bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects and interactions of tumour necrosis factor α and bradykinin on interleukin‐1 production in gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Yucel‐Lindberg T. , Lerner U.H. , Modéer T. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryEffects of and interactions between tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and bradykinin (BK) on production of interleukin‐1 (IL‐lα, IL‐lβ) in human gingival fibroblasts were studied. The cytokine TNFα induced production of cell‐associated IL‐lα and IL‐1β in gingival fibroblasts, with IL‐lβ being most abundant. Addition of BK, in the presence of TNFα, for 1 h and 6 h, respectively, synergistically enhanced the TNFα induced IL‐lβ production, whereas BK alone did not induce 1L‐1 production. Similar to BK, two phorbol esters, phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate (PDBu) and phorbol 12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA) which are known to stimulate protein kinase C (PKC), synergistically enhanced the TNFα induced IL‐lβ production in the gingival fibroblasts. On the contrary, a phorbol ester which does not activate protein kinase C, 13‐phorbolacetate (13‐PA), did not potentiate the TNFα induced IL‐lβ production. Similar to BK, the phorbol esters (PMA, PDBu, 13‐PA) alone did not induce IL‐1β production in the gingival fibroblasts. The results indicate that TNFα induces production of cell‐associated IL‐1 in gingival fibroblasts, which can be upregulated by a PKC dependent pathway.
Migration and proliferation of progenitor cells in the connective tissue of rat gingival papilla
Authors: Pender N. , Heaney T.G. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe aim of this investigation was to determine whether gingival fibroblast progenitor cells undergo division and whether there is evidence of migration of their progeny from the paravascular sites within the interdental gingival septum (IGS). 30 male hooded Lister rats aged 6 weeks, were killed in groups of ten, 3, 75 and 171 h after a single injection of tritiated thymidine. Autoradiographs were examined of transverse Historesin sections of the papilla between second and third mandibular molars in 29 specimens, taken from equidistant intervals between the col and alveolar bone crest. Median grain counts in the whole papilla were greatest within 10 μm of blood vessels at 3 h (p<0.02) and decreased throughout the papilla with time (p<0.0001). The median grain counts at level 5, nearest the periodontal ligament, were greatest at all times (p<0.01). The distance of labelled nuclei from blood vessel walls increased with time, most notably at level 5 (p<0.001). The mean Clustering Index increased (p<0.01) from 4.6% at 3 h to 12.3% and 11.6% at 75 h and 171 h respectively. At 75 h, the median grain count of clustered nuclei was smaller (p<0.01) than that of non‐clustered nuclei. These data are consistent with the occurrence of clonal division and migration within the IGS and the presence of a slowly cycling cell population near to the periodontal ligament.
A feasibility study on the use of direct light silver stain compared with dark field microscopy for differential counting of subgingival plaque
Authors: Coffey A. , Coulter W. A. , Linden G.J. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe purpose of the present study was to compare direct light microscopy using a silver stain, with dark field microscopy for differential counting of subgingival plaque samples from patients with periodontitis. The feasibility of using the staining method was assessed on subgingival plaque samples which were collected at 34 sites from patients with untreated adult periodontitis. Differential counts of plaque morphotypes assessed by both methods showed close agreement. The proportions of spirochaetes assessed by both methods were significantly associated with probing depth. The silver stain proved a simple, rapid and inexpensive method for differential counting of plaque composition. This method is suitable for possible use in general dental practice where smears could be made at the chair‐side and allowed to dry ready for staining and counting at the dentist's convenience using a simple light microscope. A permanent record is also produced which could allow for comparison of samples from before and after treatment and could be used as an aid to patient motivation in suitable cases.
Laminin and collagen IV distribution and ultrastructure of the basement membrane of the gingiva of the rat incisor
Authors: Graner E. , Line S.R.P. , Jorge J. , Lopes M.A. , Almeida O.P. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe continuous growth of the rat incisor is associated with renovation of the junctional epithelium and resorption of the periodontal ligament. The circumdental papilla separates the connective tissue suffering resorption from the rest of the gingiva. Laminin and collagen IV were detected by the immunoperoxidase technique on the basement membrane of all regions of the gingival epithelium of the rat incisor, except the internal basal lamina and the internal surface of the circumdental papilla. The internal basal lamina is formed by a granular electron‐dense material, without the organization of a typical basal lamina. Areas of the internal surface of the circumdental papilla, negative for laminin and collagen IV, lack the basal lamina. These data suggest that these molecules are not components of the dento‐epithelial junction of the distal surface of the rat incisor. In addition, the basal lamina is absent or fragmented on the internal surface of the circumdental papilla, adjacent to the areas of the connective tissue undergoing resorption.
Bird Pollination of Explosive Flowers While Foraging for Nectar and Caterpillars1
Authors: Agostini Kayna , Sazima Marlies , Sazima Ivan 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT Mucuna (Fabaceae) has explosive flowers that open only if a pressure is applied on their wings and keel. The cacique Cacicus haemorrhous inserts its bill into a flower and spreading its mandibles apart it opens the flower to take nectar. This icterine bird also preys upon caterpillars of the butterfly Astraptes talus that pupates within the flowers. Foraging with use of bill movements to take nectar or insects within a flower is an adequate mechanism to open and pollinate explosive flowers. We suggest that a plausible behavioral scenario for the pollination relationship between icterines and Mucuna‐like flowers might start with the birds' searching for insects within flowers.
Coupling of Alkylarene and Pentamethyl[60]fullerene by Iridium-catalyzed Benzylic C–H Bond Activation
Authors: Matsuo Yutaka , Iwashita Akihiko , Nakamura Eiichi 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Heating of C60Me5Br in toluene in the presence of an iridium catalyst and triethylamine results in benzylation of the fullerene core to yield C60Me5CH2C6H5. The reaction is general for various alkylarenes, and probably takes place via iridium-catalyzed activation of a benzylic C–H bond.
Cyclic Diaminocarbene–Rhodium(I) Complex Tethered to Disulfide: Synthesis and Application to Gold Surface Modification
Authors: Hara Kenji , Iwahashi Keiji , Kanamori Yoshikazu , Naito Satoshi , Takakusagi Satoru , Uosaki Kohei , Sawamura Masaya 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
A dimeric N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)–rhodium(I) complex connected with a long chain dialkyl disulfide linker was synthesized, and used for the preparation of a Rh-modified alkane thiolate monolayer on a gold surface.
Highly-dispersed and Size-controlled Ruthenium Nanoparticles on Carbon Nanofibers: Preparation, Characterization, and Catalysis
Authors: Motoyama Yukihiro , Takasaki Mikihiro , Higashi Kenji , Yoon Seong-Ho , Mochida Isao , Nagashima Hideo 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Facile synthesis of ruthenium nanoparticles supported on the carbon nanofibers (CNFs) is accomplished by thermal decomposition of Ru3(CO)12; ruthenium species on the platelet-type CNF are dispersed homogeneously and selectively on the edge of the graphite layers with narrow size distributions and behaves as an excellent catalyst for arene hydrogenation.
Ti–Si Mixed Oxides by Non-hydrolytic Sol–Gel Synthesis as Potential Gold Catalyst Supports for Gas-phase Epoxidation of Propylene in H2 and O2
Authors: Dai Maohua , Tang Dingliang , Lin Zhijie , Yang Hongwei , Yuan Youzhu 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The amorphous Ti–Si mixed oxides prepared from chloride precursors using a one-step nonhydrolytic sol–gel route could serve as efficient gold catalyst supports for gas-phase epoxidation of propylene in O2 and H2. A propylene conversion of 6.8% at the initial 60 min and 4.0% after 4 h of time-on-steam, keeping a selectivity to propylene oxide as high as 95%, was obtained over the gold supported on a Ti–Si mixed oxide containing 10 mol % of Ti.
Incorporation of Dyes into Silica–Surfactant Mesostructured Nanoparticles as a Nanoscale Host Material for Organic Molecules
Authors: Muto Shigeyuki , Oaki Yuya , Imai Hiroaki 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Various kinds of organic dye molecules were successfully incorporated into silica–surfactant nanoparticles with a hexagonally ordered mesostructure. The dye-incorporated composite particles, which had a diameter of ca. 30 nm, exhibited specific fluorescent properties and pH sensitivity derived from the organic molecules.
Lattice Vibration Fundamentals of Anatase Nanocrystalline TiO2 Thin Films Detected Using Unpolarized Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Deliang , Zhang Xinyu , Wu Kunjie , Xu Shuhua 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Unpolarized infrared spectroscopic study was carried out on thin nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 films with grain size of ≈20 nm. The transverse optical lattice vibration frequencies are the same as that of single-crystal anatase. The longitudinal optical modes can be detected with an oblique unpolariation at incident angles ≥50°. The broad LO absorption peak is a combination of the A2u LO and the Eu LO modes’ resonant response to the infrared radiation.
Structural and Electrochemical Properties of Li[Cr0.29Li0.24Mn0.47]O2 Nanocomposite Electrode for Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Park Chan-Woo , Kim Jaekook 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Li[Cr0.290Li0.240Mn0.470]O2 with nanocomposite structures was synthesized by a solution method with subsequent quenching. The crystalline structure was investigated by X-ray diffraction (Rietveld refinement), electron diffraction, and HRTEM. According to coindexed electron diffraction patterns and HRTEM images, Li[Cr0.290Li0.240Mn0.470]O2 was found to be nanocomposite powders indexed in monoclinic and hexagonal structures. The nanocomposite cathode prevented spinel-like structural transformation during cycling and delivered a good reversible capacity of about 195 mA h/g.
Gene Conversion Between Direct Noncoding Repeats Promotes Genetic and Phenotypic Diversity at a Regulatory Locus of Zea mays (L.)
Authors: Zhang Feng , Peterson Thomas 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
While evolution of coding sequences has been intensively studied, diversification of noncoding regulatory regions remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the molecular evolution of an enhancer region located 5 kb upstream of the transcription start site of the maize pericarp color1 (p1) gene. The p1 gene encodes an R2R3 Myb-like transcription factor that regulates the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in maize floral organs. Distinct p1 alleles exhibit organ-specific expression patterns on kernel pericarp and cob glumes. A cob glume-specific regulatory region has been identified in the distal enhancer. Further characterization of 6 single-copy p1 alleles, including P1-rr (red pericarp/red cob) and P1-rw (red pericarp and white cob), reveals 3 distinct enhancer types. Sequence variations in the enhancer are correlated with the p1 gene expression patterns in cob glume. Structural comparisons and phylogenetic analyses suggest that evolution of the enhancer region is likely driven by gene conversion between long direct noncoding repeats (∼6 kb in length). Given that tandem and segmental duplications are common in both animal and plant genomes, our studies suggest that recombination between noncoding duplicated sequences could play an important role in creating genetic and phenotypic variations.
Reconstructing the Evolutionary History of Paralogous APETALA1/FRUITFULL-Like Genes in Grasses (Poaceae)
Authors: Preston Jill C , Kellogg Elizabeth A 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Gene duplication is an important mechanism for the generation of evolutionary novelty. Paralogous genes that are not silenced may evolve new functions (neofunctionalization) that will alter the developmental outcome of preexisting genetic pathways, partition ancestral functions (subfunctionalization) into divergent developmental modules, or function redundantly. Functional divergence can occur by changes in the spatio-temporal patterns of gene expression and/or by changes in the activities of their protein products. We reconstructed the evolutionary history of two paralogous monocot MADS-box transcription factors, FUL1 and FUL2, and determined the evolution of sequence and gene expression in grass AP1/FUL-like genes. Monocot AP1/FUL-like genes duplicated at the base of Poaceae and codon substitutions occurred under relaxed selection mostly along the branch leading to FUL2. Following the duplication, FUL1 was apparently lost from early diverging taxa, a pattern consistent with major changes in grass floral morphology. Overlapping gene expression patterns in leaves and spikelets indicate that FUL1 and FUL2 probably share some redundant functions, but that FUL2 may have become temporally restricted under partial subfunctionalization to particular stages of floret development. These data have allowed us to reconstruct the history of AP1/FUL-like genes in Poaceae and to hypothesize a role for this gene duplication in the evolution of the grass spikelet.
Genetic Exchange Between Homeologous Sequences in Mammalian Chromosomes Is Averted by Local Homology Requirements for Initiation and Resolution of Recombination
Authors: Yang Derek , Goldsmith Edie B , Lin Yunfu , Waldman Barbara Criscuolo , Kaza Vimala , Waldman Alan S 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
We examined the mechanism by which recombination between imperfectly matched sequences (homeologous recombination) is suppressed in mammalian chromosomes. DNA substrates were constructed, each containing a thymidine kinase (tk) gene disrupted by insertion of an XhoI linker and referred to as a “recipient” gene. Each substrate also contained one of several “donor” tk sequences that could potentially correct the recipient gene via recombination. Each donor sequence either was perfectly homologous to the recipient gene or contained homeologous sequence sharing only 80% identity with the recipient gene. Mouse Ltk− fibroblasts were stably transfected with the various substrates and tk+ segregants produced via intrachromosomal recombination were recovered. We observed exclusion of homeologous sequence from gene conversion tracts when homeologous sequence was positioned adjacent to homologous sequence in the donor but not when homeologous sequence was surrounded by homology in the donor. Our results support a model in which homeologous recombination in mammalian chromosomes is suppressed by a nondestructive dismantling of mismatched heteroduplex DNA (hDNA) intermediates. We suggest that mammalian cells do not dismantle mismatched hDNA by responding to mismatches in hDNA per se but rather rejection of mismatched hDNA appears to be driven by a requirement for localized homology for resolution of recombination.
Binding capacity differences for antibodies and Fc‐fusion proteins on protein A chromatographic materials
Authors: Ghose Sanchayita , Hubbard Brian , Cramer Steven M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA range of studies were carried out to investigate the underlying reason for differences in dynamic binding capacities observed with various antibodies and Fc‐fusion proteins during Protein A chromatography. Dynamic binding capacities were determined for these biomolecules using different protein A stationary phase materials. SEC was carried out to determine the relative sizes of the antibodies and fusion proteins. Pore diffusivities and static binding capacities were also determined on these Protein A resin materials. Trends in the dynamic binding capacities for these molecules did not correlate with differences in pore diffusion coefficients as might be expected for a mass transfer limited system. Instead, dynamic binding capacities were seen to follow the same trends as the static binding capacities and the apparent size of the molecules. Differences in static binding capacities were attributed to be due to differences in steric factor between the molecules. Solution binding stoichiometry studies were employed to estimate intra‐Protein A steric effects while binding to the various domains within a Protein A ligand. In addition, steric hindrance was also found to exist between adjacent immobilized Protein A ligands on the chromatographic surface. The combination of intra and inter Protein A steric hindrances can explain differences in binding capacities observed between various antibody and Fc fusion proteins. The effect of Protein A ligand density on these supports was also examined and the results indicate that increasing Protein A ligand density leads to a situation of diminishing returns for binding capacity due to increased steric hindrance on the resin surface. The results presented in this paper show that steric hindrances can dominate over mass transfer effects in causing capacity variation between different molecules on the same stationary phase. This can lead to the development of more cost‐efficient chromatographic stationary phases as well as provide information during the selection of Protein A media for preparative purification of monoclonal antibodies and Fc fusion proteins. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96:768–779. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy: Indian scenario
Authors: Alexander Jacob , Mishra Peeyush , Desai Nutan , Ambadekar Shekhar , Gala Bharat , Sawant Prabha 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy has been reported to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in liver transplant recipients. However, there is scant data from Asia. With liver transplantation programs gradually being established in the region, Asian hepatologists are bound to face this entity.Methods:  Thirty patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and 30 with cirrhosis of nonalcoholic etiology were enrolled, after excluding those with recent bleeding, gross ascites, severe anemia and other conditions which could alter cardiovascular status. Thirty healthy subjects without cardiovascular risk factors were enrolled as controls. Hepatic function status was assessed by biochemical tests and prothrombin time. Cardiac structural and functional assessment was performed non‐invasively using transthoracic echocardiography.Results:  Deceleration time was significantly (P < 0.05) prolonged in both the cirrhotic groups (235.03 ± 44.23 ms and 255.87 ± 46.16 ms) compared to controls (185.83 ± 25.04 ms), indicative of diastolic dysfunction in cirrhotic patients. Other parameters, viz. ejection fraction, E : A ratio, left ventricular relative wall thickness, interventricular septal thickness and left ventricular systolic as well as diastolic chamber dimensions did not show statistically significant difference between any of the groups. Cardiac structural and functional parameters were not correlated with the severity of liver dysfunction. There was no statistically significant difference between the alcoholic and nonalcoholic groups.Conclusions:  Asian patients with cirrhosis do have evidence of diastolic dysfunction. Cardiac structural and functional parameters did not correlate with the severity of liver dysfunction. Cardiac dysfunction seemed to be the consequence of cirrhosis itself, rather than of alcohol.
Cimetidine inhibits epidermal growth factor‐induced cell signaling
Authors: Fujikawa Tatsuya , Shiraha Hidenori , Nakanishi Yutaka , Takaoka Nobuyuki , Ueda Naoki , Suzuki Mayumi , Shiratori Yasushi 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  Cimetidine, a histamine‐2 (H2) receptor antagonist, has been demonstrated to have anticancer effects on colorectal cancer, melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. In the current study, we clarified that cimetidine inhibits both epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐induced cell proliferation and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines.Method:  HCC cell lines (Hep3B, HLF, SK‐Hep‐1, JHH‐2, PLC/PRF/5 and HLE) were used and cell proliferation was assessed by [3H]‐thymidine incorporation assay. Cell migration was measured by in vitro cell migration assay. Biological effects of cimetidine were assessed with human EGF receptor (EGFR)‐expressing mouse fibroblast cells (NR6‐WT). The autophosphorylation of EGFR and the activation of other downstream effectors were analyzed by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. The concentration of intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) was measured by competitive enzyme immunoassay.Results:  Cimetidine inhibited both EGF‐induced cell proliferation and migration in Hep3B, HLF, SK‐Hep‐1 and JHH‐2, while cimetidine did not affect EGF‐induced cell proliferation and migration in PLC/PRF/5 and HLE. Cimetidine was revealed to disrupt the EGF‐induced autophosphorylation of EGFR and its downstream effectors, mitogen activated protein kinases and phospholipase C‐γ. To define the molecular basis of this negative regulation, we identified that cimetidine significantly decreased intracellular cAMP levels and that decrement of cAMP inhibited autophosphorylation of EGFR. The cell permeable cAMP analog, CPT‐cAMPS reversed the cimetidine‐induced inhibition of EGF‐induced cell proliferation and cell migration by restoring autophosphorylation of EGFR.Conclusion:  Cimetidine inhibited EGF‐induced cell proliferation and migration in HCC cell lines by decreasing the concentration of intracellular cAMP levels. Cimetidine may be a candidate chemopreventive agent for HCC.
Effect of tegaserod on colonic transit time in male patients with constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Harish Kareem , Hazeena Kizhekkan , Thomas Varghese , Kumar Sunil , Jose Tony , Narayanan Puthiyaveetil 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground and Aims: Tegaserod is approved for the treatment of constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (C‐IBS) in females. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tegaserod on colonic transit time (CTT) and symptoms in male patients with C‐IBS.Methods: Forty‐four males with C‐IBS (Rome II) were enrolled. After a baseline washout period of 2 weeks, 40 patients were randomized to 6 mg twice daily of tegaserod or placebo for 12 weeks. Daily bowel habits and weekly satisfactory relief of symptoms were recorded. Total and segmental CTT were measured using radiopaque markers at baseline and after treatment.Results: The mean ± SD for the total colonic, right colonic, left colonic and rectosigmoid transit time (in hours) were 18.96 ± 3.92, 7.74 ± 1.55, 5.64 ± 1.51 and 5.58 ± 2.2 in the tegaserod group compared to 22.47 ± 3.73, 9.69 ± 2.33, 6.6 ± 1.32 and 6.18 ± 2.22 in the placebo group at the end of 12 weeks. There was a statistically significant difference in the total, right and left CTT in the tegaserod group (P < 0.05) at the end of treatment. Global satisfactory relief at the end of 12 weeks was 75% in the tegaserod group and 50% in the placebo group (P > 0.05). Greater stool frequency occurred in the tegaserod group (P > 0.05). There was a significant decrease in the stool consistency at the end of 12 weeks in patients treated with tegaserod (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Tegaserod causes significant acceleration of CTT in male patients with C‐IBS. Although there was a trend towards improvement in bowel symptoms in the treated group, this effect was not statistically significant.