bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of gingival epithelial phenotypes by interactions with regionally defined populations of fibroblasts
Authors: Locke M. , Hyland P. L. , Irwin C. R. , Mackenzie I. C. 
Published: October 2007

Background and Objective:  The unusual structure and functions of junctional epithelium, together with its pattern of migration in periodontal disease, raise interesting questions about the factors associated with the maintenance of its unique phenotype. To explore the effects of regionally differing fibroblast populations on the growth and patterns of differentiation of oral epithelia, this study used an organotypical in vitro model in an attempt to detect interactions occurring between populations of human oral fibroblasts and keratinocytes.Material and Methods:  Keratinocytes and fibroblasts, isolated from the gingival region and periodontal ligament, were characterized by their patterns of growth and by their expression of known differentiation markers. Changes in cell behaviour and phenotypic marker expression were examined during in vitro passage as an indication of the maintenance of in vivo phenotypic traits. Using early passage cells, organotypical cultures were generated and patterns of epithelial growth and expression of phenotypic markers were examined.Results:  Phenotypically different populations of junctional and oral‐gingival keratinocytes, and of oral‐gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts, were successfully isolated, cultured and characterized. In the organotypic culture system, oral‐gingival fibroblasts were found to have a markedly greater ability than periodontal ligament fibroblasts to support and maintain the growth of either type of epithelium. Shifts of epithelial phenotype were induced by different fibroblasts.Conclusion:  Periodontal and gingival fibroblast subpopulations have differential effects on the growth and patterns of differentiation of oral and junctional epithelia. By modulating the epithelial phenotype, regionally differing fibroblasts can influence the stability and behaviour of the gingival attachment apparatus in health and disease.
Progression of periodontal disease and interleukin‐10 gene polymorphism
Authors: Cullinan M. P. , Westerman B. , Hamlet S. M. , Palmer J. E. , Faddy M. J. , Seymour G. J. , Middleton P. G. , Taylor J. J. 
Published: October 2007

Background and Objective:  Interleukin‐10 is a key immunoregulatory cytokine that may be of significance in the immunopathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases such as periodontal disease. Molecular genetic studies have defined a number of haplotypes that may be associated with differing levels of interleukin‐10 secretion. The present study investigated the possible association between interleukin‐10 gene polymorphism and periodontal disease progression.Material and Methods:  Genomic DNA was obtained from 252 adults who were part of a prospective longitudinal study on the progression of periodontal disease in a general adult Australian population. Single nucleotide polymorphisms at positions −592 and −1082 in the interleukin‐10 promoter were analysed using an induced heteroduplex methodology and used to determine interleukin‐10 promoter haplotypes in individual samples. Periodontitis progression was assessed by measuring probing depths and relative attachment levels at regular intervals over a 5‐year period. A generalized linear model was used to analyse the data, with age, gender, smoking status, interleukin‐1 genotype and Porphyromonas gingivalis included as possible confounders.Results:  There was a significant (p ≈ 0.02) main effect of interleukin‐10 haplotypes, with individuals having either the ATA/ACC or the ACC/ACC genotype experiencing around 20% fewer probing depths of ≥ 4 mm compared to individuals with other genotypes. Age and smoking had significant (p < 0.001) additional effects.Conclusion:  These data suggest that the interleukin‐10 genotype contributes to the progression of periodontal disease.
Effects of platelet‐derived growth factor isoforms on plasminogen activation by periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Agis H. , Bauer M. , Knebl G. , Watzek G. , Gruber R. 
Published: October 2007

Background and Objective:  Platelet‐derived growth factor isoforms and components of the plasminogen activator system are expressed at higher levels during periodontal regeneration. Recombinant platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB is approved for the treatment of periodontal defects. In the present study we investigated the effect of platelet‐derived growth factor isoforms on the plasminogen activator system in periodontal fibroblasts.Material and Methods:  Human periodontal ligament fibroblasts and gingival fibroblasts were exposed to platelet‐derived growth factor isoforms. Changes in urokinase‐type plasminogen activator, tissue‐type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐2 transcript levels by platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB were monitored with a quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Urokinase‐type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 protein levels were assessed by immunoassays. The effects of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB on mitogen‐activated protein kinase and phosphoinositol‐3 kinase/Akt signaling were investigated by western blot and inhibitor studies. Casein zymography and kinetic assays revealed the size and activity, respectively, of the plasminogen activators.Results:  We found that incubation of periodontal ligament fibroblasts and gingival fibroblasts with platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB resulted in enhanced levels of urokinase‐type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 transcripts, but not of tissue‐type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐2. Platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB also increased urokinase‐type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 release into the culture medium. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, p38, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and Akt was observed in fibroblasts of both origin. Inhibition of phosphoinositol‐3 kinase signaling abrogated the platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB effect on plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 production. Casein zymography revealed enzymatic activity of the urokinase‐type plasminogen activator in cell‐conditioned media and lysates of periodontal ligament fibroblasts and gingival fibroblasts. Exposure of gingival fibroblasts, but not of periodontal ligament fibroblasts, to platelet‐derived growth factor isoforms moderately increased total plasminogen activation in the medium.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that periodontal ligament fibroblasts attempt to maintain an equilibrium of the plasminogen activator system in the presence of platelet‐derived growth factor isoforms.
Clinical efficacy of two toothbrushes with different bristles
Authors: Checchi Luigi , Montevecchi Marco , Gatto Rosaria M. , Moreschi Annalisa , Checchi Vittorio 
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Objective:  The purpose of this single‐blind clinical study was to evaluate the efficacy of an innovative manual toothbrush versus a traditional one.Methods:  The toothbrushes were randomly assigned to 30 volunteers in a student population of the Dental School of the University of Bologna, Italy, divided into 15 test and 15 control subjects. A clinical examination assessing Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI) and buccal Gingival Recessions was performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. During the baseline examination, each subject received dental debridment, oral hygiene instructions and a standard kit containing: three standard tubes of toothpaste, 1 hourglass (2 min) and one plaque disclosing solution; each subject of the test group received three innovative toothbrushes, while each subject of the control group received three traditional toothbrushes.Results:  During the 6 months of observation both groups presented a PI and GI decrease. A more evident improvement of both indices was observed in the test group (PI P = 0.0001, GI P = 0.0001). The greatest part of recessions remained stable (0–3 months: 70% test group, 60% control group and 3–6 months: 86% test group, 94% control group). Some amplitude modifications (0.5 mm) were mainly detected in the first 3 months (control group χ2 = 17.55, P = 0.0001 and test group χ2 = 3.31, P = 0.07). They always increased in the control group and decreased in the study group.Conclusions:  The innovative manual toothbrush is more likely to be effective in reducing PI and GI compared to the traditional one and widely safe on periodontal tissues during the period of observation.
Possible association between G-protein β3 subunit C825T polymorphism and antipsychotic-induced restless legs syndrome in schizophrenia
Authors: Kang Seung-Gul , Lee Heon-Jeong , Choi Jung-Eun , Park Jae-Hong , Lee Sang-Shin , Han Changsu , Kim Yong-Ku , Kim Seung-Hyun , Lee Min-Soo , Joe Sook-Haeng , Jung In-Kwa , Kim Leen 
Published: October 2007

Objective:The incidence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is presumed to be higher among people with schizophrenia who take antipsychotic medication, most of which blocks the dopamine D2 receptor. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the G-protein β3subunit (GNB3) C825T polymorphism is associated with antipsychotic-induced RLS in schizophrenia.Methods:We examined 178 Korean patients with schizophrenia. All of the subjects were evaluated using the diagnostic criteria of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group and the International Restless Legs Scale. Genotyping was performed for the C825T polymorphism in theGNB3gene.Results:The genotype distribution did not differ significantly between antipsychotic-induced RLS patients and patients who had no-RLS symptoms (χ2= 4.30,p= 0.116). The genotypes of the C825T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were classified into two groups: C+ (CC and CT genotypes) and C– (TT genotype). The presence of the C allele (C+) was associated with an increased likelihood of RLS (χ2= 4.14,p= 0.042; odds ratio = 2.56, 95% confidence interval = 1.02–6.47).Conclusions:These results suggest that the GNB3 C825T SNP is associated with RLS in schizophrenia. However, confirming this association requires future larger scale studies in which the effects of medication are strictly controlled.
John Milton's Politics, Republicanism and the Terms of Liberty
Authors: Cox Rosanna 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThroughout the tumultuous events of the English Civil War, Commonwealth and Restoration periods, John Milton wrote texts which attempted to shape and activate the nation for their political destiny as free citizens in a nation of true believers. Milton's texts from the early 1640s onwards exhibit the constantly evolving nature of political dissent and the ways in which ‘republican speculations’ in the aftermath of the regicide are provisional, flexible and responsive to the urgent exigencies of defining the new regime and its actions against Charles I and his rule. Recent years have seen those working in intellectual history and the history of ideas re‐focus critical attention on Milton's political thought, trace his engagement with republican ideologies and discourses of the period, and explore the complex interactions between contemporary and classical ideas of statecraft. Such work by Quentin Skinner, Martin Dzelzainis and others has established the rich and diverse ideas and discourses which were made available and accessed in the service of both political polemic and apologia. This article will consider how such approaches have influenced our understanding of Milton's texts and ideas, and reflect on what, for Milton and his contemporaries, constituted liberty and the terms on which it could exist. Meditating on forms of government, and the best way to ensure the health and glory of the English nation, Milton's texts exhibit his complex and detailed engagements with classical authorities and neo‐Roman conceptions and legal definitions of tyranny, liberty and servitude, alongside notions of civic identity and political subjectivity.
Growth Hormone Does Not Alter CYP2A6 Activity in Growth Hormone‐Deficient Children
Authors: Sinués Blanca , Fanlo Ana , Vicente Jorge , Mayayo‐Sinués Esteban , Mayayo Esteban , Labarta Jose I. , Ferrandez‐Longás Angel 
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  A large number of metabolic alterations are increasingly being treated with growth hormone. Despite the fact that growth hormone is known to be the main regulator of several hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes in rodents, few studies deal with the effect of growth hormone on hepatic enzyme activities in human beings. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of growth hormone replacement therapy for 4 weeks on CYP2A6 activity in children, because changes in this enzyme activity may have important therapeutic and toxic consequences. A total of 31 growth hormone‐deficient children (age range 4.1–13.1 years; mean age 9.88 ± 2.89 years) participated. The genotypes of CYP2A6 gene, CYP2A6*1A, CYP2A6*1B, CYP2A6*4, CYP2A6*1x2 and CYP2A6*9, were determined by polymerase chain reaction. To assess the enzyme activity, we used caffeine as a probe drug at two points in time: before starting growth hormone therapy (Day 0) and after 4 weeks of growth hormone therapy (Day A). Caffeine and metabolite concentrations in urine were assayed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography. The metabolite ratio 1,7‐dimethilxanthine to 1,7‐dimethylurate (17U/17X) served to indicate CYP2A6 activity. Median value and 95% confidence interval at baseline was 1.08 (0.98–1.24). The value after treatment was 1.08 (0.86–1.21). Data comparison between periods showed lack of statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). The relative change, measured by the ratio of medians and 90% confidence interval, was 1.02 (0.84–1.19). There were no significant differences when the ratio between genotype groups were compared. These results indicate that growth hormone replacement therapy of growth hormone‐deficient children for 4 weeks does not modify the CYP2A6 activity and hence the efficacy or toxicity of the CYP2A6 substrate compounds.
Growth promotion and biological control of root‐knot nematodes in micropropagated banana during the nursery stage by treatment with specific bacterial strains
Authors: Rodríguez‐Romero A.S. , Badosa E. , Montesinos E. , Jaizme‐Vega M.C. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe effect of strains EPS291 and EPS817 of Pseudomonas fluorescens to improve plant growth and nutrition as well as to reduce root‐knot nematode in roots was investigated in micropropagated banana. Plantlets, cultured under commercial nursery conditions, were treated twice with bacteria after transplanting from in vitro conditions. Bacterial application was performed by drenching bacterial suspension containing approximately 108 CFU (colony‐forming units) g−1 of substrate. Both strains significantly increased aerial fresh weight, plant length and leaf area, while the effect on other growth parameters depended on the strain. N content was also significantly increased after both bacteria treatments. A second experiment was performed to determine the potential biocontrol effect against the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica. Following the same experimental conditions, Meloidogyne inoculum containing 10 500 nematodes was applied 15 days after the second bacteria treatment. At the end of the experiment, 135 days later, nematode reproduction in roots of bacterised bananas was significantly reduced. In both experiments, the inoculated bacteria colonised the root system and population levels in root, 5.5 months after transplanting were 6.8 × 103 to 1.6 × 104 CFU g−1 fresh weight of root. The potential use of this technology to improve hardening stages in banana plant production in commercial nurseries is discussed.
Varietal differences in mungbean (Vigna radiata) for growth, yield, toxicity symptoms and cadmium accumulation
Authors: Wahid A. , Ghani A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIncreased cadmium (Cd) contamination of soils resulting from industrial activities is critical to crop production. The objective of this study was to find varietal differences for foliar chlorosis and necrosis, growth and Cd accumulation in mungbean (Vigna radiata). Despite substantial varietal differences, increased Cd levels reduced the shoot and root dry weight and the number and area of leaves at different growth stages. Applied Cd stress produced the foliar symptoms such as marginal and intervein chlorosis and scattered necrotic spots on younger leaves while accelerating the senescence of older leaves. Slope of regression equation and correlations of shoot Cd content with foliar Cd toxicity revealed that leaf chlorosis was more damaging than necrosis. At maturity, number of pods per plant and seeds per pod were maximally reduced to 37% and 26%, while 100‐seed weight, seed yield and harvest index showed 61%, 79% and 54% reduction, respectively, as a result of Cd toxicity. Results suggested that although varietal difference exists, the accumulated Cd is mainly toxic to the mesophyll tissue, most probably by interfering with the uptake of essential nutrients, thereby reducing growth and yield at various stages. Therefore, selection programmes based on foliar toxicity criteria may be beneficial for better utilisation of Cd‐polluted soils.
A Compton-thick active galactic nucleus powering the hyperluminous infrared galaxy IRAS 00182−7112
Authors: Nandra K. , Iwasawa K. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
We present X-ray observations of the hyperluminous infrared galaxy (HLIRG) IRAS 00182− 7112 obtained using the XMM–Newton EPIC camera. A luminous hard X-ray source coincident with the nucleus is revealed, along with weaker soft X-ray emission which may be extended or offset from the hard emission. The EPIC spectrum is extremely flat and shows Fe Kα emission with very high equivalent width: both are typical characteristics of a buried, Compton-thick active galactic nucleus (AGN) which is seen only in scattered light. Perhaps the most remarkable characteristic of the spectrum is that the Fe Kα line energy is that of He-like iron, making IRAS 00182−7112 the first hidden AGN known to be dominated by ionized, Compton-thick reflection. Taking an appropriate bolometric correction, we find that this AGN could easily dominate the far-infrared (FIR) energetics. The nuclear reflection spectrum is seen through a relatively cold absorber with column density consistent with recent Spitzer observations. The soft X-ray emission, which may be thermal in nature and associated with star-forming activity, is seen unabsorbed. The soft X-rays and weak polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon features both give estimates of the star formation rate ∼300 M⊙ yr−1, insufficient to power the FIR emission and supportive of the idea that this HLIRG is AGN-dominated.
Brown dwarf formation by gravitational fragmentation of massive, extended protostellar discs
Authors: Stamatellos Dimitris , Hubber David A. , Whitworth Anthony P. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
We suggest that low-mass hydrogen-burning stars like the Sun should sometimes form with massive extended discs, and we show, by means of radiation hydrodynamic simulations, that the outer parts of such discs (R≳ 100 au) are likely to fragment on a dynamical time-scale (103 to 104 yr), forming low-mass companions: principally brown dwarfs (BDs), but also very low-mass hydrogen-burning stars and planetary-mass objects. A few of the BDs formed in this way remain attached to the primary star, orbiting at large radii. The majority are released into the field by interactions amongst themselves; in so doing they acquire only a low velocity dispersion (≲2 km s−1), and therefore they usually retain small discs, capable of registering an infrared excess and sustaining accretion. Some BDs form close BD/BD binaries, and these binaries can survive ejection into the field. This BD formation mechanism appears to avoid some of the problems associated with the ‘embryo ejection’ scenario, and to answer some of the questions not yet answered by the ‘turbulent fragmentation’ scenario.
New ammonia masers towards NGC 6334I
Authors: Walsh A. J. , Longmore S. N. , Thorwirth S. , Urquhart J. S. , Purcell C. R. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
We report the detection of new ammonia masers in the non-metastable (8,6) and (11,9) transitions towards the massive star-forming region NGC 6334I. Observations were made with the Australia Telescope Compact Array interferometer and the emitting region appears unresolved in the 2.7 × 0.8 arcsec2 beam, with deconvolved sizes less than an arcsecond. We estimate peak brightness temperatures of 7.8 × 105 and 1.2 × 105 K for the (8,6) and (11,9) transitions, respectively. The masers appear coincident both spatially and in velocity with a previously detected ammonia (6,6) maser. We also suggest that emission in the (10,9), (9,9) and (7,6) transitions may also be masers, based on the small linewidths and overlapping velocity ranges with the above masers, as observed with the single-dish Mopra radio telescope.
Effects of fluctuation on αΩ dynamo models
Authors: Proctor Michael R. E. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
We analyse the role of a fluctuating α-effect in αΩ dynamo models, and show that there is a mechanism for magnetic field generation, valid at large-scale separation, deriving from the interaction of mean shear and a fluctuating α-effect. We show that this effect can act as a dynamo even in the absence of a mean α-effect, and that the time-scale for dynamo waves is strongly affected by the presence of fluctuations.
Neutron star cooling after deep crustal heating in the X-ray transient KS 1731–260
Authors: Shternin P. S. , Yakovlev D. G. , Haensel P. , Potekhin A. Y. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
We simulate the cooling of the neutron star in the X-ray transient KS 1731−260 after the source returned to quiescence in 2001 from a long (≳12.5 yr) outburst state. We show that the cooling can be explained assuming that the crust underwent deep heating during the outburst stage. In our best theoretical scenario the neutron star has no enhanced neutrino emission in the core, and its crust is thin, superfluid, and has the normal thermal conductivity. The thermal afterburst crust–core relaxation in the star may not be over.
Evaluating Prospective e‐Providers: An Empirical Study
Authors: Das Ajay , Buddress Lee 
Published: October 2007

SUMMARYIt has been problematic to evaluate prospective providers prior to actual adoption and use of their technologies and services. This research uses the resource‐based view of the firm to identify, prioritize and relate e‐provider evaluation criteria and evaluation process factors to user satisfaction levels, using cluster analysis and ANOVA on data gathered from 103 companies. The results suggest that firms prioritize intangible evaluation criteria over tangible criteria. Project performance is associated with e‐provider performance on intangible evaluation criteria, as well as cross‐functional participation in the evaluation process.
Quantitative microbial risk assessment with respect to Campylobacter spp. in toilets flushed with harvested rainwater
Authors: Fewtrell Lorna , Kay David 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn light of increasing pressures on water supplies in some areas, water demand management and water conservation techniques are likely to become increasingly prevalent. In‐house systems using alternatives to mains supplies for nonpotable uses present one such option for reducing potable water demand. This paper, through a formal desk‐based health impact assessment (HIA) and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA), examines one of the possible health implications (Campylobacter infection from toilet flushing) resulting from the use of rainwater harvesting in the home in the United Kingdom. This is investigated using data from the literature and a hypothetical case study population of over 4000 people (based on data for the ‘average’ population in England), with the results being expressed as disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) (on an annual basis) and placed in context of the ‘tolerable’ risk from drinking‐water supplies.