bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correction: Disease in the scurfy (sf) mouse is associated with overexpression of cytokine genesDisease in the scurfy (sf) mouse is associated with overexpression of cytokine genes (Eur. J. Immunol. 7/2003)
Authors: Kanangat S. , Blair P. , Reddy R. , Daheshia M. , Godrey V. , Rouse B. T. , Wilkinson E. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractVol. 26(1) 1996, pp 161‐165In this article, the name of Massoud Daheshia was unfortunately published incorrectly: the correct spelling is as given here.
Processes and mechanisms of dynamic channel adjustment to delta progradation: the case of the mouth channel of the Yellow River, China
Authors: Shi Changxing , Zhang Dian 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThis paper analyses the processes and mechanisms of a three‐stage channel adjustment over a cycle of the Yellow River mouth channel extension based on data comprising hydrologic measurements and channel geometric surveys. Rapid siltation in the mouth channel takes place in the young stage when the channel is being built by deposits and in the old stage when the channel cannot further adjust itself to keep sediment transport in equilibrium. It is disclosed that the bankfull width–depth ratio, bed material size and slope decrease in the young and mature stages but do not change in the old stage. The reduction of bankfull width–depth ratio and bed material size during the young and mature stages is found to be able to offset the effect of the slope reduction on sediment transport due to continuous mouth progradation. They reach their limits in old stage, and a constant slope is kept by unceasing sediment accumulation. The grain size composition of incoming sediment and the fining mechanism are responsible for the occurrence of lower limit of bed material size. The reason for the existence of a limit of bankfull cross‐sectional shape is that the large flows can fully transport the sediment load they are carrying, and siltation in the channel in the old stage takes place mainly in the low flows. It is suggested that the bankfull discharge plays an important role in shaping the channel but that the entire channel form is the product of both the large and low flows plus the effects of interaction between them. Channel pattern change shows a process from a braided pattern in the young stage to a straight pattern in the mature and old stages, and the straight channel becomes gradually sinuous. The occurrence and transformation of the channel patterns are supported by two planform predictors, but are also facilitated by some other conditions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contribution of the rev gene to the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines targeting the envelope glycoprotein of HIV
Authors: Jounai Nao , Okuda Kenji , Kojima Yoshitsugu , Toda Yoshihiko , Hamajima Kenji , Ohba Kenji , Klinman Dennis , Xin Ke‐Qin 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundThe Rev protein of HIV plays a critical role in the export of viral mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of infected cells. This work examines the effect of introducing rev into a DNA vaccine encoding the Env protein of HIV, and compares the activity of env genes regulated by CMV versus CAG promoters.MethodsThe HIV Env gp160 encoding gene with or without the rev gene was subcloned into a CMV promoter or a CAG promoter‐driven expression plasmid. The Env protein expression of the plasmids was examined in vitro and the HIV‐specific immunity was explored in BALB/c mice by an intramuscular route. The immune mice were intraperitoneally challenged with an HIV Env‐expression vaccinia virus.ResultsResults indicate that the CAG promoter induces significantly higher levels of Env expression, and better immune responses, than the CMV promoter. Incorporating the rev gene into these plasmids further boosts antigen expression and immunogenicity. Indeed, vaccination with the pCAGrev/env or pCMVrev/env plasmid resulted in 1000‐fold lower viral load than that with pCMVenv when the mice were challenged with an Env‐expressing vaccinia virus.ConclusionsIncorporating rev into a DNA vaccine significantly increases the level of expression and immunogenicity of a co‐expressed env gene, and that protective efficacy is further improved by utilizing a pCAG promoter. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
V centres in plastically deformed SrS
Authors: Seeman V. , Danilkin M. , Must M. , Ots A. , Pung L. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractV centres of several types were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance in SrS polycrystals for the first time. Both isolated cation vacancies and their complexes with other defects are formed in SrS during plastic deformation and are further transformed by ionic processes on annealing. They become paramagnetic when the samples are irradiated by X‐rays at 77 K and a hole is captured by a S2– ion situated next to a cation vacancy. Thus, V– centres arise from isolated cation vacancies vc, VSH from vc – (SH)– complexes, and V2(SH)+ from (SH)– – vc – (SH)– complexes. The holes captured are released from V centres below room temperature, within a very wide temperature range. The electric fields of dislocations are supposed to modify the activation energies of hole release. Low activation temperatures of ionic processes (compared with ionic conductivity of undamaged SrS) indicate that defects are transported by dislocations in plastically deformed SrS.
Piezoelectric properties of GPI crystals
Authors: Wiesner Maciej 
Published: June 2003

AbstractIt is found that the piezoelectric properties of glycine phosphite (GPI) were preserved up to 264 K, which contradicts the presence of a symmetry centre phase above TC. The resonance frequency jump at the phase transition was ∼0.15%, which is more than ten times smaller when compared to the sound velocity jump. In order to explain such persistent behaviour of the sample, a complementary measurement of the spontaneous polarisation Ps was made. Not only was Ps observed up to 270 K, but two kinds of polarisation were distinguished: the first disappeared at ∼226 K, and the second was present up to 270 K.
An appraisal of the crystal field in rare earth intermetallics: TmCu2Si2
Authors: Chatterji A. , Chatterjee S. , Chatterjee Reba 
Published: June 2003

AbstractA crystal field (CF) investigation of the properties of Tm3+ in TmCu2Si2 has been done for an appraisal of the CF proposed by Kosaka et al. [J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 66, 2844 (1997)] from their magnetic studies and inelastic neutron scattering investigation. As these CF parameters were found to give only a qualitative explanation of the observed data, they were refined to have a closer fit to the observed magnetic susceptibility, Stark levels obtained from inelastic neutron scattering studies, and thermal variation of nuclear electric quadrupole splitting. It has been found that molecular field interactions play a dominant role at low temperatures. Other properties investigated theoretically with the help of the refined set of CF parameters are amenable to experimental check.
A practical approach to steam‐enhanced dual‐phase extraction: A case study
Authors: Bouchard David P. , Musterait Todd M. , Sobieraj James A. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThis article presents the results of a pilot test that was conducted to determine the effectiveness of using
steam‐enhanced dual‐phase extraction (DPE) at a former industrial site in New York. The
pilot test proved that steam‐enhanced DPE was very effective at removing significant contaminant mass
from the subsurface in a relatively short time period. Concentrations of volatile organic compounds and
semivolatile organic compounds in the vapor stream and groundwater were successfully reduced, in some cases by
orders of magnitude. Based on the results of the steam‐enhanced DPE pilot test, the final remedy for the
site includes implementing this technology at selected areas as an alternative to DPE alone or other remedial
alternatives, such as excavation or groundwater pump and treat. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Field trial experiment: Phytoremediation with Salix sp. on a dredged sediment disposal site in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Meers Erik , Vervaeke Pieter , Tack Filip M.G. , Lust Noel , Verloo Marc , Lesage Els 
Published: June 2003

AbstractRemediation of heavy metal contamination in soil is a widespread environmental issue. Conventional
remediation techniques are invasive and often too expensive, particularly if large areas of soil are
contaminated. Phytoremediation is the use of plants to remediate soil and groundwater. Phytoremediation of
inorganic comtaminants such as metals can be further catagorized into phytostabilization and phytoextraction.
These techniques have gained an increasing amount of attention and research over the last ten years.
Phytoextraction of heavy metals and periodical removal of harvestable plant parts results in a gradual decrease
of pollutant levels in the top soil. Woody species such as Salix sp. (willow) do not
represent the fastest phytoextraction procedure compared to uptake by herbaceous species; however, they
offer the added advantage of possible reuse of the produced biomass (wood) for the production of
renewable energy. Here we present the results of a field experiment conducted to evaluate the use of
Salix to remediate soil contaminated with cadmium and zinc at a dredged sediment disposal site
in Flanders, Belgium. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Survey of recently board‐certified prosthodontists on the board certification process. part 1: Demographics
Authors: Rashedi Behnoush , Abt Joy Bockstein , Petropoulos Vicki C. 
Published: June 2003

Purpose A survey of recently board‐certified prosthodontists was conducted in 2001. The purpose of this survey was to identify trends that assisted candidates in attaining diplomate status.Materials and Methods A questionnaire was mailed to 176 diplomates who had become board certified between the years 1993 and 2001. Of these, 131 board‐certified prosthodontists returned the completed survey, resulting in a response rate of 74%. The mean, median, and range of responses were computed when applicable.Results Results from this survey show that the mean number of years from completion of a postdoctoral program to achieving board certification was 6 years, with a median of 4 years and a range of 1 to 23 years. The mean number of years from the time of completion of a postdoctoral program to board eligibility was 2.3 years, with a median of 1 year and a range of 0 to 22 years. The mean number of years from board eligibility to board certification was 3.9 years, with a median of 3 years and a range of 0 to 17 years. The military was the most frequently reported employment status at the time the respondents took Parts 1–4 of the boards. A total of 54% of the diplomates reported that they challenged Part 1 separately, and then challenged Parts 2, 3, and 4 together; 79% of the diplomates were encouraged by their graduate program director/faculty to challenge the board; and 48% of the diplomates reported that their patients received free dental treatment.Conclusions Certain trends were observed regarding diplomates who succeeded in their efforts to challenge the board examination. The largest group who challenged the board certification examinations comprised members of the armed forces. Most prosthodontists challenged Part 1 before challenging the remaining 3 parts. In an effort to encourage more prosthodontists to challenge the board examination, numerous changes were made between 1992 and 1998; however, most of the diplomates did not take advantage of those changes.
Hyperosmolarity decreases the relaxing potency of sodium nitroprusside on guinea‐pig trachea by the release of superoxide anions
Authors: Hjoberg J. , Högman M. , Hedenstierna G. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractIncreased osmolarity of the airway surface has been shown to abolish the airway relaxant effects of inhaled nitric oxide in rabbits in vivo and in guinea‐pig trachea in vitro.Aim:  In this study, we used a guinea‐pig tracheal perfusion method to investigate whether superoxide anions, which rapidly react with nitric oxide, could be responsible for the reduced effect of nitric oxide in hyperosmolar airways.Methods:  Guinea‐pig tracheas were constricted with carbachol (CCh) and then subjected to the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) under isoosmolar or hyperosmolar conditions. Hyperosmolarity was created by increasing the NaCl concentration of the buffer on the epithelial side of the airway.Results:  The relaxation produced by SNP was significantly less following hyperosmolar challenge, with a relaxation by 31 ± 7% in hyperosmolar conditions as compared to 53 ± 6% under normal isoosmolar conditions (P < 0.05). The experiment was then performed in the presence of superoxide dismutase (SOD) that reduces levels of superoxide anions. SOD restored the relaxing potency of SNP in hyperosmolar conditions back to normal, to 46 ± 5%.Conclusion:  This study shows that superoxide anions are responsible for the reduced relaxing potency of the nitric oxide donor SNP following an intraluminal hyperosmolar challenge in guinea‐pig trachea in vitro. The finding may form the basis for new treatment of patients not responding to treatment with inhaled nitric oxide.
The efficacy of omeprazole twice daily with supplemental H2 blockade at bedtime in the suppression of nocturnal oesophageal and gastric acidity
Authors: Orr W. C. , Harnish M. J. 
Published: June 2003

SummaryBackground: It has been presumed that nocturnal acid breakthrough may pose a risk for the development of nocturnal gastro‐oesophageal reflux.Aim: To investigate the occurrence of gastro‐oesophageal reflux and acid breakthrough during polygraphically monitored sleep under conditions of powerful acid suppression with omeprazole 20 mg b.d. and an additional dose of ranitidine at bedtime.Methods: Nineteen individuals with symptomatic gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease were studied. Each individual was studied on two occasions subsequent to 1 week of 20 mg of omeprazole treatment b.d. Subjects underwent 24‐h oesophageal and gastric pH recording, with polysomnographic monitoring. Participants received either 150 mg ranitidine at bedtime or placebo, prior to a provocative meal.Results: Ranitidine administration resulted in a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in the percentage of time the intragastric pH < 4.0. There was no significant difference with regard to measures of gastro‐oesophageal reflux, and reflux events were not noted to occur with a significantly greater frequency during periods of nocturnal acid breakthrough compared with control intervals without acid breakthrough.Conclusions: The administration of 150 mg ranitidine at bedtime did not significantly alter the occurrence of sleep‐related gastro‐oesophageal reflux.
Preparation of curved root canals with rotary FlexMaster instruments compared to Lightspeed instruments and NiTi hand files
Authors: Weiger R. , Brückner M. , ElAyouti A. , Löst C. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractAim  To compare the recently introduced rotary FlexMaster instruments with Lightspeed instruments and NiTi hand files in preparing curved root canals.Methodology  Root canals of extracted molars were shaped with rotary FlexMaster instruments (‘FM’: n = 45), Lightspeed instruments (‘LS’: n = 46), and NiTi hand files (n = 45) using the balanced‐force technique. The apical preparation size was 40. Root canal instrumentation was carried out in a phantom head under clinical conditions. A re‐assembly technique allowed a comparison of the canal outline before and after preparation. Root sections 2.5 mm short of working length were used to calculate the percentage of prepared canal outline (= PPO) and the amount of root canal transportation. Loss of working length, fracture rate and time spent on complete preparation were also recorded.Results  The highest PPO values were found in the LS group (mean = 63% [95% CI: 55%; 70%]). Although not statistically significant, lower PPO values were detected for FM instruments (mean = 55% [95% CI: 49%; 62%]) and for hand files (mean = 53% [95% CI: 47%; 59%]). The incidence of root canal transportation exceeding 0.1 mm was significantly lower in the LS group than in the FM group. Loss of working length of 0.5 mm occurred in five cases (LS group: 4×; FM group: 1×). Two LS instruments fractured. Half the time was needed for root canal preparation with FM instruments than with hand files.Conclusions  Rotary FM instruments are suitable for preparing curved root canals. They provided results similar to LS instruments with minimal risk of instrument fracture but increased risk of root canal transportation.
A new HCV core antigen assay based on disassociation of immune complexes: an alternative to molecular biology in the diagnosis of early HCV infection
Authors: Laperche Syria , Marrec Nadine Le , Simon Nicole , Bouchardeau Françoise , Defer Christine , Maniez‐Montreuil Michèle , Levayer Thierry , Zappitelli Jean‐Pierre , Lefrère Jean‐Jacques 
Published: June 2003

BACKGROUND: An EIA based on immune complex disassociation of nucleocapsid proteins of HCV has been developed to detect and quantify HCV core antigen.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To evaluate whether this new assay (trak‐C, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics) could be an alternative to NAT during the window period, its sensitivity in this context was assessed, and its performance was compared with that of a first‐generation HCV core antigen assay dedicated to the blood screening (HCV core antigen ELISA). Studied populations included nine HCV RNA‐positive, HCV antibody‐negative blood donors and 23 hemodialysis patients who underwent an HCV seroconversion. From these individuals, 81 samples (23 HCV RNA‐negative and 58 HCV RNA‐positive) sequentially collected during the phase before seroconversion were tested.RESULTS: The nine blood donor samples were positive for the presence of HCV core antigen by the trak‐C, and 6 of 8 tested were positive for the presence of HCV core antigen by blood screening ELISA. In the hemodialysis cohort, the 23 HCV RNA‐negative samples were negative with the two HCV core antigen assays. Among the 58 HCV RNA‐positive samples, 46 of 57 (80.7%) tested were positive for the presence of HCV core antigen with the blood screening assay, and 57 of 58 (98.2%) were positive for the presence of HCV core antigen with the trak‐C. The mean delays in detecting HCV infection between trak‐C and the appearance of HCV antibodies, between HCV RNA testing and trak‐C, and between trak‐C and HCV core antigen ELISA were 58.2, 0.24, and 3.33 days, respectively.CONCLUSION: Trak‐C was more sensitive than the blood screening assay and had similar performance to HCV RNA assay in the window period. Trak‐C could constitute an alternative to NAT for the diagnosis of HCV infection during the window period, especially when molecular biology procedures cannot be implemented.
The effect on ambulatory blood pressure of working under favourably and unfavourably perceived supervisors
Authors: Wager N , Fieldman G , Hussey T 
Published: June 2003

Aims:To investigate the role played by employees’ perceptions of their supervisors’ interactional styles as a possible source of workplace stress that may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates from cardiovascular disorders in workers in the lower strata of organisational hierarchies.Methods:A controlled, quasi-experimental, field study of female healthcare assistants. Allocation to the experimental and control groups was based on participants’ responses to a supervisor interactional style questionnaire. Experimental participants (n = 13) reported working under two divergently perceived supervisors at the same workplace, on different days. The control group (n = 15) worked either under one supervisor, or two similarly perceived supervisors. Ambulatory blood pressure was recorded every 30 minutes, over a 12 hour period for three days.Results:The control group showed a 3 mm Hg difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and a non-significant difference in diastolic blood pressure (DBP; mean difference 1 mm Hg) between the two supervisor conditions. The experimental group showed significantly higher SBP (15 mm Hg) and DBP (7 mm Hg) when working under a less favoured compared to a favoured supervisor. The degree of divergence in perceptions of supervisors shows a significant positive relation with the difference in blood pressure between the two workdays. Divergence in perceptions of interpersonal fairness is the strongest predictor of difference in blood pressure.Conclusion:An unfavourably perceived supervisor is a potent workplace stressor, which might have a clinically significant impact on supervisees’ cardiovascular functioning.
On the Dynamic of Population Spreading of Self-Organized Colonies of Individuals
Authors: Albano Ezequiel V. 
Published: June 2003

A simple model for the self-organized displacements of self-driving individuals, aimed to describe the dynamic of flocking behavior among living things, is presented and studied. Processes such as growth, death, survival, self-propagation, competition and communication are considered. The model has two simple rules: The first one governs the displacements and states that all individuals have some tendency to assume the average age direction of motion of the neighboring individuals with some random perturbation (noise) added. The ability of the individuals to damp the external noise is introduced by means of the parameter α, such as for α→0 individuals cannot suppress the noise while for larger α-values; e.g. α≥4; the noise is effectively suppressed. The second rule allow the individuals to self-regulate the population. The dynamic of the spreading of small colonies on an otherwise empty sample is firstly studied. The survivability of the colonies depends on the starting configuration. In finite samples and after some transient period, surviving colonies succeed to establish a stationary state. It is found that the spreading behavior of the colonies is independent on the parameter α. Spreading studies performed in finite space shows that after some transient period the systems reaches a stationary state with a constant (average) density of individuals. Such state can also be achieved starting from a randomly distributed population. In the stationary state the population density is conserved, however the local density of individuals becomes enhaced, in comparison to the global density. This behavior reflects a clustering tendency, i.e. "flocking behavior". Different patterns of displacement, ranging from random migration (resembling clouds of mosquitoes) to well ordered formations following a defined direction of migration (resembling herds of quadrupeds) are obtained varing the parameter α.