bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral administration recombinant porcine epidermal growth factor enhances the jejunal digestive enzyme genes expression and activity of early‐weaned piglets
Authors: Lee D. N. , Chuang Y. S. , Chiou H. Y. , Wu F. Y. , Yen H. T. , Weng C. F. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThis study attempted to determine ingested porcine epidermal growth factor (pEGF) on the gastrointestinal tract development of early‐weaned piglets. Thirty‐two piglets (14‐day weaned) were randomly allotted to supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mg pEGF/kg diet. Each treatment consisted of four replicates with two pigs per pen for a 14 days experimental period. Piglets were sacrificed and gastrointestinal tract samples were collected to measure mucosa morphology, mRNA expression and activities of digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract of piglets at the end of the experiment. Diets supplemented with pEGF failed to influence growth performance but tended to increase jejunal mucosa weight (p < 0.09) and protein content (p < 0.07). Piglets supplemental pEGF induced incrementally the gastric pepsin activity (p < 0.05) and stimulated jejunal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactase activities accompanied with the increase of jejunal ALP and maltase mRNA expression. No effect of pEGF on the activities of all enzymes in ileum except the stimulation of ileal aminopeptide N mRNA expression. These results reveal that dietary pEGF supplementation might enhance gene expression and activities of digestive enzymes in the stomach and jejunum of piglets.
Characterization of ‘Candidatus Clavochlamydia salmonicola’: an intracellular bacterium infecting salmonid fish
Authors: Karlsen Marius , Nylund Are , Watanabe Kuninori , Helvik Jon V. , Nylund Stian , Plarre Heidrun 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe phylum Chlamydiae contains obligate intracellular bacteria, several of which cause disease in their hosts. Morphological studies have suggested that this group of bacteria may be pathogens of fish, causing cysts in epithelial tissue – epitheliocystis. Recently, the first genetic evidence of a chlamydial aetiology of this disease in seawater reared Atlantic salmon from Norway and Ireland was presented, and the agent was given the name ‘Candidatus Piscichlamydia salmonis’. In this article we present molecular evidence for the existence of a novel Chlamydiae that also may cause epitheliocystis in Norwegian salmonids. This novel Chlamydiae has been found in salmonid fish from freshwater, and based on its partial 16S rRNA gene, it may constitute a third genus in the family Chlamydiaceae, or a closely related sister family. By using whole‐mount RNA–RNA hybridization we demonstrate how infected cells are distributed in a patchy manner on a gill arch. The morphology of the novel Chlamydiae includes the characteristic head‐and‐tail cells that have been described earlier from salmonid fish suffering from epitheliocystis. We propose the name ‘Candidatus Clavochlamydia salmonicola’ for this agent of epitheliocystis in freshwater salmonids.
Pseudomonas fluorescens' view of the periodic table
Authors: Workentine Matthew L. , Harrison Joe J. , Stenroos Pernilla U. , Ceri Howard , Turner Raymond J. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryGrowth in a biofilm modulates microbial metal susceptibility, sometimes increasing the ability of microorganisms to withstand toxic metal species by several orders of magnitude. In this study, a high‐throughput metal toxicity screen was initiated with the aim of correlating biological toxicity data in planktonic and biofilm cells to the physiochemical properties of metal ions. To this end, Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525 was grown in the Calgary Biofilm Device (CBD) and biofilms and planktonic cells of this microorganism were exposed to gradient arrays of different metal ions. These arrays included 44 different metals with representative compounds that spanned every group of the periodic table (except for the halogens and noble gases). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) values were obtained after exposing the biofilms to metal ions for 4 h. Using these values, metal ion toxicity was correlated to the following ion‐specific physicochemical parameters: standard reduction‐oxidation potential, electronegativity, the solubility product of the corresponding metal–sulfide complex, the Pearson softness index, electron density and the covalent index. When the ions were grouped according to outer shell electron structure, we found that heavy metal ions gave the strongest correlations to these parameters and were more toxic on average than the other classes of the ions. Correlations were different for biofilms than for planktonic cells, indicating that chemical mechanisms of metal ion toxicity differ between the two modes of growth. We suggest that biofilms can specifically counter the toxic effects of certain physicochemical parameters, which may contribute to the increased ability of biofilms to withstand metal toxicity.
Microbial diversity – insights from population genetics
Authors: Mes Ted H. M. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryAlthough many environmental microbial populations are large and genetically diverse, both the level of diversity and the extent to which it is ecologically relevant remain enigmatic. Because the effective (or long‐term) population size, Ne, is one of the parameters that determines population genetic diversity, tests and simulations that assume selectively neutral mutations may help to identify the processes that have shaped microbial diversity. Using ecologically important genes, tests of selective neutrality suggest that adaptive as well as non‐adaptive types of selection act and that departure from neutrality may be widespread or restricted to small groups of genotypes. Population genetic simulations using population sizes between 103 and 107 suggest extremely high levels of microbial diversity in environments that sustain large populations. However, census and effective population sizes may differ considerably, and because we know nothing of the evolutionary history of environmental microbial populations, we also have no idea what Ne of environmental populations is. On the one hand, this reflects our ignorance of the microbial world. On the other hand, the tests and simulations illustrate interactions between microbial diversity and microbial population genetics that should inform our thinking in microbial ecology. Because of the different views on microbial diversity across these disciplines, such interactions are crucial if we are to understand the role of genes in microbial communities.
Gene–gene interactions between HNF4A and KCNJ11 in predicting Type 2 diabetes in women
Authors: Qi L. , Van Dam R. M. , Asselbergs F. W. , Hu F. B. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAims  Recent studies indicate transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF‐4α, HNF4A) modulates the transcription of the pancreatic B‐cell ATP‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channel subunit Kir6.2 gene (KCNJ11). Both HNF4A and KCNJ11 have previously been associated with diabetes risk but little is known whether the variations in these genes interact with each other.Methods  We conducted a prospective, nested case–control study of 714 incident cases of Type 2 diabetes and 1120 control subjects from the Nurses’ Health Study.Results  KCNJ11 E23K was significantly associated with an increased diabetes risk (odds ratio 1.26, 95% CI 1.03–1.53) while HNF4A P2 promoter polymorphisms were associated with a moderately increased risk at borderline significance. By using a logistic regression model, we found significant interactions between HNF4A rs2144908, rs4810424 and rs1884613 and KCNJ11 E23K (P for interaction = 0.017, 0.012 and 0.004, respectively). Carrying the minor alleles of the three HNF4A polymorphisms was associated with significantly greater diabetes risk in women carrying the KCNJ11 allele 23K, but not in those who did not carry this allele. Analyses using the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method confirmed the gene–gene interaction. We identified that the best interaction model included HNF4A rs2144908 and KCNJ11 E23K. Such a two‐locus model showed the maximum cross‐validation consistency of 10 out of 10 and a significant prediction accuracy of 54.2% (P = 0.01) on the basis of 1000‐fold permutation testing.Conclusions  Our data indicate that HNF4A P2 promoter polymorphisms may interact with KCNJ11 E23K in predicting Type 2 diabetes in women.
Numerical Democracy and Corporate Pluralism Revisited
Authors: Nilson Sten Sparre 
Published: October 2007

This article is meant as a contribution to the ongoing debate about the relative importance of numerical democracy and corporate pluralism, which was initiated by the late Stein Rokkan and has been recently taken up in the United States by Robert Dahl, and also by Don Schwerin.The existence of Norwegian data that can throw some light on the subject is indicated.
European Union Institutions and French Political Careers
Authors: Kauppi Niilo 
Published: October 2007

This article examines one aspect of the relationship between European Union institutions and the French political field: politicians' careers. What is the value of positions in the Commission and the European Parliament for French politicians in terms of career mobility? This study shows that the value of the Commission as a source of domestic political capital has risen since the 1950s, whereas the value of the European Parliament has remained relatively low. The position of Commissioner is now comparable to a ministerial‐level position. Membership in the European Parliament has remained secondary to a national political career. Yet, as a result of the European Parliament's peripheral position in the French political field, new social groups, linking the regions to the European institutions or forming cross‐partisan interest groups, have been created. Evidence shows that if the European Union institutions present an alternative type of political capital to national political capital, political careers and ambitions are still formed in national terms. National mechanisms for the formation of groups having a vested interest in the relative autonomy of supranational political institutions have not developed sufficiently. This inadequacy might be the single most important reason for the democratic deficit in the European Union.We are not in business at all; we are in politics. (Former President of the EC Commission Walter Hallstein, quoted in Swann 1990, vii)
Avoiding ‘Data Snooping’ in Multilevel and Mixed Effects Models
Authors: Afshartous David , Wolf Michael 
Published: September 2007

SummaryMultilevel or mixed effects models are commonly applied to hierarchical data. The level 2 residuals, which are otherwise known as random effects, are often of both substantive and diagnostic interest. Substantively, they are frequently used for institutional comparisons or rankings. Diagnostically, they are used to assess the model assumptions at the group level. Inference on the level 2 residuals, however, typically does not account for ‘data snooping’, i.e. for the harmful effects of carrying out a multitude of hypothesis tests at the same time. We provide a very general framework that encompasses both of the following inference problems: inference on the ‘absolute’ level 2 residuals to determine which are significantly different from 0, and inference on any prespecified number of pairwise comparisons. Thus, the user has the choice of testing the comparisons of interest. As our methods are flexible with respect to the estimation method that is invoked, the user may choose the desired estimation method accordingly. We demonstrate the methods with the London education authority data, the wafer data and the National Educational Longitudinal Study data.
Clustering Work and Family Trajectories by Using a Divisive Algorithm
Authors: Piccarreta Raffaella , Billari Francesco C. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryWe present an approach to the construction of clusters of life course trajectories and use it to obtain ideal types of trajectories that can be interpreted and analysed meaningfully. We represent life courses as sequences on a monthly timescale and apply optimal matching analysis to compute dissimilarities between individuals. We introduce a new divisive clustering algorithm which has features that are in common with both Ward's agglomerative algorithm and classification and regression trees. We analyse British Household Panel Survey data on the employment and family trajectories of women. Our method produces clusters of sequences for which it is straightforward to determine who belongs to each cluster, making it easier to interpret the relative importance of life course factors in distinguishing subgroups of the population. Moreover our method gives guidance on selecting the number of clusters.
Reading exposure: a (largely) environmental risk factor with environmentally‐mediated effects on reading performance in the primary school years
Authors: Harlaar Nicole , Dale Philip S. , Plomin Robert 
Published: September 2007

Background:  It is widely believed that there are reciprocal links between reading achievement and reading exposure: children who read more do better at reading, and reading achievement itself promotes reading. We tested the hypotheses that these links arise because children's genetically influenced reading performance is correlated with their leisure‐time reading exposure, and reading exposure, in turn, may have an environmentally mediated effect on later reading performance.Method:  The sample consisted of 3039 twin pairs from the UK Twins Early Development Study (TEDS). Reading exposure was assessed at age 10 using the Author Recognition Test (ART). Reading performance was assessed at ages 7 and 12 using the Test of Word Reading Efficiency (TOWRE).Results:  ART scores were moderately correlated with TOWRE scores at ages 7 and 12. Shared environmental variance in 7‐year TOWRE performance accounted for most of the contribution made by 7‐year TOWRE scores to the prediction of 10‐year ART scores. Genetic influences on ART scores were modest, but this genetic variance almost completely reflected genetic variance in 7‐year TOWRE scores. After controlling for genetic and environmental influences that overlapped between 7‐year TOWRE and 10‐year ART scores, there was evidence for a separate link between 10‐year ART and 12‐year TOWRE that was due to shared environmental influences.Conclusions:  Genetic influences on early reading achievement contribute to later propensities to seek out reading experiences that might, in turn, reciprocally influence reading achievement through shared environmental paths.
INSOMNIA: I
Authors: Foulks Charles J. 
Published: October 2007

The patient was a 63‐year‐old male on maintenance hemodialysis secondary to polycystic kidney disease. He smoked one package of cigarettes daily and consumed three to four cups of coffee daily, the last at 3:00 pm. He complained of feeling tired all of the time and that he could not sleep well: he tossed and turned all night and often got up for awhile. He would retire at 11:00 pm, following the completion of a sports show on cable television. He denied the use of alcohol or other recreational drugs. He used an albuterol inhaler four times daily and also took anhydrous theophylline for mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. His other medications were calcium carbonate, a multivitamin, and a stool softener. A brief exam while the patient was on dialysis showed only chest hyperresonance to percussion and an increased expiratory phase without wheezing.He was counseled to stop smoking (using transdermal nicotine patches and group therapy), to not watch television for the hour prior to going to bed, to take a warm bath before retiring for the night, and to discontinue his theophylline. He tried these measures for two weeks (though he did not stop smoking) and saw no relief. He was scheduled for an office visit the next day, and an examination revealed no other abnormalities except his easily palpated polycystic kidneys. He was encouraged to exercise daily and to continue the previously mentioned remedies. The social worker was asked to contact his wife to further explore the home situation. His wife revealed that the patient had recently begun to have problems with impotence and that he was very upset by this, although he refused to discuss the problem with her and had begun to withdraw and exhibit depressive behavior. He was seen in the office two weeks later, and an in‐depth history brought out the impotence and a closer examination showed signs of primary hypogonadism. His prolactin and TSH levels were normal, FSH and LH were elevated, and the free testosterone was low. He was treated with a depot form of parenteral testosterone, the impotence resolved and he no longer complained of insomnia.
Hepatitis C and the Renal Transplant Patient
Authors: Rosen Hugo R. , Friedman Lawrence S. , Martin Paul 
Published: October 2007

SummaryOur understanding of HCV is evolving rapidly. The question of the risk of transmission within HD units is still unsettled, and definitive recommendations about isolating HCV‐infected patients are not possible. Although RT does not appear to be deleterious in many HCV‐infected patients, histologic and clinical evidence of severe liver disease should be a contraindication to RT (Fig. 2). To assess the ultimate effect of RT in patients with HCV, longer‐term studies are required. The role of different viral genotypes in the outcome of HCV infection in RT recipients requires further investigation. Pending more conclusive results, use of organs from anti‐HCV‐positive donors, even when transplanted into anti‐HCV‐positive recipients, is best avoided. The role of antiviral agents in RT recipients also remains to be defined, but preliminary results with alpha‐interferon have been disappointing, showing limited efficacy and possibly inducing allograft dysfunction. Clearly, the distinction between viral and host factors in the evolution and severity of HCV infection remains the most fundamental issue in understanding the pathobiology of this disease and developing appropriate guidelines for management in the renal transplant patient.
Immune response in rats against lipopolysaccharides of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Bacteroides oralis administered in the root canal
Authors: DAHLÉN GUNNAR 
Published: October 2007

Abstract –Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) prepared from one strain of Fusobacterium nucleatum and one strain of Bacteroides oralis were examined for immunological responses in rats. The LPS were applied to the pulp chamber of the two mandibular incisors. Using the plaque forming cell (PFC) method both antigens showed a rapid IgM response in the spleen, and a slower one in the submandibular lymph nodes. In comparison with the IgM response, the IgG response was somewhat slower and weaker for LPS of Bacteroides, while for LPS of Fusobacterium it was hardly detectable. After about 3 weeks both antigens gave a significant antibody titer in serum. The results showed that locally applied antigens of oral microorganisms cam stimulate to an immune response both in the lymph nodes and the spleen resulting in circulating antibodies. The nature of this response is dependent on the chemical characteristics of the LPS‐antigen.
Galvanic currents between gold and amalgam
Authors: HOLLAND ROY I. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract –The galvanic currents between gold and amalgam were determined in vitro in aerated artificial saliva kept at 37°C. Using conventional amalgam, the current between gold and amalgam was rapidly fluctuating, and both the magnitude of this fluctuation and the maximum current density increased with increased ratio between the gold and the amalgam surface area (G/A). The current density exhibited by the non‐γ2 amalgam was lower, independent of G/A, and showed no fluctuations.
Tensile strength of restorative resins
Authors: ZIDAN OMAR , ASMUSSEN ERIK , JØRGENSEN KNUD DREYER 
Published: October 2007

Abstract –The purpose of the present work was to measure the tensile strength of restorative resins and to study the effect of the method of measurement on the recorded results. A direct pull method using dumb‐bell shaped specimens was used. The tensile strength of the resins was also tested using die diametral compression method suggested by the A.D.A. It was found that the method of testing affects the results. Although the diametral compression method is a simple method, it cannot be considered reliable for all types of material. The tensile strength of the conventional composites was significantly higher than the tensile strength of the microfilled composites.
Cell junctions in squamous epithelium during wound healing in palatal mucosa of guinea pigs
Authors: ANDERSEN LIS 
Published: October 2007

Abstract –The nature and distribution of cell junctions of the epithelium of wounded guinea pig palate were .studied. Biopsies, 32 in total, were taken 13, 48, 96, and 120 h after wounding. Desmosomes were present in the wound epithelium throughout the observation period. Primitive desmosomes, indicating de novo formation of desmosomes, were observed at the front of advanced migratory lips (48 h) and in the central region and the wound epithelium after bridging (96 and 120 h). Similarly, de novo formed hemidesmosomes were seen. They occurred along epithelial cell membranes exposed to the fibrinous wound exudate during the migratory lip stages (18 and 48 h) and after epithelial bridging. The observations .suggest that wounding induced changes in the mechanical properties of the tissue. Gap junctions were present in migrating epithelium preferably at the stem of the lips and in the epithelium after bridging, which suggests their participation in regulation of the epithelial cell differentiation. Tight junctions, capable of acting as seals, were absent or fragmentary at best. A relative decrease in the volume density of intercellular spaces in migrating epithelium as compared to intact epithelium, suggests an in vivo tissue reaction.
Diagnosis and treatment of pulp necrosis in permanent anterior teeth with root fracture
Authors: JACOBSEN INGEBORG , KEREKES KASMER 
Published: October 2007

Abstract –A follow‐up study was made of 20 traumatized permanent incisors with pulp necrosis observed as a sequel to root fracture. The material included 19 patients aged 8–17 years (mean 11.6 years) at the time of injury. Negative response to electric stimulation was noted in 16 teeth from the first examination. In four teeth an initial positive response changed to negative within 2–9 months. The negative response was supported by additional signs and symptoms of necrosis in 19 teeth. Radiolucencies adjacent to the fracture line or coronal discolorations were the most important diagnostic factors. Discolorations occurred within 2 months, whereas radiographic changes in the fracture area took from 3 to .5 months. to develop. Four teeth were extracted without attempting endodontic therapy. Endodontic treatment confined to the coronal fragment was performed in 16 teeth. In most cases the canal was filled temporarily with calcium hydroxide until a closure at the fracture site was observed. Two apical fragments showing radiographic changes were surgically removed in conjunction with the permanent filling of the coronal fragments. During the postoperative observation period one tooth was extracted due to communication between the fracture area and the oral cavity. The treatment of the remaining 15 teeth was judged as successful after a mean observation period of 4.2 years, ranging from 2 to 5 years.