bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of one intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Fang Xiaoyun , Sakaguchi Hirokazu , Gomi Fumi , Oshima Yusuke , Sawa Miki , Tsujikawa Motokazu , Ikuno Yasushi , Kamei Motohiro , Kusaka Shunji , Tano Yasuo 
Published: June 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  To assess the efficacy, duration of effect and safety of one intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in diabetic macular oedema (DMO).Methods:  Bevacizumab (1 mg/0.04 ml) was injected intravitreally into eyes with DMO (29 with and nine without previous treatments). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure and central retinal thickness (CRT) were measured; slit‐lamp examination, macular biomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography were performed before and at 2–4, 8 and 12 weeks post‐injection. Best corrected VA and CRT were analysed in both groups.Results:  In the non‐pretreated group, mean BCVA improved from 0.76 ± 0.33 (baseline) to 0.57 ± 0.30 and 0.54 ± 0.27 at 2–4 weeks and 8 weeks post‐injection, respectively (p = 0.02, p = 0.014, paired t‐test). Mean CRT decreased from 632.4 ± 196.0 μm (baseline) to 392.3 ± 113.6 μm and 370.4 ± 141.7 μm at the same time‐points, respectively (p = 0.01, p = 0.01). There was no difference in BCVA or CRT at 12 weeks. In the pretreated group, mean BCVA improved from 0.62 ± 0.30 (baseline) to 0.53 ± 0.33 at 2–4 weeks post‐injection (p = 0.01), and mean CRT decreased from 583.9 ± 180.7 μm (baseline) to 404.1 ± 197.9 μm at 2–4 weeks post‐injection (p < 0.001). Mean BCVA was unchanged at 8 weeks and 12 weeks post‐injection, although mean CRT remained lower at 8 weeks (p = 0.004). No ocular or systemic side‐effects developed during follow‐up.Conclusions:  One intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for DMO seems to be effective and safe in both eyes that have been treated previously and eyes that have not. The therapeutic effect is temporary and repeat treatment may be needed.
Design and Prototyping of a New Balancing Mechanism for Spatial
Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Baradat C. , Arakelian V. , Briot S. , Guegan S. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
This paper proposes a new solution to the problem of torque minimization of spatial parallel manipulators. The suggested approach involves connecting a secondary mechanical system to the initial structure, which generates a vertical force applied to the manipulator platform. Two versions of the added force are considered: constant and variable. The conditions for optimization are formulated by the minimization of the root-mean-square values of the input torques. The positioning errors of the unbalanced and balanced parallel manipulators are provided. It is shown that the elastic deformations of the manipulator structure, which are due to the payload, change the altitude and the inclination of the platform. A significant reduction of these errors is achieved by using the balancing mechanism. The efficiency of the suggested solution is illustrated by numerical simulations and experimental verifications. The prototype of the suggested balancing mechanism for the Delta robot is also presented.
Burmester and Allievi: A Theory and Its Application for Mechanism Design at the End of 19th Century
Authors: Ceccarelli Marco , Koetsier Teun 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe second half of 19th century can be considered as the Golden Age of TMM for the achieved theoretical and practical results that led to enhancements of machinery during the second Industrial Revolution. Burmester and Allievi can be considered as significant examples of that time for their personalities and careers as well as for their work on kinematics of mechanisms. In this paper, a survey is presented on their curricula and main scientific works on mechanism design with the aim also to stress similarities and differences in the life of kinematicians and in developments in mechanism design at the end of 19th century.
Efficiency and
Effectiveness of Heat Exchanger Series
Authors: Fakheri Ahmad 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The concept of heat exchanger efficiency is extended to the heat exchanger networks. General expressions that can be used for determining the overall efficiency and effectiveness of heat exchangers connected in series regardless of the heat exchanger type have been presented. A simple, accurate, approximate algebraic expression is provided for determining the efficiency of the heat exchanger. The approach presented is far more general compared to the traditional approaches, providing the designer the flexibility to select the efficiency of the individual heat exchangers, the overall system efficiency, the number of heat exchangers, as well as the type of heat exchanger to select, by utilizing a single equation. An expression is derived for determining the minimum number of shells, as a convenient alternative for the traditional methods currently in use.
Characteristics of a Solar Pond Brine Reconcentration
System
Authors: Newell T. A. , Smith M. K. , Cowie R. G. , Upper J. M. , Cler C. L. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
An active brine reconcentration system has been incorporated into the design of the University of Illinois half-acre salt gradient solar pond facility. An important feature of the system is its ability to keep precipitation from diluting the brine. Experimental data presented is in good agreement with a numerical simulation model of the evaporation process. The “film”-type evaporation process used in the system efficiently collects solar energy for evaporating water from brine. Parasitic electrical energy requirements for the evaporation system are 1.2 watts per square meter of evaporation surface area.
Expression of GATA‐3 During Lymphocyte Differentiation and Mouse Embryogenesis
Authors: Oosterwegel Mariëtte , Timmerman Janneke , Leiden Jeffrey , Clevers Hans 
Published: June 2008

The GATA family of C4 zinc‐finger transcription factors has been implicated in tissuespecific
gene regulation in birds and mammals. One of the members of this family,
GATA‐3, is reportedly expressed specifically in the T‐cell lineage, where it interacts with
GATA motifs in the TCR‐αα, TCR‐β/, and TCR‐δ enhancers, thereby controlling the T‐cell
phenotype. To evaluate the differentiation control properties of GATA‐3, we have now
documented its expression pattern during lymphoid differentiation and murine
embryogenesis.The onset of GATA‐3 expression in the lymphoid lineage was studied in a panel of
lymphoid (precursor) cell lines by Northern blot analysis. GATA‐3 was uniquely
expressed in T‐lineage lymphocytes expressing TCR and CD3 genes; it was absent from
TCR/CD3 mRNA‐negative prothymocytes and from all B‐lineage cells.In order to obtain information on the expression of GATA‐3 outside the immune
system, in situ hybridization was performed on mouse embryos on day 11.5‐14.5 of
gestation. GATA‐3 mRNA was detected in fetal thymus and in erythroid cells. Outside
the haemopoietic system, we detected GATA‐3 mRNA throughout the central nervous
system, in kidney, in the epidermis, lens fibers, the inner ear, whisker follicles, and in
the primary palate.These data provide new clues about the potential role of GATA‐3 during mouse
development, and will aid the interpretation of currently ongoing gene knockout
experiments.
Evolution of a CD3+/CD+α/ β T‐Cell Receptor+ Mature T‐Cell Clone from CD3-CD7+ Sorted Human Bone Marrow Cells
Authors: Pohla Heike , Adibzadeh Medi , Bühring Hans-Jörg , Siegels-Hübenthal Petra , Deikeler Thomas , Owsianowsky Martin , Schenk Andrea , Rehbein Arnika , Schlotz Elke , Schaudt Kurt , Pawelec Graham 
Published: June 2008

In order to study extrathymic differentiation in vitro, CD7+CD3- lymphocytes were
sorted from normal human bone marrow and cultured under conditions of limiting
dilution together with irradiated pooled allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells
(PBMC) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in the presence of 1000 U/ml of interleukin‐2
(IL‐2). One clone was obtained that failed to react with monoclonal antibody (mAb)
TCRδ1 (TCRγ/δ‐specific) or WT31 (TCR2, α/β‐specific). From day 35 through day 74
in culture, the surface phenotype of this clone evolved into CD3+, CD4+, CD8-, TCR2+,
TCR1-, and was further characterized as CD2+, CD45RO+, CD16-, and CD56-. The presence
of mRNA for TCR α and γ but not ,and γ chains was confirmed by Northern blotting.
Accessory cell‐dependent autocrine proliferative responses to PHA (most likely
driven by IL‐2) were initially absent, but became measurable at the same time as the
TCR was acquired. However, in the absence of PHA, the clone failed to respond to a
panel of homozygous B‐cell lines representing the majority of MHC class II alleles.
Autoreactivity was also not demonstrable. Cytotoxicity was limited to MHC unrestricted
“natural killer (NK)‐like” lysis of K562 target cells, with no autocytotoxicity
detected. Tle NK‐like lysis diminished over time in parallel with the acquisition of surface
TCR. The cloned cells were not suppressive for mature lymphocyte proliferation.
After stimulation, the cells secreted tumor necrosis factor α and
granulocyte/macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) detected by immunoassays,
and T‐cell growth factors, most likely IL‐2, as detected by bioassays. Polymerase
chain‐reaction methods demonstrated the presence of mRNA for IL‐2, IL‐3, IL‐4, IL‐9,
interferon‐δ, and GM‐CSF in these cells after stimulation with PHA and B‐LCL.These results suggest that cells with the phenotype and some functional characteristics
of mature T lymphocytes can evolve extrathymically in vitro from T‐cell precursors
sorted from normal human bone marrow.
Epithelium‐Free Area in The Thymic Cortex of Rats
Authors: Bruijntjes Joost P. , Kuper C. Frieke , Robinson Joke E. , Schuurman Henk-Jan 
Published: June 2008

The histology of epithelium‐free areas in the subcapsular region of the thymus was
studied in Wistar rats. Lymphocytes in these areas were CD4/CD8 double‐positive, TCR
α/β positive in low intensity, and in CD5 labeling either negative or positive in low
intensity. There was a high proliferative activity as assessed by bromodeoxyuridine
incorporation in vivo and detected by immunohistochemistry. Various macrophage
types were observed. They were either large and round to slightly dendritic, or small
and dendritic. Most large cells were positive for MHC Class II, and labeled by the
antimacrophage antibodies ED1 and ED2. A few cells were strongly positive for Sudan
black, Oil red O, nonspecific esterase, and acid phosphatase; they resembled the large
rounded macrophages in the corticomedullary zone, although their MHC Class II and
ED2 staining was more intense. A few cells showed features of tingible body
macrophages, as they contained cellular debris.Serial sections showed that epithelium‐free areas run from the subcapsular area to
deep in the cortex, and often border the medulla. This opens the opportunity for
immature lymphocytes to move into the medulla and corticomedullary zone without
contacting and potential selection with cortical stromal elements other than
macrophages in the epithelium‐free areas. In this case, the epithelium‐free areas may
offer a separate intrathymic pathway for T lymphocytes.
Differential Effects of X‐Irradiation and Cyclosporin‐AAdministration on the Thymus with Respect to theGeneration of Cyclosporin‐A‐Induced Autoimmunity
Authors: Beijleveld Leo J.J. , Damoiseaux Jan G.M.C. , Van Breda Vriesman Peter J.C. 
Published: June 2008

Cyclosporin A (CsA), a potent inhibitor of T‐cell activation, has been shown to have several
effects on thymocyte maturation, thymic stromal cells, and the generation of autoreactive T
cells. In Lewis rats, the combination of lethal irradiation, syngeneic bone marrow
transplantation, and a 4‐week course of CsA administration causes the development of an
autoimmune disease (CsA‐AI) resembling allogeneic graft‐versus‐host disease. This occurs
upon withdrawal of CsA, provided the thymus receives irradiation and is present during
CsA treatment. In this study, the separate effects of irradiation or CsA treatment on thymic
stromal cells and thymocytes, compared to the combinatory effects, were examined using
immunohistochemistry and tricolor flow cytometric analysis.CsA treatment causes an involution of the thymic medulla and a strong reduction of the
cell number of thymocytes and stromal cells residing in the medulla. However, within the
remaining medullary area, changes in cell distribution and antigen density on these cells
were not observed. Irradiation on the other hand causes a strong depletion of thymocytes.
The thymocyte population is recovered within 2 weeks and a cortical and medullary region
can be distinguished. CsA treatment in combination with irradiation results in a strongly
inhibited recovery of the medulla during CsA treatment, whereas the cortex recovers to
normal size and morphology. The presence of the medullary IDC and epithelial cells is
reduced proportionally to the small size of the medulla. However, the distribution of these
stromal cells is normal. During the CsA administration, the thymuses from irradiated and
CsA‐treated rats are very similar to thymuses from CsA‐treated rats. In conclusion, no
changes specific for irradiation plus CsA treatment have been observed. Regarding the
distribution and size of medullary stromal cells and residing thymocytes, thymuses from
irradiated and CsA‐treated rats hardly differ from the thymuses from rats treated only with
CsA. Therefore, irradiation seems essential in the generation of CsA‐AI by eliminating
suppressor‐cell circuits in the periphery.
In Vivo and In Vitro Expression of Tenascin by HumanThymic Microenvironmental Cells
Authors: Freitas Claudia Sondermann , Patricia O′Campo Lyra Jurandy Susana , Dalmau Sergio Ranto , Savino Wilson 
Published: June 2008

Increasing evidence reveals that extracellular matrix components can be regarded as a group
of mediators in intrathymic T‐cell migration and/or differentiation. Yet, little is kown about
the expression and putative function of one particular extracellular matrix protein, namely,
tenascin in the thymus. Herein we investigated, by means of immunocytochemistry,
tenascin expression in normal infant and fetal human thymuses, as well as in cultures of
thymic microenvironmental cells.In situ, tenascin distribution is restricted to the medulla and cortico‐medullary regions of
normal thymuses. This pattern thus differed from that of fibronectin, laminin and type IV
collagen, in which subseptal basement membranes were strongly labeled. Interestingly,
tenascin did not co‐localize with the cytokeratin‐defined thymic epithelial cell network. This
was in keeping with the in vitro data showing that tenascin‐bearing cells were nonepithelial
(and probably nonfibroblastic) microenvironmental elements.Studies with fetal thymuses revealed a developmentally regulated expression of tenascin,
with a faint but consistent network labeling, in thymic rudiments as early as 12 weeks of
gestational age, that progressed to a strong TN expression at 18 weeks of fetal development,
which was similar to the distribution pattern observed thereafter, including postnatally.Our results clearly indicated that tenascin is constitutively expressed in the human
thymus, since early stages of thymic ontogeny, and suggest that the cell type responsible for
its secretion is a nonepithelial microenvironmental cell.
Hemopoiesis in the Thymus
Authors: Kendall Marion D. 
Published: June 2008

The presence in the thymus of hemopoietic cells other than thymocytes has been known for
many years, but the extent of the hemopoietic activity of the thymus and the possible
functional implications have only recently begun to receive much attention. This review
summarizes the literature in this field, especially in the light of current cytokine and
thymic‐factor knowledge, and includes clinical relevance where possible.Corrigendum to “Hemopoiesis in the Thymus” dx.doi.org/10.1155/1995/12606
Gap‐Junction Communication Pathways in Germinal Center Reactions
Authors: Krenacs Tibor , Rosendaal Martin 
Published: June 2008

Intercellular channels called gap junctions enable multicellular organisms to exchange
information rapidly between cells. Though gap junctions are held to be ubiquitous in solid
tissues, we have only recently found them in the lymphoid organs. Functional direct cell‐cell
communication has now been confirmed by us and other groups in bone marrow, thymus, and
in secondary lymphoid tissues. What functions do they serve in the lymphoreticular system
where, so far, only cytokines/growth factors and adhesion molecules have been considered as
regulators? Here we show evidence for and refer to published work about functional direct cellcell
communication through gap junctions in germinal center reactions and make proposals for
their role in the immune response.We found a large amount of the connexin43 (Cx43) gap junctions in the germinal centers of
secondary lymphoid follicles. Ultrastructurally and immunohistologically, most of the junctions
were detected on the processes of follicular dendritic cells (FDC) enveloping nondividing
centrocytes in the light zone of germinal centers where B‐cell selection is thought to take place.
Further support for this finding came by revealing the Cx43 mRNA in situ at the same location
as the protein. On antigen challenge, gap junctions appeared on the FDC as they formed
meshworks in germinal centers. In order to find out which germinal center cells communicate
directly, we separated FDC‐rich, low‐density, B‐cell fractions from human tonsil. In culture, we
injected single FDC with the low‐molecular‐weight fluorescent dye, Lucifer Yellow (Mr 457
Da), which passed between adjacent FDC and sometimes from FDC to B cells.Based on these findings and their assigned functions in other tissues, gap junctions may
contribute to germinal center reactions in the following ways: (1) they may regulate follicle
pattern formation by controlling FDC growth, (2) they may be involved in FDC‐B‐cell signaling
contributing to the final rescue of selected B cells from apoptosis, and (3) they may enable FDC
to work as a functional syncytium providing a cellular internet for integrating germinal center
events. Data supporting these interpretations are briefly discussed.
Development and Maintenance of the Gut‐Associated Lymphoid Tissue (Galt): the Roles of Enteric Bacteriaand Viruses
Authors: Cebra John J. , Periwal Sangeeta Bhargava , Lee Gwen , Lee Fan , Shroff Khushroo E. 
Published: June 2008

GALT can be subdivided into several compartments: (a) Peyer′s patches (PP); (b) lamina propria
(LP); and (c) intraepithelial leukocyte (IEL) spaces. The B‐cell follicles of PP are quiescent in
neonatal and germ‐free (GF) adult mice. Germinal centers (GC), including sIgA+ blasts, appear
in the B follicles of formerly GF adult mice about 10‐14 days after monoassociation with various
gut commensal bacteria. The GC wax and wane over about a 3‐week period, although the
bacterial colonizers remain in the gut at high density. Neonatal mice, born of conventionally
reared (CV), immunocompetent mothers, display GC reactions in PP postweaning, although
pups of SCID mothers display precocious GC reactions at about 14 days of life. Normally, gut
colonization of neonates with segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) leads to explosive
development of IgA plasmablasts in LP shortly after weaning. Commensal gut bacteria and the
immunocompetency of mothers also appears to control the rate of accumulation of primary B
cells from “virgin” B cells in neonates.Enteric reovirus infection by the oral route can cause the activation of CD8+ T cells in the
interfollicular regions of PP and the appearance of virus‐specific precursor cytotoxic T
lymphocytes (pCTL) in the IEL spaces. Such oral stimulation can also lead to “activation” of
both CTL and natural killer (NK) cells in the IEL spaces. More normally, colonization of the gut
with SFB also leads to similar activations of NK cells and “constitutively” cytotoxic T cells.
Expression of Growth Hormone Receptors by Lymphocyte subpopulations in the Human tonsil
Authors: Thellin Olivier , Coumans Bernard , Zorzi Willy , Barnard Ross , Hennen Georges , Heinen Ernst , Igout Ahmed 
Published: June 2008

The ability of human tonsillar lymphoid cells to express growth hormone receptor (hGH‐N‐R) was analyzed by flow cytometry. FITC‐coupled recombinant human growth hormone (hGH‐N) was used to reveal the receptors, in combination with phenotype markers.Unlike T cells, tonsillar B cells constitutively express the hGH‐N receptor. Quiescent cells separated from activated cells by Percoll‐gradient centrifugation bear fewer receptors than activated ones. Activated T cells express hGH‐N‐R, but the typical germinal centre CD4+CD57+ T cells do not. These latter thus appear not to be fully activated.Inside the lymph follicles, the germinal centre CD38+ B‐cell population and the mantle‐zone CD39+ B‐cell population display similar levels of hGH‐N‐R expression, but receptor density is lower on dividing dark‐zone CD38+CD10+ B cells.Different lymphoid‐cell populations thus differ markedly in their ability to express the growth hormone receptor, in relation notably to their activation status. This highlights the link between the neuroendocrine system and the active immune defense.
Effects of the Japanese Herbal Medicine “Sho‐saiko‐to”(TJ‐9) on Interleukin‐12 Production in Patients withHCV‐Positive Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Yamashiki Masayoshi , Nishimura Akira , Huang Xian-Xi , Nobori Tsutomu , Sakaguchi Seigo , Suzuki Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2008

Interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) is an important cytokine for maintainence of normal systemic defense
and bioregulation. The Japanese herbal medicine Sho‐saiko‐to (TJ‐9) has been administered
to 1.5 million Japanese patients with chronic liver diseases. TJ‐9 is known to significantly
suppress cancer development in the liver and has macrobiotic effects. In the present study, we
examined the in vitro production of IL‐12 by circulating mononuclear cells from liver cirrhosis
patients and the effects of TJ‐9 on IL‐12 production.The monocyte/macrophage fraction and the lymphocyte fraction of peripheral blood were
obtained from 11 HCV‐positive liver cirrhosis patients and 12 healthy subjects. Interleukin‐12
levels in the supernatants were measured using ELISA kits. The levels of IL‐12 produced by
the patients fractions were significantly lower than those produced by healthy subjects (p <
0.01, p < 0.05). However, when TJ‐9 was added to the cultures, the IL‐12 production levels in
both cell fractions increased approximately three fold, and the levels from the monocyte/macrophage
fraction were almost the same as those from healthy subjects. This effect of TJ‐9 was
attributable to two of its seven herb components, that is, scutellaria root and glycyrrhiza root.
One possible mechanism for the macrobiotic effects of TJ‐9 on liver cirrhosis patients may be
the improvement in IL‐12 production.