bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of ethanol application on post‐luting to intraradicular dentine
Authors: Carvalho C. A. , Cantoro A. , Mazzoni A. , Goracci C. , Breschi L. , Ferrari M. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim  To examine the effect of the application of an ethanol rinse before luting fibre posts to intraradicular dentine with etch‐and‐rinse adhesive systems by means of push‐out bond strength evaluation and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis.Methodology  Fibre posts were luted to single‐canal premolars using Dual Link as a luting agent in combination with a three‐step (All Bond 2) or a two‐step (One Step Plus) etch‐and‐rinse adhesive system, which were applied as per manufacturers’ instructions (control) or with the additional rinse of ethanol on acid‐etched dentine prior to the bonding procedures (experimental). Bonded specimens were sectioned into 1‐mm‐thick slabs and subjected to push‐out bond strength testing. In addition, specimens from each group were processed for SEM analysis. Data were analysed by Kruskal–Wallis followed by Dunn’s post hoc test at P = 0.05.Results  Push‐out bond strength of All Bond 2 was significantly increased if the adhesive was applied on ethanol‐saturated dentine (P < 0.05), whilst no significant difference (P > 0.05) was detected amongst experimental and control groups for One Step Plus. Irrespective of the adhesive, the SEM analysis revealed good impregnation patterns when both bonding techniques were employed.Conclusions  The use of the additional ethanol rinse on acid‐etched dentine revealed higher bond strength of All Bond 2 when compared with the control application procedure, used in combination with a resin‐based cement to lute fibre posts into the dowel space. However, no bond strength improvements were detected using One Step Plus. Further investigations are needed to develop a clinically applicable ethanol/bonding/luting technique.
SAAG‐4 is a novel mosquito salivary protein that programmes host CD4+ T cells to express IL‐4
Authors: BOPPANA V.D. , THANGAMANI S. , ADLER A.J. , WIKEL S.K. 
Published: January 2009

Summary Mosquitoes represent the most important vector for transmitting pathogens that cause human disease. Central to pathogen transmission is the ability to divert the host immune system away from Th1 and towards Th2 responsiveness. Identification of the mosquito factor(s) critical for programming Th2 responsiveness should therefore lead to strategies to neutralize their function and thus prevent disease transmission. In the current study, we used a TCR transgenic adoptive transfer system to screen gene products present in the saliva of the mosquito Aedes aegypti for their ability to programme CD4 T cells to express the signature Th2 cytokine IL‐4. The clone SAAG‐4 encodes a secreted protein with a predicted size of 20 kDa whose function has previously been uncharacterized. Notably, SAAG‐4 reduced host CD4 T cell expression of the signature Th1 cytokine IFN‐γ while simultaneously increasing expression of IL‐4. SAAG‐4 is therefore the first identified mosquito factor that can programme Th2 effector CD4 T cell differentiation.
Characterisation and changes in the antioxidant system of chloroplasts and chromoplasts isolated from green and mature pepper fruits
Authors: Martí M. C. , Camejo D. , Olmos E. , Sandalio L. M. , Fernández‐García N. , Jiménez A. , Sevilla F. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractPurification and characterisation of pepper (Capsicum annuum L) chloroplasts and chromoplasts isolated from commercial green, red and yellow mature fruits were undertaken. Induction of the synthesis of several antioxidants in organelles isolated from mature fruits was found. The ultrastructure of organelles and the presence and activity of SOD isozymes and enzymes involved in the ASC‐GSH cycle, together with the non‐enzymatic antioxidant content and some oxidative parameters, were analysed. It was found that lipids, rather than proteins, seem to be a target for oxidation in the chromoplasts. The ascorbate and glutathione contents were elicited during differentiation of chloroplasts into chromoplasts in both red and yellow fruits. The activity of SOD and of components of the ASC‐GSH cycle was up‐regulated, suggesting that these enzymes may play a role in the protection of plastids and could act as modulators of signal molecules such as O2˙− and H2O2 during fruit maturation. The presence of an Mn‐SOD in chromoplasts isolated from yellow pepper fruits was also investigated in terms of structural and antioxidant differences between the two cultivars.
Keyed Fantasies: Music, the Accordion and the American Dream in Stroszek and Schultze Gets The Blues
Authors: Hauze Emily 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe strange body of the accordion, breathing, undulating, strapped to the chest of its player, is among the many striking elements linking Werner Herzog's Stroszek (1976) and Michael Schorr's Schultze gets the blues (2003). This paper considers Schultze to be a complex response to Herzog's film, using the accordion as a link between German and American culture as well as between contemporary German cinema and its towering predecessors in New German Cinema. Both Stroszek and Schultze are interested in some strain of the ‘American Dream’: Stroszek hopes to find wealth and happiness, and Schultze seeks a certain ethnic spice found within the ‘melting pot’ of American culture. In both cases, the complex machinery of the accordion is a metaphor for dreams that might be realised in America and for the mobility required to realise them. In tracing the link between these two films, my paper investigates ways in which music is bound to cultural landscapes, and to what extent a new cultural identity can be attained through one's relationship to musical sound. For Stroszek, and, more successfully, for Schultze, the accordion is a symbol of an intact and mobile body capable of crossing cultural boundaries.
Salvia somalensis essential oil as a potential cosmetic ingredient: solvent‐free microwave extraction, hydrodistillation, GC–MS analysis, odour evaluation and in vitro cytotoxicity assays
Authors: Villa C. , Trucchi B. , Bertoli A. , Pistelli L. , Parodi A. , Bassi A.M. , Ruffoni B. 
Published: January 2009

Synopsis Salvia somalensis Vatke, a wild sage native of Somalia, has been studied with the aim of assessing the potential cosmetic application of its essential oil, recovered from fresh aerial parts by solvent‐free microwave extraction – SFME. To evaluate the efficiency and reliability of this ecofriendly procedure, the recovery of the essential oil was also processed by conventional hydrodistillation (HD) and the results compared. The essential oils obtained by both SFME and HD were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry using apolar and polar capillary columns. The essential oil recovered by SFME was submitted to an odour evaluation that revealed peculiar olfactive characteristics interesting in alcoholic male perfumery and body detergents.In vitro cytotoxicity assays were carried out using NCTC 2544 human keratinocytes as target cells. The oil displayed slight cytotoxic effects, which were three orders of magnitude lower than those found for sodium dodecyl sulphate positive control. The promising results in terms of chemical composition, scent and safety seem to indicate this essential oil as an interesting potential functional ingredient useful in a cosmetic context.
Development of a minimally invasive epidermal abrasion device for clinical skin sampling and its applications in molecular biology
Authors: Lee J.‐M. , Carson R. , Arce C. , Mahajan M. , Lobst S. 
Published: January 2009

SynopsisA new abrasion tool (US patent US7087063 B2) has been developed for collecting skin epidermal samples. This device includes a central shaft that holds the probe in a split chuck. Of the variety of probe designs tested, the laser‐cut hollow tube (HT) probe abraded the basal layer of the epidermis most consistently, resulting in representative epidermal skin samples. Compared with traditional clinical methods, the abrasion method allows for high‐throughput epidermal skin collection with minimal invasiveness to the volunteer subjects. A large number of abrasion samples have been collected in various clinical studies with no adverse effects observed. Epidermal abrasion, when used appropriately and with the optimized probes, can yield high quality tissue samples that are representative of the epidermis. A sufficient quantity of RNA and protein can be obtained for many subsequent molecular and biochemical applications. Because of its minimal invasiveness and high‐throughput nature, the abrasion method can be a valuable tool used to investigate the efficacy of topical applications of skin care products.
The National Evaluation of Senior Mentor Programs: Older Adults in Medical Education
Authors: Eleazer G. Paul , Stewart Thomas J. , Wieland G. Darryl , Anderson M. Brownell , Simpson Deborah ,   for the Steering Committee of the National Evaluation of Senior Mentor Programs
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To identify models for senior mentor programs (SMPs), critical factors in program development, achievement of goals and objectives, effect on medical school environment, and future of programs.DESIGN: Ten SMPs were systematically selected to represent a variety of medical schools, geographic regions, and program types. The National Senior Mentor Program Evaluation relied upon archived data within the programs and new data collected during site visits. Archived data included internally conducted program evaluations, student course evaluations, and survey and focus group results. Site visit data were collected from key informant interviews with program staff and faculty, medical school leadership and students, and older adults serving as mentors.SETTING: Ten U.S. medical schools with SMPs.PARTICIPANTS: Evaluation participants at each site included program faculty, key medical school administrators, participating students, and mentors.MEASUREMENTS: Program evaluation.RESULTS: All 10 programs demonstrated a positive effect on student attitudes toward older adults. Student acceptance of the programs was strong, and mentor acceptance and support were extraordinary. Eight of the 10 programs were operating in 2008 and having considerable effect on medical school environments. Most of the operating programs expect to be continuing for 5 or more years into the future.CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the national evaluation point toward continuation and likely growth of the senior mentor phenomenon in U.S. medical education.
Mortality, Dementia, and Apolipoprotein E Genotype in Elderly White Women in the United States
Authors: Little Deborah M. , Crooks Valerie C. , Petitti Diana B. , Chiu Vicki , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Slezak Jeff M. , Jacobsen Steven J. 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To assess the risk of death in relation to apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and to evaluate how APOE genotype interacts with dementia and with other major medical conditions to affect survival.DESIGN: A 6‐year prospective cohort study of dementia, APOE genotype and survival.SETTING: Health maintenance organization in southern California.PARTICIPANTS: One thousand eight hundred forty‐two white women aged 75 and older.MEASUREMENTS: Dementia was determined using a multistage assessment procedure, medical record, and death certificate review.RESULTS: With women with the APOE 3/3 genotype as the referent, age‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for death according to genotype were 1.25 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.00–1.56) for APOE 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4 and 0.83 (95% CI=0.62–1.13) for APOE 2/3 or 2/2. Survival was associated with APOE genotype (log rank test P=.02). Women with the APOE 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4 genotype died at an earlier age, and those with APOE 2/2 or 2/3 died later than those with the APOE 3/3 genotype. After adjustment for age, education, and hormone use, HRs for death were significantly higher in women with the APOE 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4 genotype who developed dementia (HR=3.74; 95% CI=2.81–4.99) and the APOE 2/3 genotype (HR=3.23; 95%=CI=1.97–5.28) than in women without dementia and the APOE 3/3 genotype. The HRs for death were greater with other medical conditions, but no interaction with any APOE genotype was found.CONCLUSION: In this population of elderly women, although having at least one ɛ4 allele increased the chances of an earlier death, having dementia increased the risk of death regardless of APOE genotype.
Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Efficacy of Newly Developed Oximes (K206, K269) and Currently Available Oximes (Obidoxime, HI‐6) in Cyclosarin‐Poisoned Rats
Authors: Kassa Jiri , Karasova Jana Zdarova , Bajgar Jiri , Tesarova Sandra , Kuca Kamil , Musilek Kamil 
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  The neuroprotective effects of newly developed oximes (K206, K269) and currently available oximes (obidoxime, HI‐6) in combination with atropine in rats poisoned with cyclosarin were studied. The cyclosarin‐induced neurotoxicity was monitored using a functional observational battery at 24 hr following cyclosarin challenge. The results indicate that a newly developed oxime K206 is able to counteract cyclosarin‐induced neurotoxicity while the neuroprotective potency of another newly developed oxime (K269) is negligible. The neuroprotective efficacy of K206 is markedly higher than commonly used obidoxime; nevertheless, its potency to eliminate cyclosarin‐induced neurotoxicity is slightly lower compared to the oxime HI‐6. Thus, a newly developed oxime K206 seems to be a better oxime for the antidotal treatment of cyclosarin poisonings than obidoxime due to higher neuroprotective potency although the oxime HI‐6 is still the most suitable oxime for the antidotal treatment of acute poisonings with cyclosarin.
Influence
of Near Hole Pressure Fluctuation on the Thermal Protection of a Film-Cooled Flat
Plate
Authors: Burdet André , Abhari Reza
S. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
The pulsation of film cooling jets in turbines is driven by the near hole pressure fluctuation caused by the deterministic interaction of stator/rotor blade rows. Jet pulsation is characterized by the coolant near hole reduced frequency Ωc and the pulsation amplitude coefficient Ψ. The fluctuation of the near hole pressure is simulated by setting a time-varying signal of static pressure for the outlet boundary condition of a film-cooled flat plate configuration. It is observed that the fluctuation of the near hole pressure influences the blowing ratio, hence the thermal protection downstream of the injection site. For a low mean blowing ratio (BR¯=0.75), low-medium pulsation frequencies (Ωc⩽0.10) are found to be slightly detrimental to the thermal protection versus a steady injection. On the contrary, for high pulsation frequencies (Ωc⩽0.17), the thermal protection becomes better due to periodic jet disintegration into the wall surface caused by a higher level of transverse kinetic energy of the jet pulse. In addition, the overlapping of jet pulses appears to help the constant temporal spreading of coolant over the wall surface. For a higher mean blowing ratio (BR¯=1.25), jet pulsation enhances lift-off so that the thermal protection is, in general, worse compared to a steady injection. Overall, the range of jet pulsation presented in this study affects moderately the thermal protection of the downstream surface.
Quinolone Resistance in
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
: Rapid Genotyping of Quinolone Resistance-Determining Regions in
gyrA
and
parC
Genes by Melting Curve Analysis Predicts Susceptibility
Authors: Vernel-Pauillac Frédérique , Hogan Tiffany R. , Tapsall John W. , Goarant Cyrille 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

We report a duplex real-time PCR assay for the simultaneous screening of mutations involved in fluoroquinolone resistance within
gyrA
and
parC
quninolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) in
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
. Our assay clearly detects all mutated QRDRs and allows the identification of common genotypes, whether the QRDRs contain single or double mutations, providing valuable epidemiological tools. When this method is used in conjunction with similar assays and in vitro analyses, essential antibiotic resistance surveillance can be performed for public health purposes.
Contribution of
vraSR
and
graSR
Point Mutations to Vancomycin Resistance in Vancomycin-Intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Cui Longzhu , Neoh Hui-min , Shoji Mitsutaka , Hiramatsu Keiichi 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

We describe here the genetic analysis of a vancomycin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(VSSA) strain, Mu50Ω, a strain related to vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
(VISA) strain Mu50. Using a combination of Mu50Ω whole-genome sequencing and genome engineering, we observed a stepwise evolution of vancomycin resistance from VSSA to VISA after the mutated
vraS
and
graR
genes of Mu50 were engineered into Mu50Ω.
Involvement of
Shewanella oneidensis
MR-1 LuxS in Biofilm Development and Sulfur Metabolism
Authors: Learman Deric R. , Yi Haakrho , Brown Steven D. , Martin Stanton L. , Geesey Gill G. , Stevens Ann M. , Hochella Michael F. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

The role of LuxS in
Shewanella oneidensis
MR-1 has been examined by transcriptomic profiling, biochemical, and physiological experiments. The results indicate that a mutation in
luxS
alters biofilm development, not by altering quorum-sensing abilities but by disrupting the activated methyl cycle (AMC). The
S. oneidensis
wild type can produce a luminescence response in the AI-2 reporter strain
Vibrio harveyi
MM32. This luminescence response is abolished upon the deletion of
luxS
. The deletion of
luxS
also alters biofilm formations in static and flowthrough conditions. Genetic complementation restores the mutant biofilm defect, but the addition of synthetic AI-2 has no effect. These results suggest that AI-2 is not used as a quorum-sensing signal to regulate biofilm development in
S. oneidensis
. Growth on various sulfur sources was examined because of the involvement of LuxS in the AMC. A mutation in
luxS
produced a reduced ability to grow with methionine as the sole sulfur source. Methionine is a key metabolite used in the AMC to produce a methyl source in the cell and to recycle homocysteine. These data suggest that LuxS is important to metabolizing methionine and the AMC in
S. oneidensis
.
An internal ribosome entry site element directs the synthesis of the 80 kDa isoforms of protein 4.1R
Authors: Lospitao Eva , Pérez-Ferreiro Carmen M , Gosálbez Altea , Alonso Miguel A , Correas Isabel 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background

In red blood cells, protein 4.1 (4.1R) is an 80 kDa protein that stabilizes the spectrin-actin network and anchors it to the plasma membrane through its FERM domain. While the expression pattern of 4.1R in mature red cells is relatively simple, a rather complex array of 4.1R protein isoforms varying in N-terminal extensions, internal sequences and subcellular locations has been identified in nucleated cells. Among these, 135 kDa and 80 kDa isoforms have different N-terminal extensions and are expressed either from AUG1- or AUG2-containing mRNAs, respectively. These two types of mRNAs, varying solely by presence/absence of 17 nucleotides (nt) which contain the AUG1 codon, are produced by alternative splicing of the 4.1R pre-mRNA. It is unknown whether the 699 nt region comprised between AUG1 and AUG2, kept as a 5' untranslated region in AUG2-containing mRNAs, plays a role on 4.1R mRNA translation.

Results

By analyzing the in vitro expression of a panel of naturally occurring 4.1R cDNAs, we observed that all AUG1/AUG2-containing cDNAs gave rise to both long, 135 kDa, and short, 80 kDa, 4.1R isoforms. More importantly, similar results were also observed in cells transfected with this set of 4.1R cDNAs. Mutational studies indicated that the short isoforms were not proteolytic products of the long isoforms but products synthesized from AUG2. The presence of a cryptic promoter in the 4.1R cDNA sequence was also discounted. When a 583 nt sequence comprised between AUG1 and AUG2 was introduced into bicistronic vectors it directed protein expression from the second cistron. This was also the case when ribosome scanning was abolished by introduction of a stable hairpin at the 5' region of the first cistron. Deletion analysis of the 583 nt sequence indicated that nucleotides 170 to 368 are essential for expression of the second cistron. The polypyrimidine tract-binding protein bound to the 583 nt active sequence but not to an inactive 3'-fragment of 149 nucleotides.

Conclusion

Our study is the first demonstration of an internal ribosome entry site as a mechanism ensuring the production of 80 kDa isoforms of protein 4.1R. This mechanism might also account for the generation of 60 kDa isoforms of 4.1R from a downstream AUG3. Our results reveal an additional level of control to 4.1R gene expression pathways and will contribute to the understanding of the biology of proteins 4.1R and their homologues, comprising an ample family of proteins involved in cytoskeletal organization.
Phylogenetic studies reveal existence of multiple lineages of a single genotype of DENV-1 (genotype III) in India during 1956–2007
Authors: Kukreti Himani , Dash Paban Kumar , Parida Manmohan , Chaudhary Artee , Saxena Parag , Rautela RS , Mittal Veena , Chhabra Mala , Bhattacharya D , Lal Shiv , Rao PV Lakshmana , Rai Arvind 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1) have been mostly circulating silently with dominant serotypes DENV-2 and DENV-3 in India. However recent times have marked an increase in DENV-1 circulation in yearly outbreaks. Many studies have not been carried out on this virus type, leaving a lacunae pertaining to the circulating genotypes, since its earliest report in India. In the present study, we sequenced CprM gene junction of 13 DENV-1 isolated from Delhi and Gwalior (North India) between 2001–2007 and one 1956 Vellore isolate as reference. For comparison, we retrieved 11 other Indian and 70 global reference sequences from NCBI database, making sure that Indian and global isolates from all decades are available for comparative analysis.

Results
The region was found to be AT rich with no insertion or deletion. Majority of the nucleotide substitutions were silent, except 3 non-conservative amino acid changes (I → T, A → T and L → S at amino acid positions 59,114 and 155 respectively) in the Indian DENV-1 sequences, sequenced in this study. Except two 1997–98 Delhi isolates, which group in genotype I; all other Indian isolates group in genotype III. All Indian genotype III DENV-1 exhibited diversity among them, giving rise to at least 4 distinct lineages (India 1–4) showing proximity to isolates from diverse geographic locations.

Conclusion
The extensive phylogenetic analysis revealed consistent existence of multiple lineages of DENV-1 genotype III during the last 5 decades in India.
Fast Gene Ontology based clustering for microarray experiments
Authors: Ovaska Kristian , Laakso Marko , Hautaniemi Sampsa 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Analysis of a microarray experiment often results in a list of hundreds of disease-associated genes. In order to suggest common biological processes and functions for these genes, Gene Ontology annotations with statistical testing are widely used. However, these analyses can produce a very large number of significantly altered biological processes. Thus, it is often challenging to interpret GO results and identify novel testable biological hypotheses.

Results
We present fast software for advanced gene annotation using semantic similarity for Gene Ontology terms combined with clustering and heat map visualisation. The methodology allows rapid identification of genes sharing the same Gene Ontology cluster.

Conclusion
Our R based semantic similarity open-source package has a speed advantage of over 2000-fold compared to existing implementations. From the resulting hierarchical clustering dendrogram genes sharing a GO term can be identified, and their differences in the gene expression patterns can be seen from the heat map. These methods facilitate advanced annotation of genes resulting from data analysis.