bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proliferative activity of extracellular HIV-1 Tat protein in human epithelial cells: expression profile of pathogenetically relevant genes
Authors: Bettaccini Alessia A , Baj Andreina , Accolla Roberto S , Basolo Fulvio , Toniolo Antonio Q 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
Tat is being tested as a component of HIV vaccines. Tat activity has been mainly investigated on cells of lymphoid/hematopoietic lineages. HIV-1, however, is known to infect many different cells of both solid organs and mucosal surfaces. The activity of two-exon (aa 1–101) and synthetic (aa 1–86) Tat was studied on mammary and amniotic epithelial cells cultured under low serum conditions.

Results
small concentrations of Tat (100 ng/ml) stimulated cell proliferation. Tat antibodies neutralized the mitogenic Tat activity. Changes of gene expression in Tat-treated cells were evaluated by RT-PCR and gene-array methods. Within 4 hours of treatment, exposure to Tat is followed by up-regulation of some cell cycle-associated genes (transcription factors, cyclin/cdk complexes, genes of apoptotic pathways) and of genes relevant to HIV pathogenesis [chemokine receptors (CXCR4, CCR3), chemotactic cytokines (SDF-1, RANTES, SCYC1, SCYE1), IL6 family cytokines, inflammatory cytokines, factors of the TGF-beta family (TGFb, BMP-1, BMP-2)]. Up-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-19, IL-20), a hallmark of other persistent viral infections, was a remarkable feature of Tat-treated epithelial cell lines.

Conclusion
extracellular Tat is mitogenic for mammary and amniotic epithelial cells and stimulates the expression of genes of pathogenetic interest in HIV infection. These effects may favor virus replication and may facilitate the mother-to-child transmission of virus.
The minimally invasive open video-assisted approach in surgical thyroid diseases
Authors: Ruggieri Massimo , Straniero Andrea , Mascaro Alessandra , Genderini Mariapia , D'Armiento Massimino , Gargiulo Patrizia , Fumarola Angela , Trimboli Pierpaolo 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
The targets of minimally invasive surgery (MIVA) could be summarised by: achievement of the same results as those obtained with traditional surgery, less trauma, better post-operative course, early discharge from hospital and improved cosmetic results. The minimally invasive techniques in thyroid surgery can be described as either endoscopic "pure" approach (completely closed approach with or without CO2 insufflation), or "open approach" with central neck mini-incision or "open video-assisted approach". Traditionally, open thyroidectomy requires a 6 to 8 cm, or bigger, transverse wound on the lower neck. The minimally invasive approach wound is much shorter (1.5 cm for small nodules, up to 2–3 cm for the largest ones, in respect of the exclusion criteria) upon the suprasternal notch.
Patients also experience much less pain after MIVA surgery than after conventional thyroidectomy. This is due to less dissection and destruction of tissues.
Pathologies treated are mainly nodular goiter; the only kind of thyroid cancer which may be approached with endoscopic surgery is a small differentiated carcinoma without lymph node involvement.
The patients were considered eligible for MIVA hemithyroidectomy and thyroidectomy on the basis of some criteria, such as gland volume and the kind of disease. In our experience we have chosen the minimally invasive open video-assisted approach of Miccoli et al. (2002). The aim of this work was to verify the suitability of the technique and the applicability in clinical practice.

Methods
A completely gasless procedure was carried out through a 15–30 mm central incision about 20 mm above the sternal notch. Dissection was mainly performed under endoscopic vision using conventional endoscopic instruments. The video aided group included 11 patients. All patients were women with a average age of 54.

Results
We performed thyroidectomy in 8 cases and hemithyroidectomy in 3 cases. The operative average time has been 170 minutes.

Conclusion
Nowadays this minimally invasive surgery, in selected patients, clearly demonstrates excellent results regarding patient cure rate and comfort, with shorter hospital stay, reduced postoperative pain and most attractive cosmetic results.
Rel/Nuclear factor-kappa B apoptosis pathways in human cervical cancer cells
Authors: Shehata Marlene F 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Cervical cancer is considered a common yet preventable cause of death in women. It has been estimated that about 420 women out of the 1400 women diagnosed with cervical cancer will die during 5 years from diagnosis. This review addresses the pathogenesis of cervical cancer in humans with a special emphasis on the human papilloma virus as a predominant cause of cervical cancer in humans. The current understanding of apoptosis and regulators of apoptosis as well as their implication in carcinogenesis will follow. A special focus will be given to the role of Rel/NF-κB family of genes in the growth and chemotherapeutic treatment of the malignant HeLa cervical cells emphasizing on Xrel3, a cRel homologue.
An ETP model (exclusion-tolerance-progression) for multi drug resistance
Authors: Kannan Subburaj 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
It is known that sensitivity or resistance of tumor cells to a given chemotherapeutic agent is an acquired characteristic(s), depending on the heterogeneity of the tumor mass subjected to the treatment. The clinical success of a chemotherapeutic regimen depends on the ratio of sensitive to resistant cell populations.

Results
Based on findings from clinical and experimental studies, a unifying model is proposed to delineate the potential mechanism by which tumor cells progress towards multi drug resistance, resulting in failure of chemotherapy.

Conclusion
It is suggested that the evolution of multi drug resistance is a developmentally orchestrated event. Identifying stage-specific time windows during this process would help to identify valid therapeutic targets for the effective elimination of malignancy.
Molecular dynamics study of lignin constituents in water
Authors: Li Xiao Yi , Eriksson Leif A. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Molecular dynamics simulations were used to explore the distribution of linkages in coumaryl alcohol and coniferyl alcohol systems, including monomeric systems and monomers interacting with β-O4 dimers, respectively. Studying the interactions of two monolignols and the corresponding dimers sheds light on the preferred mechanism of reaction of the growing lignin polymer from the view of kinetic factors. The energy change upon association was quantified, and the distances between the centers of mass of different molecules, and the relative orientations between the phenol groups were calculated for all the systems. Using a cut-off threshold of 4 Å to indicate association leading to bond formation, it is concluded that the presence of the additional methoxy group on coniferyl alcohol assists in promoting interaction of the O4 group with the second moiety. Based on the computed data it is furthermore concluded that in aqueous solution, the most likely model of polymerization is that involving initial dimer formation, followed by dimer-dimer association.
Rate-independent mechanical behavior of biaxially stressed wood: Experimental observations and constitutive modeling as an orthotropic two-surface elasto-plastic material
Authors: Mackenzie-Helnwein Peter , Eberhardsteiner Josef , Mang Herbert A. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Recent biaxial experiments on spruce wood show that consideration of an elliptic failure surface according to Tsai and Wu and an elastic model for stress states within this envelope lead to an insufficient description of the mechanical behavior. As compression perpendicular to the grain occurs, a non-linear stress path results from a proportional biaxial strain path. Investigation of characteristic samples with respect to loading-unloading-reloading cycles for states of stress below failure reveals behavior similar to what is known as hardening type plasticity.
The experimentally observed mechanical behavior is described by means of a two-surface plasticity model addressing both failure and non-linear stress response below failure as separate mechanisms. Prediction of failure is achieved by means of a second-order failure envelope according to Tsai and Wu. The non-linear stress response has to be covered by a novel orthotropic hardening type plasticity model. Since available experimental data covers only plane stress in the LR-plane, both orthotropic failure and yield surfaces, respectively, are restricted to this case.
Wood-water sorption isotherm prediction with artificial neural networks: A preliminary study
Authors: Avramidis Stavros , Iliadis Lazaros 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
This is a preliminary study that proposes an original prototype artificial neural network to be used in addition to the two classic sorption isotherm modeling methods, Hailwood-Horrobin (HH) and Guggenheim-Anderson-deBoer (GAB), in predicting the equilibrium moisture content in wood at three different temperatures (30, 45 and 60°C) for softwood (lodgepole pine) sapwood and heartwood specimens. Contrary to the HH and GAB equations, which use physical data for modeling, the predictive power of the artificial neural network is based on both physical and chemical data for the specific wood types. The results prove the potential efficient use of neural networks in predicting moisture content based not only on the ambient conditions, but also on taking into consideration the chemical composition of wood.
Smoking Cessation May Present a Positive Impact on Mandibular Bone Quality and Periodontitis‐Related Bone Loss: A Study in Rats
Authors: César‐Neto João B. , Benatti Bruno B. , Neto Francisco Haiter , Sallum Antonio W. , Sallum Enilson A. , Nociti Francisco H. 
Published: April 2005

Background: It has been previously shown that cigarette smoke inhalation (CSI) enhances bone loss in ligature‐induced periodontitis. In this study, the hypothesis that the interruption of smoke exposure would reverse the impact of CSI on mandibular bone quality and periodontitis‐related bone loss was tested.Methods: Fifty‐three Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: group 1: control, N = 16; group 2: 83 days of CSI prior to ligature placement, N = 17; or group 3: 90 days of CSI before and 60 days after ligature placement, N = 20. Animals were sacrificed 60 days after ligature placement, the jaws removed and immediately radiographed for photodensitometry analysis. Bone loss was histometrically evaluated.Results: CSI did not affect unligated sites in either condition (P >0.05); however, smoke inhalation during the whole experimental period significantly enhanced bone loss in ligated teeth (P <0.05). Moreover, similar levels of bone loss were observed for ligated teeth between the control and cessation groups (0.90 ± 0.33 mm2; 0.96 ± 0.32 mm2; 1.64 ± 0.65 mm2; groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Radiographically, continuous exposure to cigarette smoke promoted a significantly reduced bone density (1.74 ± 0.38 aluminum equivalence [Al eq]; 1.74 ± 0.14 Al eq; and 0.68 ± 0.10 Al eq for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively).Conclusions: Within the limits of the present investigation, it can be assumed that CSI may enhance bone loss in ligatureinduced periodontitis, and negatively impact mandibular bone quality. Additionally, smoke exposure cessation seems to reverse its impact on mandibular bone, and, therefore, may be of clinical relevance. J Periodontol 2005;76:520‐525.
Clinical and Other Risk Indicators for Early Periodontitis in Adults
Authors: Tanner Anne C.R. , Kent Ralph , Van Dyke Thomas , Sonis Steven T. , Murray Lora A. 
Published: April 2005

Background: Periodontal diseases affect over half the adults in the U.S., disproportionately affecting minority populations. Periodontitis can be treated in early stages, but it is not clear what features indicate, or could be risk factors for, early stages of periodontal attachment loss. This study aimed to evaluate associations between clinical and other risk indicators of early periodontitis.Methods: A cross‐sectional evaluation of 225 healthy and early periodontitis adults aged 20 to 40 years was performed. Clinical measurements, demographic information, and smoking histories were recorded. Analyses evaluated demographic and clinical associations with health and early periodontitis disease categories and periodontal attachment loss. Patterns of attachment loss at interproximal and buccal/lingual sites were evaluated.Results: Subject age, plaque, and measures of gingivitis exhibited associations with attachment loss and probing depth. More periodontal attachment loss was detected in African‐American and Hispanic subjects compared to Asian and Caucasian subjects. Smoking history was associated with attachment loss. At interproximal sites, lower molars most frequently had attachment loss, whereas at buccal/lingual sites, higher proportions of lower bicuspid teeth demonstrated attachment loss compared with other sites.Conclusions: In this study of subjects with minimal attachment loss, gingival inflammation was associated with early periodontitis. Lower molar interproximal sites were frequently associated with interproximal attachment loss, whereas lower bicuspid teeth were at risk for gingival recession on buccal surfaces. J Periodontol 2005;76:573‐581.
Perioral Angioedema Associated With Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitor
Authors: Peacock Mark E. , Park Dong S. , Swiec Gary D. , Erley Kenneth J. 
Published: April 2005

Background: Angioedema is a non‐pruritic swelling usually limited to the skin and mucous membranes of the face and perioral soft tissues. It can be life threatening but usually is not, and can be managed with conservative medical treatment unless the airway is endangered. Recent reports suggest that angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can predispose and/or precipitate angioedema, with a predilection toward patients of African American ancestry.Methods: This case report involved a 65‐year‐old African American female who was being treated surgically for localized chronic periodontitis. The procedure was performed without incident, and the patient was alert and stable when released. The next day, the patient called and reported that her lips were swollen. She stated that this had happened a number of times over the past several years, sometimes related to eating shellfish and other times without any known precipitating factor. All previous episodes of perioral swelling occurred after ACE inhibitor therapy had been initiated.Results: The patient was in no distress, with no other site involvement. She was prescribed oral hydroxyzine and her appearance returned to normal after 5 days. Although the patient had experienced previous episodes of angioedema, none had been in response to any dental procedure. She was referred to the Allergy and Immunology Clinic for skin testing, the results of which were negative to shellfish with good controls. Other potentiating etiologies were also ruled out by the allergist.Conclusions: Angioedema is a recognized possible side effect of ACE inhibitor therapy. The exact mechanism by which ACE inhibitors induce angioedema is not known, although the risk of occurrence is much greater in African Americans. Practitioners should be alert to this potentially fatal condition in patients who take ACE inhibitors or the newer angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). J Periodontol 2005;76:651‐654.
Visualization of Protein Interactions in Living Cells Using Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC) Analysis
Authors: Hu Chang‐Deng , Grinberg Asya V. , Kerppola Tom K. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractProtein interactions integrate stimuli from different signaling pathways and developmental programs. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) analysis has been developed for visualization of protein interactions in living cells. This approach is based on complementation between two fragments of a fluorescent protein when they are brought together by an interaction between proteins fused to the fragments, and it enables visualization of the subcellular locations of protein interactions in the normal cellular environment. It can be used for the analysis of many protein interactions and does not require information about the structures of the interaction partners. A multicolor BiFC approach has been developed for simultaneous visualization of interactions with multiple alternative partners in the same cell, based on complementation between fragments of engineered fluorescent proteins that produce bimolecular fluorescent complexes with distinct spectral characteristics. This enables comparison of subcellular distributions of different protein complexes in the same cell and allows analysis of competition between mutually exclusive interaction partners.
Using the Tools and Resources of the RCSB Protein Data Bank
Authors: Dutta Shuchismita , Burkhardt Kyle , Bluhm Wolfgang F. , Berman Helen M. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe Protein Data Bank (PDB; http://www.pdb.org) is the world‐wide repository for three‐dimensional structural data determined using various experimental methods. The options and procedures for searching and downloading structural data from the PDB, which is maintained by the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics (RCSB), are described here along with tools for depositing and assessing the quality of structures. Several types of information are associated with each structure deposition including atomic coordinates of the structure, experimental data used to solve the structure, sequences of all macromolecules that constitute the structures, details about the structure solution method, images showing different views of the structure, derived geometric data, and a variety of links to other resources. These data and resources may be used for understanding and designing biochemical, genetic, or other experiments to study the stability or function of the molecule. They can also be used for molecular modeling and drug design.
MultiPipMaker: Comparative Alignment Server for Multiple DNA Sequences
Authors: Elnitski Laura , Riemer Cathy , Burhans Richard , Hardison Ross , Miller Webb 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe MultiPipMaker World Wide Web server (http://www.bx.psu.edu) provides a useful tool for aligning multiple sequences and visualizing regions of conservation between them. This unit describes the use of the MultiPipMaker server and gives an explanation of the resulting output files and supporting tools. Features provided by the server include alignment of up to 20 very long genomic sequences, output choices of a true, nucleotide‐level multiple alignment or stacked, pairwise percent identity plots, and user‐specified annotations for genomic features and elements of choice, with clickable links to additional information. Alignments can include unordered, unoriented secondary sequences.
Annotating Non‐Coding RNAs with Rfam
Authors: Griffiths‐Jones Sam 
Published: April 2005

AbstractNon‐coding RNA (ncRNA) genes produce a functional RNA product, rather than a translated protein. The range and importance of such genes is only recently apparent, with known ncRNAs participating in a wide range of structural, regulatory, and catalytic roles within the cell. Like protein‐coding genes, multiple sequence alignments of families of ncRNAs tell us much about their structure and function, and enable the formulation of statistical models for the detection of related sequences. Rfam is a database of families of ncRNAs, represented by structure‐annotated multiple sequence alignments and covariance models.
High‐density polyethylene/ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene blend. I. The processing, thermal, and mechanical properties
Authors: Lim K. L. K. , Ishak Z. A. Mohd , Ishiaku U. S. , Fuad A. M. Y. , Yusof A. H. , Czigany T. , Pukanszky B. , Ogunniyi D. S. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractVarious blend ratios of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were prepared with the objective of determining their suitability as biomaterials. Although the presence of HDPE in the blends enabled melt processing, the presence of UHMWPE helped to improve the toughness of the resulting blends. The processability of the blends was investigated with the Brabender torque, which was used as an indication of the optimum blend conditions. The blends were characterized with differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical tests performed on the blends included tensile, flexural, and impact tests. A 50:50 (w/w) blend yielded optimum properties in terms of the processability and mechanical properties. The tensile property of the 50:50 blend was intermediate between those of HDPE and UHMWPE, but the strain at break increased 200% in comparison with that of both neat resins. The energy at break of the 50:50 blend revealed an improvement in the toughness. The fracture mechanism was also investigated with scanning electron microscopy. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 413–425, 2005
A study of localized curing of glass‐filled composites using microhardness measurements
Authors: Abedian B. , Garcia‐Godoy F. , Garcia‐Godoy F. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractExtent of cure of hybrid composite systems is examined by conducting hardness measurements at different stages of the photopolymerization reaction and obtaining kinetic parameters that matched the experimental data. The materials are commercial dental composites based on bis[4‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloyloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane resins with different photoinitiator concentrations as well as filler particle sizes and combinations. Samples (five per group) were made using nylon molds (2.5 × 5 mm) of the tested composites. The samples were light cured with a constant‐power light source for durations up to 20 s. After curing, all samples underwent Vicker's hardness testing of top and bottom surfaces. While there are significant differences in the polymerization behavior between the top and bottom locations for the tested composites, the corresponding growth exponent n, a kinetic parameter in the kinetic theory, is very close in all cases. For the tested materials the coefficient factor k is much lower for the bottom surfaces compared with the top surfaces. This reduction in the value of k is more severe for the material with a higher concentration of the photoinitiator as well as a higher percentage of glass filler particles in the wavelength range affecting the photopolymerization. It is argued that a relationship between k and the irradiation intensity can be used to quantify the decay of irradiated light with its penetration into the composites. The comparisons can be used to draw preliminary conclusions on the parameters controlling the effective depth of cure in a hybrid composite. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 426–431, 2005