bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is a “Flexible” Glass Fiber‐Bundle Dowel System as Retentive as a “Rigid” Quartz Fiber Dowel System?
Authors: Al‐Tayyan Mouhammad H. , Watts David C. , Kurer Hans G. , Qualtrough Alison J. E. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Purpose: This study had two aims: (1) to compare the retention of a flexible directly placed fiber‐bundle dowel system with that of a rigid prefabricated fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC) dowel system, and (2) to determine the effect of decreasing the volume of luting cement around the flexible fiber‐bundle dowels on the axial retention of the restorations. Materials and Methods: Single‐canal premolars (n = 36) were decoronated, cleaned, shaped, and prepared for both flexible and rigid dowels to a depth of 10 mm using a size 2 drill. The roots were then randomly allocated into three groups: Ia, Ib, and II (n = 12). Flexible fiber‐bundle dowels were placed in groups Ia and Ib. These were available in three fiber‐bundle diameters: small (0.9 mm), medium (1.2 mm), and large (1.5 mm). These bundles were luted in the root canals with Variolink II. The differences between Ia and Ib were in the ratio of the volume of fiber‐bundles to the volume of luting cement and in the mode of application. Medium fiber‐bundles were placed to the end of the preparation in groups Ia and Ib; however, in group Ia, a small diameter auxiliary bundle was placed, whereas in group Ib, a large‐diameter auxiliary bundle was cut axially into strips of circa 0.2‐mm thickness before being sequentially overlapped in placement. Roots in group II were restored with size 2 rigid prefabricated fiber dowels and luted with the light‐cured cement provided by the manufacturer. After 24 hours of storage, axial tensile forces were applied to all luted dowels progressively to failure at 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed using a one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferonni test. Results: The mean axial resistance forces (standard deviation [SD]) for groups Ia, Ib, and II were not statistically different at 166 (49), 157 (36), and 151 (44) N, respectively (p > 0.05). Conclusions: There was no significant difference between the retention of the flexible fiber‐bundle dowel system and that of the rigid prefabricated fiber dowel system. Decreasing the volume of luting cement around the flexible dowels did not have a significant effect on the axial retention of the restorations.
Effectiveness of Six Different Disinfectants on Removing Five Microbial Species and Effects on the Topographic Characteristics of Acrylic Resin
Authors: Da Silva Francine Cristina , Kimpara Estevão Tomomitsu , Mancini Maria Nadir Gasparotto , Balducci Ivan , Jorge Antonio Olavo Cardoso , Koga‐Ito Cristiane Yumi 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of disinfectant solutions (1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate, 2% glutaraldehyde, 100% vinegar, tabs of sodium perborate‐based denture cleanser, and 3.8% sodium perborate) in the disinfection of acrylic resin specimens (n = 10/group) contaminated in vitro by Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, S. aureus, Escherichia coli, or Bacillus subtilis as measured by residual colony‐forming unit (CFU). In a separate experiment, acrylic resin was treated with disinfectants to monitor potential effects on surface roughness, Ra (μm), which might facilitate microbial adherence. Materials and Methods: Three hundred fifty acrylic resin specimens contaminated in vitro with 1×106 cells/ml suspensions of standard strains of the cited microorganisms were immersed in the disinfectants for 10 minutes; the control group was not submitted to any disinfection process. Final counts of microorganisms per ml were performed by plating method for the evaluation of microbial level reduction. Results were compared statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test (p≤ 0.05). In a parallel study aiming to evaluate the effect of the tested disinfectant on resin surface, 60 specimens were analyzed in a digital rugosimeter before and after ten cycles of 10‐minute immersion in the disinfectants. Measurements of superficial roughness, Ra (μm), were compared statistically by paired t‐test (p≤ 0.05). Results: The results showed that 1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% glutaraldehyde, and 2% chlorhexidine digluconate were most effective against the analyzed microorganisms, followed by 100% vinegar, 3.8% sodium perborate, and tabs of sodium perborate‐based denture cleanser. Superficial roughness of the specimens was higher after disinfection cycles with 3.8% sodium perborate (p= 0.03) and lower after the cycles with 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (p= 0.04). Conclusion: Within the limits of this experiment, it could be concluded that 1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% glutaraldehyde, 2% chlorexidine, 100% vinegar, and 3.8% sodium perborate are valid alternatives for the disinfection of acrylic resin.
Cryoprecipitate use in 25 Canadian hospitals: commonly used outside of the published guidelines
Authors: Alport Edward C. , Callum Jeannie L. , Nahirniak Susan , Eurich Bernie , Hume Heather A. 
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: Canadian Blood Services' disposition reports suggested considerable variation in cryoprecipitate use and prompted this national audit.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty‐one institutions were invited to participate in a 2‐month audit. Patient information and relevant laboratory and transfusion data were collected. Cryoprecipitate transfusions were categorized as appropriate if a fibrinogen level (taken 6 hr before/after transfusion) was not more than 1.0 g per L and inappropriate if the pretransfusion fibrinogen level was more than 1.0 g per L and posttransfusion fibrinogen level was more than 1.0 g per L or not performed. Appropriateness was categorized as undetermined if the pretransfusion fibrinogen level was not performed and the posttransfusion fibrinogen level was more than 1.0 g per L or not performed.RESULTS: Overall, 25 of 31 invited hospitals agreed to participate. A total of 4370 units of cryoprecipitate were transfused in 603 events to 453 patients representing 62 percent of cryoprecipitate issued to hospitals during the time period. Comparison of the number of units of cryoprecipitate per 100 units of red blood cells (RBCs) transfused by each institution showed significant variation in practice (mean, 9 per 100 RBCs; range, 2 to 27 units). The single most common indication for cryoprecipitate was cardiac surgery (45.4% of events). Overall, 24 percent of cryoprecipitate transfusions were considered to be appropriate (pretransfusion fibrinogen level ≤1 g/L in 19% and posttransfusion fibrinogen level ≤1.0 g/L in another 5%), 34 percent were inappropriate, and in 42 percent appropriateness could not be determined.CONCLUSION: A 2‐month audit of cryoprecipitate use in Canada revealed that the majority of cryoprecipitate use in Canada is not in accordance with published guidelines.
Discriminatory Therapy for Very Fast Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: SIVAGANGABALAN GOPAL , ESHOO SUZANNE , EIPPER VICKI E. , THIAGALINGAM ARAVINDA , KOVOOR PRAMESH 
Published: August 2008

Objectives:

We assessed the efficacy of antitachycardia pacing (ATP) and low‐energy (5J) shock for very fast ventricular tachycardia (VFVT), cycle length 200–250 ms, in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).
Methods and Results:

One hundred and fifty‐two consecutive patients with standard indications for ICD therapy were enrolled. Before discharge from the hospital each patient had an electrophysiological study (EPS) performed through the device, to assess the efficacy of ATP and low‐joule shock at terminating VFVT. Initial therapy for VFVT consisted of three bursts of ATP followed by low‐energy shock, and high‐energy shocks as required. The mean age of enrolled patients was 63 ± 13 years, and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 31 ± 13%. During the predischarge EPS, a total of 125 VT episodes were induced in 64 patients. In patients with VFVT, the success rate of ATP was 30% (14/46), the acceleration rate was 26% (12/46), and the success rate of low‐energy shock was 86% (25/29). In patients with fast ventricular tachycardia (FVT), cycle lengths 251–320 ms, the success rate of ATP was 62% (24/39), the acceleration rate was 18% (7/39), and the success rate of low‐energy shock was 94% (17/18).
Conclusions:

This study has demonstrated for the first time that ATP and low‐energy shock are effective, as an alternative to high‐energy shock, to revert induced VFVT. Low‐energy shock has a very high success rate for VT slower than VFVT. Clinical studies are required prior to consideration for empiric programming.
The World Survey of Cardiac Pacingand Cardioverter‐Defibrillators: Calendar Year 2005 An International Cardiac Pacing andElectrophysiology Society (ICPES) project
Authors: MOND HARRY G. , IRWIN MARLEEN , ECTOR HUGO , PROCLEMER ALESSANDRO 
Published: August 2008

Background:

A worldwide cardiac pacing and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) survey was undertaken for calendar year 2005 and compared to a similar survey conducted in 2001.
Results:

There were contributions from 43 countries: 16 from Europe, 13 from the Asia Pacific region, four from the Middle East and Africa, and 10 from the Americas. The United States had the largest number of cardiac pacemaker implants (223,425). Virtually all countries showed increases in implant numbers over the 4 years. High‐degree atrioventricular block and sick sinus syndrome remain the major indications for implantation of a cardiac pacemaker, although indications data were not available for large implanting regions such as Europe, Australia, and the United States. There remains a high percentage of VVI(R) pacing in the developing countries, although compared to the 2001 survey, virtually all countries had increased the percentage of DDDR implants, together with a fall in single‐lead VDD implants.
Pacing leads were predominantly transvenous, bipolar, and passive fixation. There was, however, an increased use of active fixation leads in both the atrium and ventricle. All countries surveyed showed a significant rise in the use of ICDs with the largest implanter being the United States (119,121) with 401 new implants per million population.
Conclusions:

Although the numbers of participating countries have fallen, there still remains a group of loyal enthusiastic survey coordinators. Recruitment of new coordinators will hopefully continue in order to obtain a fully global experience of cardiac pacing and ICD usage.
Photodegradation of Soil Organic Matter and its Effect on Gram‐negative Bacterial Growth
Authors: Bosio Gabriela N. , Gara Pedro David , Einschlag Fernando S. García , Gonzalez Mónica C. , Del Panno María Teresa , Mártire Daniel O. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTTo learn more about the role of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the production of bioavailable products of the dissolved organic matter, we investigate here the effect of the photolysis (λexc > 320 nm) of a soil extract (SE) on the growth of bacteria isolated from the same soil as used for obtaining the extract. Comparative experiments with Aldrich humic acid (AHA) as substrate were performed. The photodegradation of the SE was evaluated with different techniques—UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence excitation emission matrices (EEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Known ROS scavengers were employed to study the effect of photochemically produced ROS on the photodegradation of the substrates. To evaluate the effect of irradiation on the bioavailability of the SE and AHA, photolyzed and nonphotolyzed substrates were added to different culture media and the growth of Pseudomonas sp. isolated from the soil and a strain of Escherichia coli were studied. The different results obtained were assigned to the dissimilar metabolisms of both bacteria.
Longitudinal Analysis of Levels of Immunoglobulins against BK Virus Capsid Proteins in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Randhawa P. , Bohl D. , Brennan D. , Ruppert K. , Ramaswami B. , Storch G. , March J. , Shapiro R. , Viscidi R. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

This study sought to evaluate serology and PCR as tools for measuring BK virus (BKV) replication. Levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgA against BKV capsids were measured at five time points for 535 serial samples from 107 patients by using a virus-like particle-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Viral DNA in urine and plasma samples was quantitated. The seroconversion rate was 87.5% (14/16); 78.6% (11/14) and 14.3% (2/14) of patients who seroconverted developed viruria and viremia, respectively. Transient seroreversion was observed in 18.7% of patients at 17.4 ± 11.9 weeks posttransplant and was not attributable to loss of antigenic stimulation, changes in immunosuppression, or antiviral treatment. Titers for anti-BK IgG, IgA, and IgM were higher in patients with BKV replication than in those without BKV replication. A rise in the optical density (OD) of anti-BK IgA (0.19), IgM (0.04), or IgG (0.38) had a sensitivity of 76.6 to 88.0% and a specificity of 71.7 to 76.1% for detection of viruria. An anti-BK IgG- and IgA-positive phenotype at week 1 was less frequent in patients who subsequently developed viremia (14.3%) than in those who subsequently developed viruria (42.2%) (
P
= 0.04). Anti-BK IgG OD at week 1 showed a weak negative correlation with peak urine viral load (
r
= −0.25;
P
= 0.05). In summary, serial measurements of anti-BKV immunoglobulin class (i) detect onset of viral replication, (ii) document episodes of seroreversion, and (iii) can potentially provide prognostic information.
Femoral Prosthesis Infection byRhodotorula mucilaginosa
Authors: Savini Vincenzo , Sozio Federica , Catavitello Chiara , Talia Marzia , Manna Assunta , Febbo Fabio , Balbinot Andrea , Di Bonaventura Giovanni , Piccolomini Raffaele , Parruti Giustino , D'Antonio Domenico 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThis case report is a case history of a femoral prosthesis infection caused byRhodotorula mucilaginosain a human immunodeficiency virus patient. Though the pathogenicity of this organism for bone tissue has been previously reported, this is the first reported case of an orthopedic prosthesis infection by this species of the genusRhodotorula.
Epstein-Barr Virus-Induced miR-155 Attenuates NF-κB Signaling and Stabilizes Latent Virus Persistence
Authors: Lu Fang , Weidmer Andreas , Liu Chang-Gong , Volinia Stefano , Croce Carlo M. , Lieberman Paul M. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
MicroRNAs have been implicated in the modulation of gene expression programs important for normal and cancer cell development. miR-155 is known to play a role in B-cell development and is upregulated in various B-cell lymphomas, including several that are latently infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). We show here that EBV infection of primary human B lymphocytes leads to the sustained elevation of miR-155 and its precursor RNA, BIC. The EBV-encoded latency membrane protein 1 (LMP1) can partially reconstitute BIC activation in B lymphocytes but not in epithelial cell cultures. LMP1 is a potent activator of NF-κB signaling pathways and is essential for EBV immortalization of B lymphocytes. An inhibitor to miR-155 further stimulated NF-κB responsive gene transcription, and IKKε was identified as a potential target of miR-155 translational repression. Remarkably, miR-155 inhibitor reduced EBNA1 mRNA and the EBV copy number in latently infected cells. This suggests that miR-155 contributes to EBV immortalization by modulation of NF-κB signaling and the suppression of host innate immunity to latent viral infection.
Functional Mapping of the Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E1 Cistron
Authors: Lace Michael J. , Anson James R. , Turek Lubomir P. , Haugen Thomas H. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Replication of the double-stranded, circular human papillomavirus (HPV) genomes requires the viral DNA replicase E1. Here, we report an initial characterization of the E1 cistron of HPV type 16 (HPV-16), the most common oncogenic mucosal HPV type found in cervical and some head and neck cancers. The first step in HPV DNA replication is an initial burst of plasmid viral DNA amplification. Complementation assays between HPV-16 genomes carrying mutations in the early genes confirmed that the expression of E1 was necessary for initial HPV-16 plasmid synthesis. The major early HPV-16 promoter, P97, was dispensable for E1 production in the initial amplification because
cis
mutations inactivating P97 did not affect the
trans
complementation of E1− mutants. In contrast, E1 expression was abolished by
cis
mutations in the splice donor site at nucleotide (nt) 226, the splice acceptor site at nt 409, or a TATAA box at nt 7890. The mapping of 5′ mRNA ends using rapid amplification of cDNA ends defined a promoter with a transcription start site at HPV-16 nt 14, P14. P14-initiated mRNA levels were low and required intact TATAA (7890). E1 expression required the HPV-16 keratinocyte-dependent enhancer, since
cis
mutations in its AP-2 and TEF-1 motifs abolished the ability of the mutant genomes to complement E1− genomes, and it was further modulated by origin-proximal and -distal binding sites for the viral E2 gene products. We conclude that P14-initiated E1 expression is critical for and limiting in the initial amplification of the HPV-16 genome.
The relationship between personality, theory of planned behaviour and physical activity in individuals with type II diabetes
Authors: Davies Cally A , Mummery W Kerry , Steele Rebekah M 
Published: August 2008

ObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to conduct a process analysis of the effects of personality on physical activity intention and behaviour using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).DesignProspective study design with data collected by means of two questionnaires.MethodsData were obtained by means of two questionnaires, the initial questionnaire measured demographic characteristics, TPB constructs, physical activity intention and personality. The 2-week follow-up questionnaire assessed self-report physical activity behaviour. A series of regression analysis were undertaken to identify the relationship between the variables and to determine mediation effects of the TPB constructs.PatientsA random sample of individuals with type II diabetes was selected from the Diabetes Australia (Queensland) membership database. A total of 74 complete data sets were obtained.ResultsIntention explained 28% of the variance in physical activity behaviour. Attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control (PBC) explained 73% of variance in physical activity intention. Attitude and PBC mediated the relationship between conscientiousness and physical activity intention.ConclusionsThese results provide preliminary evidence that targeting constructs proximal to the behaviour (attitudes and PBC) may be effective in overcoming inherent qualities such as personality in order to produce physical activity behaviour change within this sample population.
Normal polarity magnetosubchrons in 24r and the age of the Paleocene–Eocene boundary
Authors: Lerbekmo J. F. , Heaman L. M. , Baadsgaard H. , Muehlenbachs K. , Evans M. E. , Sweet A. R. 
Published: August 2008

A late Paleocene to early Eocene sequence of flat-lying continental strata occurs in an area known as Obed Mountain, west-central Alberta. The upper 110 m consist of interbedded fluvial channel sandstones and overbank mudrocks containing five back swamp coal seams. Two coreholes, 3.5 km apart, that extend through the entire coal zone were sampled for magnetostratigraphy and 13C isotope analysis. Bentonites in the No. 1 (lowest) and No. 5 coal seams and a tuff in the No. 3 coal seam were sampled for U–Pb and (or) Rb–Sr dating of zircon and biotite, respectively. Magnetostratigraphic analysis of 520 samples identified the younger part of chron 25r, the whole of chron 25n and the older half of chron 24r. We find six normal polarity subzones in this part of chron 24r, which we correlate to tiny wiggles 6 to11 in marine magnetic profiles. Carbon isotope analysis of 14 samples from two cores revealed a negative shift of about 2‰ peaking near the base of 24r.8r. We interpret this as the carbon isotope excursion (CIE), the base of which is now accepted as defining the Paleocene–Eocene boundary. The thickness of the CIE in the Obed Mountain section implies that it lasted between 210 000 and 254 000 years. Radiometric dates of 58.4 ± 0.2, 57.7 ± 0.3, and 56.9 ± 0.8 Ma are obtained for the No. 1, No. 3, and No. 5 coals, respectively. Combining these with magnetostratigraphy and cyclostratigraphy yields an age of 57.1 ± 0.1 Ma for the Paleocene–Eocene boundary.
Empirical Modeling of Layered Integrated Water Vapor Using Surface Mixing Ratio in Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemi B. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Using the available upper-air data for three stations in Nigeria (Lagos, a coastal station; Minna, an inland station; and Kano, a sub-Sahelian station), an intensive examination has been carried out on the linkage between surface mixing ratio rs and layered integrated water vapor W (g cm−2) over Nigeria. The goal was to identify the seasonal distribution of the parameter and to develop models that can best be used to estimate W from surface mixing ratio. To achieve these objectives, integrated water vapor at the low level (WL), midlevel (Wm), and upper level (Wu) and total column integrated water WT have been calculated using daily values of upper-air data spanning over a decade from the above three radiosonde stations. A relationship of the form W = αrs + β (where α and β are constants) has been established between W and rs using the analysis-of-variance (ANOVA) technique. Tests carried out on the models, using daily soundings made in 1990 for Lagos, 1983 for Minna, and 1991 for Kano, respectively, gave encouraging results as established by the use of Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests. Owing to the difference in the climatological patterns of precipitation among the different regions in Nigeria (i.e., southern, midland, and northern regions) as represented by the three stations, no single relationship was found to be suitable for the entire country of Nigeria. Earlier models, generally of the form W = αqb (where α and b are constants and q is specific humidity), were found to be less adequate over the stations.
Long-Term Free-Atmosphere Temperature Trends in China Derived from Homogenized In Situ Radiosonde Temperature Series
Authors: Guo Yanjun , Ding Yihui 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
In this paper, radiosonde temperature time series (RTT) from 1958 to 2005 collected by the 116-station Chinese radiosonde network are examined. Quality control and homogenization are used to obtain a reliable RTT. The homogenization results revealed significant discontinuities in the RTT. Analysis suggested that 70% data availability is the minimum data requirement (MDR) for these RTTs. A new dataset is built by meeting this MDR, which reduced the number of potential stations from 116 to 92. Analysis on this dataset reveals that warming trends in the troposphere and cooling trends in the stratosphere were weakened by reducing the stations. Averaged RTT trends for China were generally consistent with those of global scale, but with some discrepancies. During 1958–2005, averaged temperatures in China tended to decrease in the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere, in contrast to warming trends in the mid- and lower troposphere. The trends varied with two different subperiods. For 1958–78, cooling trends in the entire atmosphere were similar to trends at the global scale. For 1979–2005, warming occurred in the lower troposphere, with the amplitude of the warming tending to weaken with increases in altitude and shifting to a cooling trend above 400 hPa. Seasonal trend structures suggest that warming in the lower troposphere is attributable to temperature increases in December–February (DJF); cooling in the upper troposphere and stratosphere was found mainly in June–August (JJA). Unlike with results of a larger spatial scale, a robust cooling layer was found around 300 hPa.