bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Evolving Dark Energy on Cosmology
Authors: Barnes Luke , Francis Matthew J. , Lewis Geraint F. , Linder Eric V. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObservational evidence indicating that the expansion of the universe is accelerating has surprised cosmologists in recent years. Cosmological models have sought to explain this acceleration by incorporating ‘dark energy’, of which the traditional cosmological constant is just one possible candidate. Several cosmological models involving an evolving equation of state of the dark energy have been proposed, as well as possible energy exchange to other components, such as dark matter. This paper summarizes the forms of the most prominent models and discusses their implications for cosmology and astrophysics. Finally, this paper examines the current and future observational constraints on the nature of dark energy.
Analysis of the intraclonal diversity of HLA‐A0201‐restricted T lymphocyte epitopes in follicular lymphoma idiotype
Authors: Molinier‐Frenkel Valérie , Popa Natalia , Poulot Virginie , Chaise Coralie , Marquet Jeanine , Haioun Corinne , Gaulard Philippe , Farcet Jean‐Pierre , Delfau‐Larue Marie‐Hélène 
Published: December 2005

SummaryLymphoma‐derived immunoglobulin idiotype (Id) is a tumour‐specific antigen used for antitumour vaccination in follicular lymphoma (FL). However, FL Ids are subject to hypermutation and subclones may escape antitumour cytotoxic T‐cell response. To investigate the intraclonal epitope diversity, we sequenced the FL heavy chain gene (consensus Id gene) and subclones of 24 patients. The derived polypeptide sequences were analysed by bioinformatics for human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A0201‐restricted epitope prediction. Epitopes were classified according to BIMAS and SYFPEITHI scores. Surprisingly in these highly mutated polypeptides, the epitopes concentrated in short hotspots in the conserved framework regions (FRs), both in HLA‐A0201+ and HLA‐A0201− patients. Similar hotspots have been observed by others in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia Ids which in contrast to FL have low mutation frequency. FR3 amino acids 78–88 displayed the best‐score epitopes in Ids containing a VH3‐family segment, the most represented in FL Ids. Such VH3‐FR378−88 epitopes were previously demonstrated as immunogenic. Modifications of the epitope pattern in subclones of HLA‐A0201+ patients were generally absent from high‐score peptides, including VH3‐FR378−88 epitopes (83% unmodified). Therefore, no tendency for loss of HLA‐A0201‐restricted epitopes was evidenced and, given their limited intraclonal diversity, VH3‐FR378−88 epitopes may provide a useful target for the induction of cytotoxic response in Id‐vaccinated FL patients.
Arsenic trioxide (AT) is a novel human neutrophil pro‐apoptotic agent: effects of catalase on AT‐induced apoptosis, degradation of cytoskeletal proteins and de novo protein synthesis
Authors: Binet François , Cavalli Hélène , Moisan Éliane , Girard Denis 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe anti‐cancer drug arsenic trioxide (AT) induces apoptosis in a variety of transformed or proliferating cells. However, little is known regarding its ability to induce apoptosis in terminally differentiated cells, such as neutrophils. Because neutropenia has been reported in some cancer patients after AT treatment, we hypothesised that AT could induce neutrophil apoptosis, an issue that has never been investigated. Herein, we found that AT‐induced neutrophil apoptosis and gelsolin degradation via caspases. AT did not increase neutrophil superoxide production and did not induce mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species. AT‐induced apoptosis in PLB‐985 and X‐linked chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) cells (PLB‐985 cells deficient in gp91phox mimicking CGD) at the same potency. Addition of catalase, an inhibitor of H2O2, reversed AT‐induced apoptosis and degradation of the cytoskeletal proteins gelsolin, α‐tubulin and lamin B1. Unexpectedly, AT‐induced de novo protein synthesis, which was reversed by catalase. Cycloheximide partially reversed AT‐induced apoptosis. We conclude that AT induces neutrophil apoptosis by a caspase‐dependent mechanism and via de novo protein synthesis. H2O2 is of major importance in AT‐induced neutrophil apoptosis but its production does not originate from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate dehydrogenase activation and mitochondria. Cytoskeletal structures other than microtubules can now be considered as novel targets of AT.
Direct targeting of genetically modified tumour cells to FcγRI triggers potent tumour cytotoxicity
Authors: Bevaart Lisette , Goldstein Joel , Vitale Laura , Russoniello Christina , Treml John , Zhang Jun , Graziano Robert F. , Leusen Jeanette H. W. , van de Winkel Jan G. J. , Keler Tibor 
Published: December 2005

SummaryExpression of the type I receptor for Fc domain of immunoglobulin (Ig)G (FcγRI or CD64) is restricted to myeloid effector cells, such as monocytes, macrophages and a subset of dendritic cells. Previous work has indicated a role for FcγRI in antibody‐dependent phagocytosis and lysis of tumour cells. We hypothesised that tagging of tumour cells with an anti‐FcγRI single chain Fv (sFv) may facilitate targeting to this receptor on effector cells, thereby initiating tumour cytotoxicity. A vector encoding the sFv for an FcγRI‐specific antibody (H22), linked to the transmembrane domain of platelet‐derived growth factor was constructed. Transfected tumour cells expressed high surface levels of functional H22‐sFv, which greatly enhanced susceptibility for phagocytosis and lysis by monocytes and macrophages. The expression of H22‐sFv evoked the ability of tumour cells to directly activate monocytes, as evidenced by phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase and secretion of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumour necrosis factor‐α and IL‐6. Moreover, growth of tumour cells in mice expressing H22‐sFv was profoundly delayed (or absent) in transgenic mice expressing human FcγRI. These results demonstrated that tumour cells can be readily modified to activate cell effector mechanisms, a strategy that may be useful for in vivo targeting in patients.
Changes in water quality during heating in electromagnetic and gas heated pans and the relationship between water quality changes and temperature increase rate
Authors: Sasaki Ken , Hiratsuka Hiroshi , Takeno Kenji 
Published: December 2005

SummaryRelatively large changes in the indicators of water quality, such as pH, hardness, and bicarbonate content, were observed during electromagnetic heating of pans of different tap waters and compared with pans heated by liquid natural gas (LNG) or liquid petroleum gas (LPG). For example, the pH and hardness of Hiroshima tap water were increased from 7.35 to 9.27 and from 19.0 to 35.7 mg L−1, respectively, during 20 min of electromagnetic heating. When tap water from Tokyo was subjected to electromagnetic heating, the water hardness of 74.2 mg L−1 was increased by 52% after 20 min of heating. Such water quality changes were observed consistently in several tap water samples across Japan. These changes showed a close correlation with rates of temperature increase. It was suggested that mineral components (Ca and Mg), which were attached on the stainless steel surface of the pans might be released into the tap water with high calorific heating.
MHC gene configuration variation in geographically disparate populations of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)
Authors: BOWEN L. , ALDRIDGE B. M. , DELONG R. , MELIN S. , GODINEZ C. , ZAVALA A. , GULLAND F. , LOWENSTINE L. , STOTT J. L. , JOHNSON M. L. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractMajor histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II DRB genotypes were examined in two geographically isolated populations of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) (Gulf of California and California coastal Pacific Ocean). Genomic DNA from 227 California sea lions was examined using eight sequence‐specific primer (SSP) pairs flanking the putative peptide‐binding site. A total of 40 different Zaca‐DRB genotype configurations were identified among the 227 individuals. Using SSP‐PCR, significant differences were found between coastal California and Gulf of California Zalophus populations in numbers of DRB sequences per individual and configuration of sequences within individuals. Additionally, unique local patterns of MHC diversity were identified among the Midriff Island animals. These population differences are consistent with either ecologically distinct patterns of selection pressures and/or geographical isolation. The consequences of these partitioned MHC configurations at the population level are as yet unknown; however, the worldwide increase in emerging marine diseases lends urgency to their examination.
Cryptic population structuring in Scandinavian lynx: reply to Pamilo
Authors: JORDE P. E. , RUENESS E. K. , STENSETH N. C. , JAKOBSEN K. S. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIn a recent Commentary in this journal, Pamilo (2004) criticized our analysis of the spatial genetic structure of the Eurasian lynx in Scandinavia (Rueness et al. 2003). The analyses uncovered a marked geographical differentiation along the Scandinavian peninsula with an apparent linear gradient in the north–south direction. We used computer simulations to check on the proposition that the observed geographical structure could have arisen by genetic drift and isolation by distance in the approximate 25 generations that have passed since the last bottleneck. Pamilo disapproved of our choice of population model and also how we compared the outcome of the simulations with data. As these issues should be of interest to a wider audience we discuss them in some detail.
Secretion of curli fibre subunits is mediated by the outer membrane‐localized CsgG protein
Authors: Robinson Lloyd S. , Ashman Elisabeth M. , Hultgren Scott J. , Chapman Matthew R. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryProduced by many Enterobacteriaceae spp., curli are biologically important amyloid fibres that have been associated with biofilm formation, host cell adhesion and invasion, and immune system activation. CsgA is the major fibre subunit and CsgE, CsgF and CsgG are non‐structural proteins involved in curli biogenesis. We have characterized the role of CsgG in curli subunit secretion across the outer membrane. Directed mutagenesis of CsgG confirmed that its activity is dependent on localization to the outer membrane. Rotary Shadow electron microscopy of purified CsgG suggested that this protein assembles into an oligomeric complex with an apparent central pore. Oligomeric CsgG complexes were confirmed using co‐purification experiments. Antibiotic sensitivity assays demonstrated that overexpression of CsgG rendered Escherichia coli susceptible to the antibiotic erythromycin. A 22‐amino‐acid sequence at the N‐terminus of CsgA was sufficient to direct heterologous proteins to the CsgG secretion apparatus. Finally, we determined that CsgG participates in an outer membrane complex with two other curli assembly proteins, CsgE and CsgF.
Antisense reduction of serine hydroxymethyltransferase results in diurnal displacement of NH4+ assimilation in leaves of Solanum tuberosum
Authors: Schjoerring Jan K. , Mäck Gisela , Nielsen Kent Høier , Husted Søren , Suzuki Akira , Driscoll Simon , Boldt Ralf , Bauwe Hermann 
Published: December 2005

SummarySerine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is part of the mitochondrial enzyme complex catalysing the photorespiratory production of serine, ammonium and CO2 from glycine. Potato plants (Solanum tuberosum cv. Solara) with antisensed SHMT were generated to investigate whether photorespiratory intermediates accumulated during light lead to nocturnal activation of the nitrogen‐assimilating enzymes glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT). The transformant lines contained 70–90% less SHMT protein, and exhibited a corresponding decrease in mitochondrial SHMT activity. SHMT antisense plants displayed lower photosynthetic capacity and accumulated glycine in light. Glycine was converted to serine in the second half of the light period, while serine, ammonium and glutamine showed an inverse diurnal rhythm and reached highest values in darkness. GS/GOGAT protein levels and activities in the transgenics also reached maximum levels in darkness. The diurnal displacement of NH4+ assimilation was accompanied by a change in the subunit composition of GS2, but not GS1. It is concluded that internal accumulation of post‐photorespiratory ammonium is leading to nocturnal activation of GS/GOGAT, and that the time shift in ammonia assimilation can constitute part of a strategy to survive photorespiratory impairment.
Generation of a flanking sequence‐tag database for activation‐tagging lines in japonica rice
Authors: Jeong Dong‐Hoon , An Suyoung , Park Sunhee , Kang Hong‐Gyu , Park Gi‐Gyeong , Kim Sung‐Ryul , Sim Jayeon , Kim Young‐Ock , Kim Min‐Kyung , Kim Seong‐Ryong , Kim Joowon , Shin Moonsoo , Jung Mooyoung , An Gynheung 
Published: December 2005

SummaryWe have generated 47 932 T‐DNA tag lines in japonica rice using activation‐tagging vectors that contain tetramerized 35S enhancer sequences. To facilitate use of those lines, we isolated the genomic sequences flanking the inserted T‐DNA via inverse polymerase chain reaction. For most of the lines, we performed four sets of amplifications using two different restriction enzymes toward both directions. In analyzing 41 234 lines, we obtained 27 621 flanking sequence tags (FSTs), among which 12 505 were integrated into genic regions and 15 116 into intergenic regions. Mapping of the FSTs on chromosomes revealed that T‐DNA integration frequency was generally proportional to chromosome size. However, T‐DNA insertions were non‐uniformly distributed on each chromosome: higher at the distal ends and lower in regions close to the centromeres. In addition, several regions showed extreme peaks and valleys of insertion frequency, suggesting hot and cold spots for T‐DNA integration. The density of insertion events was somewhat correlated with expressed, rather than predicted, gene density along each chromosome. Analyses of expression patterns near the inserted enhancer showed that at least half the test lines displayed greater expression of the tagged genes. Whereas in most of the increased lines expression patterns after activation were similar to those in the wild type, thereby maintaining the endogenous patterns, the remaining lines showed changes in expression in the activation tagged lines. In this case, ectopic expression was most frequently observed in mature leaves. Currently, the database can be searched with the gene locus number or location on the chromosome at http://www.postech.ac.kr/life/pfg/risd. On request, seeds of the T1 or T2 plants will be provided to the scientific community.
Macrophages of the bovine heifer mammary gland: Morphological features during initiation and resolution of the inflammatory response
Authors: Sladek Z. , Ryznarova H. , Rysanek D. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThis work characterizes macrophage morphological features during initiation and resolution of an inflammatory response by the bovine mammary gland. The study has been carried out in 20 mammary glands of five virgin heifers by using light microscopy of natural and stained cells and by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The inflammatory reaction was induced by an intramammary administration of phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). It has been found that both the initial as well as the resolution phases of the inflammatory reaction are characteristic of the presence of various morphologically different macrophage forms. During the initial phase of the inflammatory response, the major proportion of the macrophage population consisted of monocyte‐like macrophages, which represented newly migrated cells. These macrophages were 12–15 μm in size, with spherical or ovoidal shapes, and contained homogenous, fine‐granular cytoplasm rich in Golgi complexes, numerous mitochondria, and no lysosomes. The nuclei of the macrophages were kidney‐shaped, and surrounded by dark chromatin along the peripheries. Macrophages with phagocytosed apoptotic neutrophils in the cytoplasm were detected already during the initial phase. These macrophages reached the highest proportion 48–72 h after the influx induction and participated in the resolution of the inflammatory reaction. Other cells, also detected during the resolution of the inflammatory reaction, were vacuolized macrophages that formed the largest cells in the lavages of the mammary glands and that were structurally characteristic for the presence of vacuoles in the cytoplasm. In TEM the macrophage vacuoles formed both phagolysosomes with residues of pre‐digested material of phagocytosed apoptotic neutrophils and vacuoles that were less electon‐dense. Morphologically different forms of macrophages reflected their real‐time functions in the inflammation process.
Protecting the retinal pigment epithelium during macular hole surgery
Authors: Olson Jeffrey L , On Alexander V , Mandava Naresh 
Published: December 2005

AbstractHerein a new surgical technique used during pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling for macular hole surgery is reported. Perfluorocarbon liquid is used to tamponade the macular hole in order to prevent indocyanine green contact with the retinal pigment epithelium.
Daytime presentations to a metropolitan ophthalmic emergency department
Authors: Kumar Nikhil L , Black Deborah , McClellan Kathy 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground:  To determine the diagnoses causing patients to present to a dedicated ophthalmic emergency department. To detect associations with patient demographics.Methods:  A retrospective review of all presentations to the Sydney Eye Hospital Emergency Department between 08:00 and 17:00 hours from 1 January to 31 December 2001 was conducted. Data were analysed for frequency of diagnoses and patient demographics.Results:  A total of 10 599 patients presented to the emergency department on 16 870 occasions. On average, 46 patients were seen daily. Men accounted for 57.7% and women for 42.3% of presentations. The five commonest reasons for presentation were conjunctivitis, keratitis, cataract, corneal abrasion and iridocyclitis.Conclusions:  Ocular surface and anterior segment diagnoses are predominant among emergency presentations. Statistically significant associations exist between sex and selected diagnoses, and between age and almost all of the commonest diagnoses. The emergency department functions as a primary care provider with most patients discharged following initial consultation.
Implementation and evaluation of an ophthalmic nurse practitioner emergency eye clinic
Authors: Kirkwood Bradley J , Pesudovs Konrad , Loh Raymond S , Coster Douglas J 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground:  To describe the implementation and assess the efficacy of an ophthalmic nurse practitioner (ONP) emergency eye clinic.Methods:  In a 13‐month period, patients were assessed in an ONP emergency eye clinic in a teaching hospital setting. The ONP clinic was run on a defined scope of practice. Risk assessment was carried out in two audit sessions, 4 weeks duration each, at months 1 and 7. Patient outcomes were monitored for reattendance to the department following discharge.Results:  A total of 259 patients were assessed, 143 (55.2%) were within the scope of practice. In the two audit periods, concordance with the ophthalmologist was high, diagnosis 100% and management 95.2%. Many patients assessed (111, 42.9% of total) had minor external eye conditions – chiefly corneal foreign body or abrasion (n = 50), conjunctivitis (n = 14) and minor (non‐alkali) chemical injuries (n = 11). No reattendance was noted in these patients when monitored for a mean of 12 months (range 7–19 months).Conclusions:  This study demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of an ONP emergency eye clinic when practising within a defined scope of practice. An ONP‐led emergency eye clinic is a viable addition to acute ophthalmic eye care in Australia.
Posterior chamber compartments demonstrated by optical coherence tomography, in silicone‐filled eyes, following macular hole surgery
Authors: Satchi Khami , Patel Chetan Kantibhai (CK) 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To report visualization with optical coherence tomography of a prefoveal space in silicone oil‐filled eyes following surgery for idiopathic macular hole.Methods:  Seven eyes of seven consecutive patients undergoing macular hole surgery with silicone oil tamponade were prospectively evaluated with optical coherence tomography preoperatively, on the first postoperative day, after 6 weeks and before removal of silicone oil.Results:  In all seven eyes the posterior face of the silicone oil bubble was visualized with optical coherence tomography. In all of these patients, who had a silicone oil fill of over 90%, the silicone oil bubble in the upright position did not conform to the foveal depression. Closure of the macular hole was achieved in all seven eyes after one operation.Conclusions:  Macular hole closure can occur without complete tamponade of the central fovea. A prefoveal space can be visualized in silicone oil‐filled eyes. Concentration of growth factors, adjuvants and indocyanine green in this compartment may influence postoperative visual outcome, as may changes in retinal homeostasis induced by removal of silicone oil.
Outcome of corneal transplant rejection: a 10‐year study
Authors: Sangwan Virender S , Ramamurthy Balasubramanya , Shah Urmi , Garg Prashant , Sridhar Mitthanamalli S , Rao Gullapalli N 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To study the incidence of graft rejection and the predictive factors for its reversibility.Methods:  It is a retrospective study of 1927 consecutive penetrating keratoplasties performed between January 1990 and January 2000 with more than 6 months follow up. A total of 224 rejection episodes were noted in 183 patients. Of these, 184 first rejection episodes were included in this study.Results:  The incidence of first rejection episode was 9.55%. Of patients 87% were symptomatic during the episode with vision loss being the commonest. The average time of onset of rejection was 15.25 ± 14.4 months (median 11.7 months). In total, 53.3% of rejections occurred within 1 year after surgery. Of the patients who completed minimum 3 months follow up after the rejection episode, the rate of reversibility was 63.3%. Major predictive factors for a poor outcome after rejection were repeated grafting and associated anterior vitrectomy during surgery. The reversibility of the episode did not differ significantly with the modality of treatment used, but treatment with intravenous steroids within 7 days of onset of rejection may have a role in reducing the recurrences of rejection episodes, thus increasing the graft survival.Conclusion:  Regrafts and associated anterior vitrectomy were significant risk factors for a poor outcome following rejection episode.
Intralenticular foreign body: a D‐Day reminder
Authors: Dhawahir‐Scala Felipe E , Kamal A 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIntralenticular foreign bodies are not uncommon after penetrating eye injuries. This is an observational case report where a patient was found to have an embedded lenticular foreign body for more than 60 years. Following such a long period of time the patient has not experienced any significant cataract formation or compromised ocular function due to the foreign body.
Unilateral amiodarone keratopathy
Authors: Chilov Michael N , Moshegov Con N , Booth Frances 
Published: December 2005

AbstractVortex keratopathy is characterized by bilateral symmetrical superficial corneal deposits in a vortex pattern. It is the most common ocular finding among patients being treated with amiodarone. An unusual case of unilateral amiodarone vortex keratopathy in an elderly woman with corneal dysplasia in the second eye is presented. The pathophysiology of amiodarone keratopathy is explored, and a cause for the unilateral keratopathy in this patient proposed.