bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in the determinants of eplerenone, spironolactone and aldosterone binding to the mineralocorticoid receptor*
Authors: Rogerson Fraser M , Yao Yizhou , Smith Brian J , Fuller Peter J 
Published: November 2004

Summary1. The importance of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists in the treatment of cardiovascular disease has been emphasised by two recent clinical trials, one using spironolactone and the other using a new selective MR antagonist, namely eplerenone.2. Eplerenone has a very low affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Determinants of binding specificity of eplerenone to the MR were investigated using chimeras created between the ligand‐binding domains (LBD) of the MR and the GR. These chimeras had been used previously to investigate aldosterone and spironolactone binding specificity to the MR.3. Eplerenone competed strongly for [3H]‐dexamethasone binding to a MR/GR chimera containing amino acids 804–874 of the MR and weakly to a chimera containing amino acids 672–803 of the MR. Within the 804–874 region, eplerenone competed for [3H]‐dexamethasone binding to a chimera containing amino acids 820–844 of the MR, although the calculated affinity was approximately 10‐fold lower than for binding to the full‐length MR LBD. Similar results were obtained using another MR antagonist, namely spironolactone. Modelling of eplerenone binding to the MR LBD, based on the GR LBD crystal structure, suggests that amino acids 820–844 affect the overall shape of the ligand‐binding pocket and that eplerenone acts as an MR antagonist because it fails to stabilize the active conformation of the receptor.4. In contrast with results with the MR antagonists eplerenone and spironolactone, amino acids 820–844 are sufficient in themselves to confer high‐affinity aldosterone binding to the MR, suggesting that the binding determinants of the two antagonists are similar to each other but differ from those of aldosterone.
Composition of freshwater bacterial communities associated with cyanobacterial blooms in four Swedish lakes
Authors: Eiler Alexander , Bertilsson Stefan 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe diversity of freshwater bacterioplankton communities has not been extensively studied despite their key role in foodwebs and the cycling of carbon and associated major elements. In order to explore and characterize the composition of bacterioplankton associated with cyanobacterial blooms, large 16S rRNA clone libraries from four lakes experiencing such blooms were analysed. The four libraries contained 1461 clones, of which 559 were prokaryotic sequences of non‐cyanobacterial origin. These clones were classified into 158 operational taxonomic units affiliated mainly with bacterial divisions commonly found in freshwater systems, e.g. Proteobacteria, Bacteriodetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and Planctomycetes. Richness and evenness of non‐cyanobacterial clones were similar to other clone libraries obtained for freshwater bacterioplankton, suggesting that bacterial communities accompanying cyanobacterial blooms are as diverse as non‐bloom communities. Many of the identified operational taxonomic units grouped with known freshwater clusters but the libraries also contained novel clusters of bacterial sequences that may be characteristic for cyanobacterial blooms. About 25% of the operational taxonomic units were detected in more than one lake. Even so, 16S rRNA heterogeneity analysis demonstrated large differences in community composition between lakes regardless of their similar characteristics and close proximity. Hence even the similar environmental conditions created by different cyanobacterial blooms may foster very dissimilar bacterial communities, which could indicate that the genetic diversity in lake bacteria have been underestimated in the past.
Phylogenetic characterization ofLegionella‐like endosymbiotic X‐bacteria inAmoeba proteus: a proposal for ‘CandidatusLegionella jeonii’ sp. nov
Authors: Park Miey , Yun Seong Tae , Kim Mu Soo , Chun Jongsik , Ahn Tae In 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe X‐bacteria which initiated organismic association with the D strain ofAmoeba proteusin 1966 as parasites have changed to obligate endosymbionts on which the host depends for survival. Owing to the difficulty in cultivating the bacteriain vitro, the identity of X‐bacteria has not been determined. As the life cycle of X‐bacteria is similar to that ofLegionellaspp. in soil amoebae, we applied the polymerase chain reaction method with specific primers aimed atLegionellaspp. for the detection and cloning of 16S rRNA gene. The identity and intracellular localization of the endosymbiont were confirmed by the application of a specific fluorescently labelled 16S rRNA‐targeted probe. In addition we cloned RNA polymerase β‐subunit gene (rpoB) of X‐bacteria by genomic library tagging. A phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene placed the bacterium within a unique monophyletic group containing all other members of the genusLegionella. Phylogeny fromrpoBandmipgenes further confirmed the taxonomic context of X‐bacteria to be aLegionellasp. In all three phylogenic analyses, X‐bacterium was placed apart fromLegionella‐like amoebal pathogens present in soil amoebae. Thus, we propose the name ‘CandidatusLegionella jeonii’ sp. nov. for the endosymbiotic X‐bacteria inAmoeba proteus.
Alpha‐hydroxyacids and carboxylic acids
Authors: Yu Ruey J , Van Scott Eugene J 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe carboxylic acids include alpha‐hydroxyacids (AHAs), polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), aldobionic acids (ABAs), retinoic acid, vitamin C and azelaic acid. They all have therapeutic actions.AHAs, PHAs and ABAs are organic hydroxyacids, a group of natural and physiological substances which can modulate skin keratinization and increase biosynthesis of dermal components. Because of these effects, AHAs, PHAs and ABAs are therapeutically effective or beneficial for topical treatment of dry skin, rough skin, acne, rosacea, warts, eczema, psoriasis and skin changes associated with ageing, including wrinkles and photoageing. In addition, PHAs and ABAs, which are antioxidants, are topically beneficial for sensitive or diseased skin and for the prevention of oxidative damage caused by UV radiation.The vitamin A derivatives, known as retinoids, include three that are found physiologically. Retinoic acid is the most potent of these in promoting proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells, and in stimulating biosynthesis of collagen I and III. Because of these actions, retinoic acid is therapeutically effective for topical treatment of acne, actinic keratoses and photoaged skin.Vitamin C, which is l‐ascorbic acid and a lactone form of 3‐keto‐polyhydroxy acid, is a water‐soluble antioxidant. Because of this property vitamin C has been promoted for topical prevention of skin damage caused by UV radiation.Azelaic acid has been shown to normalize keratinization in the follicular infundibulum, exert an antibacterial effect against Propionibacterium acnes and inhibit melanogenesis and so has been used for topical treatment of acne and melasma. The carboxylic acids display similarities and differences in their topical actions and therapeutic applications.
Body dysmorphic disorder and cosmetic dermatology: more than skin deep
Authors: Castle David J , Phillips Katharine A , Dufresne Raymond G 
Published: November 2004

SummaryBody dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is relatively common in cosmetic practise, yet it remains under‐recognized.BDD patients are unnaturally concerned with minimal or non‐existent flaws, most commonly in the skin (e.g. facial acne or scarring) and hair (e.g. hair loss). Many patients develop social avoidance and suffer occupational or academic impairment. More severely ill patients may become housebound or even attempt suicide. Despite the minimal or non‐existent nature of the perceived appearance flaws, patients with BDD may request dermatological treatments such as isotretinoin or dermabrasion. Although treatment outcome has received little investigation, it appears that most patients are dissatisfied with dermatological treatment and, even if the outcome is objectively acceptable, they do not worry any the less about their appearance afterwards.In contrast, a majority of patients respond to serotonin reuptake inhibitors or cognitive behavioural therapy. Treatment of these patients is best given by an experienced health professional. This may be a mental health professional or a dermatologist with an interest in psychological medicine.
Within‐plant vertical distributions of the scale insectNipponaclerda biwakoensisand its five parasitoids that exhibit frequent successful multiparasitism on the common reed
Authors: KANEKO Shuji 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWithin‐shoot vertical distributions of the scale insectNipponaclerda biwakoensis, five species of gregarious parasitoid wasps attacking the scale, and successful multiparasitism (emergence of multiple parasitoid species from a single host) by the parasitoids on the common reed were investigated. Each reed shoot collected was longer than 2.0 m, and was divided into pieces of 0.5 m each from the base of the shoot. The mean number of adult female scales per 0.5 m of shoot increased with height, but the mean rate of overall parasitism of the female scales decreased with height. The five parasitoids showed species‐specific within‐shoot distribution patterns, with respect to the rate of parasitism:Astymachus japonicus,Boucekiella depressaand Encyrtidae sp. 2 showed the greatest rates of parasitism at heights of 0–0.5, 0.5–1.0 and 1.0–1.5 m, respectively. The parasitism rate byAprostocetussp. was higher at the lower half of the shoots, whereas that by Encyrtidae sp. 1 was higher at the central positions. The distribution of the five parasitoids largely overlapped with each other at the level of scale aggregations. Nevertheless, successful multiparasitism occurred frequently only in several types of species combinations that involved two parasitoid species showing similar within‐shoot distribution patterns. The rate of successful multiparasitism byB. depressawithA. japonicusorAprostocetussp., and that by Encyrtidae sp. 2 with Encyrtidae sp. 1 was constantly high at different vertical positions on the shoots. This may be becauseB. depressaand Encyrtidae sp. 2 preferentially oviposit into scales previously parasitized by these other species.
Effects of selective logging on the arboreal ants of a Bornean rainforest
Authors: WIDODO Erwin S. , NAITO Tikahiko , MOHAMED Maryati , HASHIMOTO Yoshiaki 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWe examined the effect of selective logging and corresponding forest canopy loss on arboreal ant diversity in a tropical rainforest. Arboreal ants were collected from an unlogged forest plot and from forest plots selectively logged 14 years and 24 years earlier in Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia, using a canopy fogging method. Selective logging was associated with a significant decrease in canopy cover and an increase in understory vegetation density relative to unlogged forest. Our study showed that selective logging in primary forest might not dramatically decrease total species number and overall abundance of arboreal ants; however, it may influence the species composition and dominance structure of the ant community, accompanied by an increase in abundance of shrub‐layer species and trophobiotic species. In view of the results of this study, management techniques that minimize logging impact on understory vegetation structure are likely to help maintain the conservation value of logged forests for arboreal ants. Our results also suggest that accurate assessment of the impacts on biodiversity should not be based only on measurement of species number and overall abundance, but also on analysis of species composition and community structure.
The plaque‐removing efficacy of a finger brush (I‐Brush®)
Authors: Graveland M. P. , Rosema N. A. M. , Timmerman M. F. , Van der Weijden G. A. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjective: The purpose of the present study was to test the effectiveness of a finger toothbrush (I‐Brush®) in removing plaque compared with a flat‐trimmed manual toothbrush.Material and methods: For this study, 37 subjects were selected, without previous experience of the use of the I‐Brush®. Each subject received a finger brush (I‐Brush®), a manual toothbrush (Butler® GUM 311), two written brushing instructions for both types of brushes, and a brush calendar. Subjects were given a period of 3 weeks to become familiar with the two types of brushes. During this period, the subjects were instructed to use the two types of brushes on alternate days. The brush calendar helped as a reminder and served to ensure compliance. No instructions regarding brushing time or frequency of brushing were given to the subjects, except that they should conform to their usual oral habits. After 3 weeks, all subjects were asked to abstain from oral hygiene procedures for 48 h prior to the experiment. In this experiment, the amount of dental plaque was scored by a trained examiner. The examiner (N.A.M.R.) used the modified Silness & Löe (1964) plaque index at six sites per tooth. After scoring, each subject received a new finger brush and a new manual toothbrush. The subjects brushed according to a split mouth protocol. Two contra‐lateral quadrants were chosen randomly and were brushed with one randomly chosen brush and the two opposing contra‐lateral quadrants with the alternate brush. The brushing was performed under supervision in front of a mirror. The available time for brushing was 2 min. for the entire dentition. Finally, the remaining plaque was scored again.Results: The overall reduction in plaque was 79% for the manual toothbrush and 62% for the finger brush. The plaque removing efficacy of the finger brush was poorest at the approximal vestibular surfaces (55% plaque reduction) compared with the manual toothbrush (77% plaque reduction).Conclusion: The plaque reduction of the finger brush is not an acceptable alternative to the use of a regular manual toothbrush.
Subgingival plaque microbiota in Saudi Arabians after use of miswak chewing stick and toothbrush
Authors: Al‐Otaibi M. , Al‐Harthy M. , Gustafsson A. , Johansson A. , Claesson R. , Angmar‐Månsson B. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackground: The chewing stick, the miswak, is used in many developing countries as the traditional means for oral hygiene. It is prepared from the roots, twigs and stem of Salvadora persica or other alternative local plants.Objectives: To compare the effects of the chewing stick miswak (from S. persica) and toothbrush on subgingival plaque microflora among Saudi Arabian individuals. Further, to investigate whether components extracted from S. persica may interfere with the subgingival plaque micro‐organisms.Material and Methods: Fifteen healthy Saudi Arabian male volunteers aged 21–36 years were included in a single‐blind, randomized cross‐over study. The participants were taught how to use each device properly. Plaque sampling for DNA test was performed at the baseline, 1 week after professional tooth cleaning, and after 3 weeks of either miswak or toothbrush use. Identification and quantification of microbial species were performed by the checkerboard method, using whole genomic, digoxigenin‐labelled DNA probes. Inhibition zones around miswak were examined on agar plates with Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and the leukotoxicity of this bacterium was analyzed in a bioassay with macrophages±extracts of miswak.Results: Miswak and toothbrushing had a similar influence on the levels of the subgingival microbiota. However, A. actinomycetemcomitans was significantly more reduced by miswak (p<0.05) than by toothbrushing. These results were supported by our in vitro results which, indicated that extracts from S. persica might interfere with the growth and leukotoxicity of A. actinomycetemcomitans.Conclusions: In contrast to toothbrush use, miswak use significantly reduced the amount of A. actinomycetemcomitans in the subgingival plaque.
In vitro studies on controlled‐release cellulose acetate films for local delivery of chlorhexidine, indomethacin, and meloxicam
Authors: Çetin Emel Öykü , Buduneli Nurcan , Atlıhan Evren , Kırılmaz Levent 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackground: Delivery of medications into periodontal pockets to suppress or eradicate the pathogenic microbiota or modulate the inflammatory response, thereby limiting periodontal tissue destruction, has attracted significant interest with the purpose of effective periodontal treatment. However, no study has previously attempted to develop a controlled‐release formulation of anti‐inflammatory agents to be used in the field of periodontology. The aim of the present study was to examine the in vitro release profile of chlorhexidine gluconate, indomethacin, and meloxicam from cellulose acetate films.Methods: Cellulose acetate films containing chlorhexidine gluconate, indomethacin, and meloxicam were prepared and cut in a form to fit to the periodontal pocket anatomy. The release of active agents was studied in 10 ml artificial saliva at 37°C. Apparatus Vibrax was used at 150 r.p.m. Determinations were carried out spectrophotometrically and the release profiles were plotted as a function of time.Results: The formulations showed two different release patterns for a total observation period of approximately 120 h. When the formulations of the three active agents were compared, the release patterns of meloxicam and chlorhexidine gluconate were found to be similar, while the indomethacin‐containing formulation exhibited the fastest release rate.Conclusions: As a conclusion, cellulose acetate may be a suitable inert material for obtaining a prolonged local release of various anti‐inflammatory agents like meloxicam. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are required before starting clinical applications of these controlled‐release formulations of anti‐inflammatory agents.
APPLICATION OF PIXE- AND RBS-CHANNELING TO INVESTIGATIONS ON THE CHARACTERIZATION OF SINGLE CRYSTAL STAINLESS STEEL
Authors: NAKAE T. , TAKAHASHI R. , NOMURA T. , NAKAI Y. , KAGEYAMA H. , SHIMATANI N. , AWATA T. , NISHIHATA A. , ARAI S. , KAWATSURA K. , HORINO Y. , MOKUNO Y. , FUJII K. , AOKI Y. , TAKESHITA H. , YAMAMOTO S. , GOPPELT-LANGER P. , NARAMOTO H. , MITAMURA T. , TERASAWA M. , UCHIDA H. , KOTERAZAWA K. 
Published: November 2004

The characterization of the single crystal of type 304 stainless steels was performed by using particle induced x-ray emission and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy with channeling technique (PIXE-C and RBS-C). They proved that the solution annealing process is absolutely necessary for production of a good single crystal of stainless steels. They are also shown that the positions of P atoms before He irradiation were mostly substitutional sites of fcc structure and that MeV He ion irradiation induced segregation of Si and S atoms to the (110) surface.
REIDEMEISTER TORSION AND SIMPLICIAL QUANTUM GRAVITY
Authors: CARFORA M. , MARZUOLI A. 
Published: November 2004

We show that three-dimensional simplicial quantum gravity, as described by dynamically triangulated manifolds, is connected with a Gaussian model determined by the simple homotopy types of the underlying manifolds. By exploiting this result it is shown that the partition function of three-dimensional simplicial quantum gravity is well defined in a convex region in the plane of the gravitational and cosmological coupling constants. Such a region is determined by the Reidemeister–Franz torsion invariants associated with orthogonal representations of the fundamental groups of the set of manifolds considered. The system shows a critical behavior and undergoes a first order phase transition at a well-defined value of the couplings, again determined by the torsion invariants. On the critical line the partition function can be explicitly related to a Gaussian measure on the general linear group GL (∞, R), showing evidence of a well-defined thermodynamical limit of the theory, with a stable (vacuum) configuration corresponding to three-dimensional (homology) manifolds. The first order nature of the transition yielding such a configuration seems to support the belief in the absence of a continuum limit of the theory. More generally, the approach presented here provides further analytical support for the picture of three-dimensional simplicial quantum gravity which has been abstracted from numerical simulations.
CALCULATION OF RESIDUAL RESISTIVITY FOR FERROMAGNETIC DILUTE NI-ALLOYS
Authors: MERTIG I. , ZELLER R. , DEDERICHS P.H. 
Published: November 2004

We report about ab-initio calculations of the residual resistivity and the deviations of Matthiessens rule for ferromagnetic dilute alloys based on Ni (Ni(A) and Ni(A, B), where A and B stand for simple metal or transition metal impurities). The calculations are based on density -functional theory and the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker Green's-function method. The transport is described quasiclassically by means of the Boltzmann equation using a two current model for the ferromagnetic host. The scattering properties of one impurity atom are calculated selfconsistently including in addition to the impurity atom one shell of perturbed host atoms around the impurity.
MAGNETISM OF FREE TRANSITION METAL AND RARE EARTH CLUSTERS
Authors: BUCHER J.P. , BLOOMFIELD L.A. 
Published: November 2004

When ferromagnetic (monodomain) transition metal clusters pass through a magnetic field gradient, they deflect towards increasing magnetic field. For transition metal clusters with a size between N=10 and N=400 atoms, the observable effective magnetic moment (similar to magnetization), measured from the cluster deflection, scales with magnetic field, cluster size and inverse of cluster vibrational temperature. The measurements are in quantitative agreement with a picture in which the cluster moments are subject to rapid orientational fluctuations and explore the whole distribution of magnetic moment projections on the field axis on the time scale of the experiment. Intrinsic magnetic moments per atom in excess of the bulk values are obtained. While transition metal clusters show a size independent behavior of the magnetic properties down to N=20, similar to what was observed previously for transition metal clusters in matrices, rare earth clusters are quite sensitive to symmetry (anisotropy) and exhibit dramatic variations in their magnetic behavior as a function of size. These size-specific variations of the magnetic behavior of clusters have never been seen before. Except for some “magic numbers”, for which the statistical interpretation still holds, an anomalous spreading of the deflection profile is observed. This spreading is due to a strong coupling of the magnetic moment with the cluster body. When the moment is locked to the lattice by strong crystal field anisotropies, the rotational temperature starts to play an important role in the interpretation of experimental data. This distinct behavior points to the fact that 3d and 4f ferromagnets react quite differently to a confined geometry. This dissimilarity is due in part to a different relative importance of magnetic anisotropy energy and exchange energy. It is found that Gd and Tb clusters retain their magnetic order for temperatures well above their bulk Curie temperatures. Three aspects of cluster magnetic properties can be determined by molecular beam experiments: (i) The effective magnetic moment of a cluster (equivalent to magnetization in a laboratory reference frame), (ii) the intrinsic quasi ground state properties in the reference frame of the particle, such as the magnetic moment per atom and the temperature dependence of the order parameter, and (iii) the dynamics of the cluster as a whole. While the vibrational temperature T vib is almost an experimental input, the rotational temperature T rot can be inferred in the case of strong anisotropy.