bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bcl‐2 small hairpin RNAs enhance radiation‐induced apoptosis in A549 cells
Authors: He Dong‐Mei , Zhang Yuan , Liu Ge‐Xiu 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBcl‐2, a prominent member of the family of proteins, is responsible for dys‐regulation of apoptosis and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This study investigated whether small hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting Bcl‐2 could render A549 cells more susceptible to gamma radiation‐induced apoptosis. Recombinant Bcl‐2 shRNAs expression vector were transfected into A549 cells with Lipofectamine 2000. Transfected cells were screened in 800 mg/ml G418 screening medium, and after stable transfection, silencing was examined. Expression of the Bcl‐2 protein was assayed using Western blot in A549 cells. Inhibition of cell growth was assessed by a MTT assay. Apoptosis was determined by morphological observation and flow cytomertry. Expression levels of Bcl‐2 protein from A549 cells decreased after stable transfection with Bcl‐2 shRNAs. No differences in Bcl‐2 protein levels between control shRNA group and untreated cells were noted. After stable transfection with Bcl‐2 shRNAs the viability of cells was less than after stable transfection with those with control shRNAs and untransfected A549, respectively (P < 0.05). Control shRNA had no significant effect on growth of cells. Radiation significantly inhibited the growth of cells stably transfected with Bcl‐2 shRNA (P < 0.05). No difference in survival between the cells with control shRNA and untransfected cells was noted. Using Giemsa staining, cells stably transfected with Bcl‐2 shRNA combined with radiation at 48 h displayed changes of apoptosis. After treatment with radiation apoptotic rates of the A549 cells stably transfected with Bcl‐2 shRNA significantly increased (P < 0.05), compared with the cells with control shRNA and untransfected cells. shRNAs against the Bcl‐2 mRNA increases radiation‐induced apoptosis in A549 cells.
Antepartum percutaneous renal biopsy
Authors: Wide‐Swensson D. , Strevens H. , Willner J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: To assess the value and adverse effects of an ultrasound‐guided renal biopsy technique in women with normal and pathologic pregnancies. Method: Biopsy samples were taken from 36 women with hypertensive disease (28 with pre‐eclampsia) and 18 healthy pregnant women using a thin needle and an ultrasound‐guided biopsy device. Results: Glomerular endotheliosis, a structural change typical of pre‐eclampsia, was found in all hypertensive women, but it was more pronounced in the 28 pre‐eclamptic women than in the 8 women with nonproteinuric hypertension. A similar change, however, was seen in 11 of the 18 controls. One serious adverse event occurred, retroperitoneal hematoma, in the woman with the most severe pre‐eclampsia. Conclusion: Glomerular endotheliosis is not to be considered pathognomonic for pre‐eclampsia. Few complications followed renal biopsy in this study, but complications arose in the sickest patient. It is probably not advisable to perform antepartum renal biopsies in pregnant women with a rapidly deteriorating renal function and swollen kidneys. In these women, the biopsy does not facilitate diagnosis and is hazardous.
Gene Expression Analysis in Sinonasal Polyposis before and after Oral Corticosteroids: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Bolger William E. , Joshi Arjun S. , Spear Samuel , Nelson Michael , Govindaraj Krishnamurthy 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo characterize gene expression in sinonasal polyps and to gain insight into change in expression after oral corticosteroid treatment.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSNasal polyps were obtained before and after oral corticosteroid treatment and gene expression was analyzed with a focused gene array technique.RESULTSPretreated sinonasal polyps demonstrated high gene expression for chemokine and leukotriene receptor genes (CCR2, CCR5, CX3CL1, and LTB4R) in all patients. After treatment, the global effects of corticosteroids were evident on gene expression.CONCLUSIONSGene array techniques hold promise as a research method in sinonasal polyposis. The potential benefits, as well as the potential challenges, in using these research methods will be discussed.
The Role of FDG‐PET/CT Imaging in Head and Neck Malignant Conditions: Impact on Diagnostic Accuracy and Patient Care
Authors: Gordin Arie , Golz Avishay , Keidar Zohar , Daitzchman Marcello , Bar‐Shalom Rachel , Israel Ora 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUNDTo assess the value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with 18F‐Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in patients with head and neck carcinoma as compared with PET and conventional imaging alone, and to assess the impact of PET/CT on further clinical management.STUDY DESIGNProspective nonrandomized study.SETTINGNinety patients with head and neck tumors had 107 PET/CT examinations.RESULTSThe study analysis showed that PET/CT had a sensitivity of 89%, specificity 95%, PPV 94%, NPV 90%, and accuracy of 92%. PET/CT altered management in 51 patients (56%). PET/CT eliminated the need for previously planned diagnostic procedures in 24 patients, induced a change in the planned therapeutic approach in 21 patients and guided biopsy in 6 patients.CONCLUSIONSPET/CT is an imaging modality with high diagnostic performance in the assessment of head and neck cancer, and induced a change in further clinical management in more than half of the study population.
Detection of Gastric Pepsin in Middle Ear Fluid of Children with Otitis Media
Authors: He Zhaoping , O'Reilly Robert C. , Bolling Laura , Soundar Sam , Shah Mansi , Cook Steven , Schmidt Richard J. , Bloedon Esa , Mehta Devendra I. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVEWe sought to confirm the finding of pepsin/pepsinogen in the middle ear fluid of children with otitis media in a larger sample size using a sensitive and specific pepsin assay.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGWe evaluated 152 children (225 ear samples) in a prospective study at a tertiary care children's hospital. The presence of pepsin in middle ear aspirates was determined using enzymatic assay.RESULTSOf the patients, 14.4 percent (22 of 152) had detectable pepsin activity in one or both of the ear samples with no pepsin activity detected in control serum. Average pepsin concentration in the samples was 96.6 ± 170.8 ng/ml, ranging from 13 to 687 ng/ml. Pepsin concentration in the middle ear of children younger than 1.0 year was significantly higher than in older age groups.CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCEResults indicate that pepsin/pepsinogen is present in the middle ears of children with otitis media, although not at the high rate previously reported. Gastric reflux may be one causative factor in the pathogenesis of otitis media.
Safety and Outcomes of Balloon Catheter Sinusotomy: A Multicenter 24‐Week Analysis in 115 Patients
Authors: Bolger William E. , Brown Christopher L. , Church Christopher A. , Goldberg Andrew N. , Karanfilov Boris , Kuhn Frederick A. , Levine Howard L. , Sillers Michael J. , Vaughan Winston C. , Weiss Raymond L. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of balloon catheter devices to dilate obstructed sinus ostia/perform sinusotomy.METHODSThrough a prospective, multicenter evaluation, safety was assessed by rate of adverse events, patency was determined by endoscopic examination, and sinus symptoms were determined by the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT 20).RESULTSAt the conclusion of the 24‐week analysis, endoscopy determined that the sinusotomy was patent in 80.5% (247 of 307) sinuses and nonpatent in 1.6% (5 of 307), and could not determine ostial patency status in 17.9% (55 of 307). Of the ostia visualized on endoscopy, 98% were patent (247 of 252), while 2% (5 of 252) were considered nonpatent. SNOT 20 scores showed consistent symptomatic improvement over baseline. Revision treatment was required in 3 sinuses (3 of 307 sinuses, 0.98%) in 3 patients (3 of 109 patients, 2.75%).CONCLUSIONBalloon catheter technology appears safe and effective in relieving ostial obstruction. Patients were pleased and indicated that they experienced symptomatic improvement.
Swallowing before and after Tonsillectomy as Evaluated by Surface Electromyography
Authors: Vaiman Michael , Krakovski Daniel , Gavriel Haim 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVESSurface electromyography (sEMG) was performed on adult patients (n = 40) following tonsillectomy to evaluate recovery by objective means.METHODSEvaluated parameters included timing of swallowing and continuous drinking, electric amplitude and graphic patterns of masseter (MS), and measurement of infrahyoid (INF) and submental (SUB) muscles after tonsillectomy and comparison with normative database.RESULTSThe duration of drinking periods showed significant increase among patients; single‐swallow durations remained normal. The electric activity of MS and INF muscles was significantly higher among the patients compared with normative database. It took one month until all the EMG data returned to normal.CONCLUSIONTonsillectomy affects muscle activity during swallowing by involving additional muscles in deglutition. EMG is a simple reliable method for postoperative evaluation and might contribute to comparative analysis of different tonsillectomy techniques. EMG can be used during pre‐ and postoperative stages to monitor recovery and functional improvement of throat muscles and deglutition.SIGNIFICANCEThe reported sEMG method and obtained data might be further used: 1) As an additional tool for comparison of different methods of tonsillectomy (eg, cold vs hot dissection, laser surgery, etc); 2) For further development of objective postsurgical pain assessment; 3) As an additional tool for assessment and development of less traumatic surgical technique; and 4) For monitoring of recovery in difficult cases
Comparison of 4 Registration Strategies for Computer‐Aided Maxillofacial Surgery
Authors: Metzger Marc Christian , Rafii Amir , Holhweg‐Majert Bettina , Pham Annette M. , Strong Brad 
Published: June 2007

PURPOSESurgeons have recently started to use computer‐aided surgery (CAS) to assist with maxillofacial reconstructive surgery. This study evaluates four different CAS registration strategies in the maxillofacial skeleton.MATERIALS AND METHODSFifteen fiducial markers were placed on each of four cadaveric heads. Four registration protocols were used: 1) group 1—invasive markers, 2) group 2—skin surface, 3) group 3—bony landmark, 4) group 4—intraoral splint. Two observers registered each head twice with each of the four protocols and measured the target registration error (TRE). The process was repeated on two different navigation systems for confirmation.RESULTSThe mean TRE values were: invasive, 1.13 ± 0.05 mm (P < 0.05); skin, 2.03 ± 0.07 mm (P < 0.05); bone, 3.17 ± 0.10 mm (P < 0.05); and splint, 3.79 ± 0.13 mm (P < 0.05). The TRE values were consistent across CAS systems.CONCLUSIONOf the techniques tested for CAS registration, invasive fiducial markers are the most accurate. Skin surface landmarks, bony landmarks, and an intraoral splint are incrementally less accurate.
High Prevalence of Personality Abnormalities in Patients Seeking Rhinoplasty
Authors: Zojaji Ramin , Javanbakht Maryam , Ghanadan Alireza , Hosien Hosien , Sadeghi Hasan 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess the effect of the patient's personality on his/her satisfaction with rhinoplasty.STUDY DESIGNPersonalities of 66 rhinoplasty candidates and 50 persons who served as control were evaluated using questionnaires. The results were validated using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) test. Six months after the surgery, the rate of satisfaction was evaluated using another questionnaire based on a visual scale. The results were statistically analyzed to assess the relationship between personality traits and rate of satisfaction.RESULTSThe average age of participants was 25.3 ± 5.12 years; 79% were females. Obsessiveness was the most frequently noted personality trait; being antisocial was the least mentioned. Personality type and level of satisfaction were statistically related (P < 0.001). The satisfaction rate of rhinoplasty was 55.1%. Candidates with “good faking” trait followed by those who were‐“depressed” had the highest satisfaction.CONCLUSIONIdentification of patient's personality can be a major factor influencing satisfaction results after rhinoplasty.
Expansion Sphincter Pharyngoplasty: A New Technique for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Pang Kenny P. , Woodson B. Tucker 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVEIn this study, we assessed the efficacy of a new method (expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty [ESP]) to treat obstructive sleep apnea.STUDY DESIGNWe conducted a prospective, randomized controlled trial.METHODSForty‐five adults with small tonsils, body mass index less than 30 kg/m2, of Friedman stage II or III, of type I Fujita, and with lateral pharyngeal wall collapse were selected for the study.RESULTSThe mean body mass index was 28.7 kg/m2. The apnea‐hypopnea index improved from 44.2 ± 10.2 to 12.0 ± 6.6 (P < 0.005) following ESP and from 38.1 ± 6.46 to 19.6 ± 7.9 in the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty group (P < 0.005). Lowest oxygen saturation improved from 78.4 ± 8.52% to 85.2 ± 5.1% in the ESP group (P = 0.003) and from 75.1 ± 5.9% to 86.6 ± 2.2% in the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty group (P < 0.005). Selecting a threshold of a 50% reduction in apnea‐hypopnea index and apnea‐hypopnea index less than 20, success was 82.6% in ESP compared with 68.1% in uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCEThe ESP may offer benefits in a selected group of OSA patients.
Vocal Fold Immobility Following Burn Intensive Care
Authors: Pfannenstiel Travis J. , Gal Thomas J. , Hayes David K. , Myers Karen V. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate factors associated with the development of vocal fold immobility in patients surviving burn intensive care.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGA retrospective review of patients referred to Department of Speech Pathology by the Burn Intensive Care Unit between June 2002 and November 2004. Patients underwent videostroboscopic examination, and associations of vocal fold immobility with factors related to patient management were examined by using logistic regression.RESULTSVocal fold immobility was diagnosed in 25 (48%) of the 52 patients evaluated. A significant association with a history of intubation during overseas aeromedical evacuation (odds ratio 4.5, P = 0.026) was observed. Multivariate modeling demonstrated an increased risk of 3% for each % total body surface area (TBSA) of burn.CONCLUSIONHigh‐altitude transport of intubated patients was a significant risk factor in the development of laryngeal injury.SIGNIFICANCEThis study magnifies the role that endotracheal tube cuff pressure may play in recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.
Particle filtering on the Euclidean group: framework and applications
Authors: Kwon Junghyun , Choi Minseok , Park F. C. , Chun Changmook 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARYWe address general filtering problems on the Euclidean groupSE(3). We first generalize, to stochastic nonlinear systems evolving onSE(3), the particle filter of Liu and West for simultaneous estimation of the state and covariance. The filter is constructed in a coordinate-invariant way, and explicitly takes into account the geometry ofSE(3) andP(n), the space of symmetric positive definite matrices. Some basic results for bilinear systems onSE(3) with linear and quadratic measurements are also derived. Three examples—GPS attitude estimation, needle tip location, and vision-based robot end-effector pose estimation—are presented to illustrate the framework.
DOMESTIC SERVICE IN INDUSTRIALIZING JAPAN: THE JOB CHOICES OF UNMARRIED YOUNG WOMEN IN THE SENNAN DISTRICT, OSAKA PREFECTURE, 1893–1927
Authors: Ogiyama Masahiro 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis study examines the manner in which the significance of housework affected the job choices of young Japanese women over three decades spanning the beginning of the twentieth century, by focusing on domestic servants hired by the Hiroumi family, a merchant family living in the Sennan District, Osaka Prefecture. The family recruited unmarried young women from within Sennan as domestic servants. These women benefited from domestic service because it enabled them to become skilled in housework. Around the late 1890s, however, they preferred to work in the textile industry, the mainstay of Sennan's economy at the time, not recognizing the value of domestic work. Consequently, the Hiroumi family experienced a labour shortage. After this period, though, young women attached increasing importance to housework, and by the 1920s, they were as willing to be employed in domestic service as in the textile industry. This made it less difficult for the Hiroumi family to recruit domestic servants.
IPCC assesses options for reducing CO2 emissions
Authors: Zielinski Sarah 
Published: June 2007

Though governments and individuals have taken some steps to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, current practices and policies are inadequate, and emissions will continue to grow over the next several decades, according to the summary from Working Group III (mitigation) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that was released on 4 May. However, there are many options available that could change this outcome.Emissions of greenhouse gases have been increasing since pre‐industrial times. Between 1970 and 2004, overall greenhouse gas emissions increased by 70% and carbon dioxide alone increased by 80%, with the largest increases coming from the energy supply and transport sectors. If practices do not change, IPCC scenarios estimate that by 2030 greenhouse gas emissions will increase by another 25–90%, compared with 2000 levels.
On the way to Pluto, spacecraft images Jupiter system
Authors: Zielinski Sarah 
Published: June 2007

Earlier this year, NASA's Pluto‐bound New Horizons spacecraft stopped off at Jupiter to use the planet's gravity to give it a boost on its journey. While there, New Horizons tested its instruments and software by imaging the Jupiter system, and these images have now reached Earth.As the spacecraft approached Jupiter, it focused its seven cameras and sensors on the planet and its four largest moons, taking nearly 700 observations in total. NASA had received about 70% of the 34 gigabits of data as of 1 May.
Analyzing micromagnetic properties with FORCIT Software
Authors: Anonymous  
Published: June 2007

A primary method of characterizing the magnetic properties of a sample is to measure its magnetization while gradually varying an applied ambient magnetic field between large positive values and large negative values. The change in magnetization with field can be used to map the magnetic hysteresis loop of the sample, which defines some of its bulk magnetic properties (Figure 1).Each sample, however, is actually composed of a population of magnetic grains and domains, which may vary in their magnetic properties and which may interact with their neighbors. The micromagnetic properties of these populations, such as the distribution of micro‐coercivities and the magnetic interactions or biases, can be mapped by probing the interior of a hysteresis loop with a series of partial hysteresis curves referred to as first‐order reversal curves (FORCs) [Mayergoyz, 1986; Pike et al., 1999] (Figures 1 and 2). These properties can then be used in various ways ranging from characterization of the magnetic composition, grain size, and concentration of samples to understanding the mechanisms of magnetic acquisition [e.g., Pike et al., 1999,2001; Roberts et al., 2006; Carvallo et al., 2006; Muxworthy et al., 2005].
Reply to Comment on “Preseismic lithosphere‐atmosphere‐ionosphere coupling”
Authors: Kamogawa Masashi 
Published: June 2007

A number of electromagnetic candidates of earthquake precursors have been reported, but Rodger and Clilverd (Comment on “Preseismic Lithosphere‐Atmosphere‐Ionosphere Coupling,” Eos, this issue) comment that their statistical significance has not been verified. Since most of the proposed mechanisms of reported earthquake precursors are controversial, it is true that the first requisite for verification should mainly rely on statistical analysis, as these authors rightly point out. The statistical analysis, in fact, is exactly what concerned researchers are continuously challenging. It is a difficult goal largely because of the limited number of large earthquakes.In an Eos article [Kamogawa, 2006], some recent promising results that had been statistically studied were reviewed. Pioneering works by Gokhberg et al. [1989] and Molchanov and Hayakawa [1998] were also mentioned even if they were lacking in elaborate statistical analysis. In their comment, Rodger and Clilverd stress that the existence of preseismic subionospheric anomalies is controversial, citing some papers such as those by Michael [1996] and Clilverd et al. [1999]. Although I did not refer to these papers due to the space limitation of the Eos article, I agree with their point.
Afghanistan earthquake hazards mapped
Authors: Zielinski Sarah 
Published: June 2007

As part of efforts to build capacity within Afghanistan for studying, preparing for, and responding to earthquakes, the U.S. Geological Survey has released a map of potential earthquake hazards within the country.Afghanistan is located in a technically active area near where the Indian and Eurasian plates collide, and earthquakes powerful enough to cause significant damage or fatalities occur every few years. However, decades of violence and strife have left the country with few scientists and limited resources to address geohazards. The U.S. Agency for International Development commissioned the USGS to assist in the nation's reconstruction efforts by assessing seismic hazards there.
Innovative testing facility to mitigate hurricane‐induced losses
Authors: Chowdhury Arindam Gan , Leatherman Stephen P. 
Published: June 2007

The growth of hurricane‐induced losses from US$1.3 billion per year before 1990 to US$36 billion per year after 2000 [National Science Board, 2007] is a direct result of over 50 years of accumulated socioeconomic decisions to invest in physical infrastructure and community development along coastlines. Fifty percent of the U.S. population now lives within 80 kilometers of a coast [National Academy of Sciences, 1999]. With hurricane losses surpassing the US$100 billion mark in 2005 (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hazstats.shtml) and over 1400 fatalities in 2004–2005 [Government Accountability Office, 2006], it is hard to identify any other societal need or engineering problem that is as challenging, recurring, and multi disciplinary or with as far‐reaching impacts as hurricanes.The devastation brought by recent hurricanes that have struck U.S. coastal states demonstrates the need for mitigation tools that can significantly reduce losses. A current research initiative by the International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) at Florida International University (FIU) will allow for the first time full‐scale testing of the impact of hurricane‐force winds, wind‐driven rain, and flying debris on houses and low rise commercial buildings. The Wall of Wind testing facility, an innovative research capability developed by an IHRC research team, is the first major initiative to operate a full scale facility dedicated to hurricane damage mitigation [Leatherman et al., 2007].