bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A simple correction for ties when censoring times depend on covariates
Authors: Samuelsen S. O. , Wisløff T. F. , Skrondal A. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractWe point out that the conventional methods for ties correction may be seriously biased when censoring times depend on covariates. A simple modification to the Efron correction method is suggested which works remarkably well in simulation studies. The method corresponds closely to breaking ties by random ordering. The modified correction method is easy to implement and computationally no more demanding than the Efron correction. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using propensity scores to estimate the cost–effectiveness of medical therapies
Authors: Indurkhya Alka , Mitra Nandita , Schrag Deborah 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe cost–effectiveness ratio is a popular statistic that is used by policy makers to decide which programs are cost–effective in the public health sector. Recently, the net monetary benefit has been proposed as an alternative statistical summary measure to overcome the limitations associated with the cost–effectiveness ratio. Research on using the net monetary benefit to assess the cost–effectiveness of therapies in non‐randomized studies has yet to be done. Propensity scores are useful in estimating adjusted effectiveness of programs that have non‐randomized or quasi‐experimental designs. This article introduces the use of propensity score adjustment in cost–effectiveness analyses to estimate net monetary benefits for non‐randomized studies. The uncertainty associated with the net monetary benefit estimate is evaluated using cost–effectiveness acceptability curves. Our method is illustrated by applying it to SEER‐Medicare data for muscle invasive bladder cancer to determine the most cost–effective treatment protocol. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model for immunological correlates of protection
Authors: Dunning Andrew J. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractImmunological assays measure characteristics of the immune system, such as antibody levels, specific to certain diseases. High assay values are often associated with protection from disease. A question of interest is how the relationship between assay values and subsequent development of disease should be quantitatively modelled. Existing approaches successfully model the relationship for high assay values, where the probability of developing disease is low. However at low assay values, the probability of developing disease is more closely associated with factors such as disease prevalence rates and an individual's chance of exposure to infection; these are less well captured by existing models. This paper presents a model that accommodates both assay values and factors independent of assay values, enabling protection from disease to be modelled over the whole range of assay values and proposing a method for predicting the efficacy of a vaccine from the assays of vaccinees and non‐vaccinees. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of the false negative fraction of a diagnostic kit through Bayesian regression model averaging
Authors: Ranyimbo A. O. , Held L. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractIn modelling we usually endeavour to find a single ‘best’ model that explains the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Selection of a single model fails to take into account the prior uncertainty in the model space. The Bayesian model averaging (BMA) approach tackles this problem by considering the set of all possible models. We apply BMA approach to the estimation of the false negative fraction (FNF) in a particular case of a two‐stage multiple screening test for bowel cancer. We find that after taking model uncertainty into consideration the estimate of the FNF obtained is largely dependent on the covariance structure of the priors. Results obtained when the Zellnerg‐prior for the prior variance is used is largely influenced by the magnitude ofg. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth of Semiconducting GaN Hollow Spheres and Nanotubes with Very Thin Shells via a Controllable Liquid Gallium–Gas Interface Chemical Reaction
Authors: Yin Long‐Wei , Bando Yoshio , Li Mu‐Sen , Golberg Dmitri 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAn in situ liquid gallium–gas interface chemical reaction route has been developed to synthesize semiconducting hollow GaN nanospheres with very small shell size by carefully controlling the synthesis temperature and the ammonia reaction gas partial pressure. In this process the gallium droplet does not act as a catalyst but rather as a reactant and a template for the formation of hollow GaN structures. The diameter of the synthesized hollow GaN spheres is typically 20–25 nm and the shell thickness is 3.5–4.5 nm. The GaN nanotubes obtained at higher synthesis temperatures have a length of several hundreds of nanometers and a wall thickness of 3.5–5.0 nm. Both the hollow GaN spheres and nanotubes are polycrystalline and are composed of very fine GaN nanocrystalline particles with a diameter of 3.0–3.5 nm. The room‐temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra for the synthesized hollow GaN spheres and nanotubes, which have a narrow size distribution, display a sharp, blue‐shifted band‐edge emission peak at 3.52 eV (352 nm) due to quantum size effects.
Nanomaterial‐Based Amplified Transduction of Biomolecular Interactions
Authors: Wang Joseph 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThis article reviews progress in the development of nanomaterials for amplified biosensing and discusses different nanomaterial‐based bioamplification strategies. Signal amplification has attracted considerable attention for ultrasensitive detection of disease markers and biothreat agents. The emergence of nanotechnology is opening new horizons for highly sensitive bioaffinity and biocatalytic assays and for novel biosensor protocols that employ electronic, optical, or microgravimetric signal transduction. Nucleic acids and antibodies functionalized with metal or semiconductor nanoparticles have been employed as amplifying tags for the detection of DNA and proteins. The coupling of different nanomaterial‐based amplification platforms and amplification processes dramatically enhances the intensity of the analytical signal and leads to ultrasensitive bioassays. The successful realization of the new nanoparticle‐based signal amplification strategies requires proper attention to nonspecific adsorption issues. The implications of such nanoscale materials on amplified biodetection protocols and on the development of modern biosensors are discussed.
Counterselection and Co-Delivery of Transposon and Transposase Functions for Sleeping Beauty-Mediated Transposition in Cultured Mammalian Cells
Authors: Converse Andrea D. , Belur Lalitha R. , Gori Jennifer L. , Liu Geyi , Amaya Felipe , Aguilar-Cordova Estuardo , Hackett Perry B. , McIvor R. Scott 
Published: September 2005

Sleeping Beauty (SB) is a gene-insertion system reconstructed from transposon sequences found in teleost fish and is capable of mediating the transposition of DNA sequences from transfected plasmids into the chromosomes of vertebrate cell populations. The SB system consists of a transposon, made up of a gene of interest flanked by transposon inverted repeats, and a source of transposase. Here we carried out a series of studies to further characterize SB-mediated transposition as a tool for gene transfer to chromosomes and ultimately for human gene therapy. Transfection of mouse 3T3 cells, HeLa cells, and human A549 lung carcinoma cells with a transposon containing the neomycin phosphotransferase (NEO) gene resulted in a several-fold increase in drug-resistant colony formation when co-transfected with a plasmid expressing the SB transposase. A transposon containing a methotrexate-resistant dihydrofolate reductase gene was also found to confer an increased frequency of methotrexate-resistant colony formation when co-transfected with SB transposase-encoding plasmid. A plasmid containing a herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene as well as a transposon containing a NEO gene was used for counterselection against random recombinants (NEO+TK+) in medium containing G418 plus ganciclovir. Effective counterselection required a recovery period of 5 days after transfection before shifting into medium containing ganciclovir to allow time for transiently expressed thymidine kinase activity to subside in cells not stably transfected. Southern analysis of clonal isolates indicated a shift from random recombination events toward transposition events when clones were isolated in medium containing ganciclovir as well as G418. We found that including both transposon and transposase functions on the same plasmid substantially increased the stable gene transfer frequency in Huh7 human hepatoma cells. The results from these experiments contribute technical and conceptual insight into the process of transposition in mammalian cells, and into the optimal provision of transposon and transposase functions that may be applicable to gene therapy studies.
Kinetics of the Early Adaptive Response to Gamma Rays: Induction of a Cellular Radioprotective Mechanism in Murine Leukocytes In vivo
Authors: Morales-Ramírez Pedro , Mendiola-Cruz María Teresa 
Published: September 2005

The aims of the study were to establish the kinetics of the early adaptive response and to determine the minimum adaptive dose of gamma rays capable of inducing this response. The minimum adaptive dose was determined by exposing groups of five BALB/c male mice to an adaptive dose of 0.005 or of 0.02 Gy γ rays from a 137Cs source and challenge with 1.0 Gy 60 min later. The kinetics of adaptive response induction was established by exposing mice to an adaptive dose of 0.01 Gy, and subsequently to a challenge dose of 1.0 Gy at different times. Blood samples were collected from the tail immediately after exposure to the challenge dose, and the percentage of DNA-damaged cells and the extent of damaged were determined by single cell gel electrophoresis in 300 leukocytes per animal in five mice. The results confirms the capability of an in vivo induction of an early radioprotective process against the DNA-damage produced by gamma rays in murine leukocytes, and allows us to conclude that the minimum adaptive dose lies between 0.005 and 0.01Gy of gamma rays, and the early adaptive response is induced as early as 30 min after the exposure and persists for at least 18 hr.
THE NEW AMERICAN HISTORIES
Authors: TUCK STEPHEN 
Published: September 2005

For at least a decade, many American historians have bemoaned the downfall of synthesis in the writing of the history of the United States. A wide variety of subfields has replaced a single national narrative. This fragmentation has been caused in part by methodological changes in the historical profession worldwide, but also because of the collapse of American exceptionalism. However, there are still some distinctly American themes that are interwoven throughout these subfields. These themes include the rise of transnational and regional history as replacements for an exceptional national history, and above all the influence of the American present on the study of the American past. This article summarizes the apparent fragmentation of the history of the United States before discussing some of the distinctively American themes that remain. The article then focuses in detail on five subfields in modern American history – the new western history, the new history of the segregated South, the cultural turn in Cold War history, and the histories of modern conservatism and modern evangelicalism – to show how these distinctively American themes recur in seemingly disconnected debates.
Characterization of the action of S 21403 (mitiglinide) on insulin secretion and biosynthesis in normal and diabetic β‐cells
Authors: Kaiser Nurit , Nesher Rafael , Oprescu Andrei , Efendic Suad , Cerasi Erol 
Published: September 2005

S 21403 (mitiglinide) is a new drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Its action on insulin release and biosynthesis was investigated in several experimental systems utilizing pancreas from normal and T2DM animals.
At high concentrations (10 μM), S 21403, like classical sulphonylurea, induced insulin release in the absence of glucose. In contrast, at therapeutic (0.1–1.0 μM) concentrations, S 21403 amplified insulin secretion glucose dose‐dependently and with similar magnitude in normal and diabetic GK rat islets.
In perfused GK rat pancreas, S 21403 induced normal kinetics of insulin secretion including first‐phase response.
The effect of S 21403 was strongly modulated by physiological factors. Thus, 0.1 μM adrenaline inhibited S 21403‐induced insulin release. There was marked synergism between S 21403 and arginine in GK rat islets, combination of the two normalizing insulin secretion.
In primary islet cultures from normal rats or prediabetic Psammomys obesus, prolonged exposure to S 21403 did not induce further depletion of insulin stores under normal or ‘glucotoxic’ conditions.
Proinsulin biosynthesis was not affected by 2‐h exposure of rat or prediabetic P. obesus islets to 1 μM S 21403. Yet, 24‐h exposure of rat islets to S 21403 resulted in 30% increase in proinsulin biosynthesis at 8.3 mM glucose.
Amplification by S 21403 of glucose‐induced insulin secretion in diabetic GK β‐cells with restoration of first‐phase response, a strong synergistic interaction with arginine and marked inhibition by adrenaline, make it a prime candidate for successful oral antidiabetic agent.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 872–881. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706374
Nanoparticle‐induced platelet aggregation and vascular thrombosis
Authors: Radomski Anna , Jurasz Paul , Alonso‐Escolano David , Drews Magdalena , Morandi Maria , Malinski Tadeusz , Radomski Marek W 
Published: September 2005

Ever increasing use of engineered carbon nanoparticles in nanopharmacology for selective imaging, sensor or drug delivery systems has increased the potential for blood platelet–nanoparticle interactions.
We studied the effects of engineered and combustion‐derived carbon nanoparticles on human platelet aggregation in vitro and rat vascular thrombosis in vivo.
Multiplewall (MWNT), singlewall (SWNT) nanotubes, C60 fullerenes (C60CS) and mixed carbon nanoparticles (MCN) (0.2–300 μg ml−1) were investigated. Nanoparticles were compared with standard urban particulate matter (SRM1648, average size 1.4 μm).
Platelet function was studied using lumi aggregometry, phase‐contrast, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, zymography and pharmacological inhibitors of platelet aggregation. Vascular thrombosis was induced by ferric chloride and the rate of thrombosis was measured, in the presence of carbon particles, with an ultrasonic flow probe.
Carbon particles, except C60CS, stimulated platelet aggregation (MCNSWNT>MWNT>SRM1648) and accelerated the rate of vascular thrombosis in rat carotid arteries with a similar rank order of efficacy. All particles resulted in upregulation of GPIIb/IIIa in platelets. In contrast, particles differentially affected the release of platelet granules, as well as the activity of thromboxane‐, ADP, matrix metalloproteinase‐ and protein kinase C‐dependent pathways of aggregation. Furthermore, particle‐induced aggregation was inhibited by prostacyclin and S‐nitroso‐glutathione, but not by aspirin.
Thus, some carbon nanoparticles and microparticles have the ability to activate platelets and enhance vascular thrombosis. These observations are of importance for the pharmacological use of carbon nanoparticles and pathology of urban particulate matter.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 882–893. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706386
Effect of recombinantfowlpox virusexpressing chicken interferon-γ on active immunity induced by avian influenza vaccines of H5 subtype in chickens
Authors: Li-Jun Jia , Xiu-Fan Liu , Yan-Mei Zhang , Da-Xin Peng , Ru-Kuan Zhang 
Published: September 2005

AbstractTo evaluate the potential adjuvant effect of chicken interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expressed by recombinantfowlpox virus(rFPV–IFN-γ), SPF chickens and commercial chickens with (MAb+) and without (MAb−) maternal antibodies were immunized with rFPV–IFN-γ plus either H5 subtype avian influenza vaccine based on recombinantfowlpox virus(rFPV–HA) or conventional inactivated vaccine. In the assay of humoral responses, rFPV–IFN-γ plus vaccines induced a slightly lower titre of haemagglutinin inhibition (HI) antibody response than either rFPV–HA or inactivated vaccine alone, in both MAb−and MAb+chickens. As for protective efficacy, the combinations of rFPV–IFN-γ and both vaccines induced 95–100% protection against lethal challenge withhighly pathogenic avian influenza virusin SPF chickens and MAb−chickens, which were equal to those induced by either vaccine alone. However, immunization of MAb+chickens with 106pfu rFPV–HA plus 105pfu rFPV–IFN-γ showed higher protection efficacy (33.5%) than that (11.4–15.8%) induced by treatments with other dosage combinations. These findings show that IFN-γ expressed by recombinantfowlpox viruscould not promote HI antibody response induced by H5 avian influenza vaccines in chickens. The results also suggest that rFPV–IFN-γ enhances the protection of chickens in a dose-dependent and immune status-dependent manner.
RNA3 nucleotide sequence analyses ofpeanut stunt virusMi strain
Authors: Ze-Yong Xu , Li-Ying Yan , Kun-Rong Chen , Prins Marcel 
Published: September 2005

AbstractNucleotide sequence of full-length cDNA ofpeanut stunt virus(PSV) Mi strain RNA3 was determined and compared with those of PSV-ER and -J (subgroup I) and PSV-W (subgroup II), strains ofcucumber mosaic virus(CMV) andtomato aspermy virus(TAV). PSV-Mi RNA3 consists of 2170 nt and has two open reading frames, encoding a putative movement protein (3a protein) and a coat protein (CP). PSV-Mi RNA3 is 77.7% and 78.5% identical to those of PSV-ER and -J, whereas it shares 76.6% identity with PSV-W. Nucleotide identity of3aandcpgenes between PSV strains Mi and ER, J and W was 78.3–79.3% and 74.4–77.8%, respectively. Amino acid identity of 3a and CP between PSV-Mi and -ER, -J and -W was 73.9–77.4% and 64.8–77.5%, respectively. RNA3 of PSV-Mi (GenBank accession no. AY775057) had a varied intercistronic and 5′-untranslated region compared with those of PSV strains ER, J and W. Results indicate that PSV-Mi represents a new PSV subgroup from China, designated as subgroup III.
Analysis of plant mRNA upstream open reading frames
Authors: Yong-Feng Jin , Hui-Qing Jin , Ping Zhou , Teng-Fei Bian 
Published: September 2005

AbstractUpstream open reading frames (uORFs) in 5′-untranslated regions (5′-UTRs) of eukaryotic mRNAs play an important role in translation efficiency. Computational analysis of the upstream ATG (uATG) and uORFs of 5′-UTRs of plant mRNAs, adopted from the nucleotide sequence databank, was carried out. Statistical analysis revealed that up to 18% of 5′-UTRs contain uATG, which is much higher than the earlier estimate. Among them, about 50% of the genes have one uATG and nearly 20% of them have two uATGs. About 85% of uORFs are non-overlapping. Thirty per cent of uORF peptides comprise 1–5 aa, and about 80% of uORFs fall in the range of below 20 aa. Sequences flanking the uATG codon differ strikingly from the functional initiation codon and the uATG triplet is more frequently located in a non-optimal context. Consensus sequences of the ATG codon context of mRNA with and without uATG are similar, whereas the ATG codon context of mRNA without uATG is more frequently located in an optimal context than is mRNA with uATG. Most mRNAs with uATGs are possibly related to regulatory functions. In addition, most mRNA uORFs have no similarity between plant species whereas sequences of a few uORFs are highly conserved. For example, mRNA uORFs encoding S-adenosyl-l-methionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) share 75–100% homology between plant species, which is much more conserved than AdoMetDC protein.
Differentially expressed genes between chicken hybrids and their parents and relationship with heterosis
Authors: Dong-Xiao Sun , Dong Wang , Yuan Zhang , Ying Yu , Gui-Yun Xu , Jun-Ying Li 
Published: September 2005

AbstractmRNA differential display was used to analyse differences of gene expression between cross combinations, EC and CE, and their parental inbreeds, White Plymouth Rock (EE) and Silkies (CC). Three genes specifically expressed and one gene over-expressed in hybrids were found. By cloning, sequencing and BLAST analysis, one specific expression cDNA band was identified as the cytosolic isocitrate dehydrogenase gene, two were new genes of unknown function, and the over-expressed one was a proteosome subunit p112 gene. The results imply that functional and regulatory genes, expressed or over-expressed in chicken hybrids, are related to heterosis of some carcass traits.
Biological invasions: the case of planorbid snails
Authors: Pointier J.P. , David P. , Jarne P. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractA large number of planorbid snails are now commonly transported by man mainly through the aquatic plant trade. However, only a restricted number of species establish viable populations in a new habitat and a more restricted number spread. Only five planorbid species can be ranked in this last category and can be considered as pests because of their role in the transmission of parasites to humans or domestic animals: Biomphalaria glabrata, B. straminea, B. tenagophila, B. pfeifferi and Indoplanorbis exustus. The neotropical B. glabrata, B. straminea and B. tenagophila have proven their capacity to invade another continent sometimes creating new transmission foci. The African B. pfeifferi and the Indian I. exustus have also expanded their distribution area with long-distance dispersal. Other planorbid species, i.e. Helisoma duryi, Amerianna carinata and Gyraulus spp. have been able to establish viable populations, but not to spread, presumably because they are limited to specific habitats or/and display poor competitive abilities.
Epidemiology of fascioliasis in human endemic areas
Authors: Mas-Coma S. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractConsidered a secondary zoonotic disease until the mid-1990s, human fascioliasis is at present emerging or re-emerging in many countries, including increases of prevalence and intensity and geographical expansion. Research in recent years has justified the inclusion of fascioliasis in the list of important human parasitic diseases. At present, fascioliasis is a vector-borne disease presenting the widest known latitudinal, longitudinal and altitudinal distribution. Fasciola hepatica has succeeded in expanding from its European original geographical area to colonize five continents, despite theoretical restrictions related to its biology and in turn dependent upon environmental and human activities. Among the different epidemiological situations, human hypo- to hyperendemic areas, including epidemics, are noteworthy. A global analysis of the distribution of human cases shows that the expected correlation between animal and human fascioliasis only appears at a basic level. Areas presenting very high human prevalences and intensities, especially in children and females, have been recently described. In hypo- to hyperendemic areas of Central and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia, human fascioliasis presents a range of epidemiological characteristics related to a wide diversity of environments. Thus far well-known epidemiological patterns of fascioliasis may not always explain the transmission characteristics in any given area and control measures should consider the results of ecoepidemiological studies undertaken in the zones concerned.