bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In-flight corrections in free-flying barn owls (Tyto alba)during sound localization tasks
Authors: Hausmann Laura , Plachta Dennis T. T. , Singheiser Martin , Brill Sandra , Wagner Hermann 
Published: September 2008

SUMMARY
Barn owls localize a stationary auditory target with high accuracy. They might also be able to hit a target that is intermittently moving while the owl is approaching. If so, there should be a critical delay before strike initiation, up to which the owl can adapt its flight path to a new stimulus position. In this study, this critical stimulus delay was determined in a three-dimensional free-flight paradigm. Barn owls localized a pulsed broadband noise while sitting on a perch in total darkness. This initial signal stopped with the owl's take-off and an in-flight stimulus (target sound), lasting 200 ms, was introduced at variable time delays (300–1200 ms) during the approximate flight time of 1300 ms. The owls responded to the in-flight signal with a corrective head and body turn. The percentage of trials in which correction turns occurred (40–80%) depended upon the individual bird,but was independent of the stimulus delay within a range of 800 ms after take-off. Correction turns strongly decreased at delays ≥800 ms. The landing precision of the owls, defined as their distance to the in-flight speaker, did not decrease with increasing stimulus delay, but decreased if the owl failed to perform a correction turn towards that speaker. Landing precision was higher for a short (50 cm) than for a large (100 cm) distance between the initial and the new target. Thus, the ability of barn owls to adapt their flight path to a new sound target depends on the in-flight stimulus delay, as well as on the distance between initial and novel targets.
A surface lipid may control the permeability slump associated with entry into anhydrobiosis in the plant parasitic nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci
Authors: Wharton D. A. , Petrone L. , Duncan A. , McQuillan A. J. 
Published: September 2008

SUMMARY
The anhydrobiotic plant-parasitic nematode Ditylenchus dipsaciundergoes a decrease in permeability (the permeability slump) during the early stages of desiccation and this produces the slow rate of water loss necessary for its survival. There were no changes in annulation spacing, followed in individual nematodes by confocal microscopy, that would account for the permeability slump. Nile Red staining reveals that the surface of the nematode is coated with an extracuticular layer of lipid. This material can be seen in unstained desiccated nematodes where it forms an oil that adheres to the coverslip and to adjacent nematodes. The oily material leaves impressions on the coverslip (cuticle prints) after the nematode has detached upon rehydration. The presence of the surface lipid was confirmed using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy. This material was shown to be a triglyceride and the proportion of fatty acids determined, using thin layer and gas chromatography. The production of the surface lipid material may be responsible for the permeability slump observed during the early phases of desiccation and its removal upon immersion in water may explain the paradox that cuticular permeability decreases during the permeability slump and yet desiccated nematodes are more permeable than are fully hydrated nematodes.
Electro-initiated Coupling Reactions of N-Acyliminium Ion Pools with Arylthiomethylsilanes and Aryloxymethylsilanes
Authors: Suga Seiji , Shimizu Ikuo , Ashikari Yosuke , Mizuno Yusuke , Maruyama Tomokazu , Yoshida Jun-ichi 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Electro-initiated coupling reactions of N-acyliminium ion with arylthiomethylsilanes and aryloxymethylsilanes were developed. Pulse electrolyses with intervals were found to be quite effective for the initiation. A chain mechanism involving cation, radical cation, and radical intermediates has been proposed.
Do Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Diabetes Mellitus Fulfill the Criteria of Evidence-Based Guideline Development?
Authors: Nagy Eva , Watine Joseph , Bunting Peter S , Onody Rita , Oosterhuis Wytze P , Rogic Dunja , Sandberg Sverre , Boda Krisztina , Horvath Andrea R 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Background: Although the methodological quality of therapeutic guidelines (GLs) has been criticized, little is known regarding the quality of GLs that make diagnostic recommendations. Therefore, we assessed the methodological quality of GLs providing diagnostic recommendations for managing diabetes mellitus (DM) and explored several reasons for differences in quality across these GLs.
Methods: After systematic searches of published and electronic resources dated between 1999 and 2007, 26 DM GLs, published in English, were selected and scored for methodological quality using the AGREE Instrument. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the source, scope, length, origin, and date and type of publication of GLs. Using a checklist, we collected laboratory-specific items within GLs thought to be important for interpretation of test results.
Results: The 26 diagnostic GLs had significant shortcomings in methodological quality according to the AGREE criteria. GLs from agencies that had clear procedures for GL development, were longer than 50 pages, or were published in electronic databases were of higher quality. Diagnostic GLs contained more preanalytical or analytical information than combined (i.e., diagnostic and therapeutic) recommendations, but the overall quality was not significantly different. The quality of GLs did not show much improvement over the time period investigated.
Conclusions: The methodological shortcomings of diagnostic GLs in DM raise questions regarding the validity of recommendations in these documents that may affect their implementation in practice. Our results suggest the need for standardization of GL terminology and for higher-quality, systematically developed recommendations based on explicit guideline development and reporting standards in laboratory medicine.
Negotiating the Pleasure Principle: The Recent Work of Adam Curtis
Authors: Rosenbaum Jonathan 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
This essay discusses the most recent BBC documentary series by Adam Curtis: The Century of the Self, The Power of Nightmares, and The Trap. It is argued that the theses of the films are to a degree undermined by Curtis's reliance on the same persuasive, advertising-style techniques that are being critiqued.
IFATS Collection: Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells Induce Angiogenesis and Nerve Sprouting Following Myocardial Infarction, in Conjunction with Potent Preservation of Cardiac Function
Authors: Cai Liying , Johnstone Brian H. , Cook Todd G. , Tan Jian , Fishbein Michael C. , Chen Peng-Sheng , March Keith L. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The administration of therapeutic cell types, such as stem and progenitor cells, has gained much interest for the limitation or repair of tissue damage caused by a variety of insults. However, it is still uncertain whether the morphological and functional benefits are mediated predominantly via cell differentiation or paracrine mechanisms. Here, we assessed the extent and mechanisms of adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASC)-dependent tissue repair in the context of acute myocardial infarction. Human ASCs in saline or saline alone was injected into the peri-infarct region in athymic rats following left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation. Cardiac function and structure were evaluated by serial echocardiography and histology. ASC-treated rats consistently exhibited better cardiac function, by all measures, than control rats 1 month following LAD occlusion. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and fractional shortening were improved in the ASC group, whereas LV remodeling and dilation were limited in the ASC group compared with the saline control group. Anterior wall thinning was also attenuated by ASC treatment, and post-mortem histological analysis demonstrated reduced fibrosis in ASC-treated hearts, as well as increased peri-infarct density of both arterioles and nerve sprouts. Human ASCs were persistent at 1 month in the peri-infarct region, but they were not observed to exhibit significant cardiomyocyte differentiation. Human ASCs preserve heart function and augment local angiogenesis and cardiac nerve sprouting following myocardial infarction predominantly by the provision of beneficial trophic factors.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Promotes Migration of Human Bone Marrow Multipotent Stromal Cells
Authors: Secchiero Paola , Melloni Elisabetta , Corallini Federica , Beltrami Antonio Paolo , Alviano Francesco , Milani Daniela , D'Aurizio Federica , di Iasio Maria Grazia , Cesselli Daniela , Bagnara Gian Paolo , Zauli Giorgio 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Adult multipotent stromal cells (MSCs), also known as mesenchymal stem cells, represent an important source of cells for the repair of a number of damaged tissues. Both bone marrow (BM)-derived and amniotic MSCs expressed detectable surface levels of two (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2 [TRAIL-R2] and TRAIL-R4) of four transmembrane TRAIL receptors. Although the best-characterized activity of TRAIL-R2 is the transduction of apoptotic signals, neither recombinant TRAIL (rTRAIL) nor infection with an adenovirus-expressing TRAIL induced cytotoxic effects on MSCs. Moreover, whereas rTRAIL did not affect proliferation or differentiation of MSCs along the osteogenic and adipogenic lineages, it significantly promoted the migration of human MSCs in range of concentrations comparable to that of soluble TRAIL in human plasma (100 pg/ml). Since rTRAIL induced the rapid phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in MSC cultures and pretreatment with pharmacological inhibitors of the ERK1/2 pathway efficiently counteracted the rTRAIL-induced human MSC migration, these data indicate that ERK1/2 is involved in mediating the ability of rTRAIL to stimulate MSC migration. Taking into consideration that the soluble factors able to induce MSC migration have not been extensively characterized, our current data indicate that the TRAIL/TRAIL-R system might play an important role in the biology of MSCs.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Effect of Scaling and Root Planing on Alveolar Bone as Measured by Subtraction Radiography
Authors: Hwang You‐Jeong , Fien Matthew Jonas , Lee Sam‐Sun , Kim Tae‐Il , Seol Yang‐Jo , Lee Yong‐Moo , Ku Young , Rhyu In‐Chul , Chung Chong‐Pyoung , Han Soo‐Boo 
Published: September 2008

Background: Scaling and root planing of diseased periodontal pockets is fundamental to the treatment of periodontal disease. Although various clinical parameters have been used to assess the efficacy of this therapy, radiographic analysis of changes in bone density following scaling and root planing has not been extensively researched. In this study, digital subtraction radiography was used to analyze changes that occurred in the periodontal hard tissues following scaling and root planing.Methods: Thirteen subjects with a total of 39 sites that presented with >3 mm of vertical bone loss were included in this study. Clinical examinations were performed and radiographs were taken prior to treatment and were repeated 6 months following scaling and root planing. Radiographic analysis was performed with computer‐assisted radiographic evaluation software. Three regions of interest (ROI) were defined as the most coronal, middle, and apical portions of each defect. A fourth ROI was used for each site as a control region and was placed at a distant, untreated area. Statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate changes in the mean gray level at the coronal, middle, and apical region of each treated defect.Results: Digital subtraction radiography revealed an increase in radiographic density in 101 of the 117 test regions (83.3%). A 256 gray level was used, and a value >128 was assumed to represent a density gain in the ROI. The average gray level increase was 18.65. Although the coronal, middle, and apical regions displayed increases in bone density throughout this study, the bone density of the apical ROI (gray level = 151.27 ± 20.62) increased significantly more than the bone density of the coronal ROI (gray level = 139.19 ± 21.78). A significant increase in bone density was seen in probing depths >5 mm compared to those <5 mm in depth. No significant difference was found with regard to bone‐density changes surrounding single‐ versus multiple‐rooted teeth.Conclusion: Scaling and root planing of diseased periodontal pockets can significantly increase radiographic alveolar bone density as demonstrated through the use of digital subtraction radiography.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis Are Related to Repeated High Levels of Circulating Tumor Necrosis Factor‐Alpha in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Nilsson Mikael , Kopp Sigvard 
Published: September 2008

Background: Several studies have indicated a relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the circulating proinflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β, prostaglandin E2, serotonin, rheumatoid factor, and periodontitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: Nineteen patients, 17 women and two men, with rheumatoid arthritis were included. These patients had been examined repeatedly (average of three times) with regard to inflammatory markers and mediators from blood samples. Their teeth, excluding third molars, were examined with regard to number, clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), and gingival bleeding on probing (BOP). Assessment of furcation involvement and increased tooth mobility was also made. All patients were non‐smokers. Thirty healthy individuals, 20 women and 10 men, were included as a reference regarding TNF‐α.Results: Patients with high levels of time‐averaged TNF‐α from repeated plasma samples had a higher frequency of BOP as well as increased CAL and PD compared to those with low levels.Conclusion: Gingivitis and periodontitis are related to high levels of circulating TNF‐α in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Distribution of Systemic Clarithromycin to Gingiva
Authors: Burrell Renita C. , Walters John D. 
Published: September 2008

Background: Aggressive and recurrent forms of periodontitis are associated with infections by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Because these pathogens invade tissue, they are difficult to eliminate by root planing alone. The use of systemic antibiotics in conjunction with root planing significantly enhances clinical and microbiologic treatment outcomes. Although it is not widely prescribed by periodontists, clarithromycin is potentially useful because it is taken up by host cells and has favorable antimicrobial activity.Methods: Experimental gingivitis was induced in eight healthy subjects at one randomly selected maxillary posterior site. The contralateral maxillary site served as the healthy control. Thereafter, subjects were administered six doses of clarithromycin, 500 mg, every 12 hours. Blood was then drawn, and samples of gingiva were harvested from both sites. The samples were extracted, and clarithromycin content was analyzed by liquid chromatography.Results: Mean clarithromycin concentrations in healthy control and inflamed gingiva (2.4 and 3.0 μg/g, respectively) were significantly higher than in serum (0.5 μg/ml; P <0.05). Clarithromycin levels at control and gingivitis sites were higher than serum by 5.7‐ and 7.0‐fold, respectively (difference between sites was significant; P = 0.02). At control sites, a significant decrease in gingival crevicular fluid flow rate was evident at the conclusion of the clarithromycin regimen (P = 0.018).Conclusions: Clarithromycin can attain higher levels in gingiva than serum and reach higher levels in inflamed gingiva than in healthy gingiva. Its distribution profile seems to be suitable for the treatment of periodontitis. The reduction in crevicular fluid flow at control sites suggested that clarithromycin may produce anti‐inflammatory effects.
Periodontitis and the Risk for Non‐Fatal Stroke in Korean Adults
Authors: Sim Seon‐Ju , Kim Hyun‐Duck , Moon Ja‐Young , Zavras Athanasio I. , Zdanowicz John , Jang Sun‐Ja , Jin Bo‐Hyoung , Bae Kwang‐Hak , Paik Dai‐Il , Douglass Chester W. 
Published: September 2008

Background: The association between periodontal inflammation and non‐fatal stroke is still controversial and limited to evidence in Western countries. The aim of this study was to investigate whether periodontitis is independently associated with non‐fatal stroke in Korean adults.Methods: A case‐control study was conducted on 265 non‐fatal chronic stroke cases at the National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul, Korea, and 214 non‐stroke population controls. Medical specialists diagnosed stroke by using brain imaging from magnetic resonance imaging and/or computerized tomography. A dentist recorded the clinical attachment level (CAL), the distance between the cemento‐enamel junction and the probed base of the periodontal pocket, using a University of North Carolina‐15 manual probe. An interview assessed 17 sociodemographic, behavioral, systemic/oral health–related possible confounders. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between periodontitis and stroke while controlling for age, gender, income, education, smoking, drinking, history of systemic disease, body mass index, familial cardiovascular risk factors, and oral health behaviors. Subgroup analyses were also performed.Results: Stroke was strongly associated with periodontitis (presence of CAL ≥6 mm): the odds ratio was 4.0 (95% confidence interval: 2.3 to 7.0) after controlling for all possible confounders. The association with periodontitis (tertiary percentage of CAL ≥5 mm) had a dose‐response effect. The association between periodontitis and stroke was higher among adults younger than age 60 (6.0 versus 2.6) and normotensives (4.8 versus 3.2).Conclusion: Our data suggested that periodontitis is independently associated with non‐fatal stroke, and its impact seems to be greater among younger or normotensive Korean adults.
Adjunctive Benefits of Systemic Etoricoxib in Non‐Surgical Treatment of Aggressive Periodontitis: Short‐Term Evaluation
Authors: Azoubel Maria Cecília F. , Sarmento Viviane A. , Cangussú Virna , Azoubel Eduardo , Bittencourt Sandro , Cunha Fernando Q. , Ribeiro Ronaldo A. , Brito Gerly Anne C. 
Published: September 2008

Background: This pilot study assessed the effect of short‐duration treatment with etoricoxib as adjuvant therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP) on the clinical and radiographic parameters and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in aggressive periodontitis.Methods: Subjects were randomly allocated to test or control treatment (n = 10 in each group) and submitted to SRP and treatment with etoricoxib, 120 mg/day, or placebo for 7 days. Probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession, visible plaque index, bleeding on probing, linear distance (LD) from the cemento‐enamel junction to the alveolar crest, and analysis of the gray levels were recorded before and 1 month after the therapies. The prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was measured by radioimmunoassay at the beginning of the study and 7 and 30 days after treatment.Results: No significant difference in the clinical parameters was observed between the groups at the end of the experimental period, although both groups presented significant improvement in all variables examined. There was a decrease in CAL from 5.54 ± 0.47 mm to 3.59 ± 0.53 mm in the test group and from 5.92 ± 1.10 mm to 3.69 ± 0.80 mm in the control group. A significant reduction in PGE2 was found after 7 days of treatment. LD differed between the groups.Conclusion: Etoricoxib did not promote additional improvement in the clinical parameters; however, it produced an initial reduction in the PGE2 levels in the GCF, which could be related to the discrete improvement in the bone condition.
Modified Total-Body Recumbent Stepper Exercise Test for Assessing Peak Oxygen Consumption in People With Chronic Stroke
Authors: Billinger Sandra A , Tseng Benjamin Y , Kluding Patricia M 
Published: September 2008

Background
Assessment of peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2peak) using traditional modes of testing such as treadmill or cycle ergometer can be difficult in individuals with stroke due to balance deficits, gait impairments, or decreased coordination.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess the validity and feasibility of a modified exercise test using a total-body recumbent stepper (mTBRS-XT) in individuals after stroke.

Design
A within-subject design, with a sample of convenience, was used.

Participants
Eleven participants (7 male, 4 female) with a mean of 40.1 months (SD=32.7) after stroke, a mean age of 60.9 years (SD=12.0), and mild to severe lower-extremity Fugl-Myer test scores (range=13–34) completed the study.

Methods
Participants performed 2 maximal-effort graded exercise tests on separate days using the mTBRS-XT and a cycle ergometer exercise protocol to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. Measurements of V̇o2peak and peak heart rate (peak HR) were obtained during both tests.

Results
A strong relationship existed between the mTBRS-XT and the cycle ergometer exercise test for V̇o2peak and peak HR (r=.91 and .89, respectively). Mean V̇o2peak was significantly higher for the mTBRS-XT (16.6 mL×kg−1×min−1[SD=4.5]) compared with the cycle ergometer exercise protocol (15.4 mL×kg−1×min−1 [SD=4.5]). All participants performed the mTBRS-XT. One individual with severe stroke was unable to pedal the cycle ergometer. No significant adverse events occurred.

Conclusion
The mTBRS-XT may be a safe, feasible, and valid exercise test to obtain measurements of V̇o2peak in people with stroke. Health care professionals may use the mTBRS-XT to prescribe aerobic exercise based on V̇o2peak values for individuals with mild to severe deficits after stroke.
Dominance of cytokine- over FasL-induced impairment of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) in the pancreatic β-cell line NIT-1
Authors: Augstein Petra , Heinke Peter , Salzsieder Eckhard , Grimm Rita , Giebel Jürgen , Salzsieder Christel , Harrison Leonard C 
Published: September 2008

Mitochondria of pancreatic β-cells are potential targets of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways in the autoimmune pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. We aimed to investigate whether cytokine- and FasLigand (FasL)-induced apoptosis is associated with impaired mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) in the pancreatic β-cell line NIT-1. NIT-1 cells were exposed to the interleukin-1 β/interferon-γ (IL-1 β/IFN-γ) cytokine combination to induce apoptosis in vitro. Low concentrations of cytokines resulted in ΔΨm impairment, and increasing concentrations had only a minor additional effect. Treatment with the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) prevented cytokine-mediated ΔΨm impairment, implying that cytokines affect ΔΨm via nitric oxide. The broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor Z-VAD(Ome)-FMK (ZVAD) revealed dichotomic actions. In the presence of ZVAD, cytokine-induced nitrite generation was increased but cell death and ΔΨm impairment were reduced. ΔΨm impairment was also reduced by inhibitors of caspases 1, 6 and 8. Induction of Fas by IL-1 β/IFN-γ coupled with activation by Super-FasL augmented cytokine-induced cell death. We observed a clear dominance of cytokine- over FasL-induced effects on ΔΨm. Our findings show that IL-1 β/IFN-γ cytokines have a strong effect to impair ΔΨm and prime β-cells for apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway mediated by iNOS and caspases. Furthermore, at least in NIT-1 cells, the extrinsic FasL/Fas pathway has only a minor additive effect on cytokine-induced ΔΨm impairment.