bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized trial of delayed extubation for the reduction of reintubation in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Danan Claude , Durrmeyer Xavier , Brochard Laurent , Decobert Fabrice , Benani Mohamed , Dassieu Gilles 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo compare immediate extubation versus delayed extubation after 36 hr in extremely low‐birth weight infants receiving gentle mechanical ventilation and perinatal lung protective interventions. Our hypothesis was that a delayed extubation in this setting would decrease the rate of reintubation.Study design/MethodologyA prospective, unmasked, randomized, controlled trial to compare immediate extubation and delayed extubation after 36 hr. Optimized ventilation in both groups included continuous tracheal gas insufflation (CTGI), prophylactic surfactant administration, low oxygen saturation target and moderate permissive hypercapnia. Successful extubation for at least 7 days was the primary criterion and ventilatory support requirements until 36 weeks gestational age the main secondary criteria.Patient selectionEighty‐six infants under 28 weeks gestational age in a single neonatal intensive tertiary care unit.ResultsDelayed extubation (1.9 ± 0.8 days vs. 0.5 ± 0.7 days) did not improve the rate of successful extubation but had no long‐term adverse effects. CTGI and the lung protective strategy we describe resulted in a very gentle ventilation. The rate of survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD, defined as any respiratory support at 36 weeks gestational age) was similar in the two groups and remarkably high for the global population (78%) and for the subgroup of infants <1,000 g at birth (75%).ConclusionsAdding 36 hr of optimized mechanical ventilation before first extubation does not improve the rate of successful extubation but has no adverse effects. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:117–124. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A case study of safety integrity level assessment and verification: Electronics division product line evaluation and analysis
Authors: Day John , Thomas Hal , VanOmmeren James 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWith the adoption of IEC 61511 (Functional safety—Safety instrumented systems for the process industry sector) and ANSI/ISA‐84.00.01‐2004 (IEC 61511 Mod, Functional safety: safety instrumented systems for the process industry sector, Parts 1–3) standards, Air Products and Chemicals has made a concerted effort to provide a standardized approach to the design and implementation of safety instrumented systems following the safety lifecycle model. This presentation provides a case study describing the methodology used during the safety integrity level (SIL) assessment and verification of existing electronics division product lines. SIL assessment was accomplished through the use of hazard identification; likelihood, consequence, and risk analysis. Each of the electronics division product's safety instrumented function (SIF) was identified during SIL Assessment, making use of both layer of protection analysis (LOPA) and consequence analysis. A target SIL was determined for each SIF through quantitative and qualitative analysis. SIL Verification was accomplished using fault tree analysis in order to determine the average probability of failure on demand (PFDAVG) of each SIF. This analysis was a joint collaboration between the process safety and process controls engineering teams. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2008
Early biochemical events in leukocyte activation through receptors for IgG
Authors: Ortega Enrique , Soto‐Cruz Isabel 
Published: December 2007

AbstractMembrane receptors for the Fc portion of IgG antibodies (FcγR) are expressed by most cells of the immune system. Recent research has revealed that, besides their role in effector functions mediated by leukocytes, FcγR also participate in the antibody‐mediated regulation of many phenomena in the afferent phase of immune responses and in the homeostasis of the immune system. Here, we review recent findings on the mechanisms of signal transduction by these receptors as well as on the modulation of FcγR signaling by signal regulators and/or by the activation state of the cell.
Viewpoint: Discriminating between noncompetitive and allosteric interactions
Authors: Ochs Raymond S. , Ashby Charles R. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractUnderstanding inhibition modes other than competitive is of clear importance in neuropharmacology. However, there appears to be some confusion concerning modes of inhibition that are not of the competitive type. It is critical to make a distinction between “not competitive” and “noncompetitive,” as the later is a particular mode of inhibition. Further, there appears to be confusion between noncompetitive and allosteric behavior. Our purpose in this contribution is to explore the basis of these terms so that insight into pharmacological systems has a firmer mechanistic basis. Synapse 62:233–235, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Can People Read Self-Help Manuals for Depression? A Challenge for the Stepped Care Model and Book Prescription Schemes
Authors: Martinez Rebeca , Whitfield Graeme , Dafters Rebecca , Williams Christopher 
Published: December 2007

AbstractSelf help approaches are increasingly being used in healthcare settings through over 100 book prescription schemes in the UK. The use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) self-help materials for depression is advocated as part of stepped care service models. This study assesses how the reading ages of the most recommended self-help books for depression compare to British literacy levels. A cross sectional survey was carried out. The most recommended self-help books for depression were identified; seven CBT based self-help books were included in this study as well as a widely used booklet for depression. Readability scores and reading ages were calculated for a randomly generated selection representing 15% of each selected book using the Readability Studio® software to generate a wide range of key readability and comprehension scores. The reading ages of the selected books were between 12.6 and 15.4. Reading ease varied amongst the texts, and their complexity (percentage of unfamiliar words, range: 14.8% – 22.6%). A significant proportion of the UK population would struggle to use some of the current CBT-based self-help books recommended. For some patient groups, non text based self-help materials as well as shorter and more easily read written materials may be more appropriate. To our knowledge, this is the first study to address this question. Publication of the reading ages of the recommended books within the book prescription schemes may allow for a more accurate match between the book and the reader.
The Mitochondrion Is a Site of Trypanocidal Action of the Aromatic Diamidine DB75 in Bloodstream Forms of
Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Lanteri Charlotte A. , Tidwell Richard R. , Meshnick Steven R. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a fatal tropical disease caused by infection with protozoans of the species
Trypanosoma brucei gambiense
and
T. b. rhodesiense
. An oral prodrug, DB289, is a promising new therapy undergoing phase III clinical trials for early-stage HAT. DB289 is metabolically converted to the active trypanocidal diamidine DB75 [2,5-bis(4-amidinophenyl)furan]. We previously determined that DB75 inhibits yeast mitochondrial function (C. A. Lanteri, B. L. Trumpower, R. R. Tidwell, and S. R. Meshnick, Antimicrob. Agent Chemother. 48:3968-3974, 2004). The purpose of this study was to investigate if DB75 targets the mitochondrion of
T. b. brucei
bloodstream forms. DB75 rapidly accumulates within the mitochondria of living trypanosomes, as indicated by the fluorescent colocalization of DB75 with a mitochondrion-specific dye. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of rhodamine 123-stained living trypanosomes shows that DB75 and other trypanocidal diamidines (pentamidine and diminazene) collapse the mitochondrial membrane potential. DB75 inhibits ATP hydrolysis within
T. brucei
mitochondria and appears to inhibit the oligomycin-sensitive F
1
F
0
-ATPase and perhaps other ATPases. DB75 is most likely not an inhibitor of electron transport within trypanosome mitochondria, since DB75 fails to inhibit mitochondrial respiration when glycerol-3-phosphate is used as the respiratory substrate. However, DB75 inhibits whole-cell respiration (50% inhibitory concentration, 20 μM) at drug concentrations and incubation durations that also result in the dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Taken together, these findings suggest that the mitochondrion is a target of the trypanocidal action of DB75.
Antimycobacterial Activity and Mechanism of Action of NAS-91
Authors: Gratraud Paul , Surolia Namita , Besra Gurdyal S. , Surolia Avadhesha , Kremer Laurent 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The antimalarial agents NAS-91 and NAS-21 were found to express potent antimycobacterial activity, NAS-91 being more active than NAS-21. They partially inhibited mycolic acid biosynthesis and profoundly altered oleic acid production. The development of a cell-free assay for Δ9-desaturase activity allowed direct demonstration of the inhibition of oleic acid biosynthesis by these compounds.
Lincomycin Resistance Gene
lnu
(D) in
Streptococcus uberis
Authors: Petinaki Efthymia , Guérin-Faublée Véronique , Pichereau Vianney , Villers Corinne , Achard Adeline , Malbruny Brigitte , Leclercq Roland 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus uberis
UCN 42, isolated from a case of bovine mastitis, was intermediately resistant to lincomycin (MIC = 2 μg/ml) while remaining susceptible to clindamycin (MIC = 0.06 μg/ml) and erythromycin. A 1.1-kb SacI fragment was cloned from
S. uberis
UCN 42 total DNA on plasmid pUC 18 and introduced into
Escherichia coli
AG100A, where it conferred resistance to both clindamycin and lincomycin. The sequence analysis of the fragment showed the presence of a new gene, named
lnu
(D), that encoded a 164-amino-acid protein with 53% identity with Lnu(C) previously reported to occur in
Streptococcus agalactiae
. Crude lysates of
E. coli
AG100A containing the cloned
lnu
(D) gene inactivated lincomycin and clindamycin in the presence of ATP and MgCl
2
. Mass spectrometry experiments demonstrated that the
lnu
(D) enzyme catalyzed adenylylation of clindamycin. A domain conserved in deduced sequences of lincosamide
O
-nucleotidyltransferases Lnu(A), Lnu(C), LinA
N2
, and Lin(D) and in the aminoglycoside nucleotidyltransferase ANT(2′′) was identified.
Resistance of
Porphyromonas gingivalis
ATCC 33277 to Direct Killing by Antimicrobial Peptides Is Protease Independent
Authors: Bachrach Gilad , Altman Hamutal , Kolenbrander Paul E. , Chalmers Natalia I. , Gabai-Gutner Michal , Mor Amram , Friedman Michael , Steinberg Doron 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial peptides are short, positively charged, amphipathic peptides that possess a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity and have an important role in the host's innate immunity. Lack of, or dysfunctions in, antimicrobial peptides have been correlated with infectious diseases, including periodontitis.
Porphyromonas gingivalis
, a gram-negative anaerobe and a major pathogen associated with periodontal diseases, is resistant to antimicrobial peptides of human and nonhuman origin, a feature that likely contributes to its virulence. Expressing a robust proteolytic activity,
P. gingivalis
hydrolyzes antimicrobial peptides. In this study,
P. gingivalis
inactivated three antimicrobial peptides, while a
d
-enantiomer was resistant to degradation.
P. gingivalis
was resistant to the protease-resistant
d
-enantiomer peptide, and importantly, a protease-deficient
P. gingivalis
mutant was also resistant to the antimicrobial peptide. Finally, the binding of a fluorescently labeled antimicrobial peptide to protease-deficient
P. gingivalis
was much weaker than the binding of susceptible
Escherichia coli
. Our results suggest that the resistance of
P. gingivalis
ATCC 33277 to direct killing by antimicrobial peptides is protease independent and results (at least partially) from the low affinity of antimicrobial peptides to
P. gingivalis
.
Increases in
SLT2
Expression and Chitin Content Are Associated with Incomplete Killing of
Candida glabrata
by Caspofungin
Authors: Cota Jason M. , Grabinski Jodi L. , Talbert Robert L. , Burgess David S. , Rogers P. David , Edlind Thomas D. , Wiederhold Nathan P. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT

Incomplete killing was observed for caspofungin against
Candida glabrata
, which was associated with increased
SLT2
expression and elevated chitin content. In contrast, fungicidal activity and no chitin increase were observed in an isogenic Δ
slt2
strain, suggesting a role for
SLT2
and chitin production in the response of
C. glabrata
to caspofungin.
Peyer's Patches Are Required for Intestinal Immunoglobulin A Responses toSalmonellaspp
Authors: Hashizume Tomomi , Togawa Atsushi , Nochi Tomonori , Igarashi Osamu , Kweon Mi-Na , Kiyono Hiroshi , Yamamoto Masafumi 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTPrevious studies have shown that Peyer's patches (PP) are not required for intestinal immunoglobulin A (IgA) responses to orally administered soluble protein. However, the roles of PP in regulation of mucosal immune responses against bacterial antigen remain to be clarified. In the present study, we generated several gut-associated lymphoreticular tissue-null mice by treatment with anti-interleukin-7 receptor antibody, the fusion protein of lymphotoxin β receptor and IgG Fc, and/or tumor necrosis factor receptor p55 and IgG Fc. These mice were then immunized with recombinantSalmonellaexpressing the C fragment of the tetanus toxin (rSalmonella-Tox C). Orally immunized PP-null mice as well as isolated lymphoid follicle (ILF)-null, PP/ILF-null, and PP/ILF/mesenteric lymph node-null mice induced identical levels of tetanus toxoid (TT)-specific systemic IgG responses to those of control mice. However, PP-null mice, but not ILF-null mice, failed to induce TT-specific intestinal IgA antibodies. Analysis of TT-specific CD4+T-cell responses showed a reduction of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) synthesis in the intestinal lamina propriae of PP-null mice given oral rSalmonella-Tox C. In contrast, TT-specific IFN-γ responses in the spleen and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses were intact in those immunized mice. Interestingly,Salmonellalipopolysaccharide (LPS)-specific fecal IgA responses were not elicited in PP-null mice, while serum IgG anti-LPS antibodies were identical to those of control mice. These results suggest that while none of the gut-associated lymphoreticular tissues are required for the induction of systemic immune responses, PP are an essential lymphoid tissue for induction and regulation of intestinal IgA immunity against orally administered rSalmonella.
Physical Linkage of Naturally Complexed Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins Enhances Immunogenicity
Authors: Macmillan Henriette , Norimine Junzo , Brayton Kelly A. , Palmer Guy H. , Brown Wendy C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTThe outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of bacterial pathogens are essential for their growth and survival and especially for attachment and invasion of host cells. Since the outer membrane is the interface between the bacterium and the host cell, outer membranes and individual OMPs are targeted for development of vaccines against many bacterial diseases. Whole outer membrane fractions often protect against disease, and this protection cannot be fully reproduced by using individual OMPs. Exactly how the interactions among individual OMPs influence immunity is not well understood. We hypothesized that one OMP rich in T-cell epitopes can act as a carrier for an associated OMP which is poor in T-cell epitopes to generate T-dependent antibody responses, similar to the hapten-carrier effect. Major surface protein 1a (MSP1a) and MSP1b1 occur as naturally complexed OMPs in theAnaplasma marginaleouter membrane. Previous studies demonstrated that immunization with the native MSP1 heteromer induced strong immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to both proteins, but only MSP1a stimulated strong CD4+T-cell responses. Therefore, to test our hypothesis, constructs of CD4+T-cell epitopes from MSP1a linked to MSP1b1 were compared with individually administered MSP1a and MSP1b1 for induction of MSP1b-specific IgG. By linking the T-cell epitopes from MSP1a to MSP1b1, significantly higher IgG titers against MSP1b1 were induced. Understanding how the naturally occurring intermolecular interactions between OMPs influence the immune response may lead to more effective vaccine design.
Terrain systems mapping
Authors: Phipps P. J. 
Published: December 2007

Description

The term ‘terrain systems mapping’ originated in the 1930s and early 1940s when the requirement was identified to classify large areas of terrain for the purposes of locating potential agricultural and economic resources, and identifying suitable sites for development in mainly undeveloped rural areas (Mitchell 1973). The view is adopted in this paper that ‘terrain’ and ‘land’ are synonymous, which follows both Christian & Stewart (1968) and Townshend (1981).
In many respects the methodology behind terrain systems mapping has not altered since one of its first significant applications came to prominence in Australia, with the publication of a series of reports summarizing terrain systems mapping of the Australian Territories (Christian & Stewart 1952). Areas up to hundreds of square kilometres were delineated in which characteristic assemblages of topography, soils and vegetation could be identified. This association is described in Cooke & Doornkamp (1990) after Stewart & Perry (1953). These authors established that the topography and soils are dependent on the nature of the underlying rocks (geology), the erosional and depositional processes that have produced the present topography (geomorphology) and the climate under which these processes have operated. Thus the land system is a scientific classification of country or landscape based on topography, soils and vegetation correlated with geology, geomorphology and climate.
The basic good practice for developing a suite of terrain systems maps has been succinctly covered in the 1982 Engineering Group Working Party Report. The three main landform units of terrain
Creation of functional ground models in an urban area
Authors: Edwards R. J. G. 
Published: December 2007

Rationale

The ability to see the ground surface in an urban environment is limited by access and the amount of natural ground exposure. This is typically less than 10% by area. The assessment of the probable ground structure and the behaviour of critical ground elements can be achieved by comparison with non-urban environments exhibiting similar landforms. This model can be verified by a detailed study of historic maps and a review of existing local subsurface information.

The site

The City of Cardiff has largely been constructed in the last 150 years. The area studied relates to the whole city land area lying to the south of the A48T and between the west banks of the rivers Ely and Rhymney.

Area model

The area lies substantially on the Severn Levels, which comprise a recent tidal coastal margin zone of the Severn estuary. The area consists of a glaciated land surface comprising Mercia Mudstone and Dolomitic Conglomerate draped by a thin and partly discontinuous layer of glacial detritus that includes two identifiable layers of till and a consistent layer of fluvio-glacial sands and gravels which forms the dominant aquifer. These strata reflect Devensian and Flandrian glacial advance and recession.
To the south of the historic natural shoreline a series of post-glacial foreshore alluvia are superimposed on the late-glacial surface and form a confining layer to the underlying fluvio-glacial sand and gravel aquifer. These alluvia represent a series of more recent marine transgressions modified by sea defence construction works of Bronze Age to late mediaeval antiquity.
Terrain evaluation for military purposes: examples from the Balkans
Authors: Nathanail C. P. 
Published: December 2007

Aim/purpose

Terrain has influenced military commanders and the outcome of military operations since ancient times (Rose & Nathanail 2000). The aim of terrain evaluation in support of military operations revolves around gaining maximum operational advantage from the ground. In war this includes maximizing the mobility of your own forces and ensuring the survival of your troops and in turn denying both of these to the enemy’s forces. Armed forces are also increasingly being used in peace keeping or peace enforcing roles. In such cases the aim of terrain evaluation is to support the humanitarian efforts of the military.
The United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) was tasked with delivering humanitarian relief in Bosnia Herzegovina (Fig. 1). British troops were based in four main compounds at Vitez (School and Garage), Tuzla, Gornji Vakuf and Tomislavgrad. Terrain evaluation principles were used to advise on the feasibility of constructing water supply boreholes within the perimeter wire of each compound to ensure a secure supply of water independent of any of the warring factions.

Later, the NATO Implementation Force (IFOR) was tasked with ensuring that the provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement were fully implemented (Haynes
et al.
1997). One of the concerns was to ensure that the boundary between warring factions, which had been agreed on maps, was securely and accurately delineated on the ground. Terrain evaluation principles were applied to advise on the ease of installation and, malicious, extraction of border marker posts.
Slope instability within a residential area in Cleveland, UK
Authors: Phipps P. J. 
Published: December 2007

Purpose of survey

An integrated geomorphological survey involving detailed geomorphological field mapping and associated desk studies is a powerful tool in identifying the locations and nature of slope instability within built-up areas. When supplemented with existing or specifically designed ground investigation, initial instability processes and mechanism models can be re-evaluated and refined. This paper provides an example of a geomorphological survey at Yarm, County Cleveland, which aimed to delineate unstable areas and address the potential causes of ground movements within a residential area.

The site

Valley Drive and Denevale are situated at the far eastern end of Yarm, on the south side of the River Tees, near its confluence with the River Leven. The natural valley side slopes are about 10–15° in this area and rise up towards a plateau surface at 30 m A.O.D., some 20–25 m above the Tees Valley. In order to facilitate development on the valley side slopes, extensive cut and fill operations have been carried out. Artificial slopes steepened up to 37° and vertical walls to 3 m high were also evident.
The published 1:10 560 scale British Geological Survey map (1976) and the 1:50 000 scale British Geological Survey map (1987) indicate Triassic Sherwood Standstone formation (formerly ‘Bunter– Sandstone) as outcropping within the river channel. The valley side slopes have been developed in thick superficial deposits which comprise Upper and Lower Glacial Till units, separated by Glacial Sands and Gravels overlying Laminated Clay. These materials are believed to have been deposited during the