bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of solid pigment in dermatoscopy images using texture analysis
Authors: Murali Anantha , Stoecker William V. , Moss Randy H. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: Epiluminescence microscopy (ELM), also known as dermoscopy or dermatoscopy, is a non‐invasive, in vivo technique, that permits visualization of features of pigmented melanocytic neoplasms that are not discernable by examination with the naked eye. ELM offers a completely new range of visual features. One such feature is the solid pigment, also called the blotchy pigment or dark structureless area. Our goal was to automatically detect this feature and determine whether its presence is useful in distinguishing benign from malignant pigmented lesions.Methods: Here, a texture‐based algorithm is developed for the detection of solid pigment. The factors d and a used in calculating neighboring gray level dependence matrix (NGLDM) numbers were chosen as optimum by experimentation. The algorithms are tested on a set of 37 images. A new index is presented for separation of benign and malignant lesions, based on the presence of solid pigment in the periphery.Results: The NGLDM large number emphasis N2 was satisfactory for the detection of the solid pigment. Nine lesions had solid pigment detected, and among our 37 lesions, no melanoma lacked solid pigment. The index for separation of benign and malignant lesions was applied to the nine lesions. We were able to separate the benign lesions with solid pigment from the malignant lesions with the exception of only one lesion, a Spitz nevus that mimicked a malignant melanoma.Conclusion: Texture methods may be useful in detecting important dermatoscopy features in digitized images and a new index may be useful in separating benign from malignant lesions. Testing on a larger set of lesions is needed before further conclusions can be made.
Sea water or its components alter experimental irritant dermatitis in man
Authors: Yoshizawa Yusuke , Tanojo Hanafi , Kim Seong Jin , Maibach Howard I. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: Ocean bathing has been considered “healthy” for skin, but its efficacy remains testimonial in nature. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of sea water and its main components on experimental irritant contact dermatitis induced by sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) cumulative irritation.Methods: After open application of 2% SLS for 10 min on volar forearm sites, solutions of sea water, 500 mM NaCl, 10 mM KCl, 55 mM MgCl2, 10 mM CaCl2, or deionized water were separately applied using filter paper discs for 20 min. The procedures were repeated daily for 2 weeks. The effects of the treatment were assessed daily using measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), as an indicator of epidermal barrier function, and capacitance, as a parameter of stratum corneum water content.Results: Sea water, NaCl, and KCl significantly inhibited the increase of TEWL as compared with deionized water (P<0.003, P<0.05, P<0.05, respectively). Sea water and NaCl inhibited the decrease of capacitance as well (P<0.03, P<0.01).Conclusion: The effect of sea water may be attributed to skin barrier preservation by NaCl and KCl, and an emollient effect by NaCl.
Molded bone augmentation by a combination of barrier membrane and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2
Authors: Takeishi H , Irie K , Okuda K , Ozawa H , Yajima T , Ejiri S 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: To provide the histological background to a new method of local bone augmentation, we examined the events occurring beneath a barrier membrane applied with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2).MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects on bone augmentation of rhBMP‐2, applied with a membrane mold (BMP‐Memb), over surgically‐induced bone defects in rat calvaria were examined histologically, and the results compared with those from application of rhBMP‐2 (BMP) alone, or of a molded membrane (Memb) alone.RESULTS: At postoperative week 2, the BMP group showed the most marked bone formation. However, the bone diminished in size by week 8. The Memb group showed slow but continuous bone formation by week 8. In the BMP‐Memb group, bone filled the space in the mold at week 2, and this was maintained until week 8. Moreover, the soft tissue that had intervened between newly formed bone and the membrane in the Memb group was not evident in the BMP‐Memb group, in which bone had formed directly on the membrane.CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the combination of rhBMP‐2 and barrier membrane has advantages in producing and maintaining bone in the intended shape by inducing osteoblasts directly on the inner surface of the membrane.
Factors associated with the temporomandibular disorder, pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS): Manchester case–control study
Authors: Macfarlane TV , Gray RJM , Kincey J , Worthington HV 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: To determine the individual and combined effects of potential risk factors in relation to the temporomandibular disorder, Pain Dysfunction Syndrome (PDS).DESIGN: Case–control study.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cases were new referrals to the temporomandibular disorder clinic of the University Dental Hospital of Manchester, diagnosed with PDS. Controls were randomly selected from 24 dental practices. Using a postal questionnaire information was collected on socio‐demographic, local mechanical, psychological factors, co‐morbidities and illness behaviour. The adjusted participation rate was similar in cases and controls (64%), and 131 cases and 196 controls finally participated in the study.RESULTS: Compared with the controls, the cases were more likely to report that their teeth felt as though they did not fit together properly [odds ratio (OR) 8, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 6–13] and report history of facial trauma (OR 3, 95% CI 2–6). Both diurnal and nocturnal grinding were significantly associated with PDS, and individuals who reported grinding their teeth both during the day and at night had a risk of 6; 95% CI 3–13 for PDS compared with those who did not. A history of orthodontic treatment, having any dentures, having missing teeth, use of chewing gum or biting the fingernails did not show any relationship with PDS. People who took medication for the bowels had a higher risk of PDS (OR 2, 95% CI 1–4). Participants with frequent headaches had a threefold increase in risk of having PDS (OR 3, 95% CI 2–5) while having pain in parts of the body other than the head was associated with an OR of 3 (95% CI 2–5). An increased propensity to have PDS was seen in those individuals with higher levels of psychological distress (OR 3; 95% CI 1–4 in the highest category, test for trend P < 0.001) and sleep disturbance (OR 5; 95% CI 2–94 in the highest category, test for trend P < 0.001). Aspects of illness behaviour, such as disease conviction (OR 4; 95% CI 2–9 in the highest category) and perception of illness (0.3; 95% CI 0.2–0.5) were associated with PDS. The result for the denial scale became statistically significant after adjustment for age and gender (2; 95% CI 1–3).CONCLUSIONS: The current case–control study provides complementary epidemiological information on oro‐facial pain (OFP) and supports a multifactorial aetiology of PDS, with factors from many domains, including local mechanical factors, psychological and co‐morbidities. People with PDS were characterized by frequent headaches, history of facial trauma, teeth grinding, sleep problems, pain elsewhere in the body and high levels of psychological distress. From the results of current study and available evidence it seems inappropriate to consider PDS in isolation and future research should adopt a multidisciplinary approach to OFP.
Salivary gland delivery of pDNA‐cationic lipoplexes elicits systemic immune responses
Authors: Sankar V , Baccaglini L , Sawdey M , Wheeler CJ , Pillemer SR , Baum BJ , Atkinson JC 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE: To test the ability of two cationic lipoplexes, Vaxfectin and GAP‐DLRIE/DOPE, to facilitate transfection and elicit immune responses from plasmid DNAs (pDNAs) after retrograde instillation into salivary glands.METHODS: Two pDNA expression vectors encoding either the influenza NP protein or human growth hormone (hGH) were complexed with the cationic lipid transfection reagents, GAP‐DLRIE/DOPE or Vaxfectin, and delivered to the submandibular glands of rats. Samples from rats receiving the influenza NP protein pDNA and cationic lipoplexes were analyzed for anti‐influenza NP‐specific IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b in serum, and IgA in saliva, by an enzyme‐ linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cytotoxic T‐cell lymphocyte (CTL) assays were also performed. Transgene protein expression (hGH) was determined from extracts of submandibular glands of rats receiving hGH lipoplexes.RESULTS: Serum antibodies (IgG) against the NP protein developed and were highest in all rats vaccinated with GAP‐DLRIE/DOPE or Vaxfectin. The major serum IgG subclass stimulated by this route of immunization was IgG2b, followed by IgG2a. CTL assay results showed statistically significantly higher percentage killing in the Vaxfectin group than controls (P < 0.05). No rats developed IgA antibodies to NP protein in saliva. Animals receiving plasmid encoding hGH and either lipoplex expressed significantly higher amounts of hGH compared with those receiving the hGH plasmid and water. Although hGH expression was higher in the animals receiving pDNA/Vaxfectin (∼ 30‐fold > pDNA/water), the difference with those receiving pDNA/GAP‐DLRIE/DOPE (∼10‐fold > pDNA/water) was not significant.CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde instillation of pDNA complexed with Vaxfectin into the salivary glands can stimulate cytotoxic and humoral responses to the influenza NP protein antigen. Optimization of the conditions required to stimulate humoral and secretory antibody formation may facilitate use of this tissue for specific clinical applications of pDNA immunization.
Dento‐osseous changes as diagnostic markers in familial adenomatous polyposis families
Authors: Aggarwal VR , Sloan P , Horner K , Macfarlane TV , Clancy T , Evans G , Thakker N 
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND:  We have previously described a weighted index for determining the diagnostic significance of dento‐osseous changes observed on dental panoramic radiographs (DPRs) in individuals at 50% risk of inheriting Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). A diagnostic test based on this index (Dental Panoramic Radiograph Score, DPRS) was shown to have a sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 100%.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the validity of the diagnostic test in an independent sample of individuals at 50% risk of inheriting FAP.DESIGN: A retrospective assessment of DPRs in individuals at 50% risk of inheriting FAP.SUBJECTS AND METHODS:  A final year dental student assessed blindly and independently, DPRs from an independent sample (n = 119) of affected (n = 26), unaffected (n = 78) and clinically low risk individuals (n = 15). This revealed a sensitivity and specificity of 62 and 97% respectively which is in close agreement with results of the previous study. The dental student's training in assessing DPRs was previously tested using radiographs from 81 individuals from our original study. Weighted Kappa statistics were used to test for agreement. A kappa score of 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.70–0.93) indicated almost perfect agreement.MAIN OUTCOME: The DPRS is a reproducible and valid index for assessing the diagnostic significance of dento‐osseous changes, in individuals at 50% risk of FAP, even in relatively inexperienced hands.
Copper‐ and arsenate‐induced oxidative stress in Holcus lanatus L. clones with differential sensitivity
Authors: Hartley‐Whitaker J. , Ainsworth G. , Meharg A. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe biochemical responses of Holcus lanatus L. to copper and  arsenate  exposure were investigated in arsenate‐tolerant and ‐non‐tolerant plants from uncontaminated and arsenic/copper‐contaminated sites. Increases in lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and phytochelatin (PC) production were correlated with increasing copper and arsenate exposure. In addition, significant differences in biochemical responses were observed between arsenate‐tolerant and ‐non‐tolerant plants. Copper and arsenate exposure led to the production of reactive oxygen species, resulting in significant lipid peroxidation in non‐tolerant plants. However, SOD activity was suppressed upon metal exposure, possibly due to interference with metallo‐enzymes. It was concluded that in non‐tolerant plants, rapid arsenate influx resulted in PC production, glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation. This process would also occur in tolerant plants, but by decreasing the rate of influx, they were able to maintain their constitutive functions, detoxify the metals though PC production and quench reactive oxygen species by SOD activity.
The temperature dependence of shoot hydraulic resistance: implications for stomatal behaviour and hydraulic limitation
Authors: Matzner S. , Comstock J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRecent soil pressurization experiments have shown that stomatal closure in response to high leaf–air humidity gradients can be explained by direct feedback from leaf water potential. The more complex temperature‐by‐humidity interactive effects on stomatal conductance have not yet been explained fully. Measurements of the change in shoot conductance with temperature were made on Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) to test whether temperature‐induced changes in the liquid‐phase transport capacity could explain these temperature‐ by‐humidity effects. In addition, shoot hydraulic resistances were partitioned within the stem and leaves to determine whether or not leaves exhibit a greater resistance. Changes in hydraulic conductance were calculated based on an Ohm’s law analogy. Whole‐plant gas exchange was used to determine steady‐ state transpiration rates. A combination of in situ psychrometer measurements, Scholander pressure chamber measurements and psychrometric measurements of leaf punches was used to determine water potential differences within the shoot. Hydraulic conductance for each portion of the pathway was estimated as the total flow divided by the water potential difference. Temperature‐induced changes in stomatal conductance were correlated linearly with temperature‐induced changes in hydraulic conductance. The magnitude of the temperature‐induced changes in whole‐plant hydraulic conductance was sufficient to account for the interactive effects of temperature and humidity on stomatal conductance.
The cooling of convolvulaceous flowers in a tropical environment
Authors: Patiño S. , Grace J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe temperatures of flowers of Ipomoea pes‐caprae ssp. brasilensis, Ipomoea aquatica and Merremia borneensis in bright sunshine, were studied to determine the role of corollas and sepals in cooling the gynoecium. The corollas and sepals were prevented from transpiring by greasing, to investigate the extent of evaporative cooling. In the exposed natural habitats of these flowers the maximum temperatures of air and soil were high (32 and 42 °C, respectively) and corolla, sepal and gynoecium temperatures were often intermediate. Despite being almost astomatous, significant evaporative cooling was observed in the corolla. Between 20 and 80% of the energy absorbed by the corollas was dissipated as evaporation. The sepals were stomatous and their evaporative cooling was very important in reducing the temperature of the gynoecium. The temperatures of the non‐transpiring gynoecia and corollas were significantly higher than the temperatures of the normally transpiring corollas and gynoecia. Furthermore, the gynoecia temperatures were significantly higher with non‐transpiring corollas than with normally transpiring corollas, suggesting that the corollas alone play a role in maintaining the gynoecium within optimal temperatures levels. It was shown in an incubation experiment that temperatures exceeding 32 °C may damage the carpels, and temperatures exceeding 42 °C may damage sepals. Pollen grains were killed after 200 min of exposure to temperatures in the range 32 to 47 °C. It is concluded that the cooling mechanisms (evaporation and self‐shading) are critical for the reproductive success of these flowers in their natural environment.
‘Soil conditions and plant growth’
Authors: Passioura J. B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPlants can respond to soil conditions in ways that can not readily be explained in terms of the ability of the roots to take up water and nutrients. Roots may sense difficult conditions in the soil and thence send inhibitory signals to the shoots which harden the plants against the consequences of a deteriorating or restrictive environment, especially if the plants’ water supply is at risk. Generally, this behaviour can be interpreted as feedforward responses to the soil becoming too dry or too hard, or to the available soil volume being very small as with bonsai plants, or to roots’ becoming infected with pathogens. However, soil that is too soft or in which the roots are forced to grow in very large pores can also induce large conservative responses, the significance of which is unclear. The inhibitory signals may affect stomatal conductance, cell expansion, cell division and the rate of leaf appearance. Their nature is still under debate, and the debate is becoming increasingly complex, which probably signifies that a network of hormonal and other responses is involved in attuning the growth and development of a plant to its environment.
Flower developmental stage and organ sensitivity of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to elevated temperature
Authors: Erickson A. N. , Markhart A. H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractHigh temperatures adversely affect crop productivity of several plant species including bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum). The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine whether flower ontogeny is adversely affected by high temperature during different phases of development, including pre‐ and post‐pollination events; (2) to determine the duration of high temperature exposure necessary to cause reduction in fruit set; and (3) to determine whether injury to the pistil or stamen during development is responsible for reduced fruit set during high temperature. We determined that flower buds at <2·5 mm in length, corresponding to microspore mother cell meiosis to tetrad dissolution, and flowers that reached anthesis during the high temperature exposure had reduced fruit set when exposed to 33 °C for 48 or 120 h. Flower buds at <2·5 mm in length also had reduced pollen viability when exposed to 33 °C for 120 h. Morphological examination demonstrated that meiocytes initiated tetrad formation, but after dissolution the microspores remained small and clumped without a thick exine. High temperature exposure at a late‐development, pre‐anthesis stage did not affect pistil or stamen viability, but high post‐pollination temperatures inhibited fruit set, suggesting that fertilization is sensitive to high temperature stress.
Environmental and stomatal control of photosynthetic enhancement in the canopy of a sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) plantation during 3 years of CO2 enrichment
Authors: Gunderson C. A. , Sholtis J. D. , Wullschleger S. D. , Tissue D. T. , Hanson P. J. , Norby R. J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractLight‐saturated photosynthetic and stomatal responses to elevated CO2 were measured in upper and mid‐canopy foliage of a sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L) plantation exposed to free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) for 3 years, to characterize environmental interactions with the sustained CO2 effects in an intact deciduous forest stand. Responses were evaluated in relation to one another, and to seasonal patterns and natural environmental stresses, including high temperatures, vapour pressure deficits (VPD), and drought. Photosynthetic CO2 assimilation (A) averaged 46% higher in the +200 µmol mol−1 CO2 treatment, in mid‐ and upper canopy foliage. Stomatal conductance (gs) averaged 14% (mid‐canopy) and 24% (upper canopy) lower under CO2 enrichment. Variations in the relative responses of A and gs were linked, such that greater relative stimulation of A was observed on dates when relative reductions in gs were slight. Dry soils and high VPD reduced gs and A in both treatments, and tended to diminish treatment differences. The absolute effects of CO2 on A and gs were minimized whenever gs was low (<0·15 mol m−2 s−1), but relative effects, as the ratio of elevated to ambient rates, varied greatly under those conditions. Both stomatal and non‐stomatal limitations of A were involved during late season droughts. Leaf temperature had a limited influence on A and gs, and there was no detectable relationship between prevailing temperature and CO2 effects on A or gs. The responsiveness of A and gs to elevated CO2, both absolute and relative, was maintained through time and within the canopy of this forest stand, subject to seasonal constraints and variability associated with limiting air and soil moisture.
Seasonal variation in δ13C and δ18O of cellulose from growth rings of Pinus radiata
Authors: Barbour M. M. , Walcroft A. S. , Farquhar G. D. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSeasonal variation in δ13C and δ18O of cellulose (δ13Cc and δ18Oc) was measured within two annual rings of Pinus radiata growing at three sites in New Zealand. In general, both δ13Cc and δ18Oc increased to a peak over summer. The three sites differed markedly in annual water balance, and these differences were reflected in δ13Cc and δ18Oc. Average δ13Cc and δ18Oc from each site were positively related, so that the driest site had the most enriched cellulose. δ13Cc and δ18Oc were also related within each site, although both the slope and the closeness of fit of the relationship varied between sites. Supporting the theory, the site with the lowest average relative humidity also had the greatest change in δ18Oc‰ change in δ13Cc. Specific climatic events, such as drought or high rainfall, were recorded as a peak or a trough in enrichment, respectively. These results suggest that seasonal and between‐site variation in δ13Cc and δ18Oc are driven by the interaction between variation in climatic conditions and soil water availability, and plant response to this variation.
The effects of parasitism and body length on positioning within wild fish shoals
Authors: Ward A. J. W. , Hoare D. J. , Couzin I. D. , Broom M. , Krause J. 
Published: March 2003

Summary

The influence of body length and parasitism on the positioning behaviour of individuals in wild fish shoals was investigated by a novel means of capturing entire shoals of the banded killifish (Fundulus diaphanus, Lesueur) using a grid‐net that maintained the two‐dimensional positions of individuals within shoals.
Fish in the front section of a shoal were larger than those in the rear.
Individuals parasitized by the digenean trematode (Crassiphiala bulboglossa, Haitsma) showed a tendency to occupy the front of shoals. Parasitized fish were also found more in peripheral positions than central ones in a significant number of shoals.
Shoal geometry was affected by the overall parasite prevalence of shoal members; shoals with high parasite prevalence displayed increasingly phallanx‐like shoal formations, whereas shoals with low prevalence were more elliptical.
There was no relationship between body length and parasite abundance or prevalence in the fish population which suggests body length and parasite status are independent predictors of positioning behaviour.
Solitary individuals found outside shoals were both more likely to be parasitized and had higher parasite abundance than individuals engaged in shoaling.
Differences in the shoaling behaviour of parasitized and unparasitized fish are discussed in the context of the adaptive manipulation hypothesis.