bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pilot Study of Oral Silibinin, a Putative Chemopreventive Agent, in Colorectal Cancer Patients: Silibinin Levels in Plasma, Colorectum, and Liver and Their Pharmacodynamic Consequences
Authors: Hoh Carmen , Boocock David , Marczylo Tim , Singh Rajinder , Berry David P. , Dennison Ashley R. , Hemingway David , Miller Andrew , West Kevin , Euden Stephanie , Garcea Giuseppe , Farmer Peter B. , Steward William P. , Gescher Andreas J. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Silibinin, a flavonolignan from milk thistle, has intestinal cancer chemopreventive efficacy in rodents. It is a strong antioxidant and modulates the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system by increasing circulating levels of IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) and decreasing levels of IGF-I. Here, the hypothesis was tested that administration of oral silibinin generates agent levels in human blood and colorectal and hepatic tissues consistent with pharmacologic activity. Patients with confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma received silibinin formulated with phosphatidylcholine (silipide) at dosages of 360, 720, or 1,440 mg silibinin daily for 7 days. Blood and biopsy samples of normal and malignant colorectum or liver were obtained before dosing, and blood and colorectal or hepatic tissues were collected at resection surgery after the final silipide dose. Levels of silibinin were quantified by high-pressure liquid chromatography-UV, and plasma metabolites were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Blood levels of IGFBP-3, IGF-I, and the oxidative DNA damage pyrimidopurinone adduct of deoxyguanosine (M1dG) were determined. Repeated administration of silipide was safe and achieved levels of silibinin of 0.3 to 4 μmol/L in the plasma, 0.3 to 2.5 nmol/g tissue in the liver, and 20 to 141 nmol/g tissue in colorectal tissue. Silibinin monoglucuronide, silibinin diglucuronide, silibinin monosulfate, and silibinin glucuronide sulfate were identified in the plasma. Intervention with silipide did not affect circulating levels of IGFBP-3, IGF-I, or M1dG. The high silibinin levels achieved in the human colorectal mucosa after consumption of safe silibinin doses support its further exploration as a potential human colorectal cancer chemopreventive agent.
Reading the περιτρoπη: Theaetetus 170c-171c
Authors:   Chappell
Published: May 2006

AbstractTwo readings of the much-discussed περιτρoπη argument of Theaetetus 170c-171c have dominated the literature. One I call "the relativity reading". On this reading, the argument fails by ignoratio elenchi because it "carelessly" omits "the qualifications 'true for so-and-so' which [Protagoras'] theory insists on" (Bostock 1988: 90). The other reading I call "the many-worlds interpretation". On this view, Plato's argument succeeds in showing that "Protagoras' position becomes utterly self-contradictory" because "he claims that everyone lives in his own relativistic world, yet at the same time he is forced by that very claim to admit that no one does" (Burnyeat 1976b: 48). I discuss and criticise both readings, and present a third, according to which the point of the argument is, very roughly, that Protagoras is committed to equating truth and truth-for, and so, further, to their intersubstitutability. This further commitment proves fatal to his argument.
Anthropo-éthologie des non-humains politiques
Authors: Despret Vinciane 
Published: May 2006

English The temptation to seek in primates our own origin is still found in ethology. More broadly speaking, we see that the animal kingdom is often used as an anthropological operator of identity, using either similitude or inversion or contrast. The observation data most often reflect values, or even preferences, concerning modes of social organization. However, this observation should not lead to relativism. On the contrary, it invites us to envisage ethological knowledge as constructing humans and animals at the same time, together. This article sets out to explore the concrete conditions in which this kind of knowledge can be constructed. French La tentation d'interroger les primates en leur posant la question de notre origine reste présente dans le domaine de l'éthologie. Plus largement, on peut remarquer que l'animal se constitue souvent comme un opérateur anthropologique d'identité, soit par similitude, soit par inversion ou contraste. Or, les faits issus des observations traduisent le plus souvent des valeurs, voire reflètent des préférences quant aux modes d'organisation sociale. Ce constat ne doit pas nous conduire au relativisme. Il nous invite au contraire à envisager le savoir de l'éthologie comme un savoir qui construit simultanément l'identité de l'homme et de l'animal, ensemble. Cet article se propose d'explorer les conditions concrètes dans lesquelles ce type de savoir peut se constituer.
Studies on Tensile and Interlaminar Shear Strength Properties of Thermally Cured and Microwave Cured Glass–Epoxy Composites
Authors: Rao R. M. V. G. K. , Rao Sandhya , Sridhara B. K. 
Published: May 2006

Experimental studies are carried out on two different glass–epoxy composites (one room temperature curing epoxy–amine system and the other, an elevated temperature curing epoxy–amine system) subjected to two different curing techniques (thermal and microwave), in order to investigate the effects on their thermomechanical properties. Microwave (MW) curing is carried out using a laboratory scale, custom-built, multi-mode microwave cure chambery operating at a frequency of 2450 MHz. Tensile and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) properties of the MW cured composites either compared well, or were superior, to those of their thermally cured counterparts, offering the added advantages of reduced cure cycle time, uniformity of cure, and substantial energy savings. Further, the glass transition temperature (Tg) values of MW cured composite laminates are slightly superior to those of thermally cured laminates.
Functional conservation of Pax6 regulatory elements in humans and mice demonstrated with a novel transgenic reporter mouse
Authors: Tyas David A , Simpson T Ian , Carr Catherine B , Kleinjan Dirk A , van Heyningen Veronica , Mason John O , Price David J 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
The Pax6 transcription factor is expressed during development in the eyes and in specific CNS regions, where it is essential for normal cell proliferation and differentiation. Mice lacking one or both copies of the Pax6 gene model closely humans with loss-of-function mutations in the PAX6 locus. The sequence of the Pax6/PAX6 protein is identical in mice and humans and previous studies have shown structural conservation of the gene's regulatory regions.

Results
We generated a transgenic mouse expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and neomycin resistance under the control of the entire complement of human PAX6 regulatory elements using a modified yeast artificial chromosome (YAC). Expression of GFP was studied in embryos from 9.5 days on and was confined to cells known to express Pax6. GFP expression was sufficiently strong that expressing cells could be distinguished from non-expressing cells using flow cytometry.

Conclusion
This work demonstrates the functional conservation of the regulatory elements controlling Pax6/PAX6 expression in mice and humans. The transgene provides an excellent tool for studying the functions of different Pax6/PAX6 regulatory elements in controlling Pax6 expression in animals that are otherwise normal. It will allow the analysis and isolation of cells in which Pax6 is activated, irrespective of the status of the endogenous locus.
Combined expectancies: electrophysiological evidence for the adjustment of expectancy effects
Authors: Mattler Uwe , van der Lugt Arie , Münte Thomas F 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
When subjects use cues to prepare for a likely stimulus or a likely response, reaction times are facilitated by valid cues but prolonged by invalid cues. In studies on combined expectancy effects, two cues can independently give information regarding two dimensions of the forthcoming task. In certain situations, cueing effects on one dimension are reduced when the cue on the other dimension is invalid. According to the Adjusted Expectancy Model, cues affect different processing levels and a mechanism is presumed which is sensitive to the validity of early level cues and leads to online adjustment of expectancy effects at later levels. To examine the predictions of this model cueing of stimulus modality was combined with response cueing.

Results
Behavioral measures showed the interaction of cueing effects. Electrophysiological measures of the lateralized readiness potential (LRP) and the N200 amplitude confirmed the predictions of the model. The LRP showed larger effects of response cues on response activation when modality cues were valid rather than invalid. N200 amplitude was largest with valid modality cues and invalid response cues, medium with invalid modality cues, and smallest with two valid cues.

Conclusion
Findings support the view that the validity of early level expectancies modulates the effects of late level expectancies, which included response activation and response conflict in the present study.
Effect of step-synchronized vibration stimulation of soles on gait in Parkinson's disease: a pilot study
Authors: Novak Peter , Novak Vera 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have suggested that impaired proprioceptive processing in the striatum may contribute to abnormal gait in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods
This pilot study assessed the effects of enhanced proprioceptive feedback using step-synchronized vibration stimulation of the soles (S-VS) on gait in PD. S-VS was used in 8 PD subjects (3 women and 5 men, age range 44–79 years, on medication) and 8 age-matched healthy subjects (5 women and 3 men). PD subjects had mild or moderate gait impairment associated with abnormal balance, but they did not have gait freezing. Three vibratory devices (VDs) were embedded in elastic insoles (one below the heel and two below the forefoot areas) inserted into the shoes. Each VD operates independently and has a pressure switch that activates the underlying vibratory actuator. The VD delivered the 70-Hz suprathreshold vibration pulse upon touch by the heel or forefoot, and the vibration pulse was deactivated upon respective push-offs. Six-minute hallway walking was studied with and without S-VS. Gait characteristics were measured using the force-sensitive foot switches. The primary outcome was the stride variability expressed as a coefficient of variation (CV), a measure of gait steadiness. Secondary outcome measures were walking distance and speed, stride length and duration, cadence, stance, swing and double support duration, and respective CVs (if applicable).

Results
The walking speed (p < 0.04) and the CV of the stride interval (p < 0.02) differed between the groups and S-VS conditions. In the PD group, S-VS decreased stride variability (p < 0.002), increased walking speed (p < 0.0001), stride duration (p < 0.01), stride length (p < 0.0002), and cadence (p < 0.03). In the control group, S-VS decreased stride variability (p < 0.006) and increased gait speed (p < 0.03), but other locomotion parameters were not significantly altered.

Conclusion
Augmented sensory feedback improves parkinsonian gait steadiness in the short-term setting. Because the suprathreshold stimulation prevented blinding of subjects, the learning effect and increased attention can be a confounding factor underlying results. Long-term studies are needed to establish the clinical value of the S-VS.
Transforming between Beck Depression Inventory and CORE‐OM scores in routine clinical practice
Authors: Leach Chris , Lucock Mike , Barkham Michael , Stiles William B. , Noble Rachael , Iveson Steve 
Published: May 2006

Objectives. The Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure (CORE‐OM) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) are routinely used to assess emotional problems. It would be helpful to be able to compare scores when only one of the measures is available. We investigated the relationship between the measures and produced translation tables.Methods. Level of agreement between CORE‐OM and BDI‐I was assessed for 2,234 clients who had completed both measures at referral for routine secondary care. Tables for predicting between the measures were constructed using several methods, including non‐linear regression and non‐parametric smoothing. Results were cross‐validated on a separate sample of 326 clients.Results. High correlations between the measures were obtained (r=.862 for female clients; r=.855 for male clients). Accuracy in predicting caseness is higher than predicting depression levels.Conclusions. CORE‐OM and BDI can be compared in routine clinical settings with acceptable accuracy.
Challenging behaviour and learning disabilities: The relationship between expressed emotion and staff attributions
Authors: Weigel Luise , Langdon Peter E. , Collins Suzanne , O'Brien Yvonne 
Published: May 2006

Objectives. Expressed emotion (EE) and attributions towards challenging behaviour (CB) were explored amongst a group of staff working within a residential and day service placement for people with learning disabilities.Design. Using a cross‐sectional related‐samples design, EE and attributions were measured amongst all staff working with one client with CB, and one client without CB.Methods. Fifteen staff members completed the attributional questionnaire and the 5‐minute speech sample (FMSS) to allow for EE ratings concerning staff relationships with two clients. One client exhibited CB, while the other did not, giving 2 samples. Attributional and EE ratings for each group were compared. This study did not employ vignette methodology.Results. Staff working with a client with learning disabilities and CB attributed the CB as internal to the client and controllable by the client. Staff reported high levels of EE and made more critical comments towards the client with CB as compared with the client without CB. Furthermore, staff who reported high EE attributed CB as internal to the client and controllable by the client.Conclusions. Staff working with a client with challenging behaviour appeared to be making the ‘fundamental attribution error’. The relationship between expressed emotion and attribution theory is discussed along with the methodological benefits of not relying on vignette methodology in research that examines challenging behaviour.
Viscoelastic behaviour of solid wood under compressive loading
Authors: Penneru Anjaneya Prasad , Jayaraman Krishnan , Bhattacharyya Debes 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
To understand the mechanism of bulk wood forming, compressive stress relaxation experiments were performed on radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) specimens with various moisture contents at a temperature of 200°C. The results aided in understanding the time-dependent viscoelastic behaviour with respect to springback and microstructural changes. This study clearly demonstrates the commercial feasibility of value-adding applications such as pattern forming on wood panels using a relatively simple, quick and inexpensive procedure. The experimental data were characterised by a three-component model with a spring and a Maxwell element in parallel, which showed very good agreement under different forming conditions.
The effect of CaCl2 on growth rate, wood decay and oxalic acid accumulation in Serpula lacrymans and related brown-rot fungi
Authors: Steenkjær Hastrup Anne Christine , Jensen Bo , Clausen Carol , Green III Frederick 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe dry rot fungus,Serpula lacrymans, is one of the most destructive copper-tolerant fungi causing timber decay in buildings in temperate regions. Calcium and oxalic acid have been shown to play important roles in the mechanism of wood decay. The effect of calcium on growth and decay was evaluated for 12 strains ofS. lacrymansand compared to five brown-rot fungi. This was done by treating copper citrate (CC)-treated Southern yellow pine (SYP) wood with a CaCl2solution and estimating the decay rate and amount of soluble oxalic acid in an ASTM soil block test. Decay byS. lacrymanswas found to be significantly inhibited by treatment with CaCl2in the presence of copper. In addition, calcium showed no effect on two strains ofS. lacrymansand oneSerpula himantioidesstrain in non-copper-treated SYP wood blocks. The growth rate ofS. lacrymanswas not affected on malt extract agar containing CaCl2. In summary, a marked decrease was observed in the decay capacity ofS. lacrymansin pine treated with CC+CaCl2. The amount of soluble oxalic acid was measured in CC-treated blocks and blocks also treated with CaCl2. Of the comparative brown-rot fungi, bothAntrodia vaillantii(TFFH 294) andPostia placenta(Mad 698) displayed notable wood decay despite CaCl2treatment, while the remaining strains were inhibited.
Subepithelial Connective Tissue Grafts in the Treatment of Multiple Recession‐Type Defects
Authors: Chambrone Luiz Armando , Chambrone Leandro 
Published: May 2006

Background: There is little documentation regarding the treatment of multiple recession‐type defects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results obtained with a connective tissue graft placed under a coronally advanced flap for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions.Methods: Twenty‐eight patients, with at least two recession defects affecting adjacent teeth, were treated with a combination of a connective tissue graft and a coronally advanced flap. At baseline, the following measurements were recorded: 1) recession depth; 2) probing depth; 3) clinical attachment level; and 4) width of keratinized tissue. At 6 months post‐surgery, all clinical measurements were repeated.Results: The mean root coverage from baseline to 6 months post‐surgery results was 96%. Complete root coverage was achieved in 20 (71%) of the 28 defects. The mean recession depth decreased from 3.84 ± 1.50 mm to 0.14 ± 0.23 mm. Statistically significant improvements were found for all clinical parameters from baseline to 6 months (P <0.01). Patients with maxillary recessions recorded statistically superior outcomes than patients with mandibular recessions.Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrated that the connective tissue graft associated with a coronally advance flap is an effective procedure to cover multiple gingival recessions, especially in defects localized in the maxillary arch. However, further investigation focusing on the effects of this root coverage procedure in mandibular sites is necessary.
The Effect of Varying the Particle Size of Beta Tricalcium Phosphate Carrier of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐4 on Bone Formation in Rat Calvarial Defects
Authors: Jung Ui‐Won , Choi Seong‐Yong , Pang Eun‐Kyoung , Kim Chang‐Sung , Choi Seong‐Ho , Cho Kyoo‐Sung 
Published: May 2006

Background: Beta tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) has been developed as one of the carriers of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP). However, it is not known whether the particle size of β‐TCP is related to its resorption rate and the degree of bone formation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of using β‐TCP with different particle sizes on the ability of rhBMP‐4 to enhance bone formation in the rat calvarial defect model.Methods: Calvarial, 8‐mm‐diameter, critical‐size defects were created in 100 male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Five groups of 20 animals each received either rhBMP‐4 (2.5 μg) using β‐TCP with a particle size of 50 to 150 μm, rhBMP‐4 (2.5 μg) using β‐TCP with a particle size of 150 to 500 μm, a β‐TCP control with a particle size of 50 to 150 μm, a β‐TCP control with a particle size of 150 to 500 μm, or a sham‐surgery control, respectively, and were evaluated by measuring their histologic and histometric parameters following a 2‐ and 8‐week healing interval.Results: There were no significant differences in the defect closure, new bone area, or augmented area between either the two rhBMP‐4/β‐TCP groups or between the two β‐TCP control groups at 2 and 8 weeks.Conclusions: rhBMP‐4 combined with either small‐ or large‐particle β‐TCP had a significant effect on the induction of bone formation compared to either a small‐ or large‐particle β‐TCP control or a sham‐surgery control. Within the parameters of this study, varying the particle size of β‐TCP did not seem to have a significant effect on bone formation.
Enhancement of Phosphorescence by Surface‐Plasmon Resonances in Colloidal Metal Nanoparticles: The Role of Aggregates
Authors: Ostrowski J. C. , Mikhailovsky A. , Bussian D. A. , Summers M. A. , Buratto S. K. , Bazan G. C. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe spectroscopic and near‐field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) studies of phosphorescent films doped with colloidal gold nanoparticles (NPs) are presented. Films with a high concentration of 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18‐octaethyl‐21H,23H‐porphine platinum(II) dispersed in a neutral polymer poly[(methyl methacrylate)‐co‐(ethyl acrylate)] demonstrate a twofold increase of the phosphorescence quantum yield after the addition of aggregated NPs. In materials doped with unaggregated particles, a decrease of the emission yield is observed. Theoretical modeling of the phosphorescence transients suggests a minimization of the triplet–triplet quenching owing to the presence of fast processes that decrease the concentration of chromophores in the excited state and may be both of radiative and non‐radiative origin. NSOM examination of the films reveals increased light emission around large NP clusters. This observation demonstrates significant enhancement of the spontaneous emission rates by the large aggregates, although unaggregated NPs introduce mostly phosphorescence quenching sites.
Smart Microfluidic Channels
Authors: Ionov L. , Houbenov N. , Sidorenko A. , Stamm M. , Minko S. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe walls of microfludic “smart channels” are coated by responsive mixed polymer brushes with a gradient of chemical composition. The concept of the smart channels is based on switching/adaptive behavior of the mixed polymer brushes where wetting and nonwetting can be tuned upon interaction with liquids. This design of microfluidic channels brings new opportunities for manipulating the passage of liquids in the channels. The developed approach allows us to fabricate three microfluidic elements for separation, sensing, selection, and dosing microvolumes of liquids.