bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral Health of Young Children in Mississippi Delta Child Care Centers: A Second Look at Early Childhood Caries Risk Assessment
Authors: Southward Linda H. , Robertson Angela , Edelstein Burton L. , Hanna Heather , Wells‐Parker Elisabeth , Baggett Dorris H. , Eklund Neva P. , Crall James J. , Silberman Stephen L. , Parrish David R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectives: To identify the predictors of early childhood caries and urgent dental treatment need among primarily African‐American children in child care centers in the Delta region of Mississippi. The purpose of this study was to replicate predictors of caries and urgent dental treatment needs that were identified in an earlier study conducted in Delta child care centers and to assess additional caries risk factors not collected in the original study.Methods: Children in 19 child care centers were examined by the dentists, and the parents provided data on oral health practices, oral health history, and on children's oral health‐related quality of life (QOL). The dentists also assessed visible plaque and tested levels of mutans streptococci. Predictors of caries and treatment need among children 24 to 71 months of age were examined using logistic regression.Results: Two parent predictors of caries identified in the earlier study (parent flossing and soft/sugary drink consumption) were not predictive in the current study. Parent history of abscess continued to predict their child's urgent need for treatment. Young children's level of salivary mutans streptococci, maxillary incisor visible plaque, and parents' reports of child oral health‐related QOL measures predicted the presence of both caries and urgent treatment need. Some expected predictors, such as frequency of child's toothbrushing, were not predictive of caries.Conclusions: Parental abscess and parent's report of the child's oral health‐related QOL are risk indicators for poor oral health outcomes that could be used by nondental personnel to identify young children in need of early preventive intervention and dental referral.
Health Literacy in an Adult Dental Research Population: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jackson Richard D. , Eckert George J. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to gather data concerning the level of health literacy in adults who frequently volunteer for our clinical research programs. Methods: A convenience sample of 99 adults was recruited from our database of subjects taking part in an ongoing series of investigations. Health literacy was measured using the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S‐TOFHLA). Additional demographic and socioeconomic data were collected by means of a questionnaire. Results: The results indicated that 13 percent of the cohort of subjects scored in the “inadequate” or “marginal” categories as described by the criteria of the S‐TOFHLA. Inadequate or marginal health literacy was associated with race, gender, and age. Unfortunately, the sample size was too small to determine the interaction of these variables. Conclusions: Dental faculty conducting clinical research investigations should be cognizant of the fact that a portion of adults, especially older adults, may have difficulty reading written instructions, informational letters of consent, prescriptions, and other documents. Researchers should make every effort to ensure that information provided in text form is provided in a manner that is easily understandable to the reader. Technical terminology and jargon should be avoided or if used, it should be explained in plain, simple language. If a potential subject is having difficulty, the investigator is obligated to take the additional time to educate the potential subject using alternative methods.
Use of the Novel INNO-LiPA Line Probe Assay for Detection of Hepatitis B Virus Variants That Confer Resistance to Entecavir Therapy
Authors: Jardi Rosendo , Rodriguez-Frias Francisco , Tabernero David , Homs Maria , Schaper Melanie , Esteban Rafael , Buti Maria 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTA line probe assay (INNO-LiPA DR, version 3) for the detection of hepatitis B virus mutations that confer resistance to entecavir therapy was evaluated. The INNO-LiPA DR assay is a highly sensitive assay that is easily applicable for the detection and monitoring of entecavir resistance-conferring mutations and is more sensitive than sequencing for the detection of mixed sequences.
Growth of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in human plasma: impacts on virulence and metabolic gene expression
Authors: Rosso Marie-Laure , Chauvaux Sylvie , Dessein Rodrigue , Laurans Caroline , Frangeul Lionel , Lacroix Céline , Schiavo Angèle , Dillies Marie-Agnès , Foulon Jeannine , Coppée Jean-Yves , Médigue Claudine , Carniel Elisabeth , Simonet Michel , Marceau Michaël 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
In man, infection by the Gram-negative enteropathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is usually limited to the terminal ileum. However, in immunocompromised patients, the microorganism may disseminate from the digestive tract and thus cause a systemic infection with septicemia.

Results
To gain insight into the metabolic pathways and virulence factors expressed by the bacterium at the blood stage of pseudotuberculosis, we compared the overall gene transcription patterns (the transcriptome) of bacterial cells cultured in either human plasma or Luria-Bertani medium. The most marked plasma-triggered metabolic consequence in Y. pseudotuberculosis was the switch to high glucose consumption, which is reminiscent of the acetogenic pathway (known as "glucose overflow") in Escherichia coli. However, upregulation of the glyoxylate shunt enzymes suggests that (in contrast to E. coli) acetate may be further metabolized in Y. pseudotuberculosis. Our data also indicate that the bloodstream environment can regulate major virulence genes (positively or negatively); the yadA adhesin gene and most of the transcriptional units of the pYV-encoded type III secretion apparatus were found to be upregulated, whereas transcription of the pH6 antigen locus was strongly repressed.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that plasma growth of Y. pseudotuberculosis is responsible for major transcriptional regulatory events and prompts key metabolic reorientations within the bacterium, which may in turn have an impact on virulence.
TCF7L2variant genotypes and type 2 diabetes risk in Brazil: significant association, but not a significant tool for risk stratification in the general population
Authors: Marquezine GF , Pereira AC , Sousa AGP , Mill JG , Hueb WA , Krieger JE 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Genetic polymorphisms of the TCF7L2 gene are strongly associated with large increments in type 2 diabetes risk in different populations worldwide. In this study, we aimed to confirm the effect of the TCF7L2 polymorphism rs7903146 on diabetes risk in a Brazilian population and to assess the use of this genetic marker in improving diabetes risk prediction in the general population.

Methods
We genotyped the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs7903146 of the TCF7L2 gene in 560 patients with known coronary disease enrolled in the MASS II (Medicine, Angioplasty, or Surgery Study) Trial and in 1,449 residents of Vitoria, in Southeast Brazil. The associations of this gene variant to diabetes risk and metabolic characteristics in these two different populations were analyzed. To access the potential benefit of using this marker for diabetes risk prediction in the general population we analyzed the impact of this genetic variant on a validated diabetes risk prediction tool based on clinical characteristics developed for the Brazilian general population.

Results
SNP rs7903146 of the TCF7L2 gene was significantly associated with type 2 diabetes in the MASS-II population (OR = 1.57 per T allele, p = 0.0032), confirming, in the Brazilian population, previous reports of the literature. Addition of this polymorphism to an established clinical risk prediction score did not increased model accuracy (both area under ROC curve equal to 0.776).

Conclusion

TCF7L2 rs7903146 T allele is associated with a 1.57 increased risk for type 2 diabetes in a Brazilian cohort of patients with known coronary heart disease. However, the inclusion of this polymorphism in a risk prediction tool developed for the general population resulted in no improvement of performance. This is the first study, to our knowledge, that has confirmed this recent association in a South American population and adds to the great consistency of this finding in studies around the world. Finally, confirming the biological association of a genetic marker does not guarantee improvement on already established screening tools based solely on demographic variables.
Activating and inhibiting connections in biological network dynamics
Authors: McDonald Daniel , Waterbury Laura , Knight Rob , Betterton M D 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Many studies of biochemical networks have analyzed network topology. Such work has suggested that specific types of network wiring may increase network robustness and therefore confer a selective advantage. However, knowledge of network topology does not allow one to predict network dynamical behavior – for example, whether deleting a protein from a signaling network would maintain the network's dynamical behavior, or induce oscillations or chaos.

Results
Here we report that the balance between activating and inhibiting connections is important in determining whether network dynamics reach steady state or oscillate. We use a simple dynamical model of a network of interacting genes or proteins. Using the model, we study random networks, networks selected for robust dynamics, and examples of biological network topologies. The fraction of activating connections influences whether the network dynamics reach steady state or oscillate.

Conclusion
The activating fraction may predispose a network to oscillate or reach steady state, and neutral evolution or selection of this parameter may affect the behavior of biological networks. This principle may unify the dynamics of a wide range of cellular networks.

Reviewers
Reviewed by Sergei Maslov, Eugene Koonin, and Yu (Brandon) Xia (nominated by Mark Gerstein). For the full reviews, please go to the Reviewers' comments section.
Thalidomide influences growth and vasculogenic mimicry channel formation in melanoma
Authors: Zhang Shiwu , Li Man , Gu Yanjun , Liu Zhiyong , Xu Shaoyan , Cui Yanfeng , Sun Baocun 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Aims
To observe the effects of thalidomide on melanoma tumor growth and blood supply patterns in C57 mice.

Methods
Thirty mice inoculated subcutaneously with B16F10 cells were randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group. Thalidomide was administered once a day at a dose of 200 mg/kg for the treatment group starting on the fifth day after inoculation, and an equivalent volume of 0.5% carboxylmethyl cellulose was administered similarly in the control group. The diameter of the tumors was measured daily after inoculation until the mice were sacrificed on the 19th day. The different blood supply patterns were counted after immunohistochemical and PAS histochemical double-Staining. VEGF, NF-κB, PCNA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in tumor tissue was also assessed.

Results
The tumor volume(P = 0.019) and the number of vasculogenic mimicry(P = 0.03) and mosaic vessels(P = 0.004) in the treatment group were significantly decreased compared with the control group. VEGF(P = 0.004), NF-κB(P = 0.009), PCNA(P = 0.002), MMP-2 (P = 0.000), MMP-9(P = 0.002) protein expression and MMP-2(P = 0.000) and MMP-9(P = 0.000) mRNA in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control groups.

Conclusion
Thalidomide inhibits vasculogenic mimicry channel and mosaic vessels formation in melanoma through the regulation of vasculogenic factors, and it can induce necrosis of melanoma cells, which may be related with the NF-κB signaling pathway.
The Truman-Churchill Proposal to Resolve the Iran-U.k. Oil Nationalization Dispute
Authors: Pirouz Kamrouz 
Published: December 2008

After becoming prime minister for the second time, and having won the oil nationalization case at the World Court, Muhammad Musaddiq was hopeful that the British would be more compromising in their approach toward the oil nationalization issue. He was also hopeful of the American support in the dispute.
President Truman and Secretary of State Dean Acheson were both sympathetic toward Iran. At the same time Churchill, who had just become prime minister, was concerned about maintaining American support in this crisis. The mutual efforts of the British and Americans to reconcile their objectives finally led to a joint proposal issued by Truman and Churchill. This proposal spelled out the basis for a new agreement regarding the oil nationalization dispute. This proposal was rejected by Musaddiq's government. The two leaders subsequently issued a second proposal that was also rejected by Musaddiq's government. With this second rejection the Americans and British concluded that they could not resolve the oil issue through negotiation with Musaddiq.
Sterols and lignin in Eucalyptus globulus Labill. wood: Spatial distribution and fungal removal as revealed by microscopy and chemical analyses
Authors: Speranza Mariela , Gutiérrez Ana , del Río José Carlos , Bettucci Lina , Martínez Ángel T. , Martínez María Jesús 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Wood decay experiments were carried out aiming at the selective removal of lipophilic compounds with selected basidiomycetes isolated from Eucalyptus globulus plantations in Uruguay: Dendrophora albobadia, Lentinus tigrinus, Peniophora cinerea, Peniophora lycii, and Phanerochaete crassa. Localization and composition of lipophilic compounds and lignin of E. globulus were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, fluorescence microscopy using filipin staining, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and low temperature scanning electron microscopy. Free and esterified sterols, mainly sitosterol, were the predominant lipophilic compounds in the control wood. Sterols were present in ray parenchyma cells, together with polyphenols, and in vessels. This confirms earlier observations indicating that these cell types are the principal source of lipophilic extractives involved in pitch problems during pulping and bleaching. Sterols are also present in the vestures of fiber and vessel pits. Different fungal degradation patterns of E. globulus wood were determined. P. lycii showed the highest specificity for lignin degradation during short incubation time together with considerable sterol removal capacity. Ray parenchyma cells and their lumen deposits were strongly degraded by P. lycii. Eucalypt lignin located in vessel walls and fiber cell corners was more resistant to fungal attack, as revealed by CLSM. The initial decay stage of L. tigrinus was restricted to vessels and tyloses where the sterol compounds were removed.
Recent Improvement in Vessel Surveillance Dosimetry for the Electricité de France Reactors under Construction
Authors: Bevilacqua A , Brillaud C , DuQuesne H , Hedin F , Lloret R 
Published: December 2008

In the vessel surveillance program of each French pressurized water reactor, four to eight in-reactor irradiation capsules are equipped with activation and fission dosimeters. From the analysis of the first capsules irradiated, considerable experimental data are now available on the dosimetry technique used, based on the experience of more than fifteen Electricité de France 900 MWe reactors.
This paper discusses the problems encountered after dismantling the capsule: activity measurements, data corrections, inconsistency of results, etc. From these experimental results, proposals are made to improve accuracy, availability, and ease of use, for short and long term applications. This analysis has led to a better specification of material composition with respect to impurities and, as a result, to changes in the number, design, and materials of both the fissile dosimeter box and the neutron filter. Also, niobium dosimetry has been added to the set of dosimeters.
Solid-State Track Recorder Pressure Vessel Surveillance Neutron Dosimetry at Commercial Light Water Reactors
Authors: Ruddy FH , Seidel JG 
Published: December 2008

Solid-state track recorder (SSTR) neutron dosimetry sets have been installed in the reactor cavity region of several commercial light water reactors for exposures during normal operating cycles. Analyses of SSTR sets which have been exposed for one operating cycle at four commercial light water reactors have been completed. Quality assurance procedures are in place and have been verified with neutron irradiations of representative dosimeters in NBS benchmark neutron fields.
Cavity dosimetry results to date indicate that 2 to 5% uncertainties in the measurements of neutron-induced cavity dosimetry fission rates are routinely achievable, provided that adequate quality control procedures are used.
Détermination de fonctions de dommages pour les matériaux polyatomiques irradiées en réacteurs de recherche
Authors: Alberman A , Lesueur D 
Published: December 2008

L'évaluation des paramètres d'irradiation de matériaux polyatomiques est d'une grande importance pour les programmes de technologie de la fusion contrô lée. Les céramiques — particuliérement pour la couverture fertile — font actuellement l'objet de programmes d'études dans les réacteurs de recherche européens.
On présente le code COMPOSI: calcul du nombre de déplacements d'atomes du sousréseau “j” induits par un atome du sous-réseau “i” soit par collision directe, soit par processus indirect (atome choqué intermédiaire). Ce calcul, fondé sur les équations de Lindhard, est résolu par une méthode itérative.
Les sections efficaces de déplacements d'atomes “j”, selon l'énergie de neutron, sont déduites par convolution avec les spectres d'énergie de primaires de type “i”. En outre, le code COMPOSI permet de calculer directement les déplacements créés par le recul de particules chargées, exemple Alpha + Triton créés par capture sur le Lithium 6 dans LiAlO2. On teste la sensibilité des fonctions de dommage dans différents spectres neutroniques.
Correction of Burn-In Effects in Fission Neutron Dosimeters
Authors: Gold R , McElroy WN 
Published: December 2008

When fission neutron dosimeters are applied for neutron dosimetry, such as those used in light-water reactor (LWR) pressure vessel surveillance (PVS), higher order actinide isotopes can be produced in the dosimeter by the neutron field. These higher order actinide isotopes can also undergo fission and thereby contribute to the number of fissions or fission rate that is observed with the dosimeter. This so-called "burn-in" effect can be non-negligible, especially in fission threshold monitors such as those used in LWR-PVS.
A novel method for correction of this "burn-in" effect is advanced. In this new method, two quantities are measured in order to quantify the "bum-in" contribution, namely the amount of the "in-grown" fissile isotope that is created and the fissions per unit volume produced in the "in-grown" fissile isotope. Monitors used to measure these two quantities must experience the very irradiation that the fission neutron dosimeter undergoes, (i.e., the same location and flux-time history). Conditions are defined under which the "burn-in" effect can be delineated in terms of these two observed quantities. Advantages of this correction method are discussed.
Analysis of Neutron Emission on PWR Spent Fuel Assemblies for Burn-Up Assessment
Authors: Debrue J , Raedt CD , Minsart G 
Published: December 2008

A series of passive neutron measurements performed on TIHANGE I spent fuel assemblies were analyzed for comparison with calculated burn-up values and neutron emission rates. The burn-up range of these assemblies was between 10 and 45 MWd/kg and the cooling time varied from 1 to 8 years approximately.
The measurements, performed with 235U fission chambers, were correlated with neutron emission and burn-up by means of the ORIGEN-2 point model depletion code, taking into account the irradiation history. A fairly good correlation was found between the 244Cm contributions, as deduced from the measurements corrected with ORIGEN-2, and the burn-up values as calculated with fuel management codes. It was noticed that the ratio of the calculated (ORIGEN-2) neutron emission and the measured neutron detection varied with the burn-up.
Self-Powered Neutron Detectors for Measuring Epithermal Neutron Flux
Authors: Agu MN , Petitcolas H 
Published: December 2008

Self-powered neutron detectors (SPNDs) with erbium, hafnium, gadolinium, rhodium, silver, and cobalt emitters have been irradiated in several different neutron and gamma spectra obtained by a variety of filters: cadmium, gadolinium, boron, lead, zirconium, aluminum, or light water. The irradiation locations were inside the core or reflector of the MELUSINE (8 MW) and SILOE (35 MW) reactors.
Fast and delayed sensitivities to thermal and epithermal neutron and gamma-ray fluxes have been evaluated. Measurements show that gamma and epithermal neutron currents are of the same order of magnitude. It became possible, however, to drive down to zero the gamma sensitivity by laying one or several shroudings onto the emitter surface. This shrouding may now be optimized in order to reduce the SPND's response time.
Factors That May Affect the Results of Indoor Air Quality Studies in Large Office Buildings
Authors: Seppänen O , Jaakkola J 
Published: December 2008

The effects of mechanical ventilation on the sick building syndrome were evaluated in an office building with 2150 employees. The ventilation rate was known to be high in the building. The main hypothesis put forward was that reducing the rate of mechanical ventilation would alleviate symptoms. A short-term trial was carried out by shutting off the ventilation in one part of the building, reducing it in two areas and leaving one part unalteredas a control. The reduction of ventilation had, if any, an opposite effect to that anticipated. There was a linear correlation between increase in symptoms and rise in room temperature to above 22°C.
Many complaints about drafts occurred even though the measured average velocities were only 0.05 m/s. Ventilation rates per person varied greatly depending on the location in the building and on the number of persons in a room. The variation of the temperature between the rooms was large. Tobacco smoke bothered people although smoking was not allowed in the offices.
In the analysis of the data many confounding variables were found. Women expressed their symptoms almost twice as often as men. The age, allergic disposition, and overall job satisfaction had also a significant effect on the symptoms. These factors were controlled in the analysis.
Based on the study, temperature seems to be the most important variable in indoor climate and it should be individually controlled.