bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Optimization Using Noninvasive Cardiac Output Measurement
Authors: KHAN FAKHAR Z. , VIRDEE MUNMOHAN S. , HUTCHINSON JOHN , SMITH BEVERLEY , PUGH PETER J. , READ PHILIP A. , FYNN SIMON P. , DUTKA DAVID P. 
Published: July 2011

Aims:
Noninvasive cardiac output (CO) measurement (NICOM) is a novel method to assess ventricular function and offers a potential alternative for optimization of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. We compared the effect of NICOM‐based optimization to no optimization (empiric settings) on CRT outcomes.
Methods:
Two hundred and three patients undergoing CRT were assessed in two consecutive nonrandomized groups; an empiric group (n = 54) was programmed to “out of the box” settings with a fixed AV delay of 120 ms and a VV delay of 0 ms; and the optimization group (n = 149) underwent adjustments of both the AV and VV delays according to the greatest improvement in resting CO. The primary endpoints were improvements in left ventricular (LV) volumes and function from baseline at 6 months. Secondary endpoints were change in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, quality of life score, and 6‐minute walk test (6 MWT) performance.
Results:
After 6 months of CRT, the optimization group had a better clinical response with lower NYHA class (2.1±0.8 vs 2.4 ± 0.8, P = 0.048) and quality of life scores (35 ± 18 vs 42 ± 20, P = 0.045) but no differences in 6‐MWT performance (269 ± 110 vs 277 ± 114 m, P = 0.81). Echocardiographic response was also better in the optimization group with lower LV end systolic volume (108 ± 51 vs 126 ± 60 mL, P = 0.048) and higher ejection fraction (30 ± 7 vs 27 ± 8, P = 0.01) compared to empiric settings.
Conclusion:
Device optimization using noninvasive measures of CO is associated with better clinical and echocardiographic response compared to empiric settings. (PACE 2011; 34:1527–1536)
Thermo‐Optical Properties of LaMAl11O19 (M = Mg, Mn, Fe) Hexaaluminates for High‐Temperature Thermal Protection Applications
Authors: Liu Hong‐Zhi , Ouyang Jia‐Hu , Liu Zhan‐Guo , Wang Ya‐Ming 
Published: July 2011

LaMAl11O19 (M = Mg, Mn, Fe) ceramics are fabricated by pressureless‐sintering method at 1700°C for 10 h in air. The microstructure and thermo‐optical properties of LaMAl11O19 ceramics are studied by the X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements. The transition metallic elements such as Mn and Fe at M2+ site can effectively enhance the emissivity of LaMAl11O19 ceramics at short wavelengths. LaFeAl11O19 has the highest emissivity value of more than 0.8 in the wavelength range of 2.5–6 μm at 500°C. However, the measured emissivity of different LaMAl11O19 ceramics shows a similar trend in the wavelength range of 6–14 μm. LaFeAl11O19 is a promising protective coating material for metallic thermal protection system due to its high emissivity of above 0.7 over the whole wavelength range of 2.5–14 μm at temperatures up to 900°C.
Role of cytochrome P‐450 genetic polymorphisms in oral carcinogenesis
Authors: Hernando‐Rodriguez Miriam , Rey‐Barja Natalia , Marichalar‐Mendia Xabier , Rodriguez‐Tojo Maria J. , Acha‐Sagredo Amelia , Aguirre‐Urizar Jose M. 
Published: July 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 1–8Oral cancer is one of the most frequent head and neck cancers, and epidemiological studies have shown that smoking is a major risk factor in this pathology. However, as not all smokers develop oral cancer, some individuals must be more susceptible to develop this disease. This individual susceptibility has been related to different genetic variants in metabolizing enzymes. The cytochrome P‐450 (CYP) family of enzymes metabolizes tobacco‐related carcinogens producing reactive metabolites, which could cause DNA damage. Because of their functional role in the metabolism of tobacco‐related compounds, the genetic polymorphisms found in the genes that code for CYP enzymes have been suggested to modulate oral cancer risk and contribute to individual susceptibility. In this review, we analyze and update the available evidence in the literature regarding the polymorphisms of CYP genes in relation to the susceptibility of developing oral cancer.
Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells contribute to oral cancer progression in 4NQO‐treated mice
Authors: Chu M , Su Y‐X , Wang L , Zhang T‐H , Liang Y‐J , Liang L‐Z , Liao G‐Q 
Published: July 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 18, 67–73Objective:  Abnormal myelopoiesis especially the expansion of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is increasingly recognized as an important reason for the escape of tumor from immune surveillance. This study aims to investigate the role of this specific population of cells in oral cancer progression.Materials and Methods:  4‐Nitroquinoline 1‐oxide (4NQO) was used to induce oral cancer in C57BL/6 mice. The tongue mucosa was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The distribution of MDSCs in the spleen and peripheral blood and T cell subsets in the spleen was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of MDSCs in the tongue tissues was investigated by immunohistochemical staining, and the expression of arginase‐1 (ARG‐1) and NOS‐2 in the tongue tissues was detected by real‐time PCR.Results:  We found that during tumor progression, significantly increased frequency of MDSCs was observed in the spleens and peripheral blood of 4NQO‐treated mice, and the frequency of MDSCs in the spleens was positively correlated with systemic CD3+CD8+ T cells. Moreover, 4NQO‐treated mice showed significantly higher MDSCs infiltration and ARG‐1 mRNA level in the tumor site.Conclusions:  Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells contribute to oral tumor progression and represent a potential target for immunotherapy of oral cancer.
Rho Kinase-related Proteins in Human Vaginal Arteries: An Immunohistochemical and Functional Study
Authors: Ückert Stefan , Waldkirch Eginhard S. , Kauffels Wolfgang , Kuczyk Markus A. , Hedlund Petter 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Introduction
The calcium-sensitizing Rho A/Rho kinase pathway has been suggested to play a role in the control of nongenital vascular smooth muscle. Rho-associated kinases (ROKs) cause calcium-independent modulation of smooth muscle contraction, and have been demonstrated in the bladder, prostate, and corpus cavernosum. Until now, it is not known whether ROKs and related proteins play a role in the control of vaginal blood flow.

Aim
To investigate by means of functional studies and immunohistochemistry the significance of the Rho pathway in human vaginal arteries.

Methods
Vaginal tissue was obtained from five postmenopausal women. Specimens were processed for immunohistochemistry for ROK1, ROK2, RhoA, and RhoGDI. Segments of sub-epithelial vaginal arteries were mounted in a tissue bath. Effects of Y27632 on the concentration–response curves to phenylephrine (Phe) or Phe-precontracted preparations were investigated.

Main Outcome Measure
The expression of Rho kinases ROK1, ROK2, and the Rho-associated protein RhoGDI in human vaginal arteries was investigated by means of immunohistochemistry. Tissue bath studies were conducted in order to characterize the effects of the ROK inhibitor Y27632 on isolated vaginal arteries.

Results
A meshwork of α-actin immunoreactive arterioles was located in the sub-epithelium of human vaginal specimens. Immunoreactivities for ROK1, ROK2, RhoA, and RhoGDI were expressed in the smooth musculature of these arteries. At 0.1 and 1 µM Y27632, the contraction to Phe (10 µM) was 99 ± 17% and 28 ± 12% that of 124 mM K+. In Phe-contracted preparations, Y27632 produced relaxant responses.

Conclusions
The activation of alpha1-adrenoceptors contracts sub-epithelial human vaginal arteries via ROK-sensitive mechanisms. A role for these signals in the regulation of vaginal blood flow might be considered.
The Role of Testosterone in Sexuality and Paraphilia—A Neurobiological Approach. Part II: Testosterone and Paraphilia
Authors: Jordan Kirsten , Fromberger Peter , Stolpmann Georg , Müller Jürgen Leo 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTIntroductionAntiandrogen therapy has been used for 30 years to treat paraphilic patients and sexual offenders. Yet the therapeutic success of antiandrogens is uncertain. Furthermore, there is still a lack of comprehensive knowledge about the effects of androgen-lowering therapy in paraphilic patients.AimWe discuss endocrinological, neurobiological, and therapeutic aspects of paraphilia with the aim of integrating these on the basis of the current neurobiological and clinical knowledge on testosterone that was set out in Part I of this review.MethodsOur review of the human literature comprises the current knowledge about the neurobiology of paraphilia and the known endocrinological, pathophysiological, and genetic aspects of this disorder. The role of testosterone is discussed. A survey of antiandrogen therapy and its outcome in paraphilic patients and sex offenders is provided.ResultsAlthough not all data are consistent, current imaging research suggests that structural and functional changes in pedophilia appear for the most part in brain regions also involved in sexual functions. Not exclusively testosterone but also some other endocrinological and neurochemical parameters could be disturbed in pedophilic patients and child molesters; these include changes in hypothalamic–pituitary function, prolactin levels, and dopaminergic or serotonergic functions. There appears to be a sex-steroid-related genetic influence on antisocial traits, externalizing behavior, and sexual behavior. Most of the studies in which antiandrogen therapy in paraphilic patients and sex offenders have been examined were case reports, or observational or open-label studies, and many did not include adequate control groups. Only a few placebo-controlled double-blind studies have been published with inconsistent results concerning treatment effects. Outcome measures differ between the studies and do not seem ideally suited to their purpose.ConclusionsOn the basis of the current knowledge about testosterone and its effects on brain and behavior as described in Part I, and of available results on the relationship between testosterone and paraphilia as well as antiandrogen therapy, we present from a neurobiological perspective an extended scientific proposal for design features to investigate the effects of antiandrogen treatment in large clinical trials.
Radio to infrared spectra of late-type galaxies with Planck and Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe data
Authors: Peel M. W. , Dickinson C. , Davies R. D. , Clements D. L. , Beswick R. J. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
We use the Planck Early Release Compact Source Catalogue combined with Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) and other archival measurements to construct continuum spectra of three nearby dusty star-forming galaxies: Messier 82, NGC 253 and NGC 4945. We carry out a least-squares fit to the spectra using a combination of simple synchrotron, free–free and thermal dust models, and look for evidence of anomalous microwave emission (AME). We find that the radio spectra of all three galaxies are consistent with steep spectrum synchrotron emission, with a significant amount of free–free emission required to explain the Planck and WMAP data points in the frequency range 30–150 GHz. This brings the star formation rate based on free–free emission into better agreement with that from the non-thermal emission. We place limits on the presence of AME in these galaxies, finding that it is lower than expectations based on the ratio of far-infrared to AME from the Galaxy. Nevertheless, the shape of the spectrum of NGC 4945 hints at the presence of AME with a peak around 30 GHz. Future Planck data will let us look more closely at these galaxies, as well as to extend the analysis to many more galaxies.
Thermodynamic Cycles for a Small Particle Heat Exchange Receiver Used in Concentrating Solar Power Plants
Authors: Kitzmiller Kyle , Miller Fletcher 
Published: July 2011

Gas-cooled solar receivers for concentrating solar power plants are capable of providing high temperature, pressurized gas for electrical power generation via a Brayton cycle. This can be accomplished by expanding hot, pressurized gas directly through a turbine, or through using a heat exchanger to indirectly heat pressurized air. Gas-cooled receivers can be divided into two basic technologies. In tube based solar receivers, thermal energy is transferred to air through convection with the heated tube wall. This limits receiver efficiency since the tube wall needs to be substantially hotter than the gas inside due to the relatively poor gas heat transfer coefficient. In volumetric receivers, solar energy is absorbed within a volume, rather than on a surface. The absorption volume can be filled with ceramic foam, wires, or particles to act as the absorbing medium. In a small particle heat exchange receiver, for example, submicron sized particles absorb solar radiation and transfer this energy as heat to a surrounding fluid. This effectively eliminates any thermal resistance, allowing for higher receiver efficiencies. However, mechanical considerations limit the size of volumetric, pressurized gas-cooled receivers.In order to solve this problem, several thermodynamic cycles have been investigated, each of which is motivated by key physical considerations in volumetric receivers. The cyclic efficiencies are determined by a new MATLAB code based on previous Brayton cycle modeling conducted by Sandia National Laboratories. The modeling accounts for pressure drops and temperature losses in various components, and parameters such as the turbine inlet temperature and pressure ratio are easily modified to run parametric cases.The performance of a gas-cooled solar receiver is largely a function of its ability to provide process gas at a consistent temperature or pressure, regardless of variations in solar flux, which can vary due to cloud transients or apparent sun motion throughout the day. Consistent output can be ensured by combusting fuel within the cycle, effectively making a solar/fossil fuel hybrid system. Several schemes for hybridization with natural gas are considered here, including externally fired concepts and combined receiver/combustor units. Because the efficiency of hybridized cycles is a function of the solar thermal input, the part load behavior of the recuperated cycle is examined. However, off-design models are simplistic in this research, as the goal of the work is an introductory evaluation of different potential cycles.
Monte Carlo simulation of contrast‐enhanced whole brain radiotherapy on a CT scanner
Authors: Schultz Bernd‐Joachim , Wust Peter , Lüdemann Lutz , Jost Gregor , Pietsch Hubertus 
Published: July 2011

Purpose:To perform a feasibility study of contrast‐enhanced whole brain radiotherapy for treating patients with multiple brain metastasis using a conventional computed tomography (CT) scanner.Methods:The treatment dose was optimized to be applied in a single run using a maximum tube power of kWs at kV. CT scans of a large and a small head were used as reference. Irradiation geometry, shielding, axial beam collimation, radial beam collimation, gantry tilt, and tube current for beam modulation were optimized using a Monte Carlo simulation and a contrast agent concentration of mg/ml iodine in the tumor. The statistical uncertainty of the Monte Carlo simulation was corrected using back convolution.Results:Using a CT tube with a beam collimation of mm, a mean tumor dose of Gy was achieved, while the head bone dose was Gy with a normal brain dose of Gy, eye dose of Gy, and lens dose of Gy, respectively. Using a CT tube with dose modulation and a beam collimation of mm, the mean tumor dose was Gy with a head bone dose of Gy, normal brain dose of Gy, eye dose of Gy, and lens dose of Gy, respectively. Thus a standard CT scanner enables an effective tumor dose of Gy to be administered in 13 fractions, while exposing healthy brain to an effective dose of Gy and head bone to Gy. Additional radial collimation implemented in the hardware improves the therapeutic tumor dose by in relation to the bone dose.Conclusions:Contrast‐enhanced total brain radiotherapy is feasible using a conventional CT tube with optimized dose application.
Long-Term Immunogenicity after One and Two Doses of a Monovalent MF59-Adjuvanted A/H1N1 Influenza Virus Vaccine Coadministered with the Seasonal 2009-2010 Nonadjuvanted Influenza Virus Vaccine in HIV-Infected Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults in a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Viganò Alessandra , Giacomet Vania , Pariani Elena , Giani Elisa , Manfredini Valeria , Bedogni Giorgio , Erba Paola , Amendola Antonella , Zanetti Alessandro , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTFew data are available on the safety and long-term immunogenicity of A/H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccines for HIV-infected pediatric patients. We performed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the safety and long-term immunogenicity of 1 versus 2 doses of the 2009 monovalent pandemic influenza A/H1N1 MF59-adjuvanted vaccine (PV) coadministered with the seasonal 2009-2010 trivalent nonadjuvanted influenza vaccine (SV) to HIV-infected children, adolescents, and young adults. A total of 66 HIV-infected patients aged 9 to 26 years were randomized to receive one (group 1) or two (group 2) doses of PV coadministered with 1 dose of SV. The main outcome was the seroconversion rate for PV at 1 month. Secondary outcomes were the geometric mean titer ratios and the seroprotection rates at 1 month for all vaccines, seroconversion rates at 1 month for SV, and longitudinal changes of antibody titers (ABTs) at 1, 2, 6, and 12 months for all vaccines. Groups 1 and 2 had similar CD4 counts and HIV RNA levels during the study. The seroconversion rate for PV was 100% at 1 month in both groups. ABTs for PV were high during the first 6 months and declined below seroprotection levels thereafter. Longitudinal changes in ABTs were similar in groups 1 and 2 for both PV and SV. The side effects of vaccination were mild and mostly local. In HIV-infected children, adolescents, and young adults, the immune response triggered by a single dose of PV was similar to that obtained with a double dose and was associated with long-term antibody response.
Clinical and Laboratory Diagnostic Characteristics and Cytotoxigenic Potential of Hafnia alvei and Hafnia paralvei Strains
Authors: Abbott Sharon L. , Moler Silvia , Green Nicole , Tran Robert K. , Wainwright Katlyn , Janda J. Michael 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

A collection of 68
Hafnia
strains previously identified to the species level by 16S rRNA gene sequencing were investigated for simple phenotypic properties that could aid in their recognition in the clinical laboratory. Four tests, including malonate utilization, fermentation of salicin and
d
-arabinose, and expression of β-glucosidase activity, correctly assigned each strain to either
Hafnia alvei
or
H. paralvei
. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles were generated for 35
H. alvei
and
H. paralvei
isolates using Etest strips for 24 antibiotics. All strains were susceptible to aminoglycosides, quinolones, carbapenems, and monobactams. Most of the
Hafnia
isolates had a colistin MIC of ≥2 μg/ml. Sequencing of an internal
ampC
gene fragment allowed genotypic differentiation of the two
Hafnia
species. Approximately 70% of the hafniae tested additionally produced a cytolytic toxin active on Vero cells which may play a role in gastroenteritis.
Performance Characteristics and Comparison of Abbott and artus Real-Time Systems for Hepatitis B Virus DNA Quantification
Authors: Ismail Ashrafali M. , Sivakumar Jayashree , Anantharam Raghavendran , Dayalan Sujitha , Samuel Prasanna , Fletcher Gnanadurai J. , Gnanamony Manu , Abraham Priya 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

Virological monitoring of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA is critical to the management of HBV infection. With several HBV DNA quantification assays available, it is important to use the most efficient testing system for virological monitoring. In this study, we evaluated the performance characteristics and comparability of three HBV DNA quantification systems: Abbott HBV real-time PCR (Abbott PCR), artus HBV real-time PCR with QIAamp DNA blood kit purification (artus-DB), and artus HBV real-time PCR with the QIAamp DSP virus kit purification (artus-DSP). The lower limits of detection of these systems were established against the WHO international standards for HBV DNA and were found to be 1.43, 82, and 9 IU/ml, respectively. The intra-assay and interassay coefficients of variation of plasma samples (1 to 6 log
10
IU/ml) ranged between 0.05 to 8.34% and 0.16 to 3.48% for the Abbott PCR, 1.53 to 26.85% and 0.50 to 12.89% for artus-DB, and 0.29 to 7.42% and 0.94 to 3.01% for artus-DSP, respectively. Ninety HBV clinical samples were used for comparison of assays, and paired quantitative results showed strong correlation by linear regression analysis (artus-DB with Abbott PCR,
r
= 0.95; Abbott PCR with artus-DSP,
r
= 0.97; and artus-DSP with artus-DB,
r
= 0.94). Bland-Altman analysis showed a good level of agreement for Abbott PCR and artus-DSP, with a mean difference of 0.10 log
10
IU/ml and limits of agreement of −0.91 to 1.11 log
10
IU/ml. No genotype-specific bias was seen in all three systems for HBV genotypes A, C, and D, which are predominant in this region. This finding illustrates that the Abbott real-time HBV and artus-DSP systems show more comparable performance than the artus-DB system, meeting the current guidelines for assays to be used in the management of hepatitis B.
First Report of Prosthetic Joint Infection by Gemella sanguinis and Associated “Pseudosatelliting” Phenomenon on Culture
Authors: Leung Daniel T. , Davis Eric M. , Qian Qinfang , Gold Howard S. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

We report the first case of a prosthetic joint infection caused by
Gemella sanguinis
. This report includes a description of a “pseudosatelliting” phenomenon by
G. sanguinis
, the use of gene sequencing for pathogen identification, and successful use of debridement, retention, and chronic antibiotic suppression to preserve the prosthesis.
Variable Prevalence and Functional Diversity of the Antiretroviral Restriction Factor TRIMCyp in Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Dietrich Elizabeth A. , Brennan Greg , Ferguson Betsy , Wiseman Roger W. , O'Connor David , Hu Shiu-Lok 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

The retroviral restriction factor TRIMCyp, derived from the
TRIM5
gene, blocks replication at a postentry step. TRIMCyp has so far been found in four species of Asian macaques,
Macaca fascicularis
,
M. mulatta
,
M. nemestrina
, and
M. leonina
.
M. fascicularis
is commonly used as a model for AIDS research, but TRIMCyp has not been analyzed in detail in this species. We analyzed the prevalence of TRIMCyp in samples from Indonesia, Indochina, the Philippines, and Mauritius. We found that TRIMCyp is present at a higher frequency in Indonesian than in Indochinese
M. fascicularis
macaques and is also present in samples from the Philippines. TRIMCyp is absent in Mauritian
M. fascicularis
macaques. We then analyzed the restriction specificity of TRIMCyp derived from three animals of Indonesian origin. One allele, like the prototypic TRIMCyp alleles described for
M. mulatta
and
M. nemestrina
, restricts human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) but not HIV-1. The others restrict HIV-1 and FIV but not HIV-2. Mutagenesis studies confirmed that polymorphisms at amino acid residues 369 and 446 in TRIMCyp (or residues 66 and 143 in the cyclophilin A [CypA] domain) confer restriction specificity. Additionally, we identified a polymorphism in the coiled-coil domain that appears to affect TRIMCyp expression or stability. Taken together, these data show that
M. fascicularis
has the most diverse array of
TRIM5
restriction factors described for any primate species to date. These findings are relevant to our understanding of the evolution of retroviral restriction factors and the use of
M. fascicularis
models in AIDS research.