bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The angiotensin‐converting enzyme insertion/deletion and the endothelin ‐134 3A/4A gene polymorphisms in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis
Authors: Weger Wolfgang , Hofer Angelika , Wolf Peter , El‐Shabrawi Yosuf , Renner Wilfried , Kerl Helmut , Salmhofer Wolfgang 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground:  Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Vasoactive peptides such as endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and bradykinin have previously been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic plaque psoriasis. The angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene carries a 287‐base pair insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism, which is associated with plasma concentrations of bradykinin‐degrading ACE. A functional polymorphism (EDN1‐134 3A/4A) in the gene encoding ET‐1 has been shown to affect ET‐1 expression. The purpose of the present study was thus to investigate a hypothesized association between these gene polymorphisms and the presence of chronic plaque psoriasis.Methods:  The present case‐control study comprised 207 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis (136 with early onset and 71 with late onset disease) and 182 control subjects. Genotypes of EDN1 and ACE were determined by a 5′ exonuclease assay (Taqman).Results:  The prevalence of the homozygous ACE II genotype was significantly higher in patients with early‐onset psoriasis than among control subjects (30.9% vs 19.2%, P = 0.016), yielding an odds ratio of 1.88 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12–3.15] for early‐onset disease. For late‐onset psoriasis, presence of the ACE II genotype was associated with a non‐significant odds ratio 1.54 (95% CI: 0.81–2.92). As for the EDN1 ‐134 3A/4A gene polymorphism, no significant differences in genotype distributions were found between patients with either early‐ or late‐onset psoriasis and control subjects (EDN1 ‐134 4A/4A: 9.6% in early‐onset and 5.6% late‐onset psoriasis vs 7.7% in controls; P > 0.05).Conclusions:  Our data suggest that homozygosity for the ACE I allele may affect susceptibility to early‐onset psoriasis.
Estimation of sCD14 levels in saliva obtained from patients with various periodontal conditions
Authors: Isaza‐Guzmán DM , Aristizábal‐Cardona D , Martínez‐Pabón MC , Velásquez‐Echeverri H , Tobón‐Arroyave SI 
Published: September 2007

Aim: To assess the concentration of soluble CD14 receptor in saliva of people with periodontal disease and healthy patients and its relationship with periodontal status.Subjects and Methods: Unstimulated whole saliva samples from patients with chronic periodontitis (n = 34), aggressive periodontitis (n = 19) and healthy controls (n = 17) were obtained for the study. The periodontal status of each subject was assessed by criteria based on probing depth, clinical attachment loss and the extent of periodontal breakdown. The levels of sCD14 were measured in saliva samples with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: Although no significant difference (P > 0.05) was found for salivary sCD14 levels between periodontitis groups, they were significantly greater (P < 0.05) than those detected for healthy controls. Furthermore, Spearman’s correlation analysis showed statistically significant correlations (P < 0.01) between data from salivary sCD14 levels and clinical measurements.Conclusion: The findings of the present study re‐emphasize the importance of whole saliva as sampling method in terms of immunological purposes in periodontal disease and suggest that the elevated sCD14 concentration may be one of the host‐response components associated with the clinical manifestations of periodontal disease.
SIMULATION OF COATING PROCESS: RHEOLOGICAL APPROACH IN COMBINATION WITH ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: BHATTACHARYA SUVENDU , PATEL BHAVESH K. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT The coating of foods is a complex process involving many variables, and obtaining repeatable results is difficult as the surface of foods varies widely because of the presence of pores, cracks and vacuoles. A simulation study using metal flakes is thus employed. Coating of cereal flakes with maltodextrin and/or malt dispersions containing 0–25% solids was simulated by measuring the adhesion to metal strips. The amount of coating was related to the rheological properties of the dispersion. Dispersions containing malt were shear‐thinning liquids with yield stress, and obeyed the Herschel‐Bulkley model (r ≥ 0.98, P ≤ 0.01). Coating adhesion was quantified and explained as a dimensionless uptake. A system analytical model was proposed, which consisted of influencing variables (solids in the dispersion and rheological parameters) and influenced variables (adhesion characteristics) that were analyzed by two artificial neural networks having configurations 3‐28‐12‐4 and 4‐9‐9‐3‐3, respectively.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe application of the present research lies in the development of coated foods. It gives information about the presence of important variables of coating and their effect on the parameters of coating (e.g., the extent of batter uptake and coat thickness). An understanding of the relationship between batter and coating parameters is possible, and has been supported by the proposed system of analytical model. Potential also exists to extend this model in real situations involving the manufacture of coated/flavored breakfast cereals, snacks, chocolates, confectionery and multilayered products.
MEASUREMENT OF FIRMNESS OF FRESH‐CUT SLICED TOMATO USING PUNCTURE TESTS – STUDIES ON SAMPLE SIZE, PROBE SIZE AND DIRECTION OF PUNCTURE
Authors: LANA MILZA M. , TIJSKENS LEOPOLD M.M. , DE THEIJE ANEMARIE , DEKKER MATTHIJS , BARRETT DIANNE M. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT In order to investigate the firmness of tomato slices, two experiments were performed. In the first one, Monte Carlo simulation was used to study the variation in firmness within and between slices. Adding more slices and more measurements per slice reduced the SD, but in general, the efficiency of adding more slices was higher. In the second experiment, the firmness of tomato slices was measured by puncture test during storage, using one of three flat‐tipped cylindrical probes (3.5‐, 2.5‐ and 1.5‐mm diameter) in two directions, along or perpendicular to the main axis of the fruit. Changes in firmness were studied by nonlinear regression analysis. The same model could be applied to all combinations of probe size and direction with the same correction for shear and compression. It suggests that shear and compression forces decay with storage time according to the same mechanism, irrespective of the measurement direction. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSMethodologies for both firmness evaluation and data analysis were presented. Monte Carlo simulation was used to optimize the number of samples for firmness assays. After calculating the experimental SD from preliminary experimental results, simulations were performed with different numbers of replicates and measurements per replicate, to find an optimal experimental design where the SD is minimized. Using nonlinear regression, the effects on firmness of probe size, puncture direction in relation to the plant tissue and storage time can be analyzed simultaneously. The incorporation of a correction factor to account for differences in firmness due to probe size was proposed. The relative influence of shear (s) and compression force (c) on the observed force is estimated. Results of interest for the industry were presented, confirming previous findings that the firmness of ripened tomato slices measured by puncture analysis does not change significantly during short‐term storage at low temperature.
A RESEARCH NOTE ON INTRINSIC VISCOSITY OF HIGH METHOXYL PECTIN IN DILUTE SOLUTION: INFLUENCE OF SWEETENERS
Authors: SAMAVATI VAHID , RAZAVI SEYED HADI , MOUSAVI SEYED MOHAMMAD , AMINIFAR MEHRNAZ 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT A Brookfield rheometer (Middleboro, MA) was used to investigate the effects of some synthetic sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame–k, cyclamate and neotame) on intrinsic viscosity of high‐methoxyled pectin (HMP) in dilute solutions. The concentration of these sweeteners were 0.1, 0.2% w/v for aspartame, acesulfame–k and cyclamate, and 0.001, 0.002% w/v for neotame. We used various equations such as Huggins, Kraemer, Tanglertpaibul and Rao equations to assess the best model for the determination of the intrinsic viscosity of HMP. The results showed that the values obtained for intrinsic viscosity were different based on the equation used for estimating the intrinsic viscosity. We found 1‐1/ηrel versus concentration plot as the best model. The results showed that the addition of any of these four synthetic sweeteners at these concentrations had no important effect on the intrinsic viscosity of HMP in solutions.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSOne of the key parameters to measure the rheological behavior of gums is to study intrinsic viscosity. Rheological property is very important for several aspects such as the effect on mouth feeling, texture, structure and other characteristics of food products. Because gums are widely used for modifying the rheological properties of food systems, investigation on the effect of sweeteners on rheological behavior of gums is very important. By this work, we can conclude that the effect of replacing sucrose with acesulfame–k on the rheological property of food products is minimal, and acesulfame–k is a suitable alternative sweetener for sucrose in dietary products.
Effect of Rapidly Changing River Stage on Uranium Flux through the Hyporheic Zone
Authors: Fritz Brad G. , Arntzen Evan V. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractMeasurement of ground water/surface water interaction within the hyporheic zone is increasingly recognized as an important aspect of subsurface contaminant fate and transport. Understanding the interaction between ground water and surface water is critical in developing a complete conceptual model of contaminant transport through the hyporheic zone. At the Hanford Site near Richland, Washington, ground water contaminated with uranium discharges to the Columbia River through the hyporheic zone. Ground water flux varies according to changes in hydraulic gradient caused by fluctuating river stage, which changes in response to operation of dams on the Columbia River. Piezometers and continuous water quality monitoring probes were installed in the hyporheic zone to provide long‐term, high‐frequency measurement of hydraulic gradient and estimated uranium concentrations. Subsequently, the flux of water and uranium was calculated for each half‐hour time period over a 15‐month study period. In addition, measurement of water levels in the near‐shore unconfined aquifer enhanced the understanding of the relationship between river stage, aquifer elevation, and uranium flux. Changing river stage resulted in fluctuating hydraulic gradient within the hyporheic zone. Further, influx of river water caused lower uranium concentrations as a result of dilution. The methods employed in this study provide a better understanding of the interaction between surface and ground water in a situation with a dynamically varying vertical hydraulic gradient and illustrate how the combination of relatively standard methods can be used to derive an accurate estimation of water and contaminant flux through the hyporheic zone.
Neural Networks to Simulate Regional Ground Water Levels Affected by Human Activities
Authors: Feng Shaoyuan , Kang Shaozhong , Huo Zailin , Chen Shaojun , Mao Xiaomin 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn arid regions, human activities like agriculture and industry often require large ground water extractions. Under these circumstances, appropriate ground water management policies are essential for preventing aquifer overdraft, and thereby protecting critical ecologic and economic objectives. Identification of such policies requires accurate simulation capability of the ground water system in response to hydrological, meteorological, and human factors. In this research, artificial neural networks (ANNs) were developed and applied to investigate the effects of these factors on ground water levels in the Minqin oasis, located in the lower reach of Shiyang River Basin, in Northwest China. Using data spanning 1980 through 1997, two ANNs were developed to model and simulate dynamic ground water levels for the two subregions of Xinhe and Xiqu. The ANN models achieved high predictive accuracy, validating to 0.37 m or less mean absolute error. Sensitivity analyses were conducted with the models demonstrating that agricultural ground water extraction for irrigation is the predominant factor responsible for declining ground water levels exacerbated by a reduction in regional surface water inflows. ANN simulations indicate that it is necessary to reduce the size of the irrigation area to mitigate ground water level declines in the oasis. Unlike previous research, this study demonstrates that ANN modeling can capture important temporally and spatially distributed human factors like agricultural practices and water extraction patterns on a regional basin (or subbasin) scale, providing both high‐accuracy prediction capability and enhanced understanding of the critical factors influencing regional ground water conditions.
Strategies for Offsetting Seasonal Impacts of Pumping on a Nearby Stream
Authors: Bredehoeft John , Kendy Eloise 
Published: September 2007

AbstractGround water pumping from aquifer systems that are hydraulically connected to streams depletes streamflow. The amplitude and timing of stream depletion depend on the stream depletion factor (SDFi) of the pumping wells, which is a function of aquifer hydraulic characteristics and the distance from the wells to the stream. Wells located at different locations, but having the same SDF and the same rate and schedule of pumping, will deplete streamflow equally. Wells with small SDFi deplete streamflow approximately synchronously with pumping. Wells with large SDFi deplete streamflow at approximately a constant rate throughout the year, regardless of the pumping schedule. For large values of SDFi, artificial recharge that occurs on a different schedule from pumping can offset streamflow depletion effectively. The requirements are (1) that the pumping and recharge wells both have the same SDFi and (2) that the annual total quantities of recharge and pumping be equal. At larger SDFi values, it takes longer for pumping to impact streamflow in a wide aquifer than it does in a narrow aquifer. In basins that are closed to further withdrawals because streamflow is fully allocated, water‐use changes replace new allocations as the source of water for new developments. Ground water recharge can be managed to offset the impacts of new ground water developments, allowing for changes in the timing and source of withdrawals from a basin without injuring existing users or instream flows.
Reconstructing Precaution, Deconstructing Misconceptions
Authors: Arcuri Alessandra 
Published: September 2007

The precautionary principle, widely endorsed at the national and international level, continues to be at the center of a heated debate. Some authors claim that the principle is unscientific; others argue that the principle is paralyzing and gives decision-makers no direction. Confusion and misconceptions are generated by the multiplicity of definitions and interpretations of the precautionary principle. This essay contributes to the debate on the precautionary principle in two ways: (1) it clarifies what a mild formulation of the principle entails, and (2) it identifies a number of misconceptions underlying some of the main criticisms of the principle.A reasonable formulation of the precautionary principle requires both substantive and procedural elements: the substantive element suggests that in circumstances where uncertainties and risks of irreversible harms are present, decisions should err on the side of environmental preservation; the procedural element suggests that the principle should favour decision-making processes that are iterative and informative over time and that integrate experts' assessments of the risks to be governed and people's preferences and values.Against this background, five misconceptions underlying the main criticisms of the precautionary principle are identified and deconstructed. The analysis of the misconceptions sheds further light on the fact that following the principle, processes of learning are stimulated, and accordingly, technology is not halted; to the contrary, the application of the principle leads to a better understanding of technological developments and their effects.
Thermal Characterization In Vitro of Human Nail: Photoacoustic Study of the Aging Process
Authors: Dias Daniele Toniolo , Steimacher Alysson , Bento Antonio Carlos , Neto Antonio Medina , Baesso Mauro Luciano 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTIn the present work, the rear photoacoustic signal technique is used to determine thermal properties of human nails. The aging process of the human nail is analyzed through its thermal diffusivity and specific heat and using these results, thermal conductivity and thermal effusivity is determined. The study in vitro of this natural polymer showed a minimum for thermal properties to age about 20 years and an increase and possible saturation of them for ages over 50 years. The minimum value found for thermal diffusivity was close to 10 × 10−4 cm2 s−1 with saturation near 18 × 10−4 cm2 s−1. Thermal conductivity and effusivity presents the same behavior.
Apoptosis and Autophagy After Mitochondrial or Endoplasmic Reticulum Photodamage†
Authors: Kessel David , Reiners John J. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) can cause lethal photodamage by both direct and indirect mechanisms. Direct modes of cell death relate to nonspecific necrosis and the initiation of signaling pathways that elicit apoptosis, autophagy or both. In this report, effects of low‐dose and high‐dose PDT are explored, comparing sensitizers that localize in the endoplasmic reticulum (the porphycene termed CPO) or mitochondria (mesochlorin). To explore the role of autophagy, two cell lines were examined—the murine L1210 leukemia and an Atg7 knockdown derivative of L1210. The Atg7 gene is central to the process of autophagy. High‐dose PDT with either sensitizer resulted in a substantial loss of the Bcl‐2 protein. As Bcl‐2 regulates both apoptosis and autophagy, loss of this protein can lead to initiation of either or both processes. Low‐dose PDT with either sensitizer resulted in the initiation of apoptosis in the L1210/Atg7− cell line and a 20% loss of viability. In contrast, the same PDT dose led to the rapid appearance of autophagic cells in the L1210 line, less apoptosis and only a 5% loss of viability. These results are consistent with autophagy serving as a pro‐survival response via the recycling of damaged organelles. At a higher PDT dose more apoptosis was again seen in the L1210/Atg7‐ line, but both cell lines exhibited comparable cytotoxicity in colony formation assays. We conclude that autophagy offers protection from the phototoxic effects of low‐dose PDT, but can serve as an alternate death mode when the PDT dose is increased.
Mono‐(l)‐aspartylchlorin‐e6†‡
Authors: Hargus Jodie A. , Fronczek Frank R. , Vicente M. Graça H. , Smith Kevin M. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTMono‐(l)‐aspartylchlorin‐e6 (also known as Talaporfin, NPe6, MACE, and most recently LS‐11) is a potent sensitizer for photodynamic therapy that is currently undergoing clinical trials. Using a combination of unambiguous partial synthesis from pheophytin‐a and methyl pheophorbide‐a, NMR spectroscopy, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction, the structure of mono‐(l)‐aspartylchlorin‐e6 is definitively shown to be the isomer in which the aspartyl residue is attached at the 152‐side chain position. This conclusion is contrary to earlier assumptions, but affirms the conclusions of a study based on NMR spectroscopy; a rationale for the unique formation of the 152‐aspartyl derivative is proposed.
Modulation of Hypericin Photodynamic Therapy by Pretreatment with 12 Various Inhibitors of Arachidonic Acid Metabolism in Colon Adenocarcinoma HT‐29 Cells
Authors: Kleban Ján , Mikeš Jaromír , Szilárdiová Beáta , Kovaľ Ján , Sačková Veronika , Solár Peter , Horváth Viktor , Hofmanová Jiřina , Kozubík Alois , Fedoročko Peter 
Published: September 2007

AbstractOne proposal to increase the efficiency of photodynamic therapy (PDT) is to accompany photosensitization with other treatment modalities, including modulation of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined modality approach employing 48 and 24 h pretreatment with various inhibitors of lipoxygenase (LOX; nordihydroguaiaretic acid, esculetin, AA‐861, MK‐886 and baicalein), cyclooxygenase (COX; diclofenac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, SC‐560 and rofecoxib) and cytochrome P450‐monooxygenase (proadifen) pathways, followed by hypericin‐mediated PDT. Cytokinetic parameters like MTT assay, adherent and floating cell numbers, viability and cell cycle distribution analysis were examined 24 h after hypericin activation. Pretreatment of human colon cancer cells HT‐29 prior to PDT with 5‐LOX inhibitor MK‐886 as well as 5, 12‐LOX and 12‐LOX inhibitors (esculetin and baicalein, respectively) resulted in significant and dose‐dependent effects on all parameters tested. Pretreatment with diclofenac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen and indomethacin, the nonspecific COX inhibitors, promoted hypericin‐mediated PDT, but these effects were probably COX‐independent. In contrast, application of SC‐560 and rofecoxib, specific inhibitors of COX‐1 and COX‐2, respectively, attenuated PDT. Inhibition of P450 monooxygenase with proadifen implied also the significance of this metabolic pathway in cell survival and cell resistance to hypericin photocytotoxicity. In conclusion, our results testify that application of diverse inhibitors of AA metabolism may have different consequences on cellular response to hypericin‐mediated PDT and that some of them could be considered for potentiation of PDT.
Irradiation‐Induced Enhancement of Pc 4 Fluorescence and Changes in Light Scattering are Potential Dosimeters for Pc 4‐PDT†
Authors: Wang Ken Kang‐Hsin , Wilson Jeremy D. , Kenney Malcolm E. , Mitra Soumya , Foster Thomas H. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPhthalocyanine 4 (Pc 4) is a promising photosensitizer currently in clinical trials. Photobiological responses to Pc 4 photodynamic therapy (Pc 4‐PDT) have been characterized extensively, but relatively little has been done to evaluate dose metrics for this sensitizer. We describe an irradiation‐induced increase in fluorescence in tumor cell monolayers. This increase is due solely to enhanced fluorescence from Pc 4, as confirmed by confocal spectroscopy. In EMT6 cells incubated with 250 nM Pc 4 for 24 h, the maximum increase in fluorescence is approximately 3.7‐fold above baseline levels. This increase occurs over a range of fluences, 0.05 – 0.6 J cm−2, where clonogenic survival decreases by 3 orders of magnitude. Light scattering measurements performed on similarly treated EMT6 cells in suspension suggested a Pc 4‐PDT‐mediated mitochondrial swelling of approximately 13% at 0.6 J cm−2, where fluorescence enhancement saturates under these treatment conditions. Fluorescence imaging and light scattering experiments performed at a five‐fold lower Pc 4 incubation concentration revealed a reduced fluorescence enhancement at a five‐fold higher fluence, which produced comparable mitochondrial swelling. Taken together, these data suggest that Pc 4 is initially aggregated at high local concentration in mitochondria and that irradiation relaxes the quenching of Pc 4 fluorescence through a mechanism that may involve mitochondrial swelling.