bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound‐Guided Laser‐Induced Thermal Therapy of Malignant Cervical Adenopathy
Authors: Bublik Michael , Sercarz Joel A. , Lufkin Robert B. , Polyakov Mark , Paiva Paulo B. , Blackwell Keith E. , Castro Dan J. , Masterman‐Smith Michael , Paiva Marcos B. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjectives: Laser‐induced thermal therapy (LITT) for cancer is a technique whereby a source of energy (laser, radiofrequency, ultrasonic, cryoenergy, and so on) is directly applied into a tumor at various depths. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficiency of ultrasound (UTZ) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for real‐ or “near” real‐time tumor and vessel identification as well as monitoring and quantifying energy‐induced tissue damage. The objective of this study is to report UCLA's experience using UTZ monitoring of Nd:YAG laser thermal ablation of malignant cervical adenopathy in a phase II study.Study Design: The authors conducted a retrospective study of patients treated at a tertiary medical center.Methods: Forty‐seven patients with a total of 55 neck tumors were treated on an outpatient basis in the operating room using UTZ for image‐guided laser interstitial thermal therapy. Laser energy was delivered through an SLT Nd:YAG laser powered at 30 W (power density: 2,200 J/cm2).Results: Eleven patients had a complete response ranging from 5.5 to 90 months (mean, 22.1 months). Based on the findings of this study, it was possible to show that proximity to the carotid artery was the most relevant factor in projecting patient survival. Patients' individual treatment analysis and final outcome are further discussed.Conclusions: LITT ablation of malignant cervical adenopathy was considered safe and feasible. No intraoperative complications occurred. Further development of this technique applying laser energy delivery to mathematical imaging models should lead to more effective tumor palliation as an alternative to surgery.
Petrous Apex Effusion: A Clinical Disorder
Authors: Arriaga Moisés A. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIntroduction: Petrous apex fluid accumulations without evidence of acute infection are routinely managed as “leave alone lesions” without potential morbidity. Are petrous apex fluid accumulations (effusions) in the absence of acute infection always asymptomatic without the need for treatment? If petrous apex effusions can produce symptoms separate from acute infections, what are the clinical outcomes in these patients?Study Design: Retrospective clinical review.Methods: A retrospective record review of 31 patients presenting with petrous apex effusions was performed with recording of clinical characteristics, interventions, and outcomes.Results: Eighteen of the 31 patients had clinical symptoms referable to the petrous apex effusion with the following characteristics: indolent and previous infections (4), hearing loss (3), headache and pressure alone (8), facial spasms (1), and positional vertigo (2). Overall, 5 of 18 symptomatic patients resolved with antibiotics, steroids, or positioning maneuvers. Three of five infracochlear drainages produced symptom resolution. Three of four patients undergoing retrolabyrinthine drainage had symptom resolution, and four of seven middle fossa drainages yielded symptom resolution. In contrast, infratemporal fossa drainage procedures did not resolve the patients' symptoms.Conclusions: Isolated petrous apex effusions are rare, but they can cause symptoms. If medical management fails, surgical drainage based on the location is appropriate. The surgical drainage approach selected (infracochlear, infralabyrinthine, middle fossa, and endoscopic transnasal) should be based on an anatomic consideration of the involved petrous apex air cells (superior vs. inferior) and the relative position of the carotid artery and jugular bulb.
Effects of mutation at the D‐JH junction on affinity, specificity, and idiotypy of anti‐progesterone antibody DB3
Authors: He Mingyue , Hamon Maureen , Liu Hong , Corper Adam L. , Taussig Michael J. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe crystal structures of the Fab′ fragment of the anti‐progesterone monoclonal antibody DB3 and its complexes with steroid haptens have shown that the D‐JH junctional residue TrpH100 is a key contributor to binding site interactions with ligands. The indole group of TrpH100 also undergoes a significant conformational change between the bound and unliganded states, effectively opening and closing the combining site pocket. In order to explore the effect of substitutions at this position on steroid recognition, we have carried out mutagenesis on a construct encoding a three‐domain single‐chain fragment (VH/K) of DB3 expressed in Escherichia coli. TrpH100 was replaced by 13 different amino acids or deleted, and the functional and antigenic properties of the mutated fragments were analyzed. Most substitutions, including small, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, neutral, and negatively charged side chains, were reduced or abolished binding to free progesterone, although binding to progesterone‐BSA was partially retained. The reduction in antigen binding was paralleled by alteration of the idiotype associated with the DB3 combining site. In contrast, the replacement of TrpH100 by Arg produced a mutant that retained wild‐type antibody affinity and idiotype, but with altered specificity. Significant changes in this mutant included increased relative affinities of 104‐fold for progesterone‐3‐carboxymethyloxime and 10‐fold for aetiocholanolone. Our results demonstrate an essential role for the junctional residue H100 in determining steroid‐binding specificity and combining site idiotype and show that these properties can be changed by a single amino acid substitution at this position.
Fundamental processes of protein folding: Measuring the energetic balance between helix formation and hydrophobic interactions
Authors: Xian Wujing , Connolly Peter J. , Oslin Marcela , Hausrath Andrew C. , Osterhout John J. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractTheories of protein folding often consider contributions from three fundamental elements: loops, hydrophobic interactions, and secondary structures. The pathway of protein folding, the rate of folding, and the final folded structure should be predictable if the energetic contributions to folding of these fundamental factors were properly understood. αtα is a helix‐turn‐helix peptide that was developed by de novo design to provide a model system for the study of these important elements of protein folding. Hydrogen exchange experiments were performed on selectively 15N‐labeled αtα and used to calculate the stability of hydrogen bonds within the peptide. The resulting pattern of hydrogen bond stability was analyzed using a version of Lifson‐Roig model that was extended to include a statistical parameter for tertiary interactions. This parameter, x, represents the additional statistical weight conferred upon a helical state by a tertiary contact. The hydrogen exchange data is most closely fit by the XHC model with an x parameter of 9.25. Thus the statistical weight of a hydrophobic tertiary contact is ∼5.8× the statistical weight for helix formation by alanine. The value for the x parameter derived from this study should provide a basis for the understanding of the relationship between hydrophobic cluster formation and secondary structure formation during the early stages of protein folding.
Changes in immune regulation in response to examination stress in atopic and healthy individuals
Authors: Höglund C. Olgart , Axén J. , Kemi C. , Jernelöv S. , Grunewald J. , Müller‐Suur C. , Smith Y. , Grönneberg R. , Eklund A. , Stierna P. , Lekander M. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryBackground
Stress can aggravate the allergic inflammation, but determinants of disturbed immune regulation are largely unknown.Objective
To determine systemic immunological, local inflammatory and functional airway responses to stress in healthy and atopic individuals.Methods
Forty‐one undergraduate students, 22 with allergy of whom 16 had asthma, and 19 healthy controls, were studied in a low‐stress period and in association with a large exam. Subjects completed questionnaires on stress and health behaviours, underwent lung function tests, bronchial methacholine challenge, measurements of exhaled nitric oxide and urine cortisol. Blood cells were phenotyped, and cytokines from mononuclear blood cells were analysed.Results
Perceived stress and anxiety increased in both groups during the exam period while cortisol increased only in the atopy group. Cytokine production decreased broadly in response to stress in both groups, which was paralleled by an increase in the proportion of regulatory T cells (CD4+CD45RO+CD25bright). Interestingly, atopic individuals, but not controls, reacted with a decreased T‐helper type 1/T‐helper type 2 (Th1/Th2) ratio and a decrease in natural killer (NK) cell numbers in response to stress. In control subjects only, exhaled nitric oxide decreased and forced expiratory volume in one second increased during stress.Conclusion
Atopic and non‐atopic subjects shared some immune changes in response to stress, such as a dramatic decline in cytokines and an increase in the number of regulatory T cells in peripheral blood. However, other stress‐induced immune changes were unique to atopic individuals, such as a skewed Th1/Th2 ratio and reduced NK cell numbers, indicating that some pathogenic mechanisms in atopics may be more strongly affected by stress than others.
Characterization of recombinant Mal d 4 and its application for component‐resolved diagnosis of apple allergy
Authors: Ma Y. , Zuidmeer L. , Bohle B. , Bolhaar S.T.H. , Gadermaier G. , Gonzalez‐Mancebo E. , Fernandez‐Rivas M. , Knulst A.C. , Himly M. , Asero R. , Ebner C. , Van Ree R. , Ferreira F. , Breiteneder H. , Hoffmann‐Sommergruber K. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground
Profilins are ubiquitous panallergens that have been extensively characterized; yet, their clinical relevance is still unclear.Objective
The aim of the present study was to produce recombinant apple profilin (rMal d 4) and to evaluate its allergenic activity and its potency for component‐resolved allergy diagnosis.Methods
Complementary DNA‐derived Mal d 4 was cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli and subsequently purified via poly (l‐proline) sepharose. A total of 28 sera from apple‐allergic patients were used for IgE‐ELISA, immunoblot, RAST and basophil histamine release (BHR) test. In addition, skin prick tests (SPTs) were performed in five patients.Results
Four different complementary DNA coding for apple profilin, Mal d 4, each with an open reading frame of 393 nucleotides, were identified. One isoform Mal d 4.0101 was expressed in Escherichia coli and subsequently purified. Mass spectroscopy revealed the expected mass of 13.826 for rMal d 4.0101, and circular dichroism analysis data were typical for a folded protein and small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurement identified the protein as a monomer. All the serum samples displayed IgE binding to rMal d 4.0101 in IgE ELISA, immunoblot and RAST. In immunoblotting, IgE binding to natural Mal d 4 was partially/completely inhibited by preincubation with rMal d 4.0101, and RAST values to apple extract were significantly reduced upon serum pretreatment with rMal d 4.0101. SPTs and BHR assays using purified rMal d 4.0101 were positive. Purified rMal d 4.0101 was destroyed within seconds when subjected to pepsin digestion.Conclusions
Apple profilin complementary DNAs were identified. The physicochemical and allergenic properties of purified recombinant Mal d 4.0101 were evaluated showing that the recombinant protein was equal to the natural protein as shown by inhibition assays. Thus, Mal d 4 represents another example suitable for component‐resolved diagnosis of food allergy.
Presence of plasma complement regulatory proteins clusterin (Apo J) and vitronectin (S40) on circulating immune complexes (CIC)
Authors: Chauhan A K , Moore T L 
Published: August 2006

SummaryThe complement regulatory (CR) proteins clusterin and vitronectin bind to the membrane attack complex (MAC) and thus prevent cytolysis. In this report, we demonstrate the presence of both of these CR proteins on MAC bound to circulating immune complexes (CIC). We measured the amount of clusterin and vitronectin on MAC in plasma, also referred to as soluble MAC (SMAC), as well as on MAC bound to CIC (MAC–CIC), using antibody directed to polymerized C9 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. We observed a strong correlation among the quantities of SMAC and MAC–CIC. The amount of both clusterin and vitronectin associated with MAC–CIC was two- to threefold higher in comparison to the SMAC. Patients with high levels of clusterin and vitronectin demonstrated renal involvement. We hypothesize that these complement regulatory proteins besides regulating the insertion of MAC play other critical roles, in disease pathogenesis.
First experience with an oral combination therapy using bosentan and sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Lunze K. , Gilbert N. , Mebus S. , Miera O. , Fehske W. , Uhlemann F. , Mühler E. G. , Ewert P. , Lange P. E. , Berger F. , Schulze‐Neick I. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  New oral substances such as beraprost, bosentan and sildenafil have proven effective in different forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), both alone and in combination with standard treatment such as intravenous and inhaled prostacyclins. However, there are few reports so far on the effect of a combination of exclusively oral substances. In this paper, we present our initial findings of treatment using a combination of these oral substances in a heterogeneous group of patients with different forms of PAH.Materials and methods  Eleven patients with a median age of 12·9 years (5·5–54·7 years) with both idiopathic PAH and forms associated with congenital cardiac defects (PAH‐CHD) with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure > 25 mmHg were enrolled in an observational, open‐label, prospective, single‐centre study. Either combination treatment with bosentan and sildenafil was started initially, or an existing bosentan treatment was complemented with sildenafil given as an add‐on therapy. Mean doses given were 2·3 ± 0·6 mg kg−1 for bosentan and 2·1 ± 0·9 mg kg−1 for sildenafil. Clinical status, exercise capacity, and haemodynamics were assessed at baseline and at the end of the observation period after a mean follow‐up time of 1·1 years (0·5–2·5 years).Results  No major side effects regarding liver function and blood pressure regulation were noted. One patient died of sudden death elsewhere. Most patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III. Clinical improvement was about one NYHA class (mean 2·8 ± 0·4–1·6 ± 0·8, P = 0·001), which was associated with an increase of transcutaneous oxygen saturation (89·9 ± 9·9–92·3 ± 7·1%; P = 0·037), maximum oxygen uptake (18·1 ± 6·8–22·8 ± 10·4 mL kg−1 * min; P = 0·043), and 6‐minute walking distance (351 ± 58–451 ± 119 m; P = 0·039). Mean pulmonary arterial pressure measured invasively decreased (62 ± 12–46 ± 18 mmHg; P = 0·041).Conclusions  In our patient group, a combination of oral bosentan and sildenafil proved to be safe and effective. Clearly, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies are warranted to define the role and type of combination therapies in PAH.
DIFFUSION WITHIN SOIL MICROSTRUCTURE A STRUCTURAL PARAMETER FOR SOILS
Authors: CURRIE J. A. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryTo estimate the diffusion coefficient of gases, Dc, within soil crumbs gaseous diffusion was measured first on a packing of dry 1–2 mm crumbs, then again after the crumb pores, but not the inter‐crumb pores, had been rendered nonconducting by saturating with an inert liquid. Using equations for analogous electrical properties of heterogeneous materials, the range of values of Dc/Do was from 0.025 to 0.156 for eight soils with crumb porosities in the range 0.25 to 0.41. For each soil, single value parameters for soil complexity were calculated from Dc/Do and the appropriate crumb porosity, and these were in accord with known behaviour in the field: the better the structure, the smaller is the complexity parameter. The validity of the method was checked by measuring the diffusion coefficient, D, by standard methods on blocks of soil and also by the indirect method on crumbs obtained by crushing the block. Comparison of these values for D and Dc, ideally the same, confirmed the adequacy of the method.
Phosphate reactions with natural allophane, ferrihydrite and goethite
Authors: PARFITT R. L. 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARYThe reactions of phosphate with natural samples of allophane, ferrihydrite, hematite and goethite were measured for up to 30 d. The amount of phosphate sorbed on allophane showed the biggest increase with time whereas the amount sorbed on goethite showed the least increase with time. The total amount of phosphate sorbed either at high levels of phosphate addition or after 10 d followed the order hematite < goethite < ferrihydrite < allophane and was probably related to the specific surface. Si was desorbed as phosphate was adsorbed on the minerals.The reactions of phosphate on allophane involved rapid, strong adsorption, probably at defect sites, followed by weaker adsorption, followed, probably, by disruption of the allophane structure together with precipitation of aluminium phosphates. Previous suggestions either of diffusive penetration of phosphate into surfaces or about the formation of aluminium phosphate coatings, are unlikely to hold for allophane, if all the Al is at the surface and if the structure can be ruptured.The reactions of phosphate with iron oxides involved a rapid, strong ligand exchange, followed by weaker ligand exchange, and, probably, by a relatively slow penetration at defect sites and pores. Highly crystalline goethite has virtually no slow reaction and therefore solid‐state diffusion of phosphate does not readily occur. The extent of phosphate uptake during the slow penetration reactions probably depends on the degree of crystallinity or porosity of iron oxides.The most reactive adsorbents, such as allophane, ferrihydrite and Al‐humus complexes do not have planar surfaces, and this needs to be considered when modelling phosphate reactions.
Patchiness of eggs, larvae and juveniles of European hake Merluccius merluccius from the NW Mediterranean
Authors: MAYNOU F. , OLIVAR M. P. , EMELIANOV M. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe estimated patchiness for different life stages (egg, larvae and juveniles) of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) from two ichthyoplankton surveys (September and November 1999) and four bottom‐trawl surveys (November 1998, February, June and September 1999). Lloyd's patchiness P = 1 + 1/k, where k is the dispersion parameter of the negative binomial distribution, was calculated. Juveniles showed lower indices of patchiness than early ontogenetic stages. In juveniles, patchiness was highest for smaller size classes (3.5–5 cm TL) settling to their near‐bottom habitat and was very low for those larger than 5 cm up to the 30–35 cm size class (approximately 3 yr of age, 50% mature individuals). Patchiness of settling juveniles was especially high in the June and September surveys, coinciding with peak recruitment to the bottom. Both eggs and yolk sac larvae showed patchiness values <10, increasing in flexion stage larvae from 12 to 20. This pattern is different to that observed in other studies for pelagic species, where patchiness of early‐stage eggs is very high, but coincides with results obtained for other demersal species with pelagic eggs. Factors that may explain these patterns are discussed in light of oceanographic conditions, adult distribution and larval ontogenesis.
Leaf breakdown in streams differing in catchment land use
Authors: PAUL MICHAEL J. , MEYER JUDY L. , COUCH CAROL A. 
Published: August 2006

Summary1. The impact of changes in land use on stream ecosystem function is poorly understood. We studied leaf breakdown, a fundamental process of stream ecosystems, in streams that represent a range of catchment land use in the Piedmont physiographic province of the south‐eastern United States.2. We placed bags of chalk maple (Acer barbatum) leaves in similar‐sized streams in 12 catchments of differing dominant land use: four forested, three agricultural, two suburban and three urban catchments. We measured leaf mass, invertebrate abundance and fungal biomass in leaf bags over time.3. Leaves decayed significantly faster in agricultural (0.0465 day−1) and urban (0.0474 day−1) streams than in suburban (0.0173 day−1) and forested (0.0100 day−1) streams. Additionally, breakdown rates in the agricultural and urban streams were among the fastest reported for deciduous leaves in any stream. Nutrient concentrations in agricultural streams were significantly higher than in any other land‐use type. Fungal biomass associated with leaves was significantly lower in urban streams; while shredder abundance in leaf bags was significantly higher in forested and agricultural streams than in suburban and urban streams. Storm runoff was significantly higher in urban and suburban catchments that had higher impervious surface cover than forested or agricultural catchments.4. We propose that processes accelerating leaf breakdown in agricultural and urban streams were not the same: faster breakdown in agricultural streams was due to increased biological activity as a result of nutrient enrichment, whereas faster breakdown in urban streams was a result of physical fragmentation resulting from higher storm runoff.
A semi‐parametric gap‐filling model for eddy covariance CO2 flux time series data
Authors: STAUCH VANESSA J. , JARVIS ANDREW J. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis paper introduces a method for modelling the deterministic component of eddy covariance CO2 flux time series in order to supplement missing data in these important data sets. The method is based on combining multidimensional semi‐parametric spline interpolation with an assumed but unstated dependence of net CO2 flux on light, temperature and time. We test the model using a range of synthetic canopy data sets generated using several canopy simulation models realized for different micrometeorological and vegetation conditions. The method appears promising for filling large systematic gaps providing the associated missing data do not overerode critical information content in the conditioning data used for the model optimization.