bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
124I-PET dosimetry in advanced differentiated thyroid cancer: Therapeutic impact
Authors: Jentzen W. , Görges R. , Petrich T. , Marlowe R. J. , Knust J. , Bockisch A. , Freudenberg L. S. 
Published: August 2007

Summary
Purpose: This study evaluated the impact of 124I-positron emission tomography (PET) dosimetry on post-primary surgery therapy in radioiodine-naive patients with advanced differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Patients, material, methods: In each of 28 thyroidectomized patients with high-risk DTC (one or more of pT4, pN1 or pM1), we gave 23.50 MBq of 124I as an oral capsule and performed PET dosimetry to calculate the individualized therapeutic 131I activity that would, insofar as possible, achieve a radioiodine dose ≥100 Gy to all metastases without exceeding 2 Gy to the blood (a surrogate for bone marrow toxicity). We thus determined the absorbed lesion dose per GBq of administered 131I activity (LDpA) based on serial PET (4, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after oral 124I intake) and PET/computed tomography (25 h after 124I intake) and the critical blood activity (CBA) based on blood and whole-body radiation counting (2, 4, 24, 48, 72, 96 h after 124I intake). We compared the dosimetry-based interventions with our standard empirical protocol. Results: 25 patients had a total of 126 iodine-positive metastases. 18 (72%) of the 25 had solely iodine-avid metastases, while seven (28%) had both iodine- avid and -non-avid metastases. In two patients (8%), none of the iodine-avid metastases could have been practically treated with a sufficient radiation dose. Relative to the empirical protocol, 124I-PET dosimetry findings changed management in 7 (25%) patients, e. g. allowing application of activities >11 GBq 131I. Further changes included implementation of hematological back-up in a patient found to be at risk of life-threatening marrow toxicity, and early multimodal therapy in 9 (32%) patients. Conclusion: 124I-PET dosimetry is a useful routine procedure in advanced DTC and may allow safer or more effective radioiodine activities and earlier multimodal interventions than do standard empirical protocols.
Controlling Morphology of Injection Molded Structural Foams by Mold Design and Processing Parameters
Authors: Spörrer Andreas N.J. , Altstädt Volker 
Published: August 2007

By the invention of foam processing techniques using physical blowing agents, the area of foam injection molding has caught the attention of product developers in industry as well as of researchers. Compared to conventional injection molding, the foaming approach delivers a great potential in the manufacturing as well as in the part itself, offering a monetary benefit, being vantages for example automotive and consumer goods producer (Hyde, L.J., Kishbaugh, L.A. and Katterman, J.A. (2002) [1]. How Microcellular Foam Molding Changes the Cost Structure of Injection Molded Automotive Components: A Review of the Process and Automotive Applications, SAE Technical Paper Series). The pros are facing several cons in the part quality, notably an impaired surface finish, an over-pronounced loss in mechanical strength and toughness or some uncertainties in subsequent processing steps like varnishing and plastic welding. Actual researchers are approaching those challenges in different ways (Dassow, J. (2003) [2]. Foamed Parts with Excellent Surface Quality, Kunststoffe-Plast Europe, 93(9): 65). On the one hand, the choice of the appropriate polymeric materials has a big impact on the morphologies and the properties of the obtained foam injection molded parts. The mold as well as the processing parameters have a big effect on the obtainable foam morphologies and thus the final part properties. This study presents some possibilities to control the morphology of structural foams at high-density reductions (>50%) by an intelligent mold and process design. Parameters affecting the morphology of the foamed part like the foaming temperature, the cavity pressure, and the expansion ratio are varied. Structural properties of the foamed part like surface finish, overall density, and skin layer-thickness as well as mechanical properties are examined.
Tibial Tunnel Widening after Hamstring Tendon Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Schultz W. Randall , McKissick Russell C. , DeLee Jesse C. 
Published: August 2007

Background Tibial tunnel widening is a common phenomenon seen with hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Concern exists that increased tunnel widening can lead to delayed graft incorporation, graft laxity, or difficulties in revision surgery. Hypothesis Supplemental aperture fixation with autogenous bone cores or bioabsorbable interference screws will decrease tibial tunnel widening in hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods One hundred twenty-nine patients were divided into 3 groups based on type of aperture fixation: none, bioabsorbable interference screws, and autogenous bone cores. Tibial tunnel diameters were measured on plain radiographs at a minimum of 3 months postoperatively based on the timeline of tibial tunnel widening suggested by Simonian et al, and tunnel widening was quantified by the increase in tunnel diameters relative to initial reamer size. Results Means for tunnel widening based on both anteroposterior and lateral maximum tunnel width measures were significantly different between the 3 groups (P < .05, 1-way analysis of variances); however, compared with the means for the group receiving no aperture supplementation, the means for the group receiving bioabsorbable interference screws were more than 0.8 mm wider, representing a significant increase (P < .05, Bonferroni-adjusted t tests), while the means for the group receiving autogenous bone cores were less than 0.6 mm wider than the group without aperture supplementation and not significantly different (P > .25, Bonferroni-adjusted t tests). Conclusion Tibial tunnel aperture supplementation does not appear to decrease tunnel widening in hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and may actually increase the amount of tibial tunnel widening.
Effects of Hyaluronan on Cell Proliferation and mRNA Expression of Procollagens α1 (I) and α1 (III) in Tendon-Derived Fibroblasts from Patients with Rotator Cuff Disease
Authors: Yamada Tetsu , Gotoh Masafumi , Nakama Kenjiro , Mitsui Yasuhiro , Higuchi Fujio , Nagata Kensei 
Published: August 2007

Background Hyaluronan (HA) improves postoperative recovery after flexor tendon surgery, preventing postoperative adhesion. However, its influence on the rotator cuff tendon after cuff repair has not yet been clarified in detail. Hypothesis Hyaluronan is likely to modulate cell proliferation and mRNA expression of procollagens α1 (I) and α1 (III) in tendon-derived fibroblasts in patients with rotator cuff disease. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods The study subjects were 10 patients with rotator cuff disease, with an average age of 62 years (range, 44-72). Various concentrations of HA (1.0-5.0 mg/mL) were added to monolayer-cultured tendon-derived fibroblasts from these patients. Hyaluronan binding and CD44 expression on the tendon-derived fibroblasts were evaluated by confocal microscopy using fluorescein-conjugated HA and antihuman CD44 antibody (OS/37). Cell proliferation was evaluated by recording changes in cell number. The levels of expression of procollagen α1 (I) and α1 (III) mRNA were measured by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results Immunofluorescence cytochemistry detected constitutive binding of HA and CD44 expression on the tendon-derived cells. Treatment with various concentrations of HA significantly inhibited cell proliferation and decreased the expression level of procollagen α1 (III) mRNA, but not that of procollagen α1 (I) mRNA, in the tendon-derived fibroblasts. Conclusion Hyaluronan modulates cell proliferation and the expression level of procollagen α1 (III) mRNA, but not that of procollagen α1 (I), in fibroblasts from patients with rotator cuff disease. Clinical Relevance Postoperative use of exogenous HA may allow the healing of a repaired rotator cuff tendon with minimal adhesion.
Anti-BR3 antibodies: a new class of B-cell immunotherapy combining cellular depletion and survival blockade
Authors: Lin Wei Yu , Gong Qian , Seshasayee Dhaya , Lin Zhonghua , Ou Qinglin , Ye Shiming , Suto Eric , Shu Jean , Pun Lee Wyne , Lee Ching-Wei V. , Fuh Germaine , Leabman Maya , Iyer Suhasini , Howell Kathy , Gelzleichter Thomas , Beyer Joseph , Danilenko Dimitry , Yeh Sherry , DeForge Laura E. , Ebens Allen , Thompson Jeffrey S. , Ambrose Christine , Balazs Mercedesz , Starovasnik Melissa A. , Martin Flavius 
Published: August 2007

AbstractRemoval of pathogenic B lymphocytes by depletion of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or deprivation of B-cell survival factors has demonstrated clinical benefit in both oncologic and immunologic diseases. Partial clinical responses and emerging data demonstrating incomplete B-cell depletion after immunotherapy fuels the need for improved therapeutic modalities. Lessons from the first generation of therapeutics directed against B-cell-specific antigens (CD20, CD22) are being applied to develop novel antibodies with additional functional attributes. We describe the generation of a novel class of B-cell-directed therapy (anti-BR3 mAbs) that combines the depleting capacity of a therapeutic mAb and blockade of B-cell-activating factor (BAFF)–BR3 B-cell survival. In mice, treatment with antagonistic anti-BR3 antibodies results in quantitatively greater reduction in some B-cell subsets and qualitatively different effects on bone marrow plasma cells compared with BR3-Fc BAFF blockade or with anti-CD20 treatment. Comparative analysis of BR3-Fc and anti-BR3 mAb reveals a lower B-cell dependence for BAFF-mediated survival in nonhuman primates than in mice. This novel class of B-cell-targeted therapies shows species characteristics in mice and primates that will guide translation to treatment of human disease.
Identification of conserved domains in the promoter regions of nitric oxide synthase 2: implications for the species-specific transcription and evolutionary differences
Authors: Rico Daniel , Vaquerizas Juan M , Dopazo Hernán , Boscá Lisardo 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe majority of the genes involved in the inflammatory response are highly conserved in mammals. These genes are not significantly expressed under normal conditions and are mainly regulated at the transcription and prost-transcriptional level. Transcription from the promoters of these genes is very dependent on NF-κB activation, which integrates the response to diverse extracellular stresses. However, in spite of the high conservation of the pattern of promoter regulation in κB-regulated genes, there is inter-species diversity in some genes. One example is nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS-2), which exhibits a species-specific pattern of expression in response to infection or pro-inflammatory challenge.ResultsWe have conducted a comparative genomic analysis of NOS-2 with different bioinformatic approaches. This analysis shows that in the NOS-2 gene promoter the position and the evolutionary divergence of some conserved regions are different in rodents and non-rodent mammals, and in particular in primates. Two not previously described distal regions in rodents that are similar to the unique upstream region responsible of the NF-κB activation of NOS-2 in humans are fragmented and translocated to different locations in the rodent promoters. The rodent sequences moreover lack the functional κB sites and IFN-γ response sites present in the homologous human, rhesus monkey and chimpanzee regions. The absence of κB binding in these regions was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays.ConclusionThe data presented reveal divergence between rodents and other mammals in the location and functionality of conserved regions of the NOS-2 promoter containing NF-κB and IFN-γ response elements.
Fish biorobotics: kinematics and hydrodynamics of self-propulsion
Authors: Lauder George V. , Anderson Erik J. , Tangorra James , Madden Peter G. A. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYAs a result of years of research on the comparative biomechanics and physiology of moving through water, biologists and engineers have made considerable progress in understanding how animals moving underwater use their muscles to power movement, in describing body and appendage motion during propulsion, and in conducting experimental and computational analyses of fluid movement and attendant forces. But it is clear that substantial future progress in understanding aquatic propulsion will require new lines of attack. Recent years have seen the advent of one such new avenue that promises to greatly broaden the scope of intellectual opportunity available to researchers: the use of biorobotic models. In this paper we discuss, using aquatic propulsion in fishes as our focal example, how using robotic models can lead to new insights in the study of aquatic propulsion. We use two examples: (1) pectoral fin function, and (2) hydrodynamic interactions between dorsal and caudal fins. Pectoral fin function is characterized by considerable deformation of individual fin rays, as well as spanwise (along the length) and chordwise (across the fin) deformation and area change. The pectoral fin can generate thrust on both the outstroke and instroke. A robotic model of the pectoral fin replicates this result, and demonstrates the effect of altering stroke kinematics on the pattern of force production. The soft dorsal fin of fishes sheds a distinct vortex wake that dramatically alters incoming flow to the tail: the dorsal fin and caudal fin act as dual flapping foils in series. This design can be replicated with a dual-foil flapping robotic device that demonstrates this phenomenon and allows examination of regions of the flapping performance space not available to fishes. We show how the robotic flapping foil device can also be used to better understand the significance of flexible propulsive surfaces for locomotor performance. Finally we emphasize the utility of self-propelled robotic devices as a means of understanding how locomotor forces are generated, and review different conceptual designs for robotic models of aquatic propulsion.
Differential expression of gill Na+,K+-ATPaseα- and β-subunits, Na+,K+,2Cl-cotransporter and CFTR anion channel in juvenile anadromous and landlocked Atlantic salmonSalmo salar
Authors: Nilsen Tom O. , Ebbesson Lars O. E. , Madsen Steffen S. , McCormick Stephen D. , Andersson Eva , Björnsson Björn Th. , Prunet Patrick , Stefansson Sigurd O. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYThis study examines changes in gill Na+,K+-ATPase(NKA) α- and β-subunit isoforms,Na+,K+,2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR I and II) in anadromous and landlocked strains of Atlantic salmon during parr-smolt transformation, and after seawater (SW) transfer in May/June. Gill NKA activity increased from February through April, May and June among both strains in freshwater (FW),with peak enzyme activity in the landlocked salmon being 50% below that of the anadromous fish in May and June. Gill NKA-α1b, -α3,-β1 and NKCC mRNA levels in anadromous salmon increased transiently, reaching peak levels in smolts in April/May, whereas no similar smolt-related upregulation of these transcripts occurred in juvenile landlocked salmon. Gill NKA-α1a mRNA decreased significantly in anadromous salmon from February through June, whereas α1a levels in landlocked salmon, after an initial decrease in April, remained significantly higher than those of the anadromous smolts in May and June. Following SW transfer, gill NKA-α1b and NKCC mRNA increased in both strains, whereas NKA-α1a decreased. Both strains exhibited a transient increase in gill NKA α-protein abundance, with peak levels in May. Gill α-protein abundance was lower in SW than corresponding FW values in June. Gill NKCC protein abundance increased transiently in anadromous fish, with peak levels in May, whereas a slight increase was observed in landlocked salmon in May,increasing to peak levels in June. Gill CFTR I mRNA levels increased significantly from February to April in both strains, followed by a slight,though not significant increase in May and June. CFTR I mRNA levels were significantly lower in landlocked than anadromous salmon in April/June. Gill CFTR II mRNA levels did not change significantly in either strain. Our findings demonstrates that differential expression of gill NKA-α1a,-α1b and -α3 isoforms may be important for potential functional differences in NKA, both during preparatory development and during salinity adjustments in salmon. Furthermore, landlocked salmon have lost some of the unique preparatory upregulation of gill NKA, NKCC and, to some extent, CFTR anion channel associated with the development of hypo-osmoregulatory ability in anadromous salmon.
Multiple modulators act on the cardiac ganglion of the crab,Cancer borealis
Authors: Cruz-Bermúdez Nelson D. , Marder Eve 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYNeuromodulators can change the output of neural circuits. The crustacean cardiac ganglion (CG) drives the contractions of the heart. The CG is a direct target for neurohormones that are released from the pericardial organs and other neuroendocrine sites. In this study, we have characterized for the first time the physiological actions of the peptides red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH), Cancer borealis tachykinin-related peptide Ia (CabTRP Ia) and allatostatin III type A (AST-3) on the isolated CG of the crab, Cancer borealis. RPCH and CabTRP Ia excited the CG while AST-3 strongly inhibited its motor output. We also studied the actions of other peptides and small molecule transmitters known to be present in C. borealis. Dopamine, serotonin, proctolin, crustacean cardioactive peptide(CCAP), a number of extended FLRFamide peptides, and cholinergic agonists increased the activity of the CG, GABA inhibited the CG, while other substances had little or no significant effect on the CG motor pattern. These results demonstrate, in one species, that the CG is multiply modulated. We suggest that multiple modulators may be important to regulate and coordinate the activity of the heart and other organs in response to external stimuli or the endogenous physiological state.
Multifocal lenses in coral reef fishes
Authors: Karpestam Björn , Gustafsson Jonas , Shashar Nadav , Katzir Gadi , Kröger Ronald H. H. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYThe optical properties of crystalline lenses were studied in eleven species of coral reef fish from the Red Sea in Eilat, Israel. Three species each of diurnal planktivores, nocturnal planktivores and diurnal herbivores constituted three groups of animals with little within-group variability. In addition we studied two predators, which differed with respect to body size,prey preference, hunting method and diel activity period. All species studied have multifocal lenses. There were statistically significant differences in the optical properties of the lenses between the first three groups and between the predatory species. The properties of the lenses correlate well with known complements of visual pigments and feeding habits. Lenticular zones focusing ultraviolet light were found in two diurnal planktivores. The optical properties of the lens seem to be specifically adapted to the visual needs of each species.
Male discrimination of receptive and unreceptive female calls by temporal features
Authors: Elliott Taffeta M. , Kelley Darcy B. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARY
In murky, crowded ponds in South Africa, female clawed frogs, Xenopus laevis (Daudin), vocalize to signal reproductive state. Female calls consist of acoustically similar clicks delivered in trains with characteristic rates. The rapping call of a sexually receptive female has a more rapid click rate [81 ms mean interclick interval (ICI)] than the ticking call of an unreceptive female (219 ms ICI). Rapping stimulates male advertisement calling, whereas ticking suppresses an already calling male. We examined how males label and discriminate female click rates. A labeling boundary experiment revealed that males perceive click rates between the means of rapping and ticking as lying on a continuum. They respond to 98 and 160 ms ICI as though to rapping and ticking, respectively. However, calling evoked by a click rate equally common to both calls (120 ms ICI) did not differ from the response to either rapping or ticking. A second experiment evaluated whether males discriminate click rates both labeled as ticking (180 and 219 ms ICI). Ticking suppresses advertising males, and suppressed males habituate (resume calling) to prolonged ticking. Both ticking stimuli suppressed males with equal effectiveness, and males habituated in equivalent amounts of time. When the stimulus was switched during habituation, no dishabituation occurred. We conclude that male labeling of click trains as rapping or ticking reflects an ambiguity resulting from the overlap in ICIs naturally occurring in the calls. Males do not respond differentially to click rates within the ticking category. Males thus combine discriminating and non-discriminating strategies in responding to the salient feature of female calls.
Nature beats nurture: a case study of the physiological fitness of free-living and laboratory-reared maleAnopheles gambiae s.l.
Authors: Huho B. J. , Ng'habi K. R. , Killeen G. F. , Nkwengulila G. , Knols B. G. J. , Ferguson H. M. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYLaboratory experimentation forms the basis for most of our knowledge of the biology of many organisms, in particular insects. However, the accuracy with which laboratory-derived estimates of insect life history and behaviour can predict their fitness and population dynamics in the wild is rarely validated. Such comparison is especially important in cases where laboratory-derived information is used to formulate and implement strategies for the genetic control of insects in nature. We have conducted a comparative study of the reproductive potential and life history of male Anopheles gambiaeGilies sensu lato mosquitoes from both standardized laboratory conditions and from natural field settings. We measured three indirect indicators of male mosquito fitness: energetic reserves, body size and survival, in a bid to determine whether the demographics and energetic limitations of wild males can be correctly predicted from their laboratory counterparts. Crucially, the body size and lipid reserves of wild males were substantially greater than those reared under standard laboratory conditions. We caution that the energetic limitations of insects as identified in the laboratory may underestimate their resilience in the wild, and discuss the implications of this phenomenon with respect to vector-borne disease control programmes based on genetic control of mosquitoes.