bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The 1805 Forékariah Conference: A Case of Political Intrigue, Economic Advantage, Network Building
Authors: Mouser Bruce L. 
Published: May 2006

Palavers, great meetings, grand conferences, “tribal” meetings— these are terms used to describe meetings among peoples in and near Sierra Leone, meetings in which political, diplomatic, and economic questions are discussed and sometimes resolved at the village, intervillage, and occasionally, national levels. These conferences vary in size and importance, depending on dimensions of conflicts or questions to be resolved. This paper focuses on one such conference that convened at Forékariah, the capital of Moria, in 1805 and on circumstances leading to it. It is based largely upon a lengthy first-hand report deposited at the University Library, University of Illinois at Chicago. This paper is presented in two parts: a description of the conference and its placement in Sierra Leone and Morian histories, and the text of the report produced by Sierra Leone observers.From the earliest records of British officials at Sierra Leone, there are citations to specific “indigenous” meetings and allusions to others that supposedly occurred (indeed they would have had to occur for certain events to follow). One of the earliest large conferences described in detail in these records is one that convened at Forékariah from 24 March to 6 April 1805. The extant contemporary written record of this conference was produced by Alexander Smith, the Sierra Leone Company's and Governor William Day's principal representative at the conference. Other observers from Freetown included William Francis, Andrew Moore, Captain Smith, and Charles Shaw. Alexander Smith did not identify a specific interpreter nor describe what method he used to record the detailed arguments presented by participants. Certainly the filter of language and inter pretation must have influenced the record's content. If one places the conference within the framework of Company and Sierra Leone history, however, and accepts the premise that the Freetown observers were relatively unbiased since they were not principal parties to the palavers resolved, the report can be seen as one of a very few in which Sierra Leone's officials presented themselves in such uninvolved fashion.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of 2,6‐Difluorophenylnitrene, Its Radical Cation, and Their Rearrangement Products in Argon Matrices
Authors: Carra Claudio , Nussbaum Rafael , Bally Thomas 
Published: May 2006

Abstract2,6‐Difluorophenylnitrene was reinvestigated both experimentally, in Ar matrices at 10 K, and computationally, by DFT and CASSCF/CASPT2 calculations. Almost‐pure samples of both neutral rearrangement products (the bicyclic azirine and the cyclic ketenimine) of a phenylnitrene were prepared and characterized for the first time. These samples were then subjected to X‐irradiation in the presence of CH2Cl2 as an electron scavenger, which led to ionization of the neutral intermediates. Thereby, it was shown that only the phenylnitrene and the cyclic ketenimine yield stable radical cations, whereas the bicyclic azirine decays to both of these compounds on ionization. The cyclic ketenimine yields a novel aromatic azatropylium‐type radical cation. The electronic structure of the title compound is discussed in detail, and its relation to those of the iso‐π‐electronic benzyl radical and phenylcarbene is traced.
Promoter methylation in circadian genes of endometrial cancers detected by methylation‐specific PCR
Authors: Shih Mu‐Chin , Yeh Kun‐Tu , Tang Kai‐Ping , Chen Jui‐Chang , Chang Jan‐Gowth 
Published: May 2006

AbstractMethylation of CpG dinucleotides in the promoter sequence of a gene can lead to deregulated and suppressed gene expression. In this study, we have developed procedures for methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) and sequencing analysis to determine CpG methylation status of the promoter sequences of nine circadian genes in 35 endometrial cancers (EC) and paired noncancerous endometrial tissues. DNA methylation was found in the promoter sequences of PER1, PER2, and CRY1, but not of other six circadian genes in the ECs and normal tissues examined. Eleven of the 35 EC tissues showed CpG methylation in the promoter sequences of PER1, PER2, or CRY1. Of these 11 cases, 1 had promoter methylation in all the three genes, 1 in PER1 and PER2, 3 in PER1 and CRY1, and 6 in PER1, respectively. In comparison, promoter CpG methylation of PER1, PER2, or CRY1 was found in only 7 of 35 paired noncancerous tissues including 2 in PER1 and PER2, 2 in PER1, and 3 in CRY1. In summary, promoter methylation in the PER1, PER2, or CRY1 circadian genes was detected in about one‐third of EC and one‐fifth of noncancerous endometrial tissues of 35 paired specimens indicating possible disruption of the circadian clock in the development of EC. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Near‐real‐time loss estimation for instrumented buildings
Authors: Porter Keith , Mitrani‐Reiser Judith , Beck James L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA technique is developed to model instrumented buildings with a second‐generation performance‐based earthquake engineering approach, producing a damage and loss estimate shortly after the cessation of strong motion. It estimates the likely locations of damage (including concealed structural damage), potentially saving the owner time and money by focusing post‐earthquake safety and repair inspections. It provides a rapid estimate of repair costs, allowing the owner quickly to apply for recovery funds or an insurance claim. The method uses basement accelerograms, a stochastic structural model, and nonlinear time‐history structural analysis to estimate probabilistic engineering demands (structural response). Structural response is input to fragility functions for each damageable assembly to estimate probabilistic physical damage on a component‐by‐component basis. Probabilistic repair costs for each assembly are calculated and summed, and contractor overhead and profit are added to produce a probability distribution of total repair cost. A simple Bayesian‐updating technique employs upper‐story accelerograms to refine the stochastic structural model. It is found in application that using the upper‐story accelerograms produces only a modest change in the distributions of damage and repair cost, because most of the uncertainty in repair cost results from the uncertainty in the fragility functions and cost distributions, not from uncertainty in the structural model. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of stealthy liposomal topotecan plus amlodipine on the multidrug‐resistant leukaemia cells in vitro and xenograft in mice
Authors: Li X. , Lu W. L. , Liang G. W. , Ruan G. R. , Hong H. Y. , Long C. , Zhang Y. T. , Liu Y. , Wang J. C. , Zhang X. , Zhang Q. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground  Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major obstacle to successful cancer chemotherapy as the over‐expressed MDR protein acts as an efflux pump, which leads to a reduction in the uptake of the anticancer agent by tumour cells. We combined topotecan and amlodipine together into the stealthy liposomes, in which amlodipine was applied as a MDR reversing agent to overcome the resistance.Materials and methods  Cytotoxicity, apoptosis and the signalling pathway assays were performed on human chronic myelogenous leukaemia K562, promyelocytic leukaemia HL‐60 and MDR HL‐60 cells, respectively. Pharmacokinetics and antitumour activity studies were performed on normal Kunming mice and female BALB/c nude mice with MDR HL‐60 xenografts, respectively.Results  Topotecan alone was effective in inhibiting the growth of non‐resistant leukaemia cells, K562 and HL‐60 cells but not the growth of MDR HL‐60 cells. The resistance of topotecan in MDR HL‐60 cells was potently reversed by the addition of amlodipine. Moreover, amlodipine enhanced the apoptosis‐inducing effect of topotecan synergistically. Apoptosis was through activating caspases in a cascade: first, the initiator caspase 8 and then effectors caspase 3/7 (total activity of caspases 3 and 7) were activated. Being encapsulated into the stealthy liposmes with an acidic internal medium, topotecan existed dominantly in an active lactone species, which was reversibly changed from an inactive carboxylate form via a pH‐dependent reaction. After administration of stealthy liposomes to mice, the blood exposure of the lactone form was evidently increased and extended. The antitumour effects in the MDR HL‐60 xenografted tumour were stealthy liposomal topotecan (SLT) plus amlodipine > SLT > un‐encapsulated topotecan > blank control.Conclusions  The enhanced antitumour activity in the MDR HL‐60 cells by the SLT plus amlodipine could be owing to multiple reasons: (a) synergistic apoptosis inducing effect, (b) reversing MDR by amlodipine and (c) increasing the availability of active lactone of topotecan by the stealthy liposomes. The apoptosis induced by amlodipine is through caspase 8 and then the 3/7 signalling pathway.
Characteristic alterations of quantity and quality of soil organic matter caused by forest fires in continental Mediterranean ecosystems: a solid‐state 13C NMR study
Authors: Knicker H. , Almendros G. , González‐Vila F. J. , González‐Pérez J. A. , Polvillo O. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe variable effect of different types of forest fires on the quantity and quality of soil organic matter (SOM) was analysed by comparing burnt and unburnt soils from six forest ecosystems in central Spain by organic elemental analysis and solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Whole soil samples were collected 1 to 2 years after the fires and included one site affected by two fires within 2 years. The fire‐affected soils showed no common pattern with respect to the amount of additional carbon (Cadd) but at all sites, the fire enhanced the aromatic‐C content. The weakest fire intensity resulted in the greatest aromatic‐C enrichment factor, EFI(aromatic C) indicating the greatest local accumulation of char. The respective Cadd disclosed an EFI(aromatic C) to EFI(alkyl C) ratio, Bchar, of c.1, which supports a small degree of charring. Extensive combustion and volatilization at stronger fire intensities yielded a decrease of EFI(aromatic C) and an increase in Bchar. These trends are in good agreement with fire intensity and forest fuel combustibility in the various sites and therefore these indices could be used to elucidate the quality and quantity of char input that occurs during and after forest fires. No 13C NMR evidence for substantial inputs from non‐charred plant necromass was found for any of the single‐burn soils. The large carboxyl‐C content of Cadd is evidence of the occurrence of oxidation reactions very shortly after the fire. In comparing the single and double‐burn sites, no additional char input was observed for the double‐burn site, possibly because of complete combustion of young shrubs and char remains during the second fire. The large O‐alkyl‐C portion found in Cadd of the double‐burn soil is best explained by decreased litter degradation.
Patient experience with, and use of, an electronic monitoring system to assess vaccination responses
Authors: Olmsted Stuart S. , Grabenstein John D. , Jain Arvind K. , Lurie Nicole 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjective  To evaluate the user experience and acceptability of an electronic patient monitoring system.Setting and participants  822 Military and civilian personnel at a health clinic at a major US military headquarters used an Internet and telephone‐based electronic monitoring system to report vaccination‐site responses and symptoms after receiving the smallpox vaccination. Focus groups of vaccinees were conducted to help develop a survey about the experience that was distributed to 379 vaccinees (96% completion rate).Results  Users of the electronic monitoring system reported that it was fast and easy to use and reported they would use a system like this again and recommend an electronic monitoring system to a friend or relative. Most users (84%) were comfortable with a physician tracking their vaccine reaction using their electronic reports, but only half (51%) were comfortable with eliminating the post‐vaccination follow‐up visit with their health‐care provider based on their electronic reports.Conclusions  This electronic monitoring system was well received by vaccinees and allowed health‐care providers to track the status of vaccinees. However, vaccinees were not comfortable replacing a physician visit with electronic monitoring, at least for the smallpox vaccination. A monitoring system like this may be useful in public health settings, such as mass vaccination or prophylaxis during a bioterrorism event, a pandemic influenza outbreak, or another public health emergency.
Metabolism of high density lipoprotein apolipoprotein A‐I and cholesteryl ester in insulin resistant dog: a stable isotope study
Authors: Briand F. , Bailhache E. , Nguyen P. , Krempf M. , Magot T. , Ouguerram K. 
Published: May 2006

Aims:  In reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), hepatic Scavenger Receptor class B type I (SR‐BI) plays an important role by mediating the selective uptake of high‐density lipoprotein cholesteryl ester (HDL‐CE). However, little is known about this antiatherogenic mechanism in insulin resistance. HDL‐CE selective uptake represents the main process for HDL‐CE turnover in dog, a species lacking cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity. We therefore investigate the effects of diet induced insulin resistance on RCT.Methods:  Five beagle dogs, in healthy and insulin resistant states, underwent a primed constant infusion of [1,213C2]acetate and [5,5,5‐2H3]leucine, as labelled precursors of CE and apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I, respectively. Data were analysed using modelling methods.Results:  HDL‐apo A‐I concentration did not change in insulin resistant state but apo A‐I absolute production rate (APR) and fractional catabolic rate (FCR) were both higher (2.2‐ and 2.4‐fold, respectively, p < 0.05). HDL‐CE levels were lower (1.2‐fold, p < 0.05). HDL‐CE APR and FCR were both lower (2.3‐ and 2‐fold, respectively, p < 0.05), as well as selective uptake (2.6‐fold, p < 0.05).Conclusions:  Lower HDL‐CE selective uptake suggests that RCT is impaired in obese insulin resistant dog.
What was hot at the fourth World Fisheries Congress?*
Authors: Chuenpagdee Ratana , Bundy Alida 
Published: May 2006

AbstractGiven the current crisis in global fisheries, how well are we doing at managing fisheries? This short paper describes as summarises the results of a systematic assessment of the scientific papers presented at the Fourth World Fisheries Congress, the theme of which was ’Reconciling fisheries with conservation’. Over 200 papers were presented, 70% of which were based on natural sciences, focusing on issues such as biodiversity, species at risk, resiliency, ecosystem modelling, and ecosystem indicators. Encouragingly, over 60% of the papers scored medium to high for their potential contribution to reconciling fisheries with conservation. However, although the human dimensions of fisheries were recognized, few studies involved stakeholders beyond their roles of objects to study. Communication of scientific research findings, particularly to the general public, was notably absent and emphasised as one of the key challenges in achieving sustainability and in reconciling fisheries with conservation.
Assessing the Therapeutic Use of Lafoensia pacari St. Hil. Extract (Mangava‐Brava) in the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori: Double‐Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Da Mota Menezes Valfredo , Atallah Álvaro Nagib , Lapa Antonio José , Catapani Wilson R. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground:  The eradication of Helicobacter pylori is easily achieved by combining antisecretory agents and antibiotics; however, the cost of these associations is very high for the population of Third World countries, where the prevalence of the infection is even higher and leads to markedly reduced treatment effectiveness. We tested a plant (Lafoensia pacari) that is used in the central region of Brazil. According to previous studies, this plant has high concentrations of ellagic acid, which presents gastric antisecretory and antibacterial actions.Material and Methods:  One hundred dyspeptic, urease‐positive patients were randomized to receive 500 mg of methanolic extract of L. pacari (n = 55) or placebo (n = 45), for 14 days, in a double‐blind clinical trial. The main variables assessed were the eradication of H. pylori 8 weeks after the intervention and complete symptom relief at the end of the treatment.Results:  The examinations (urease and histology) showed persistence of H. pylori in 100% of participants. Complete symptom relief was experienced by 42.5% of patients (95% CI: 29.4–55.8) in the intervention group and by 21% (95% CI: 8.8–33.1) in the control group, p = .020. The side‐effects were minimal and similar in both groups.Conclusions:  The extract of L. pacari as a single agent was not effective to eradicate H. pylori. However, it was well tolerated and many participants reported relief of symptoms. Future studies may test the agent using larger doses and longer periods, in monotherapy or in combination with antibiotics.
Plasma ectonucleotidases prevent desensitization of purinergic receptors in stored platelets: importance for platelet activity during thrombus formation
Authors: Cauwenberghs Sandra , Feijge Marion A.H. , Hageman Geja , Hoylaerts Marc , Akkerman Jan‐Willem N. , Curvers Joyce , Heemskerk Johan W.M. 
Published: May 2006

BACKGROUND:  Platelets (PLTs) contain purinergic receptors for ATP (P2X1) and ADP (P2Y1 and P2Y12) that rapidly desensitize upon stimulation with these nucleotides. In vivo, this is antagonized by ectonucleotidases on the surface of endothelial cells and white blood cells (WBCs). The receptor desensitization of ATP‐ and ADP‐induced responses of PLTs stored in plasma without WBCs was investigated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  ATP‐ and ADP‐induced PLT shape change (shear‐induced) aggregation and Ca2+ signaling were measured in the presence or absence of plasma. Degradation of nucleotides in plasma was quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography.RESULTS:  Washed PLTs became refractory for ATP and ADP in shape change, aggregation, and Ca2+ responses during a 90‐minute incubation at 37°C. The PLT responses mediated by P2X1, P2Y1, and P2Y12 receptors gradually reduced or disappeared. When plasma was present, however, the PLTs persistently showed high responses to ATP and ADP. Heat treatment of plasma abolished this effect. Also under conditions of flow and high shear, PLTs in plasma kept high P2X1 activity, mediating aggregate formation. In isolated plasma, not containing WBCs, nucleotides were degraded in the order of ADP/UDP > ATP/UTP. Degradation of ATP was partly inhibited by blocking the ecto‐NTPDase CD39, whereas degradation of both ATP and ADP was inhibited by blocking ectopyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase activity. Part of the nucleotide‐degrading activities appeared to be membrane‐bound.CONCLUSION:  Ectonucleotidases in plasma preserve the functionality of P2X1 and P2Y receptors. Upon PLT storage, these plasma activities are essential to ensure adequate (shear‐dependent) formation of aggregates and thrombi.
Total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity levels in serum and gingival crevicular fluid in post‐menopausal women with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Baltacıoğlu Esra , Akalın Ferda Alev , Alver Ahmet , Balaban Fulya , Ünsal Mesut , Karabulut Erdem 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjectives: Menopause has been linked with oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant (AO) defence. A connection has been established between menopause and certain periodontal conditions. The objective of this study is to compare serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations in post‐menopausal patients with chronic periodontitis (PMCP) with those of pre‐menopausal chronic periodontitis patients (CP).Material and Methods: Thirty‐two PMCP patients, 31 CP patients, 25 post‐menopausal periodontally healthy controls (PMPH) and 26 pre‐menopausal controls (PH) were studied. After clinical measurements and samplings, serum and GCF TAOC and SOD concentrations were established in turn using an automated TAOC assay and spectrophotometric end point measurement. The results were analysed statistically.Results: Serum and GCF TAOC and SOD concentrations were significantly lower in menopause and periodontitis (p<0.05). The lowest values were in the PMCP group, whereas the highest values were in the PH group. While the effect of menopause was more evident in serum antioxidant analysis, the effect of periodontitis was observed to be more apparent in GCF.Conclusions: A decrease in systemic and local AO defence was observed owing to both menopause and periodontitis. The lowest AO values in the PMCP group suggest that menopause may be a risk factor for periodontitis.
The management of drug‐induced gingival overgrowth
Authors: Mavrogiannis M. , Ellis J. S. , Thomason J. M. , Seymour R. A. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjectives: This review critically evaluates the different therapies that are available to manage drug‐induced overgrowth (DIGO).Material and Methods: This review is based on literature identified using the online databases MEDLINE and PUB MED. It is not a systematic review, but a conventional review of the relevant literature.Results: Patients benefit from a non‐surgical approach if this can be delivered before commencement of medication although in many instances this may not be practicable. Systemic antibiotic usage has been evaluated in the management of ciclosporin‐induced gingival overgrowth. Efficacy appears to be equivocal and long‐term use is undesirable. Surgical excision remains the main treatment option especially for patients with severe overgrowth. Few studies have compared different techniques with respect to recurrence rate or post‐operative sequelae.Conclusion: DIGO is a common clinical problem that often requires intervention. Non‐surgical techniques can limit the occurrence of this unwanted affect, reduce the extent of plaque‐induced gingival inflammation and reduce the rate of recurrence. Wherever possible this management strategy should be adopted first. Surgical treatment is often the most reliable option and scalpel gingivectomy remains the treatment of choice. Further investigations are required to develop appropriate management strategies to prevent recurrence of DIGO.