bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shattering and Particle Interarrival Times Measured by Optical Array Probes in Ice Clouds
Authors: Field P. R. , Heymsfield A. J. , Bansemer A. 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Optical array probes are one of the most important tools for determining the microphysical structure of clouds. It has been known for some time that the shattering of ice crystals on the housing of these probes can lead to incorrect measurements of particle size distributions and subsequently derived microphysical properties if the resulting spurious particles are not rejected. In this paper it is shown that the interarrival times of particles measured by these probes can be bimodal—the “cloud” probes are more affected than the “precipitation” probes. The long interarrival time mode represents real cloud structure while the short interarrival time mode results from fragments of shattered ice particles. It is demonstrated for the flights considered here that if the fragmented particles are filtered using an interarrival time threshold of 2 × 10−4 s in three of the four cases and 1 × 10−5 s in the other, then the measured total concentration can be affected by up to a factor of 4 in situations where large particles are present as determined by the mass-weighted mean size exceeding 1 mm, or the exponential slope parameter falling below 30 cm−1. When the size distribution is narrow (mass weighted mean size &lt;1 mm), ice water contents can be overestimated by 20%–30% for the cases presented here.
Caveolin-1 regulates expression of junction-associated proteins in brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Song Li , Ge Shujun , Pachter Joel S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractRecent evidence from this laboratory indicated that reduced expression of caveolin-1 accompanied the diminished expression of tight junction (TJ)–associated proteins occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) following stimulation of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) with the chemokine CCL2 (formerly called MCP-1). Because attenuated caveolin-1 levels have also been correlated with heightened permeability of other endothelia, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that reduced caveolin-1 expression is causally linked to the action of CCL2 on BMEC junctional protein expression and barrier integrity. This was achieved using adenovirus to nondestructively deliver caveolin-1 siRNA (Ad-siCav-1) to BMEC monolayers, which model the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Treatment with siRNA reduced the caveolin-1 protein level as well as occludin and ZO-1. Additionally, occludin exhibited dissociation from the cytoskeletal framework. These changes were attended by comparable alterations in adherens junction (AJ)–associated proteins, VE-cadherin and β-catenin, increased BMEC paracellular permeability, and facilitated the ability of CCL2 to stimulate monocytic transendothelial migration. Furthermore, treating BMECs with cavtratin, a synthetic cell-permeable peptide encoding the caveolin-1 scaffolding domain, antagonized effects of both Ad-siCav-1 and CCL2. These results collectively highlight caveolin-1 loss as a critical step in CCL2-induced modulation of BMEC junctional protein expression and integrity, and possibly serve a crucial role in regulating inflammation at the BBB.
Effects of 3-beta-diol, an androgen metabolite with intrinsic estrogen-like effects, in modulating the aquaporin-9 expression in the rat efferent ductules
Authors: Picciarelli-Lima Patrícia , Oliveira André G , Reis Adelina M , Kalapothakis Evanguedes , Mahecha Germán AB , Hess Rex A , Oliveira Cleida A 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackgroundFluid homeostasis is critical for normal function of the male reproductive tract and aquaporins (AQP) play an important role in maintenance of this water and ion balance. Several AQPs have been identified in the male, but their regulation is not fully comprehended. Hormonal regulation of AQPs appears to be dependent on the steroid in the reproductive tract region. AQP9 displays unique hormonal regulation in the efferent ductules and epididymis, as it is regulated by both estrogen and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the efferent ductules, but only by DHT in the initial segment epididymis. Recent data have shown that a metabolite of DHT, 5-alpha-androstane-3-beta-17-beta-diol (3-beta-diol), once considered inactive, is also present in high concentrations in the male and indeed has biological activity. 3-beta-diol does not bind to the androgen receptor, but rather to estrogen receptors ER-alpha and ER-beta, with higher affinity for ER-beta. The existence of this estrogenic DHT metabolite has raised the possibility that estradiol may not be the only estrogen to play a major role in the male reproductive system. Considering that both ER-alpha and ER-beta are highly expressed in efferent ductules, we hypothesized that the DHT regulation of AQP9 could be due to the 3-beta-diol metabolite.MethodsTo test this hypothesis, adult male rats were submitted to surgical castration followed by estradiol, DHT or 3-beta-diol replacement. Changes in AQP9 expression in the efferent ductules were investigated by using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting assay.ResultsData show that, after castration, AQP9 expression was significantly reduced in the efferent ductules. 3-beta-diol injections restored AQP9 expression, similar to DHT and estradiol. The results were confirmed by Western blotting assay.ConclusionThis is the first evidence that 3-beta-diol has biological activity in the male reproductive tract and that this androgen metabolite has estrogen-like activity in the efferent ductules, whose major function is the reabsorption of luminal fluid.
Intensive care unit-acquired Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: incidence, risk factors, and outcome
Authors: Nseir Saad , Di Pompeo Christophe , Brisson Hélène , Dewavrin Florent , Tissier Stéphanie , Diarra Maimouna , Boulo Marie , Durocher Alain 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to determine incidence, risk factors, and impact on outcome of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.

Methods
This prospective observational case-control study, which was a part of a cohort study, was conducted in a 30-bed ICU during a three year period. All immunocompetent patients hospitalised >48 hours were eligible. Patients with non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NF-GNB) at ICU admission were excluded. Patients without ICU-acquired S. maltophilia who developed an ICU-acquired NF-GNB other than S. maltophilia were also excluded. Screening (tracheal aspirate and skin, anal, and nasal swabs) for NF-GNB was performed in all patients at ICU admission and weekly. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for ICU-acquired S. maltophilia and for ICU mortality.

Results
Thirty-eight (2%) patients developed an S. maltophilia ICU-acquired colonisation and/or infection and were all successfully matched with 76 controls. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and duration of antibiotic treatment (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 9.4 [3 to 29], p < 0.001, and 1.4 [1 to 2.3], p = 0.001, respectively) were independently associated with ICU-acquired S. maltophilia. Mortality rate (60% versus 40%, OR [95% CI] = 1.3 [1 to 1.7, p = 0.037]), duration of mechanical ventilation (23 ± 16 versus 7 ± 11 days, p < 0.001), and duration of ICU stay (29 ± 21 versus 15 ± 17 days, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in cases than in controls. In addition, ICU-acquired infection related to S. maltophilia was independently associated with ICU mortality (OR [95% CI] = 2.8 [1 to 7.7], p = 0.044).

Conclusion
COPD and duration of antibiotic treatment are independent risk factors for ICU-acquired S. maltophilia. ICU-acquired S. maltophilia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. ICU-acquired infection related to S. maltophilia is an independent risk factor for ICU mortality.
TLR7/8 agonists impair monocyte-derived dendritic cell differentiation and maturation
Authors: Assier Eric , Marin-Esteban Viviana , Haziot Alain , Maggi Enrico , Charron Dominique , Mooney Nuala 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPathogen recognition by TLR activates the innate immune response and is typically followed by the development of an adaptive immune response initiated by antigen presentation. Dendritic cells (DC) are the most efficient APC and express diverse TLRs, including TLR7 and -8, which have been recently identified as targets for ssRNA recognition during viral infection. We have studied the effect of TLR7/8 agonists on DC differentiation and maturation from human monocytes. The synthetic agonist Resiquimod (R-848) or the physiological agonist ssRNA impaired monocyte differentiation to DC phenotypically and functionally. Induced expression of the nonclassical MHC molecules of the CD1 family in DC was inhibited at the protein and mRNA levels, and antigen acquisition was inhibited. Proinflammatory cytokine (including IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β) and IL-10 production were induced during DC differentiation. Cross-talk between TLR4 and TLR7/8 was revealed as immature DC, which had been differentiated in the presence of R-848 were insensitive to LPS-mediated maturation and cytokine production but still induced allostimulation. These data lead us to suggest that ongoing viral activation of TLR7/8 could alter the adaptive immune response by modifying DC differentiation and by down-regulating DC responsiveness to a subsequent bacterial TLR4-mediated signal.
Do Erythropoietin Receptors on Cancer Cells Explain Unexpected Clinical Findings?
Authors: Henke Michael , Mattern Dominik , Pepe Margaret , Bézay Christina , Weissenberger Christian , Werner Martin , Pajonk Frank 
Published: October 2006

PurposeRecent reports suggest that cancer control may worsen if erythropoietin is administered. We investigated whether erythropoietin receptor expression on cancer cells may correlate with this unexpected finding.Patients and MethodsCancer tissue from patients with advanced carcinoma of the head and neck (T3, T4, or nodal involvement) and scheduled for radiotherapy was assayed retrospectively for erythropoietin receptor expression by immunohistochemistry. Patients were anemic and randomized to receive epoetin beta (300 U/kg) or placebo under double-blind conditions, given three times weekly starting 10 to 14 days before and continuing throughout radiotherapy. We administered 60 Gy following complete resection or 64 Gy subsequent to microscopically incomplete resection; 70 Gy were given following macroscopically incomplete resection or for definitive radiotherapy alone. We determined if the effect of epoetin beta on locoregional progression-free survival was correlated with the expression of erythropoietin receptors on cancer cells using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.ResultsWe studied 154 of 157 randomly assigned patients; 104 samples were positive, and 50 were negative for receptor expression. Locoregional progression-free survival was substantially poorer if epoetin beta was administered to patients positive for receptor expression compared with placebo (adjusted relative risk, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.27 to 3.36; P < .01). In contrast, epoetin beta did not impair outcome in receptor-negative patients (adjusted relative risk, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.47 to 1.90; P = .86). The difference in treatment associated relative risks (2.07 v 0.94) was borderline statistically significant (P = .08).ConclusionErythropoietin might adversely affect prognosis of head and neck cancer patients if cancer cells express erythropoietin receptors.
Laryngeal injury from prolonged endotracheal intubation
Authors: Weymuller Ernest A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis project was undertaken to develop models of acute and chronic laryngeal intubation as a format for testing a newly designed endotracheal tube. The tube has a specially created laryngeal cuff designed to reduce pressure exerted against the laryngeal soft tissues. The laryngeal foam cuff was shown to prevent the injurious sequence of mucosal ischemia, ulceration, and cartilage damage.A laryngeal foam cuff has the potential to significantly reduce laryngeal injury from prolonged endotracheal intubation. A prospective randomized clinical trial has been initiated and will be reported subsequently.
Fluctuating and/or progressive sensorineural hearing loss in children
Authors: Brookhouser Patrick E. , Worthington Don W. , Kelly William J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) which is sudden in onset, fluctuating, and/or progressive complicates medical management, hearing aid selection, and individualized educational planning for a hearing‐impaired child. In spite of multidisciplinary evaluation and intervention, a gradual decrease in auditory acuity may continue unabated in a significant number of cases. Intercurrent middle ear disease and inconsistent audiologic technique can account for threshold variation in some cases. The study population consisted of 229 children (132 boys; 97 girls) aged 1 to 19.9 years at first audiogram which revealed at least a mild degree of sensorineural hearing loss in one or both ears (35 unilateral), and who demonstrated threshold variation of 10 dB or more in at least one ear at one or more of the standard audiometric test frequencies (250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz) and were without concurrent middle ear disease (mean length of follow‐up, 4.9 years; mean number of audiograms, 10.3). Of 365 ears demonstrating threshold variation of 10 dB or more, 22 (6%) had purely progressive losses without intercurrent upward fluctuation, 208 (57%) had fluctuating thresholds with gradually progressive losses, and 135 (37%) had intermittent threshold fluctuation without permanent deterioration. The probability of contralateral threshold fluctuation if one ear fluctuated was 0.91, while the probability of contralateral progressive SNHL if one ear progressed was 0.67. Demographic data, presumptive etiology, degree of initial SNHL, audiometric configuration, and symmetry of threshold variation were considered as potential predictors of the likelihood of threshold fluctuation and/or progression.
Dose response of human tumor cells to rhodamine 123 and laser phototherapy
Authors: Saxton Romaine E. , Haghighat Sherry , Castro Dan J. , Plant David , Lufkin Robert , Soudant Jacque 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that Rhodamine 123 (Rh123) is an efficient tumor targeting agent for argon laser photodynamic therapy in vitro. Effectiveness of this approach for cancer treatment in vivo will depend on Rh123 tumor uptake kinetics and laser energy delivery via fiberoptics to the tumor site. In the present study, tumor and normal cells were exposed in vitro to 1 μg/mL Rh123 until 10%, 50%, and 100% of maximum uptake was achieved. Laser treatment response was monitored by trypan blue exclusion for tumor cell viability and by MTT tetrazolium assays to measure mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. TE671 fibrosarcoma cells were highly sensitive to argon laser phototherapy (514 nm, 5 W, 1 minute, Tmax = 8°C), with mitochondrial inhibition seen after Rh123 uptake of 12, 50, and 100 ng/million cells. P3 squamous cell carcinoma cells were inhibited 20% and 75% by the laser after Rh123 uptake of 13 or 30 ng/million cells, respectively. M26 melanoma cells were not sensitive to the laser after 15 ng/million cells Rh123 uptake but were inhibited 45% and 75% after Rh123 uptake of 80 and 160 ng/million cells. Micro2 fibroblast mitochondrial activity was reduced less than 25% by the laser after Rh123 uptake of 50 ng/million cells. Cell viability after maximum Rh123 uptake and laser treatment was decreased to 30%, 15%, and 2% for M26 melanoma, P3 squamous cell carcinoma, and TE671 fibrosarcoma cells, but remained over 80% for Micro2 fibroblasts. The results suggest that Rh123 laser treatment response depends on tumor type and drug uptake level, with normal cells being much less sensitive to phototherapy.
Evaluation of cervical lymph node metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Don Debra M. , Calcaterra Thomas C. , Anzai Yoshimi , Lufkin Robert B. , Fu Yao‐Shi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAlthough computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have contributed to the ability to identify metastatic disease in head and neck Cancer, inadequacies in evaluating lymphadenopathy still exist. This study was undertaken to estimate the accuracy of radiological criteria used to detect cervical lymph node metastases. The morphological characteristics of 957 lymph nodes from 36 neck dissections from patients with squamous cell Cancer were examined microscopically. A large number of malignant nodes were found to have diameters of less than 10 mm. Extranodal spread also occurred in a substantial percentage of smaller nodes. Because the present radiological criteria for assessing cervical lymph node Status are based largely on size, findings indicate major limitations in the capabilities of detecting metastatic disease. New modalities to improve the Staging of head and neck Cancer are discussed.
Prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistulas by means of laser‐weld techniques
Authors: Shohet Jack A. , Reinisch Lou , Ossoff Robert H. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAlthough much has been written on methods of dealing with pharyngocutaneous fistulas once they have formed, there are few reports of methods of preventing fistula formation from occurring. We examined the use of laser‐weld techniques with the neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) and diode lasers to seal pharyngotomy closures. Laser‐weld techniques have been used successfully in many other tissues, but reports documenting use in the upper aerodigestive tract are minimal. Indocyanine‐green dye‐enhanced collagen and fibrinogen were studied as laser solder materials for the diode laser. Twenty‐nine experimental animals were studied. Neither the Nd:YAG nor the diode laser was successful in preventing fistula formation. Tensiometric studies documented significant strength of the laser welds ex vivo, but this finding was not clinically significant.
The meaning of self‐perception of health in the UK armed forces
Authors: Rona Roberto J. , Hooper Richard , French Claire , Jones Margaret , Wessely Simon 
Published: October 2006

Objectives. We assessed the characteristics of self‐perception of health (SPH) in relation to psychological distress and physical symptoms, and willingness of servicemen to see their Medical Officer (MO) by their SPH rating.Design. We randomly selected 4,500 servicemen to receive either a full or an abridged screening questionnaire.Measures. The full questionnaire included 6 items from the short‐form 36 and the question on SPH, the General Health Questionnaire‐12, the post‐traumatic stress disorder checklist and 15 symptoms. The abridged questionnaire included a subset of items from the full questionnaire. All ‘screen‐positive’ and a random ‘screen‐negative’ sample were invited to see an MO.Results. 67.1% out of 4,500 servicemen completed the questionnaires. SPH was strongly associated with a summary short form‐36 (SF‐36) measure. There was a strong association between SPH and all assessment scales regardless of length of the questionnaires (p <.001). Even among those with very good or excellent SPH, high scores denoting psychological distress were prevalent (8.1%). Good SPH provided the largest variations in symptoms and scores. Servicemen with a poor /fair SPH were no more likely to accept a visit to the MO than the rest.Conclusions. SPH is an excellent question for surveillance because it is highly associated with psychological health but, at an individual level, it may convey different meanings depending on the person's individual interpretation of the term health. Symptomatic social avoidance may be high among servicemen who have a poor /fair SPH and methods, such as buddy support, may be helpful in decreasing isolation among those who may need professional support.
Falling-Head Permeability Tests in an Unconfined Sand Aquifer
Authors: Chapuis RP , Dallaire V , Gagnon F , Marcotte D , Chouteau M 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
This paper examines the reliability of hydraulic conductivity estimates, k, obtained using equations of Hvorslev (1951) or Bouwer and Rice (1976) for falling-head tests in monitoring wells (MWs) having short screens at the bottom of an unconfined sand aquifer. Two issues are examined. First, the equations come from the theory of steady-state flow whereas a variable-head test means transient flow with a changing water table position. This first problem was investigated using a finite element analysis, taking into account the sand capillary retention curve and its saturated-unsaturated permeability. The main result was that the equations can still be used for variable-head tests. The effects of specific storage (elastic deformation of the solid matrix in saturated conditions) and delayed gravity drainage (frequently schematized by a specific yield) can be neglected for these tests. The second issue is how partial clogging or fine particle washing against the screen can influence the k value. This practical problem was investigated by using a surge block to develop MWs and then performing successive permeability tests to assess the effects of development. Before development, the tests provided k values in the range 1 to 12×10-2 cm/s, the average being equal to 2/3 of the large-scale k value obtained using a pumping test under steady-state condition. After development, the tests provided k values that were increased by 50% on average, and thus their mean value became almost equal to the pumping test k value.
Thermoelastic Transformation Behavior of Nitinol
Authors: Perry KE , Labossiere PE , Steffler E 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
The transformation behavior of Nitinol under uniaxial tension and four-point bending was investigated. A novel sample geometry produced from drawn tubing was used to observe the differences caused by localized phase transformation effects between the two types of loading and between samples with different process and load histories. Phase shifted moir interferometry was used to provide full-field measurement of strain during the experiments. Optical resolution and grating coherence were sufficient to simultaneously resolve the strain fields within both the parent and transformed phases of the material. Evidence of both localized and uniformly distributed phase transformation is observed for the samples tested in tension while the bending results clearly indicate an asymmetric neutral axis and a complex reverse bending response for samples containing a strong R-phase component and tested at temperatures below critical transformation temperatures.