bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linking physiological mechanisms of coherent cellular behaviour with more general physical approaches towards the coherence of life
Authors: Jaeken Laurent 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSchrödinger pointed out that one of the most fundamental properties of life is its coherent behaviour. This property has been approached from a physiological point of view by Ling in his 'association‐induction hypothesis' and extended by Pollack (gel‐sol theory), by Chaplin and by Kaivarainen (detailed studies of cellular water). The question of coherence has also been attacked from general physics in three independent approaches: from non‐linear thermodynamics (Fröhlich), from quantum field theory (Del Giudice and his group) and from quantum mechanics (Davydov). In this paper all these approaches are unified. The emerging picture constitutes a new paradigm of life.
iubmb Life, 58: 642 ‐ 646, 2006
Decreased up-regulation of the interleukin-12Rβ2-chain and interferon-γ secretion and increased number of forkhead box P3-expressing cells in patients with a history of chronic Lyme borreliosis compared with asymptomaticBorrelia-exposed individuals
Authors: Jarefors S , Janefjord C K , Forsberg P , Jenmalm M C , Ekerfelt C 
Published: November 2006

SummaryLyme borreliosis (LB) can, despite adequate antibiotic treatment, develop into a chronic condition with persisting symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain, subjective alteration of cognition and fatigue. The mechanism behind this is unclear, but it has been postulated that an aberrant immunological response might be the cause. In this study we investigated the expression of the T helper 1 (Th1) marker interleukin (IL)-12Rβ2, the marker for T regulatory cells, forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) and the cytokine profile in patients with a history of chronic LB, subacute LB, previously Borrelia-exposed asymptomatic individuals and healthy controls. Fifty-four individuals (12 chronic LB, 14 subacute LB, 14 asymptomatic individuals and 14 healthy controls) were included in the study and provided a blood sample. Mononuclear cells were separated from the blood and stimulated with antigens. The IL-12Rβ2 and FoxP3 mRNA expression was analysed with real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). The protein expression of IL-12Rβ2 on CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD56+ cells was assessed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12p70 and IL-13 was analysed by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Chronic LB patients displayed a lower expression of Borrelia-specific IL-12Rβ2 on CD8+ cells and also a lower number of Borrelia-specific IFN-γ-secreting cells compared to asymptomatic individuals. Furthermore, chronic LB patients had higher amounts of Borrelia-specific FoxP3 mRNA than healthy controls. We speculate that this may indicate that a strong Th1 response is of importance for a positive outcome of a Borrelia infection. In addition, regulatory T cells might also play a role, by immunosuppression, in the development of chronic LB.
Development and assessment of a coupled crop–climate model
Authors: OSBORNE TOM M. , LAWRENCE DAVID M , CHALLINOR ANDREW J. , SLINGO JULIA M. , WHEELER TIM R. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIt is well established that crop production is inherently vulnerable to variations in the weather and climate. More recently the influence of vegetation on the state of the atmosphere has been recognized. The seasonal growth of crops can influence the atmosphere and have local impacts on the weather, which in turn affects the rate of seasonal crop growth and development. Considering the coupled nature of the crop–climate system, and the fact that a significant proportion of land is devoted to the cultivation of crops, important interactions may be missed when studying crops and the climate system in isolation, particularly in the context of land use and climate change.To represent the two‐way interactions between seasonal crop growth and atmospheric variability, we integrate a crop model developed specifically to operate at large spatial scales (General Large Area Model for annual crops) into the land surface component of a global climate model (GCM; HadAM3). In the new coupled crop–climate model, the simulated environment (atmosphere and soil states) influences growth and development of the crop, while simultaneously the temporal variations in crop leaf area and height across its growing season alter the characteristics of the land surface that are important determinants of surface fluxes of heat and moisture, as well as other aspects of the land‐surface hydrological cycle. The coupled model realistically simulates the seasonal growth of a summer annual crop in response to the GCM's simulated weather and climate. The model also reproduces the observed relationship between seasonal rainfall and crop yield. The integration of a large‐scale single crop model into a GCM, as described here, represents a first step towards the development of fully coupled crop and climate models. Future development priorities and challenges related to coupling crop and climate models are discussed.
Effect of placement of calcium sulphate when used for the repair of furcation perforations on the seal produced by a resin‐based material
Authors: Zou L. , Liu J. , Yin S.‐H. , Tan J. , Wang F.‐M. , Li W. , Xue J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAim  To evaluate the sealing ability of calcium sulphate when used under composite resin for the repair of furcation perforations having different diameters.Methodology  Perforations of different diameter were created in the floors of pulp chambers in 60 extracted human molar teeth with either a number 3 (1 mm diameter) or 5 (1.5 mm diameter) round bur. The specimens of each group were divided into four sub‐groups which were repaired with composite resin either alone or in combination with calcium sulphate that created an artificial floor (15 teeth group‐1). Eight teeth without furcation perforations served as negative controls. In the leakage detection device, 1 mol L−1 glucose solution was forced under a pressure of 1.5 KPa from the crown towards the pulp chamber floor. The concentration of leaked glucose was measured at 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 15 and 20 days using a glucose oxidase method and the data evaluated using the rank sum test.Results  The specimens with larger perforations repaired with composite resin alone had significantly more leakage (P < 0.05). Using calcium sulphate as an artificial floor significantly decreased leakage of smaller perforations (P < 0.05). In groups repaired with calcium sulphate under composite resin, leakage in smaller perforations was markedly lower than that in larger ones (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the specimens with 1 or 1.5 mm perforations repaired with resin alone (P > 0.05).Conclusions  Calcium sulphate significantly improved the sealing ability of 1 mm perforations repaired with composite resin but not for 1.5 mm perforations.
Comparison of defects in ProTaper hand‐operated and engine‐driven instruments after clinical use
Authors: Cheung G. S. P. , Bian Z. , Shen Y. , Peng B. , Darvell B. W. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAim  To compare the type of defects and mode of material failure of engine‐driven and hand‐operated ProTaper instruments after clinical use.Methodology  A total of 401 hand‐operated and 325 engine‐driven ProTaper instruments were discarded from an endodontic clinic over 17 months. Those that had fractured were examined for plastic deformation in lateral view and remounted for fractographical examination in scanning electron microscope. The mode of fracture was classified as ‘fatigue’ or ‘shear’ failure. The lengths of fractured segments in both instruments were recorded. Any distortion in hand instrument was noted. Data were analysed using chi‐square, Fisher's exact or Student's t‐test, where appropriate.Results  Approximately 14% of all discarded hand‐operated instruments and 14% of engine‐driven instruments were fractured. About 62% of hand instruments failed because of shear fracture, compared with approximately 66% of engine‐driven instruments as a result of fatigue (P < 0.05). Approximately 16% of hand instruments were affected by shear, and either remained intact or was fractured, compared with 5% of engine‐driven instruments (P < 0.05). The length of the broken fragment was significantly shorter in hand versus engine‐driven group (P < 0.05). Approximately 7% of hand instruments were discarded intact but distorted (rarely for engine‐driven instruments); all were in the form of unscrewing of the flutes. The location of defects in hand Finishing instruments was significantly closer to the tip than that for Shaping instruments (P < 0.05).Conclusions  Under the conditions of this study (possibly high usage), the failure mode of ProTaper engine‐driven and hand‐operated instruments appeared to be different, with shear failure being more prevalent in the latter.
Effects of temperature, ammonium and glucose concentrations on yeast growth in a model wine system
Authors: D'Amato Daniela , Corbo Maria Rosaria , Nobile Matteo Alessandro Del , Sinigaglia Milena 
Published: November 2006

SummaryIn enology, alcoholic fermentation is a complex process involving several mechanisms. Slow and incomplete alcoholic fermentation is a chronic problem for the wine industry and factors leading to sluggish and stuck fermentations have been extensively studied and reviewed. The most studied cause of sluggish and stuck fermentation is the nitrogen content limitation. Nevertheless, other factors, such as temperature of fermentation and sugar concentration can affect the growth of yeasts. In this study we modelled the yeast growth‐cycle in wine model system as a function of temperature, sugar and ammonium concentrations; the individual effects and the interaction of these factors were analysed by means of a quadratic response surface methodology. Cell concentrations and weight loss were monitored in the whole wine fermentation process. The results of central composite design show that lower is the availability of nitrogen, higher is the cell growth rate; moreover, initial nitrogen concentration also influences survival time of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Dramatic reduction of crop‐to‐crop gene flow within a short distance from transgenic rice fields
Authors: Rong Jun , Lu Bao‐Rong , Song Zhiping , Su Jun , Snow Allison A. , Zhang Xinsheng , Sun Shuguang , Chen Rui , Wang Feng 
Published: November 2006

Summary
Genetically modified (GM) rice with enhanced agronomic traits and pharmaceutical uses are ready for widespread adoption. Little is known about isolation requirements for achieving stringent transgene confinement in rice. To investigate the extent of pollen‐mediated crop‐to‐crop transgene flow, we conducted a field experiment with four plot‐size treatments of adjacent GM and nonGM rice (Oryza sativa) in China.
Three insect‐resistant GM rice (Bt/CpTI) and nonGM isogenic lines were used in the study. The hygromycin‐resistance transgene (hpt) marker was used to screen seeds from the nonGM rice rows at different distance intervals from GM rice plots.
Based on the examination of > 2.1 million germinated seeds, we found a dramatic reduction in transgene frequencies with increasing distance from the GM crop, ranging from c. 0.28% at 0.2 m to < 0.01% at 6.2 m. In addition, different plot size did not significantly affect the frequencies of gene flow.
In conclusion, pollen‐mediated crop‐to‐crop transgene flow in rice can be maintained at negligible levels with short spatial isolation. The model can also be applied to other crops with self‐ and wind‐pollination.
Relationships Among the Level of Response to Alcohol and the Number of Alcoholic Relatives in Predicting Alcohol‐Related Outcomes
Authors: Schuckit Marc A. , Smith Tom L. , Pierson Juliann , Danko George P. , Beltran Iris A. 
Published: November 2006

Background: The low level of response (LR) to alcohol is related to a family history (FH) of alcohol use disorders (AUDs), and each predicts alcohol‐related outcomes. Few studies have evaluated the interrelationships between the number of alcoholic relatives, LR, and a range of alcohol‐related outcomes. This study tests the hypotheses that there will be an inverse relationship between LR and FH and that LR will be a better predictor of the maximum quantity of alcohol consumed.Methods: Data were extracted from personal interviews with 376 males from 20 years of follow‐up in the San Diego Prospective Study. Level of response had been established at about age 20 through alcohol challenges in this population, about half of whom had at least one alcoholic relative. Face‐to‐face follow‐ups with both the subjects and additional informants were carried out 10, 15, and 20 years later. These analyses used correlations and regressions to evaluate the relationship between the 2 major predictors (FH and LR) and 5 alcohol‐related outcomes over 20 years of follow‐up.Results: As predicted, the alcohol challenge‐based LR correlated significantly with the number of alcoholic relatives (up to −0.17 for subjects with clearly high and low LR scores). Each of the 2 predictors correlated with the 5 outcomes, including the maximum quantity of alcohol consumed since original testing, maximum frequency, nondiagnostic alcohol‐related problems, the number of 11 DSM‐IV (Fourth Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) abuse and dependence items, and having developed alcohol abuse or dependence. In hierarchical regression analyses, LR contributed significantly to the prediction of all 5 outcomes, even when considered in the context of FH, with only LR predicting drinking quantity and frequency, but both items adding to the prediction of alcohol‐related problems and diagnoses. These results were not affected by the intensity of usual drinking when LR had been measured at age 20.Conclusions: Both FH and LR contributed to a range of alcohol‐related outcomes, with LR alone significantly predicting maximum quantity and frequency in regression analyses.
Ethanol Suppresses LPS‐induced Toll‐like Receptor 4 Clustering, Reorganization of the Actin Cytoskeleton, and Associated TNF‐α Production
Authors: Dai Qun , Pruett Stephen B. 
Published: November 2006

Background: Ethanol (EtOH) suppresses cytokine responses induced through most Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), but the mechanism of action is unclear. We recently found that acute EtOH alters lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced partitioning of CD14, a critical component of the LPS receptor complex, within lipid raft fractions in the macrophage‐like cell line RAW264.7.Methods: Here we investigated the role of receptor clustering in alteration of the responses of cells to LPS caused by EtOH both in vitro and in vivo. The cellular distribution of CD14, TLR4, actin cytoskeleton, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were studied by confocal microscopy following exposure of cells to LPS with or without EtOH. TLR4 and CD14 were clustered into highly colocalized patches on the cell membrane accompanied by the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in some of the RAW264.7 cells as well as peritoneal cells following LPS treatment.Results: Addition of EtOH reduced the number of cells that had LPS‐induced receptor patches and in which this reorganization occurred. Cells on which CD14 and TLR4 formed clusters or caps had substantially higher levels of membrane‐bound TNF‐α compared with cells without clustering or capping of these molecules. Interference with the actin cytoskeleton by cytochalasin D suppressed the production of TNF‐α and receptor clustering, as EtOH did.Conclusions: These data confirm our previous observations, suggest a novel mechanism of EtOH action that involves interference with receptor clustering, and indicate a potential role of actin filaments in the formation of receptor patches, subsequent activation of macrophages by LPS, and production of TNF‐α.
Subjective Sexual Response to Testosterone Replacement Therapy Based on Initial Serum Levels of Total Testosterone
Authors: Reyes-Vallejo Luis , Lazarou Stephen , Morgentaler Abraham 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been shown to be beneficial for men with hypogonadism. However, it is unknown how well hypogonadal men respond to TRT based on the severity of testosterone deficiency.

Aim
To determine subjective sexual response rates to TRT based on initial serum testosterone values, with particular interest in men with “low-normal” levels of total testosterone (TT).

Main Outcome Measures
Subjective responses to TRT in the domains of erectile dysfunction, libido, orgasm, and morning erections.

Methods
A retrospective study was performed of 211 men with sexual symptoms of hypogonadism who underwent TRT. All men had either low values of TT (&lt;300 ng/dL) or free testosterone (FT) (&lt;1.5 ng/dL). The cohort was divided into three groups based on initial TT levels: Group 1: 0–200 ng/dL (N=26; 12.3%); Group 2: 201–300 ng/dL (N=64; 30.3%); Group 3: 301 ng/dL or greater (N=121; 57.3%). Improvement in erectile function was determined prior to addition of any other treatment (e.g., phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors). The mean follow-up was 9 months (range 3–36 months).

Results
The mean age was 55.2 years. Testosterone gel was used in approximately two-thirds of each group. Improvement in libido was reported in 61.5%, 96.6%, and 29.8% for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P &lt;0.001). Improvement in erectile function was noted in 46.2%, 45.3%, and 73.6% for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P &lt;0.001). At time of last follow-up, the percentage of men continuing with TRT was 73.1%, 57.8%, and 58.7% for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P =nonsignificant).

Conclusions
These preliminary data suggest that men with sexual symptoms of hypogonadism respond well to TRT across a wide range of initial TT values, including men with low-normal TT levels. These men may have low bioavailable levels of testosterone that are not reflected in TT values.
Acculturation and Sexual Function in Canadian East Asian Men
Authors: Brotto Lori A. , Woo Jane S.T. , Ryder Andrew G. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of considering acculturation when investigating the sexuality of East Asian women in North America. Moreover, bidimensional assessment of both heritage and mainstream cultural affiliations provides significantly more information about sexual attitudes than simple unidimensional measures, such as length of residency in the Western culture.

Aim
The goal of this study was to extend the findings in women to a sample of East Asian men.

Main Outcome Measures
Self-report measures of sexual behaviors, sexual responses, and sexual satisfaction.

Methods
Euro-Canadian (N=124) and East Asian (N=137) male university students privately completed a battery of questionnaires in exchange for course credit.

Results
Group comparisons revealed East Asian men to have significantly lower liberal sexual attitudes and experiences, and a significantly lower proportion had engaged in sexual intercourse compared with the Euro-Canadian sample. In addition, the East Asian men had significantly higher Impotence and Avoidance subscale scores on the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction, a measure of sexual dysfunction. Focusing on East Asian men alone, mainstream acculturation, but not length of residency in Canada, was significantly related to sexual attitudes, experiences, and responses.

Conclusion
Overall, these data replicate the findings in women and suggest that specific acculturation effects over and above length of residency should be included in the cultural assessment of men’s sexual health.
Commercially available plant growth regulators and promoters modify bulk tissue abscisic acid concentrations in spring barley, but not root growth and yield response to drought
Authors: Bingham I.J. , McCabe V.B. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractField and lysimeter experiments were conducted in 2002 to investigate the effects of an antigibberellin growth regulator (Moddus, active ingredient trinexapac‐ethyl, Syngenta Crop Protection UK Ltd, Whittlesford, Cambridge, UK) and an auxin‐stimulating (Route, active ingredient zinc ammonium acetate, De Sangosse Ltd, Swaffham Bulbeck, Cambridge, UK) growth promoter on root growth, soil water extraction and the drought response of spring barley. The effects on root growth and distribution were investigated in the field. The effects on the drought response were studied in 1.2‐m‐deep lysimeters packed with a loamy sand subsoil and sandy loam topsoil. Lysimeters were located under a fixed rain shelter, and drought was imposed by withholding irrigation. In both field and lysimeter experiments, growth regulator/promoters were applied to cv. Optic at early tillering according to the manufacturers’ recommendations. After withholding irrigation from lysimeters at Zadoks growth stage (GS) 21 (37 days after sowing), 50% of the profile available water had been depleted by flag leaf emergence (GS 37/39; 62 days after sowing). Drought significantly reduced stem biomass at ear emergence (GS 59; 78 days after sowing) but not leaf or ear dry weight; this was before there was any significant reduction in leaf water potential or stomatal conductance to water vapour. The reduction in stem biomass may reflect a change in partitioning between shoot and root in response to soil drying. When averaged over growth regulator/promoter treatments, drought reduced grain yield by approximately 1 t ha−1. This was associated with a reduction in both ears per m2 and grains per ear. The mean grain weight was not reduced by drought, in spite of significant reductions in stomatal conductance and canopy lifespan post‐anthesis. Route, and to a lesser extent Moddus, significantly increased abscisic acid accumulation in the stem base of droughted plants, and there was some indication of a possible delay in stomatal closure in Route‐treated plants as the soil moisture deficit developed. However, there was no significant effect on the amount of soil water extracted or grain yield under drought. Similarly, in field experiments, neither Route nor Moddus significantly altered total root length, biomass or distribution. There is little evidence from these experiments or in the literature to support the use of antigibberellin or auxin‐simulating growth regulator/promoters to modify root growth and drought avoidance of spring barley.