bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elasticity Imaging of Polymeric Media
Authors: Sridhar Mallika , Liu Jie , Insana Michael F. 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Viscoelastic properties of soft tissues and hydropolymers depend on the strength of molecular bonding forces connecting the polymer matrix and surrounding fluids. The basis for diagnostic imaging is that disease processes alter molecular-scale bonding in ways that vary the measurable stiffness and viscosity of the tissues. This paper reviews linear viscoelastic theory as applied to gelatin hydrogels for the purpose of formulating approaches to molecular-scale interpretation of elasticity imaging in soft biological tissues. Comparing measurements acquired under different geometries, we investigate the limitations of viscoelastic parameters acquired under various imaging conditions. Quasi-static (step-and-hold and low-frequency harmonic) stimuli applied to gels during creep and stress relaxation experiments in confined and unconfined geometries reveal continuous, bimodal distributions of respondance times. Within the linear range of responses, gelatin will behave more like a solid or fluid depending on the stimulus magnitude. Gelatin can be described statistically from a few parameters of low-order rheological models that form the basis of viscoelastic imaging. Unbiased estimates of imaging parameters are obtained only if creep data are acquired for greater than twice the highest retardance time constant and any steady-state viscous response has been eliminated. Elastic strain and retardance time images are found to provide the best combination of contrast and signal strength in gelatin. Retardance times indicate average behavior of fast (1–10s) fluid flows and slow (50–400s) matrix restructuring in response to the mechanical stimulus. Insofar as gelatin mimics other polymers, such as soft biological tissues, elasticity imaging can provide unique insights into complex structural and biochemical features of connectives tissues affected by disease.
A Computationally Efficient Optimization Kernel for Material Parameter Estimation Procedures
Authors: Schmid H. , Nash M. P. , Young A. A. , Röhrle O. , Hunter P. J. 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Estimating material parameters is an important part in the study of soft tissue mechanics. Computational time can easily run to days, especially when all available experimental data are taken into account. The material parameter estimation procedure is examplified on a set of homogeneous simple shear experiments to estimate the orthotropic constitutive parameters of myocardium. The modification consists of changing the traditional least-squares approach to a weighted least-squares. This objective function resembles a L2-norm type integral which is approximated using Gaussian quadrature. This reduces the computational time of the material parameter estimation by two orders of magnitude.
Stepwise Exposure of
Staphylococcus aureus
to Pleuromutilins Is Associated with Stepwise Acquisition of Mutations in
rplC
and Minimally Affects Susceptibility to Retapamulin
Authors: Gentry Daniel R. , Rittenhouse Stephen F. , McCloskey Lynn , Holmes David J. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

To assess their effects on susceptibility to retapamulin in
Staphylococcus aureus
, first-, second-, and third-step mutants with elevated MICs to tiamulin and other investigational pleuromutilin compounds were isolated and characterized through exposure to high drug concentrations. All first- and second-step mutations were in
rplC
, encoding ribosomal protein L3. Most third-step mutants acquired a third mutation in
rplC
. While first- and second-step mutations did cause an elevation in tiamulin and retapamulin MICs, a significant decrease in activity was not seen until a third mutation was acquired. All third-step mutants exhibited severe growth defects, and faster-growing variants arose at a high frequency from most isolates. These faster-growing variants were found to be more susceptible to pleuromutilins. In the case of a mutant with three alterations in
rplC
, the fast-growing variants acquired an additional mutation in
rplC
. In the case of fast-growing variants of isolates with two mutations in
rplC
and at least one mutation at an unmapped locus, one of the two
rplC
mutations reverted to wild type. These data indicate that mutations in
rplC
that lead to pleuromutilin resistance have a direct, negative effect on fitness. While reduction in activity of retapamulin against
S. aureus
can be seen through mutations in
rplC
, it is likely that target-specific resistance to retapamulin will be slow to emerge due to the need for three mutations for a significant effect on activity and the fitness cost of each mutational step.
Effects of Piperaquine, Chloroquine, and Amodiaquine on Drug Uptake and of These in Combination with Dihydroartemisinin against Drug-Sensitive and -Resistant
Plasmodium falciparum
Strains
Authors: Fivelman Quinton L. , Adagu Ipemida S. , Warhurst David C. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT
Piperaquine is being developed as a long-acting component in artemisinin combination therapies. It was highly active in vitro and drug interaction studies showed that dihydroartemisinin combinations with piperaquine, chloroquine, and amodiaquine were indifferent tending toward antagonism. Competitive uptake of radiolabeled chloroquine and dihydroartemisinin in combination with other antimalarials was observed.
The Type IV Pilin ofBurkholderia malleiIs Highly Immunogenic but Fails To Protect against Lethal Aerosol Challenge in a Murine Model
Authors: Fernandes Paula J. , Guo Qin , Waag David M. , Donnenberg Michael S. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTBurkholderia malleiis the cause of glanders and a proven biological weapon. We identified and purified the type IV pilin protein of this organism to study its potential as a subunit vaccine. We found that purified pilin was highly immunogenic. Furthermore, mice infected via sublethal aerosol challenge developed significant increases in titers of antibody against the pilin, suggesting that it is expressed in vivo. Nevertheless, we found no evidence that high-titer antipilin antisera provided passive protection against a sublethal or lethal aerosol challenge and no evidence of protection afforded by active immunization with purified pilin. These results contrast with the utility of type IV pilin subunit vaccines against other infectious diseases and highlight the need for further efforts to identify protective responses against this pathogen.
Systemic CD8 T-Cell Memory Response to aSalmonellaPathogenicity Island 2 Effector Is Restricted toSalmonella entericaEncountered in the Gastrointestinal Mucosa
Authors: Jones-Carson Jessica , McCollister Bruce D. , Clambey Eric T. , Vázquez-Torres Andrés 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTTo better understand the evolution of a systemic memory response to a mucosal pathogen, we monitored antigen-specific OT1 CD8 T-cell responses to a fusion of the SspH2 protein and the peptide SIINFEKL stably expressed from the chromosome ofSalmonella entericaand loaded into the class I pathway of antigen presentation of professional phagocytes through theSalmonellapathogenicity island 2 type III secretion system (TTSS). This strategy has revealed that effector memory CD8 T cells with low levels of CD62L expression (CD62Llow) are maintained in systemic sites months after vaccination in response to low-grade infections withSalmonella. However, the CD8 T-cell pool eventually declines. Low numbers of central memory cells surviving after prolonged resting from an antigen encounter can nevertheless reconstitute the systemic effector memory pool in a route-specific recall response to cognate antigens encountered in the gut. Accordingly, populations of CD62Lhighinterleukin-7 receptor-positive progenitor central memory cells grafted into naïve mice expand in response to orally administeredSalmonellaexpressing the chromosomal translational fusion ofsspH2and the sequence encoding the SIINFEKL peptide but fail to proliferate following systemic stimulation. Moreover, populations of systemic memory CD8 T cells restricted toSalmonellain oral vaccines selectively expand in response to cognate antigens presented by cells isolated from mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). Together, these findings have revealed the imprinting of systemic CD8 central memory T-cell recall responses against enteropathogens by MLN. MLN restriction represents a novel mechanism by which systemic CD8 T-cell immunity is confined to periods of high risk for extraintestinal dissemination.
CD4+Lymphocytes and Gamma Interferon Predominate in Local Immune Responses in Early Experimental Syphilis
Authors: Leader Brandon T. , Godornes Charmie , VanVoorhis Wesley C. , Lukehart Sheila A. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTThe clearance ofTreponema pallidumsubsp.pallidumfrom early syphilis lesions involves infiltration of a large number of mononuclear cells and is characteristic of a cell-mediated immune response. In the present study, we sought to determine the relative abundance of different T-lymphocyte populations and Th1/Th2-associated cytokines present in testicular lesions following experimental infection with the Chicago strain ofT. pallidum. Using flow cytometry, we examined the proportion of CD4+and CD8+T cells present throughout the progression and resolution of primary syphilis in the rabbit model. We related these findings to the results of real-time reverse transcription-PCR quantification of treponemal and cytokine mRNA levels. Treponemal mRNA levels reached peak values on day 18 postinfection, coincident with an initial peak in the level of T cells, which were primarily CD4+T cells. T-cell levels increased again during resolution of orchitis, and there was an increased proportion of CD8+T cells. The maximum gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) mRNA levels were observed on days 11 and 18, respectively, while only negligible amounts of IL-4 and IL-2 were detected throughout the infection. In addition to showing the temporal relationship between treponemal burden and T-cell responses during lesion progression, our results also demonstrate that the composition of the T-cell population changes during lesion resolution. The presence of the mRNA for IFN-γ, but not IL-4, is consistent with cytokine expression in human syphilis and provides further support for the hypothesis that there is a Th1 predominance during the early immune response toT. pallidum.
Language as a Problem, a Right or a Resource?
Authors: Harrison Gai 
Published: April 2007

• Summary: Although many `Anglophone' countries now host significant linguistic diversity, minimal attention has been paid to language policy in social work. This paper examines how language policy in both its overt and covert forms infiltrates social work via three `orientations' to linguistic diversity: language as a problem; language as a right; and language as a resource. The utility of this framework for viewing linguistic diversity in social work is explored with reference to an exploratory study that canvassed the views of overseas-born bilingual social workers practising in Australia. • Findings: The participants strongly identified with a problem orientation to language, where a lack of English constitutes a significant barrier to participating in the social, economic and political domains. While a rights orientation to language was endorsed, it was seen to have limitations in terms of the inadequacies of legislation for challenging `monolingual' language attitudes. All informants supported a resource orientation to language, but claimed that linguistic diversity is often devalued in English-dominant locations. • Applications : Rather than privileging one particular lens on language, the study concludes that a flexible framework that allows for movement between different language orientations is necessary given the context-dependent nature of language use.
Enhanced ability of dendritic cells to stimulate innate and adaptive immunity on short-term incubation with zoledronic acid
Authors: Fiore Francesca , Castella Barbara , Nuschak Barbara , Bertieri Raffaello , Mariani Sara , Bruno Benedetto , Pantaleoni Francesca , Foglietta Myriam , Boccadoro Mario , Massaia Massimo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractVγ9/Vδ2 (γδ) T cells play a major role in innate immunity against microbes, stressed, and tumor cells. They represent less than 5% of peripheral blood lymphocytes but can be activated and expanded in vitro by aminobisphosphonates (ABP)–treated monocytes. The aim of this work was to determine whether ABP-treated dendritic cells (DCs) can also activate γδ T cells and regulate immune responses mediated by conventional αβ T cells. Highly purified immature (iDC) and mature DC (mDC) were generated from peripheral blood monocytes of healthy donors and incubated with zoledronic acid (Zol) for 24 hours. Zol-treated iDC and mDC retained their immunostimulatory properties and induced the vigorous expansion of central memory and effector memory γδ T cells. γδ T cells displayed antitumor activity and appropriate cell surface antigens to target secondary lymphoid organs and exert costimulatory activity. Antigen-specific MHC-restricted immune responses, mediated by conventional αβ T cells, were improved by the concurrent γδ T-cell activation. In conclusion, large numbers of γδ T cells with effector and costimulatory activities are rapidly generated by Zol-treated iDC/mDC. This strategy is worthy of further investigation to improve adoptive cell therapy and vaccine interventions against tumors and infections.
Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Chemoradiotherapy Compared With Chemoradiotherapy Alone for Regionally Advanced Unresectable Stage III Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Cancer and Leukemia Group B
Authors: Vokes Everett E. , Herndon James E. , Kelley Michael J. , Cicchetti M. Giulia , Ramnath Nithya , Neill Harvey , Atkins James N. , Watson Dorothy M. , Akerley Wallace , Green Mark R. 
Published: April 2007

Purpose Standard therapy for unresectable stage III non–small-cell lung cancer includes concomitant chemoradiotherapy. In Cancer and Leukemia Group B 39801, we evaluated whether induction chemotherapy before concurrent chemoradiotherapy would result in improved survival. Patients and Methods Between July 1998 and May 2002, 366 patients were randomly assigned to arm A, which involved immediate concurrent chemoradiotherapy with carboplatin area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of 2 and paclitaxel 50 mg/m2 given weekly during 66 Gy of chest radiotherapy, or arm B, which involved two cycles of carboplatin AUC 6 and paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 administered every 21 days followed by identical chemoradiotherapy. The accrual goal was 360 patients. Results Thirty-four percent of patients were female, 66% were male, and the median age was 63 years. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities during induction chemotherapy on arm B consisted mainly of neutropenia (18% and 20%, respectively). During concurrent chemoradiotherapy, there was no difference in severity of in-field toxicities of esophagitis (grade 3 and 4 were, respectively, 30% and 2% for arm A v 28% and 8% for arm B) and dyspnea (grade 3 and 4 were, respectively, 11% and 3% for arm A v 15% and 4% for arm B). Survival differences were not statistically significant (P = .3), with a median survival on arm A of 12 months (95% CI, 10 to 16 months) versus 14 months (95% CI, 11 to 16 months) on arm B and a 2-year survival of 29% (95% CI, 22% to 35%) and 31% (95% CI, 25% to 38%). Age, weight loss before therapy, and performance status were statistically significant predictive factors. Conclusion The addition of induction chemotherapy to concurrent chemoradiotherapy added toxicity and provided no survival benefit over concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone. The median survival achieved in each of the treatment groups is low, and the routine use of weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel with simultaneous radiotherapy should be re-examined.
Initial Hormonal Management of Androgen-Sensitive Metastatic, Recurrent, or Progressive Prostate Cancer: 2007 Update of an American Society of Clinical Oncology Practice Guideline
Authors: Loblaw D. Andrew , Virgo Katherine S. , Nam Robert , Somerfield Mark R. , Ben-Josef Edgar , Mendelson David S. , Middleton Richard , Sharp Stewart A. , Smith Thomas J. , Talcott James , Taplin Maryellen , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Wade James L. , Bennett Charles L. , Scher Howard I. 
Published: April 2007

Purpose To update the 2004 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guideline on initial hormonal management of androgen-sensitive, metastatic, recurrent, or progressive prostate cancer (PCa). Methods The writing committee based its recommendations on an updated systematic literature review. Recommendations were approved by the Expert Panel, the ASCO Health Services Committee, and the ASCO Board of Directors. Results Seven randomized controlled trials (four new), one systematic review, one meta-analysis (new), one Markov model, and one delta-method 95% CI procedure for active controlled trials (new) informed the guideline update. Recommendations Bilateral orchiectomy or luteinizing hormone–releasing hormone agonists are recommended initial androgen-deprivation treatments (ADTs). Nonsteroidal antiandrogen monotherapy merits discussion as an alternative; steroidal antiandrogen monotherapy should not be offered. Combined androgen blockade should be considered. In metastatic or progressive PCa, immediate versus symptom-onset institution of ADT results in a moderate decrease (17%) in relative risk (RR) for PCa-specific mortality, a moderate increase (15%) in RR for non–PCa-specific mortality, and no overall survival advantage. Therefore, the Panel cannot make a strong recommendation for early ADT initiation. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics and other metrics allow identification of populations at high risk for PCa-specific and overall mortality. Further studies must be completed to assess whether patients with adverse prognostic factors gain a survival advantage from immediate ADT. For patients electing to wait until symptoms for ADT, regular monitoring visits are indicated. For patients with recurrence, clinical trials should be considered if available. Currently, data are insufficient to support use of intermittent androgen blockade outside clinical trials.
Administration of 75 mg of aspirin daily for 28 days is sufficient prophylaxis against renal transplant vein thrombosis
Authors: Stechman M J , Charlwood N , Gray D W R , Handa A 
Published: April 2007

Introduction: Early postoperative renal transplant vein thrombosis results in graft loss. We evaluate the effect of administering aspirin 75 mg daily for 28 days following transplantation. Methods: Prospectively collected data on the outcome of all transplants undertaken in our unit in the five-year period from January 1997 to January 2002 were reviewed, and in cases of graft failure before three months the cause was defined. Results: In the study period, a total of 401 transplants were undertaken (311 cadaveric and 90 living related). There was one case of renal transplant vein thrombosis (0.25%). This represents a significant reduction on the unit's historical incidence of 5.8%, P<0.001. Conclusion: Aspirin 75 mg daily is adequate to virtually abolish renal transplant vein thrombosis and has a role in thromboprophylaxis in other situations where heparin is contraindicated.
Phylogeny and systematics of the Crocidura suaveolens species group: corroboration and controversy between nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers / Phylogénie et systématique du groupe d'espèces Crocidura suaveolens: coordination et contradiction des marqueurs nucléaire et mitochondriaux de l'ADN
Authors: Bannikova Anna A. , Lebedev Vladimir S. , Kramerov Dmitri A. , Zaitsev Mikhail V. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractDespite obvious advances in systematic research on Palaearctic white-toothed shrews ( Crocidura ), phylogenetic relationships and species diagnosis of 40-chromosome species ( suaveolens sp. group) remain poorly understood. Phylogenetic relationships of these shrews were analyzed on the basis of two independent molecular markers: interspersed repeat PCR fingerprints (inter-SINE-PCR) and complete (1140 bp) or partial (∼400 bp) sequences of the mtDNA cyt b gene. According to these data, C. suaveolens from Western Europe (Italy) appeared distinct from samples of C. suaveolens from Eastern Europe and Mongolia, as well as a Siberian sample. mtDNA introgression of Eastern European C. suaveolens with C. gueldenstaedtii in their contact zone in the Tuapse region was revealed. Hybrydization between C. gueldenstaedtii and C. suaveolens resulted in the formation of a population, nuclear DNA and morphological characteristics typical for C. gueldenstaedtii , while the mitochondrial genome is assimilated from C. suaveolens . The population of the Talysh region of the Caucasus ( C. caspica ) represents a separate entity that is clearly distinguished from the populations of Georgia and Tuapse ( C. gueldenstaedtii ) and C. suaveolens . Therefore, the position of C. caspica as a full species is supported. The present analysis of both inter-SINE-PCR and cyt b sequence data revealed two major clades in Palaearctic 40-chromosome Crocidura . The eastern clade is formed by true C. suaveolens/C. sibirica , together with C. caspica , and the western clade is formed by Western European C. suaveolens , which should be treated as a distinct species, C. mimula and the closely related C. gueldenstaedtii.
Aggregations of masked shrews ( Sorex cinereus ): density-related mating behavior? / Agrégation de musaraignes masquées ( Sorex cinereus ): accouplement relatif à la densité de la population?
Authors: Maier Thomas J. , Doyle Katherine L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractLarge aggregations of shrews have been reported and various explanations offered for this seemingly rare behavior; however, there has been little evidence to support any particular interpretation. We observed two small aggregations of highly active vocalizing Sorex cinereus while performing wildlife surveys in forested habitats in central Massachusetts, USA. These observations, in conjunction with a review of other reports, including genetic analyses, strongly suggest that such aggregations of adult Sorex are associated with mating behavior, more readily observed during periods of high population density. Published accounts of such behavior may be rare because primarily large aggregations have been reported; however, smaller breeding aggregations may be common.