bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of coarse intermetallic particles on the fracture process in forged 7000 alloys
Authors: VRATNICA M. , CVIJOVIĆ Z. , DEGISCHER H. P. , REQUENA G. C. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryThe effect of coarse intermetallic particles on the fracture process in 7000 alloy forgings was investigated using three alloys with different (Fe + Si) impurity levels. The intermetallic particles were identified by selective etching and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis conducted on a scanning electron microscope. Their geometrical parameters were estimated by image analysis and then correlated with area fractions of different fracture modes on the broken fracture toughness test specimens. It was found that the dominant fracture mode varies with the (Fe + Si) content. The coarse voiding at large intermetallic particles increases systematically with an increase of the impurity level, which in turn increases the amount and size of particles containing Fe and Si while decreasing their spacing. That the crack nucleation and propagation are accelerated by these particles was revealed by in situ scanning electron microscopy observation of the fracture process.
A sharper view of the outer Galaxy at 1420 and 408 MHz from the Canadian Galactic Plane Survey – I. Revisiting the KR catalogue and new Gigahertz Peaked Spectrum sources
Authors: Kerton C. R. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Arcminute-resolution radio continuum images at 408 and 1420 MHz from the Canadian Galactic Plane Survey (CGPS) have been used to re-examine radio sources listed in the Kallas & Reich catalogue. This catalogue is of particular interest to Galactic studies as it lists both extended and compact radio sources found in the second Galactic quadrant. We have determined the nature (extended versus compact, Galactic versus extragalactic) of all of these bright radio sources. A number of large H ii regions with no optical counterparts are highlighted along with a sample of large radio galaxies. Many sources previously thought to be extended Galactic objects are shown to be point sources. A sample of point sources with flat or rising spectra between 408 and 1420 MHz has been compiled, and within this sample likely Gigahertz Peaked Spectrum sources have been identified.
Association of Arabidopsis topoisomerase IIA cleavage sites with functional genomic elements and T‐DNA loci
Authors: Makarevitch Irina , Somers David A. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryTopoisomerase IIA (Topo IIA) is an essential ubiquitous enzyme involved in controlling DNA topology during multiple processes of genome function, and has been implicated in the generation of double‐stranded breaks (DSB) in genomic DNA prior to DNA integration in plant genomes. Despite extensive characterization of type II topoisomerases from bacteria, viruses and animals, no studies on the specificity of plant Topo IIA‐mediated DNA cleavage have been reported. We mapped and characterized Arabidopsis thaliana Topo IIA (AtTopoIIA) cleavage sites and demonstrated that they were cleaved in vivo. The consensus for the AtTopoIIA cleavage sites (ANNNRN↓GTACNTNNNY) was significantly different from recognition sequences reported for Topo IIA from other organisms. The mapped cleavage sites were abundant in the Arabidopsis genome, exhibited a weak consensus, and were cleaved with relatively low efficiency. Use of the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) protocol identified a single, efficiently cleaved sequence TATATATATGTATATATATA that was over‐represented in the genome. The mapped AtTopoIIA cleavage sites and the SELEX sites differed in their genomic distribution and associations with gene regulatory elements, matrix attachment regions, stress‐induced DNA duplex destabilization sequences and T‐DNA loci, suggesting different genome functions. Mapped AtTopoIIA sites but not SELEX sites were strongly associated with T‐DNA integration sites, providing evidence for the involvement of AtTopoIIA‐mediated DSB formation in T‐DNA integration.
The rice HIGH‐TILLERING DWARF1 encoding an ortholog of Arabidopsis MAX3 is required for negative regulation of the outgrowth of axillary buds
Authors: Zou Junhuang , Zhang Shuying , Zhang Weiping , Li Gang , Chen Zongxiang , Zhai Wenxue , Zhao Xianfeng , Pan Xuebiao , Xie Qi , Zhu Lihuang 
Published: November 2006

SummaryRice tillering is an important agronomic trait for grain production. The HIGH‐TILLERING DWARF1 (HTD1) gene encodes an ortholog of Arabidopsis MAX3. Complementation analyses for HTD1 confirm that the defect in HTD1 is responsible for both high‐tillering and dwarf phenotypes in the htd1 mutant. The rescue of the Arabidopsis max3 mutant phenotype by the introduction of Pro35S:HTD1 indicates HTD1 is a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase that has the same function as MAX3 in synthesis of a carotenoid‐derived signal molecule. The HTD1 gene is expressed in both shoot and root tissues. By evaluating ProHTD1:GUS expression, we found that the HTD1 gene is mainly expressed in vascular bundle tissues throughout the plant. Auxin induction of HTD1 expression suggests that auxin may regulate rice tillering partly through upregulation of HTD1 gene transcription. Restoration of dwarf phenotype after the removal of axillary buds indicates that the dwarfism of the htd1 mutant may be a consequence of excessive tiller production. In addition, the expression of HTD1, D3 and OsCCD8a in the htd1 and d3 mutants suggests a feedback mechanism may exist for the synthesis and perception of the carotenoid‐derived signal in rice. Characterization of MAX genes in Arabidopsis, and identification of their orthologs in pea, petunia and rice indicates the existence of a conserved mechanism for shoot‐branching regulation in both monocots and dicots.
UPSC‐BASE –Populus transcriptomics online
Authors: Sjödin Andreas , Bylesjö Max , Skogström Oskar , Eriksson Daniel , Nilsson Peter , Rydén Patrik , Jansson Stefan , Karlsson Jan 
Published: November 2006

SummaryThe increasing accessibility and use of microarrays in transcriptomics has accentuated the need for purpose‐designed storage and analysis tools. Here we present UPSC‐BASE, a database for analysis and storage of Populus DNA microarray data. A microarray analysis pipeline has also been established to allow consistent and efficient analysis (from small to large scale) of samples in various experimental designs. A range of optimized experimental protocols is provided for each step in generating the data. Within UPSC‐BASE, researchers can perform standard and advanced microarray analysis procedures in a user‐friendly environment. Background corrections, normalizations, quality‐control tools, visualizations, hypothesis tests and export tools are provided without requirements for expert‐level knowledge. Although the database has been developed primarily for handling Populus DNA microarrays, most of the tools are generic and can be used for other types of microarray. UPSC‐BASE is also a repository of Populus microarray information, providing data from 21 experiments on a total of 407 microarray hybridizations in the public domain of the database. There are also an additional 10 experiments containing 347 hybridizations, where the automatically analysed data are searchable.
Investigation of prion removal/inactivation from chromatographic gel
Authors: Thyer J. , Unal A. , Hartel G. , Middleton D. , Bingham J. , Braun M. , Uren E. , Maher D. 
Published: November 2006

Background and Objectives  Concerns about the potential for prions to be retained on chromatography gels during the manufacture of plasma products prompted development of an investigational strategy for detecting infectious prions bound to gels. The objective was to firstly examine methods of implanting gels intracerebrally (IC) in mice, then to examine prion cleaning from a scaled‐down version of the DEAE Sepharose column used in a production process to fractionate immunoglobulins and albumin from human plasma.Materials and Methods  The study consisted of two parts: (i) the pathophysiological impact by IC inoculation of ground gel beads was compared to whole gel beads; (ii) the feedstreams to two DEAE Sepharose columns were spiked with scrapie ME7. One column was subjected to the protein loading and elution portions of the chromatography cycle. The other column was subjected to the full cycle of protein loading and elution, followed by regeneration with 0·5 m NaCl, 1 m NaOH and solvent/detergent washes. The gels were unpacked and bioassayed by IC implantation in mice to quantify infectivity.Results  IC inoculation of ground gel beads resulted in unacceptably high pathological impact in the mice whereas whole gel bead inoculation resulted in a reduced affect. Accordingly, the whole bead model system was used to assess prion removal/inactivation from chromatography gels at the pre‐ and postcleaning stage of the chromatography cycle. Infectious prions were detected on the DEAE Sepharose prior to the cleaning step; however, the gel cleaning cycle reduced infectivity by a log reduction factor (LRF) of ≥ 2·75, thus reducing infectivity by bioassay to below detectable limits.Conclusions  A model system for assessment of prion inactivation/removal from chromatography gels has been established. Spiked prion infectivity does bind to DEAE Sepharose gel; however, the cleaning cycle removed infectivity to levels below that detectable by bioassay.
Value of a negative colonoscopy in patients with non‐specific gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Esfandyari Tuba , Harewood Gavin C 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:  The yield of colonoscopy for neoplasia among patients aged <50 years with non‐specific gastrointestinal symptoms is very low. However, a negative colonoscopy may benefit these patients by decreasing anxiety and thereby reducing subsequent health resource utilization. This study sought to characterize the effect of a negative colonoscopy in terms of: (i) reassurance value; and (ii) decreasing health resource utilization, in patients under 50 years of age with non‐specific gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation).Methods:  Consecutive patients, aged 18‐49 years, undergoing their first colonoscopy for evaluation of non‐specific gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation) were prospectively enrolled. Health‐related anxiety was evaluated before and immediately after disclosure of the negative result of colonoscopy using a validated questionnaire and at 1‐, 2‐ and 6‐month intervals postcolonoscopy by telephone follow‐up. Symptom scores and health resource utilization were assessed prior to colonoscopy and at 2 and 6 months postcolonoscopy.Results:  Fifty‐nine patients were prospectively enrolled. Mean health anxiety score declined immediately after colonoscopy from 20.6 to 17.8. Sustained improvement was seen in anxiety scores at 1, 2 and 6 months. Symptom scores also decreased at 6 months for abdominal pain (2.3 to 1.5), diarrhea (2.3 to 1.6) and constipation (1.9 to 1.6). There was a significant decrease in all four measures of health resource utilization at 6 months postcolonoscopy.Conclusions:  Despite minimal diagnostic yield, colonoscopy for non‐specific gastrointestinal symptoms in patients <50 years of age is associated with a decline in health‐related anxiety and symptom scores. These effects appear to translate into reductions in health resource utilization.
Elevated plasma resistin concentrations in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Kakizaki Satoru , Sohara Naondo , Yamazaki Yuichi , Horiguchi Norio , Kanda Daisuke , Kabeya Kenji , Katakai Kenji , Sato Ken , Takagi Hitoshi , Mori Masatomo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:  Resistin, an adipose‐derived polypeptide hormone, has been proposed to be a candidate in insulin resistance, although its role in humans remains controversial. Liver cirrhosis (LC) is characterized by an elevated number of circulating proinflammatory cytokines, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the plasma resistin levels in patients with LC.Methods:  Resistin levels were determined in 79 patients with LC and in 31 healthy controls. Patients included 34 with Child–Pugh grade A, 30 with Child's B and 15 with Child's C LC. Fasting plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin, adiponectin, the homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and biochemical parameters were also determined.Results:  Plasma resistin levels were 7.61 ± 6.70 ng/mL in the LC patients and 3.38 ± 1.68 ng/mL in the controls, respectively. The plasma resistin levels were significantly elevated in patients with LC in comparison to the controls (P < 0.01). The plasma resistin levels increased in a stepwise fashion in line with a higher grade according to Child–Pugh classification. Fasting plasma insulin, adiponectin and HOMA‐IR index were also significantly elevated in patients with LC in comparison to controls. Inversely, QUICKI significantly decreased in patients with LC. According to Spearman's rank correlation, log resistin showed significantly positive correlation with fasting plasma insulin, log adiponectin, HOMA‐IR index, and a negative correlation with QUICKI (P < 0.01). The plasma resistin levels did not correlate with sex, body mass index and fasting plasma glucose levels.Conclusion:  The plasma resistin levels increased in patients with LC, thus showing a positive correlation with fasting plasma insulin, adiponectin, HOMA‐IR index, and a negative correlation with QUICKI. Although a decreased extraction of resistin due to reduced liver function cannot be ruled out, resistin may contribute to insulin resistance in patients with LC. The pathophysiological roles of resistin in LC still require further investigation.
Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on cell proliferation, cytokines and extracellular matrix of hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Zhang Chunqing , Zhu Yuhua , Wan Jing , Xu Hongwei , Shi Henmei , Lu Xiaoxia 
Published: November 2006

Abstract: Background/Aims: Hepatic fibrosis is the common wound‐healing response to chronic liver injury. Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) has been indicated to reverse hepatic fibrosis and exhibit therapeutic effects both in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of GbE using HSC‐T6 cells, a subline of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) as a model.Methods: HSC‐T6 cells were seeded into six‐well plates and allowed to attach overnight. After exposure to different concentrations of GbE761 for 24 or 48 h, cell cycle analysis, semiquantitative RT‐PCR, Western blotting analysis and analysis of ECM secretion were performed.Results: It was revealed that GbE (1, 10, 100, 500 mg/l) suppressed HSC proliferation and caused G0/G1 phase arrest in a concentration‐dependent manner. RT‐PCR and Western blot assays were applied to detect the decline of transforming growth factor β1(TGF‐β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in both mRNA and protein levels after GbE treatment in HSC‐T6 cells for 24 or 48 h. Meanwhile, GbE inhibited the synthesis of type I and type III collagens. Secretion of some extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as type III procollagen (PC III), type IV collagen (collagen IV), laminin (LN), hyaluronic acid (HA), were all decreased in supernatant of GbE treated HSC cells.Conclusions: Our results suggest that GbE confers its anti‐fibrosis effects through inhibiting HSC proliferation, reducing TGF‐β1 and CTGF expression and consequently suppressing the collagen production and ECM secretion.
Correlation of transcutaneous hepatic near‐infrared spectroscopy readings with liver surface readings and perfusion parameters in a piglet endotoxemic shock model
Authors: Nahum E. , Skippen P. W. , Gagnon R. E. , Macnab A. J. , Skarsgard E. D. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract: Purpose: To determine whether transcutaneous liver near‐infrared spectrophotometry (NIRS) measurements correlate with NIRS measurements taken directly from the liver surface, and invasive blood flow measurements.Procedure: Laparotomy was performed in 12 Yorkshire piglets, and ultrasound blood flow probes were placed on the hepatic artery and portal vein. Intravascular catheters were inserted into the hepatic and portal veins for intermittent blood sampling, and a pulmonary artery catheter was inserted via the jugular vein for cardiac output measurements. NIRS optodes were placed on skin overlying the liver and directly across the right hepatic lobe. Endotoxemic shock was induced by continuous infusion of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide O55:B5. Pearson's correlations were calculated between the NIRS readings and the perfusion parameters.Findings: After endotoxemic shock induction, liver blood flow, and oxygen delivery decreased significantly. There were statistically significant correlations between the transcutaneous and liver‐surface NIRS readings for oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and cytochrome c oxidase concentrations. There were similar significant correlations of the transcutaneous oxyhemoglobin with both the mixed venous and hepatic vein saturation, and mixed venous and hepatic vein lactate.Conclusions: Transcutaneous NIRS readings of the liver, in an endotoxemic shock model, correlate with NIRS readings taking directly from the liver surface, as well as with global and specific organ‐perfusion parameters.
Clinical significance of HLA DRB1*03–DRB1*04 in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Montano‐Loza Aldo J. , Carpenter Herschel A. , Czaja Albert J. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract: Background: HLA DRB1*03–DRB1*04 combines both susceptibility factors for type‐1 autoimmune hepatitis.Aims: Determine whether this phenotype is a risk factor for autoimmune hepatitis in white North American patients, assess its associations with clinical features and treatment outcome, and determine whether alleles within this phenotype affect prognosis.Methods: One hundred and ninety‐eight patients with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis and 102 normal adults were evaluated. HLA typing was performed by DNA‐based techniques.Results: Twenty‐eight patients had HLA DRB1*03–DRB1*04, and the frequency was higher than in normal subjects (14% vs 4%, OR 4.0%, 95% CI 1.4–11.8, P=0.01). Patients with DRB1*03–DRB1*04 relapsed less frequently than patients with DRB1*03 (1.3±0.3 vs 2.1±0.2, P=0.04), but they otherwise had outcomes similar to patients with other phenotypes. Patients with DRB1*03‐DRB1*04 who had 3–4 alleles encoding lysine at position DRβ71 within the class II molecule of the major histocompatibility complex developed cirrhosis more commonly (75% vs 9%, P=0.05) and had a higher frequency of hepatic‐related death or liver transplantation (40% vs 0%, P=0.04) than patients with fewer alleles.Conclusions: HLA DRB1*03–DRB1*04 is a risk factor for type‐1 autoimmune hepatitis, and its impact on outcome relates to the diversity of DRB1*04 alleles that encode a critical motif.
Influence of autologous platelet concentrate on healing in intra‐bony defects following guided tissue regeneration therapy: a randomized prospective clinical split‐mouth study
Authors: Christgau M. , Moder D. , Wagner J. , Gläßl M. , Hiller K.‐A. , Wenzel A. , Schmalz G. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the influence of autologous platelet concentrate (APC) on early wound healing and regeneration outcomes following guided tissue regeneration (GTR) therapy.Material and Methods: In 25 patients, two contralateral deep intra‐bony defects were treated with β‐TCP and a bioresorbable GTR membrane. They were randomly assigned to test and control procedure. In test defects, APC was additionally applied. After 3, 6, and 12 months, healing results were assessed by clinical parameters and quantitative digital subtraction radiography.Results: Post‐operative membrane exposures occurred in 48% of the test sites and 80% of the control sites. Both groups revealed a significant clinical attachment level (CAL) gain of 5 mm after 12 months. Eighty‐eight per cent of test and control sites showed a CAL gain of 4 mm. No clinical parameter revealed significant differences between test and control sites. A significant bone density gain was found in both groups after 3, 6, and 12 months. Only after 6 months, the bone density gain was significantly greater in the test defects.Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, autologous platelet concentrate did not seem to have a noticeable influence on the clinical and most of the radiographic outcomes following GTR. However, APC might reduce the occurrence of post‐operative membrane exposures and accelerate bone density gain.
Subgingival microbiota of periodontally untreated Mexican subjects with generalized aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Ximenez‐Fyvie Laurie Ann , Almaguer‐Flores Argelia , Jacobo‐Soto Velia , Lara‐Cordoba Monica , Moreno‐Borjas Jazmin‐Yunuen , Alcantara‐Maruri Eulalio 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim: Specific microbial profiles that may distinguish between generalized aggressive‐periodontitis (GAgP) and generalized chronic‐periodontitis (GCP) have, to date, not been described. The purpose of the present study was to describe the subgingival microbial composition of Mexican subjects with GAgP and compare it with that of individuals with GCP and periodontal health (PH).Material and Methods: Seventy‐seven subjects with GAgP (n=19), GCP (n=39) and PH (n=19) were selected. Clinical measurements included plaque accumulation, gingival erythema, bleeding on probing, suppuration, pocket depth and attachment level. Up to 28 subgingival plaque samples were obtained from each subject and analysed using the checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization technique.Results: GAgP and GCP subjects harboured significantly higher levels and/or proportion of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia (levels: p<0.001, proportion: p<0.01), Prevotella nigrescens (p<0.05 levels) and “red” complex species (p<0.001 proportion) than PH subjects. All GAgP subjects were carriers of P. gingivalis and P. nigrescens. No significant differences in any of the 40 microbial species tested were detected between GAgP and GCP subjects.Conclusions: Our results revealed that the microbial differences between GAgP and GCP subjects were only discrete and none of the bacterial species tested seemed to specifically differentiate the subgingival microbial profile of either periodontitis group.
Rehardening of caries‐like lesions in root surfaces by saliva substitutes
Authors: Turssi Cecilia P. , Lima Renata Q. V. , Faraoni‐Romano Juliana J. , Serra Mônica C. 
Published: November 2006

Objective:  This study sought to evaluate whether root dentine caries‐like lesions could be remineralised by saliva substitutes.Methods:  Root dentine slabs (3 × 3 × 2 mm) were cut from bovine incisors, ground flat, polished and pre‐tested for Knoop microhardness (KHN) at five locations spaced 500 μm apart and 500 μm from the left edge of each sectioned piece. After 60 out of the 100 slabs had been selected based upon their KHN values, specimens were coated with wax except for their outer surface. Specimens were then cycled through a highly cariogenic challenge model to induce caries‐like lesions, whose formation was confirmed by KHN measurements located 500 μm from the right edge of the specimen. According to a randomised complete block design, the experimental units (n = 15) were exposed to 1.5 ml of saliva substitutes, based on either mucin (MC) or carboxymethylcellulose (CM), to natural human saliva (HS) or to 100% relative humidity (RH) over 20 days. Remineralisation was verified by KHN measurements located 1000 μm apart from the right edge of the specimen.Results:  Analysis of variance indicated a significant (p < 0.0001) difference among the KHN values attained by the carious root dentine after exposure to the remineralising agents. Tukey's test ascertained that remineralisation was greatest with MC, intermediate with CM and least with HS, but rehardening did not reach the pre‐caries lesion formation values.Conclusion:  Saliva substitutes may provide partial remineralisation to preformed caries‐like lesions in root dentine.