstrates the efficacy of human recombinant EGF in facilitating re‐epithelialisation of partial thickness wounds with the most efficient healing found in EGF concentrations of 1 and 5 ug/g.
Advances in the management of leg ulcers – the potential role of growth factors
Authors: Khan Muhammad N , Davies Christopher G 
Published: June 2006

AbstractVenous ulcers are a major health problem because of the increased costs of the treatment and the refractory nature of the ulcers. The treatment cost is estimated to be around 1 billion dollars per year in the United States (US), and the average cost for one patient over a lifetime exceeds $400 000. There has been an increasing trend in the use of growth factors in their management. Genetic engineering has revolutionised the research of wound healing, as the majority of recombinant growth factors are now available for in vitro and in vivo studies. Online searches of Medline, Pub Medical and Embase were carried out using the terms venous ulcers, leg ulcers, growth factors and growth hormone. The literature regarding the potential role of growth factors in the management of leg ulcers is reviewed. The important clinical studies are critically analysed with a view to appreciate the emerging therapies and the further research possibilities in the management of venous leg ulcers. Clinical results with the use of growth factors in non‐healing wounds are encouraging. However, small sample sizes and inconsistent end points in different clinical studies have been the main hurdle in reaching a definite conclusion. Further research is needed to provide the definite evidence. Future developments may include different delivery methods for the growth factors, use of different combinations of growth factors administered simultaneously or, sequentially, bioengineered skin grafts and chemical induction of angiogenesis with the use of gene transfer techniques.
Variant of estimation method of aboveground plant biomass in grassland with the gamma model. 2. Proposal of a modified method with visual observation and tests in Zoysia pastures
Authors: Itano Shiro , Tsutsumi Michio , Sakanoue Seiichi , Nakagami Koji , Shiyomi Masae 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA modified method with visual observation for estimating biomass distribution on grasslands is proposed. This labor‐saving technique facilitates surveys for estimating herbaceous biomass distribution for grasslands. It is based on the principle of Shiyomi's visual observation method. The procedure is performed as follows. (i) Set two points with biomass of c1 g and c2 g used as criteria in a pasture (c1 < c2). (ii) In the first visual observation, divide herbaceous biomass in the pasture into two classes that are more or less than c1 g. (iii) In the second visual observation, divide herbaceous biomass in the same pasture into two classes that are more or less than c2 g. Then, match the trial numbers obtained in the first and second observations. (iv) Measure the biomass weights of c1 and c2 with cutting. (v) From the data obtained above, infer the herbaceous biomass distribution using the gamma model. The procedure was conducted in a Zoysia grazed pasture. The following are discussed: advantages and regulations of the current method with a gamma model; some problems of the cutting method, as viewed from the shape of herbaceous biomass distribution; and the influence of grazing pressure on herbaceous biomass distribution.
Overall Water Splitting by RuO2-dispersed Divalent-ion-doped GaN Photocatalysts with d10 Electronic Configuration
Authors: Arai Naoki , Saito Nobuo , Nishiyama Hiroshi , Inoue Yasunobu , Domen Kazunari , Sato Kazunori 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Divalent-metal-ion (Zn2+ or Mg2+)-doped GaN with d10 electronic configuration was found to make a high and stable photocatalyst for overall water splitting when combined with RuO2 as a promoter, whereas neither undoped nor tetravalent-metal-ion (Si4+ or Ge4+)-doped GaN showed photocatalytic activity upon loading of RuO2. The present work clearly demonstrated the marked effects of dopants on photocatalytic performance of the metal nitride GaN for water splitting.
Stability of Thermophilic Cytochrome P450 Modified with Poly(ethylene oxide) in Ionic Liquid
Authors: Wiwatchaiwong Supranee , Matsumura Hirotoshi , Nakamura Nobuhumi , Yohda Masafumi , Ohno Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Cytochrome P450 from the thermoacidophilic crenarchaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii strain 7 (P450st) was chemically modified with activated poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) to make it more soluble in ionic liquid and in which Raman spectra results show the structural stability in the five coordinate high-spin state even at a temperature of 120 °C.
Conditions, Preferences and Race in Organ Donation
Authors: Scott Niall 
Published: June 2006

AbstractActs of gift giving or donation carry the possibility of being inclusive as well as exclusive in terms of effects and agency. In this paper, I will discuss the problem that arises when an agent stipulates certain conditions on organ donation, such as race. In such a case, the general act of donation may be commendable, but the conditions stipulated as to the nature of the recipient may be subject to criticism. This is a problematic issue in the difference between stipulating obligations to humanity as a whole, and identifying particular communities according to features such as race, culture nationality and religious belief. Questions such as whether or not a donor can place restrictions on the nature of the recipient or whether the hospital as an institution should accept a donation with conditions attached present challenges to current legislation in the UK on conditional donation. This is further complicated where there is a greater need for organs in particular ethnic groups, and that although race and ethnicity do not pose barriers to transplant success, tissue type matches are better suited to those of similar ethnic background. I will address whether such limits of a person or group's ability to be altruistic is morally acceptable and whether conditions put on gift giving can be legitimately rejected through law.
Evolution of Hypervariable Microsatellites in Apomictic Polyploid Lineages of Ranunculus carpaticola: Directional Bias at Dinucleotide Loci
Authors: Paun Ovidiu , Hörandl Elvira 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Microsatellites are widely used in genetic and evolutionary analyses, but their own evolution is far from simple. The mechanisms maintaining the mutational patterns of simple repeats and the typical stable allele-frequency distributions are still poorly understood. Asexual lineages may provide particularly informative models for the indirect study of microsatellite evolution, because their genomes act as complete linkage groups, with mutations being the only source of genetic variation. Here, we study the direction of accumulated dinucleotide microsatellite mutations in wild asexual lineages of hexaploid Ranunculus carpaticola. Whereas the overall number of contractions is not significantly different from that of expansions, the within-locus frequency of contractions, but not of expansions, significantly increases with allele length. Moreover, within-locus polymorphism is positively correlated with allele length, but this relationship is due solely to the influence of contraction mutations. Such asymmetries may explain length constraints generally observed with microsatellites and are consistent with stable, bell-shaped allele-frequency distributions. Although apomictic and allohexaploid, the R. carpaticola lineages show mutational patterns resembling the trends observed in a broad range of organisms, including sexuals and diploids, suggesting that, even if not of germline origin, the mutations in these apomicts may be the consequence of similar mechanisms.
Gastric ulceration subsequent to partial invagination of the stomach in a dog with gastric dilatation-volvulus
Authors: Parton Amanda T. , Volk Susan W. , Weisse Chick 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Case Description—An 8-year-old castrated male German Shepherd Dog was evaluated because of abdominal distension, retching, and vomiting.
Clinical Findings—Gastric dilatation-volvulus was suspected on the basis of the dog's signalment, history, clinical signs, and results of clinicopathologic analyses and abdominal radiography. Celiotomy was performed, and gastric dilatation-volvulus was confirmed along with splenomegaly. Gastric invagination was performed over an area of gastric necrosis. The dog was reevaluated 21 days later after an episode of collapse. Findings of physical examination and clinicopathologic analyses were suggestive of internal hemorrhage. Abdominal ultrasonography and subsequent celiotomy revealed severe gastric ulceration at the gastric invagination site, splenic torsion, and a focal splenic infarct.
Treatment and Outcome—Splenectomy and gastrectomy of the necrotic tissue were performed. The dog was discharged from the hospital, and the owner was instructed to administer gastroprotectants and feed the dog a bland diet. The dog was reported to be healthy 3.25 years after surgery.
Clinical Relevance—Findings suggest that complications associated with the gastric invagination procedure include severe gastric ulceration that may require subsequent surgery. Prolonged treatment with gastroprotectants following gastric invagination surgery may be necessary to avoid gastric ulceration in dogs.
The Increase of Iron Phytoavailability in Soils Ammended with Paper Mill Sludge
Authors: Calace Nicoletta , Croce Gianluca , Petronio Bianca Maria , Pietroletti Marco 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn soils characterized by low organic matter and high pH values (7.5–8.59) iron availability to plants is limited even if the content of total Fe(III) is high. We have studied by Hordeum distichum plants the capability of paper mill sludge to increase the iron phytoavailable fraction in an alkaline soil. The effect of paper mill sludges adding to an iron‐deficient soil was evaluated both considering the phyto‐available fraction of iron and the distribution of organic carbon (hydrophobic, fulvic and humic carbon) in the soil before and after sludge adding. Iron concentration was determined in the different portions of Hordeum distichum plants grown on soils with and without paper mill sludges. Application of paper mill sludge induces an increase in the concentration of available Fe. This effect is probably due to the production of Fe chelators by soil microorganisms acting on sludge organic matter. The Fe chelators produced result in the solubilization of not soluble Fe‐complexes present in the soil.
Influence of Plasticizers on Ion‐Selective Polyimide Membranes
Authors: Totu Eugenia , Ruse Elena , Josceanu Ana Maria 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPolyimide–based membranes containing calcium synthetic ionophores and different type plasticizers were characterized in terms of surface morphology, glass transition temperature (Tg), a. c. impedance, and thermo gravimetric behaviour. The study aimed to identify correlations between structural parameters and ion–selective performances of polyimide when introduced in macro and micro ion–selective devices.
What Hanuman langur males know about female reproductive status
Authors: Ostner Julia , Chalise Mukesh K. , Koenig Andreas , Launhardt Kristin , Nikolei Julia , Podzuweit Doris , Borries Carola 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn species with a high risk of infanticide, a conflict of interest exists between the sexes over the amount of paternity information that is available to males. While females are expected to keep males unaware of their reproductive status in order to confuse paternity, selection should favor those male traits that enhance the males' assessment of female status and consequently of paternity probability. In Hanuman langurs (Semnopithecus entellus), a species that is extremely vulnerable to infanticide, females have been shown to successfully conceal the exact timing of ovulation from males‐‐perhaps because they exhibit no sexual swelling and mate during all reproductive phases, including gestation. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether males have hitherto unrecognized information about females' reproductive condition on a broader level that could still enhance male reproductive success. We investigated male assessment of female reproductive states in a population of wild Hanuman langurs as indicated by changes in male behavior, such as rates of copulations, anogenital inspections, and consortships, in relation to different female receptive periods (pregnant, fertile‐nonconceptional, and conceptional). Our data indicate that males were able to discern qualitatively distinct reproductive states. Males were more interested in fertile than pregnant females, as indicated by higher copulation rates. Based on consortships, males distinguished fertile from nonfertile phases, as well as fertile, nonconceptional receptive periods from conceptional ones. Hanuman langur males are thus not as unaware of female reproductive condition as previously thought, supporting the idea of an ongoing battle of the sexes over paternity information. However, granting some knowledge while at the same time concealing the exact day of ovulation may also reflect a pure female strategy of balancing paternity concentration with paternity confusion, which is the most likely strategy in this system with high infanticide risk and male defense of infants. Am. J. Primatol. 68:701–712, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methylthioadenosine reverses brain autoimmune disease
Authors: Moreno Beatriz , Hevia Henar , Santamaria Monica , Sepulcre Jorge , Muñoz Javier , García‐Trevijano Elena R. , Berasain Carmen , Corrales Fernando J. , Avila Matias A. , Villoslada Pablo 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the immunomodulatory activity of methylthioadenosine (MTA) in rodent experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and in patients with multiple sclerosis.MethodsWe studied the effect of intraperitoneal MTA in the acute and chronic EAE model by quantifying clinical and histological scores and by performing immunohistochemistry stains of the brain. We studied the immunomodulatory effect of MTA in lymphocytes from EAE animals and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy control subjects and multiple sclerosis patients by assessing cell proliferation and cytokine gene expression, by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and by nuclear factor‐κB modulation by Western blot.ResultsWe found that MTA prevents acute EAE and, more importantly, reverses chronic‐relapsing EAE. MTA treatment markedly inhibited brain inflammation and reduced brain damage. Administration of MTA suppressed T‐cell activation in vivo and in vitro, likely through a blockade in T‐cell signaling resulting in the prevention of inhibitor of kappa B (IκB‐α) degradation and in the impaired activation transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB. Indeed, MTA suppressed the production of proinflammatory genes and cytokines (interferon‐γ, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase) and increased the production of antiinflammatory cytokines (interleukin‐10).InterpretationMTA has a remarkable immunomodulatory activity and may be beneficial for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. Ann Neurol 2006
Dielectric analysis for in‐situ monitoring of gelatin renaturation and crosslinking
Authors: Lefebvre Didier R. , Han Jun , Lipari John M. , Long Michelle A. , McSwain Rachel L. , Wells Heidi C. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis article probes the use of dielectric analysis (DEA) to monitor the physical changes that occur during gelatin renaturation and crosslinking. An interdigitated dielectric sensor was used to monitor ionic mobility in gelatin. In spite of the large concentration of water and ions in the gelatin model systems, a range of frequencies was found where DEA met all the requirements for ion viscosity measurements necessary to monitor aging gelatin. DEA was successful at detecting gelatin renaturation with a remarkably high signal‐to‐noise ratio. DEA was also capable of detecting crosslinking in the presence of formaldehyde, but only in the special case of fish gelatin. Unlike acid bone gelatin, which is semicrystalline at room temperature, fish gelatin remains fluid. Thus, fish gelatin provides a model system where crosslinking can be monitored in the absence of interference by renaturation processes. The dielectric response was also found to be sensitive to water transport between acid bone gelatin and a simulated pharmaceutical fill made of a PEG 600‐water solution. In the case of acid bone gelatin, the kinetics of renaturation as detected from DEA closely matched those measured by monitoring the evolution of the melting point and of the enthalpy of melting as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). With dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), the rise in the loss modulus with renaturation also closely tracked the increase in ionic viscosity. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2765–2775, 2006
Pyrolysis of an amorphous copolyester
Authors: Yu Aifang , Huang Xiang'An 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe pyrolysis of the amorphous copolyester poly(ethylene glycol‐co‐cyclohexane 1,4‐dimethanol terephthalate) (PETG) was investigated. The applied technique was thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry/mass spectrometry analysis. The pyrolysis products of PETG were ascertained. The results showed that the PETG mass loss was 90.36% from room temperature to 650°C, its thermal decomposition was mainly completed in one step at 425.2°C, and the aliphatic backbone of PETG played a dominant role in controlling the behavior of the pyrolysis. The pyrolysis mechanism was also examined. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2793–2797, 2006
Study of comparative tracking index on brominated epoxy and its application in copper clad laminates
Authors: Chiu Hsien‐Tang , Cheng Ming‐Feng 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe study mainly investigates the improvement of the comparative tracking index (CTI) on brominated epoxy resins in a copper clad laminate. We compare the effects of the differences in structures of various epoxy resins on the CTI. In addition, on the basis of the proportion of inorganic fillers and type, we use Pauling's electronegativity theory to find inorganic materials that affect CTI. Experimental results show that the laminate surface CTI increases as the brominated epoxy resin content decreases. When looked at structurally, epoxys modified by phenolic resin systems had lower CTI values than those modified by bisphenol A type epoxy resin systems. Analyzing the effects of inorganic filler types, we found that the ideal bromide epoxy resin proportion and the CTI value of Al(OH)3 could exceed 600 V. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101:2814–2818, 2006
Functionalization of irradiated PTFE micropowder with methacryl‐ or hydroxy groups for chemical coupling of PTFE with different matrix polymers
Authors: Klüpfel B. , Lehmann D. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis article describes the modification of electron beam irradiated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material (500 kGy) into a functionalised micropowder, bearing methacrylate or hydroxy groups. The aim of this work is to achieve compatibilization of modified PTFE in a variety of matrix polymers, such as elastomers and duromers. It is well known that irradiation of high molecular PTFE in the presence of air, followed by annealing with water vapor, leads to a functionalization of the PTFE micropowder, containing carboxylic acid groups. For sufficient stability of the coupling of the functional groups that are to be introduced via these acid groups, a transformation into amide groups is necessary, and can be performed by the reaction of the electron beam irradiated PTFE with ε‐caprolactam in the first step. The corresponding acid‐terminated PTFE–oligoamide is then reacted with functional epoxy monomers, like glycidol or glycidyl methacrylate, to obtain the functionalised PTFE micropowders (PTFE‐OH and PTFE‐MA). As the number of COOH groups in the electron beam irradiated PTFE is not very high, IR‐spectroscopic identification of the functional groups is not very distinct. To find evidence for the existence/reactivity of the additionally introduced functional groups, model reactions have been performed, where PTFE‐MA is reacted with methyl methacrylate/AIBN. IR spectroscopic analysis of the reaction products shows characteristic absorption bands of PMMA, indicating successful graft polymerization of PMMA to PTFE‐MA. For PTFE‐OH, reaction with cyclohexylisocyanate leads to a bisurethane adduct, which shows a strong urethane absorption in the IR spectrum. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2819–2824, 2006