bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fitness consequences of Anopheles gambiae population hybridization
Authors: Menge David M , Guda Tom , Zhong Daibin , Pai Aditi , Zhou Goufa , Beier John C , Gouagna Louis , Yan Guiyun 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
The use of transgenic mosquitoes with parasite inhibiting genes has been proposed as an integral strategy to control malaria transmission. However, release of exotic transgenic mosquitoes will bring in novel alleles along with parasite-inhibiting genes that may have unknown effects on native populations. Thus it is necessary to study the effects and dynamics of fitness traits in native mosquito populations in response to the introduction of novel genes. This study was designed to evaluate the dynamics of fitness traits in a simulation of introduction of novel alleles under laboratory conditions using two strains of Anopheles gambiae: Mbita strain from western Kenya and Ifakara strain from Tanzania.

Methods
The dynamics of fitness traits were evaluated under laboratory conditions using the two An. gambiae strains. These two geographically different strains were cross-bred and monitored for 20 generations to score fecundity, body size, blood-meal size, larval survival, and adult longevity, all of which are important determinants of the vector's potential in malaria transmission. Traits were analysed using pair-wise analysis of variance (ANOVA) for fecundity, body size, and blood-meal size while survival analysis was performed for larval survival and adult longevity.

Results
Fecundity and body size were significantly higher in the progeny up to the 20th generation compared to founder strains. Adult longevity had a significantly higher mean up to the 10th generation and average blood-meal size was significantly larger up to the 5th generation, indicating that hybrids fitness is enhanced over that of the founder strains.

Conclusion
Hybridization of the two mosquito populations used in this study led to increased performance in the fitness traits studied. Given that the studied traits are important determinants of the vector's potential to transmit malaria, these results suggest the need to release genetically modified mosquitoes that have the same or very similar backgrounds to the native populations.
Eustachian valve endocarditis: a rare localization of right side endocarditis. A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Pellicelli Adriano M , Pino Paolo , Terranova Antonio , D'Ambrosio Cecilia , Soccorsi Fabrizio 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
Right-sided endocarditis occurs predominantly in intravenous drug users, in patients with pacemaker or central venous lines and in patients with congenital heart disease. The vast majority of cases involve the tricuspid valve. Eustachian valve endocarditis is an uncommon disease with similar signs and symptoms of the tricuspid valve endocarditis. A series of only 16 cases of eustachian valve endocarditis are reported in the literature.

Case Presentation
We present a case of a 25-year old woman with intravenous drug abuse who had a staphylococcus aureus tricuspid valve endocarditis associated to eustachian valve endocarditis. Transthoracic echocardiography, as first line examination, showed the vegetations on tricuspid and eustachian valve.

Conclusion
Our case describe an unusual location of right side endocarditis in a intravenous drug abuser. In our case, in accord with other cases described in the literature, transthoracic echocardiography disclosed eustachian valve endocarditis.
Antimicrobial management is not altered by the recognition of eustachian valve endocarditis. Antibiotic treatment and duration of eustachian endocarditis depends on the isolated organism and is similar to antibiotic therapy used in native valve endocarditis.
Valproic acid and HIV-1 latency: beyond the sound bite
Authors: Smith Stephen M 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
A recent publication in Lancet by Dr. David Margolis and colleagues raised the prospect that HIV infection may be curable. In this pilot study, which received much attention from the press, Dr. Margolis'group found that valproic acid plus enfuvirtide reduces the pool of CD4+ T-cells, which are latently infected with HIV-1, the so-called viral reservoir. This commentary critically addresses current data on this topic.
Transcriptional profiles discriminate bone marrow-derived and synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Djouad Farida , Bony Claire , Häupl Thomas , Uzé Gilles , Lahlou Najiba , Louis-Plence Pascale , Apparailly Florence , Canovas François , Rème Thierry , Sany Jacques , Jorgensen Christian , Noël Danièle 
Published: September 2005

AbstractPrevious studies have reported that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) may be isolated from the synovial membrane by the same protocol as that used for synovial fibroblast cultivation, suggesting that MSC correspond to a subset of the adherent cell population, as MSC from the stromal compartment of the bone marrow (BM). The aims of the present study were, first, to better characterize the MSC derived from the synovial membrane and, second, to compare systematically, in parallel, the MSC-containing cell populations isolated from BM and those derived from the synovium, using quantitative assays. Fluorescent-activated cell sorting analysis revealed that both populations were negative for CD14, CD34 and CD45 expression and that both displayed equal levels of CD44, CD73, CD90 and CD105, a phenotype currently known to be characteristic of BM-MSC. Comparable with BM-MSC, such MSC-like cells isolated from the synovial membrane were shown for the first time to suppress the T-cell response in a mixed lymphocyte reaction, and to express the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity to the same extent as BM-MSC, which is a possible mediator of this suppressive activity. Using quantitative RT-PCR these data show that MSC-like cells from the synovium and BM may be induced to chondrogenic differentiation and, to a lesser extent, to osteogenic differentiation, but the osteogenic capacities of the synovium-derived MSC were significantly reduced based on the expression of the markers tested (collagen type II and aggrecan or alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, respectively). Transcription profiles, determined with the Atlas Human Cytokine/Receptor Array, revealed discrimination between the MSC-like cells from the synovial membrane and the BM-MSC by 46 of 268 genes. In particular, activin A was shown to be one major upregulated factor, highly secreted by BM-MSC. Whether this reflects a different cellular phenotype, a different amount of MSC in the synovium-derived population compared with BM-MSC adherent cell populations or the impact of a different microenvironment remains to be determined. In conclusion, although the BM-derived and synovium-derived MSC shared similar phenotypic and functional properties, both their differentiation capacities and transcriptional profiles permit one to discriminate the cell populations according to their tissue origin.
Reduction of D-dimer levels after therapeutic administration of antithrombin in acquired antithrombin deficiency of severe sepsis
Authors: Kountchev Jordan , Bijuklic Klaudija , Bellmann Romuald , Wiedermann Christian J , Joannidis Michael 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Introduction
In acute disseminated intravascular coagulation, the effect of antithrombin (AT) administration on elevated levels of D-dimer is not well established. In the present study, we report on changes in circulating levels of D-dimer in response to administration of AT in a series of patients with acquired AT deficiency due to severe sepsis.

Methods
Eight consecutive critically ill medical patients presenting with acute disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with severe sepsis/septic shock received a single bolus infusion of AT over 30 minutes, aiming to achieve physiological AT levels. Haemostatic parameters including D-dimer were assessed prior to, 6 and 24 h after AT administration. An average of 42 ± 9 U/kg body weight was infused.

Results
Following AT substitution, elevated levels of D-dimer fell whereas AT levels rose.

Conclusion
These observations support the notion that AT can favourably affect fibrin degradation accompanying disseminated intravascular coagulation of severe sepsis.
Inferring protein domain interactions from databases of interacting proteins
Authors: Riley Robert , Lee Christopher , Sabatti Chiara , Eisenberg David 
Published: September 2005

AbstractWe describe domain pair exclusion analysis (DPEA), a method for inferring domain interactions from databases of interacting proteins. DPEA features a log odds score, E
ij
, reflecting confidence that domains i and j interact. We analyzed 177,233 potential domain interactions underlying 26,032 protein interactions. In total, 3,005 high-confidence domain interactions were inferred, and were evaluated using known domain interactions in the Protein Data Bank. DPEA may prove useful in guiding experiment-based discovery of previously unrecognized domain interactions.
The TP53 Colorectal Cancer International Collaborative Study on the Prognostic and Predictive Significance of p53 Mutation: Influence of Tumor Site, Type of Mutation, and Adjuvant Treatment
Authors: Russo Antonio , Bazan Viviana , Iacopetta Barry , Kerr David , Soussi Thierry , Gebbia Nicola 
Published: September 2005

Purpose The aims of the TP53 Colorectal Cancer (CRC) International Collaborative Study were to evaluate the possible associations between specific TP53 mutations and tumor site, and to evaluate the prognostic and predictive significance of these mutations in different site, stage, and treatment subgroups. Patients and Methods A total of 3,583 CRC patients from 25 different research groups in 17 countries were recruited to the study. Patients were divided into three groups according to site of the primary tumor. TP53 mutational analyses spanned exons 4 to 8. Results TP53 mutations were found in 34% of the proximal colon tumors and in 45% of the distal colon and rectal tumors. They were associated with lymphatic invasion in proximal tumors. In distal colon tumors, deletions causing loss of amino acids were associated with worse survival. In proximal colon tumors, mutations in exon 5 showed a trend toward statistical significance (P < .05) when overall survival was considered. Dukes' C tumors with wild-type TP53 and those with mutated TP53 (proximal tumors) showed significantly better prognosis when treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion Analysis of TP53 mutations from a large cohort of CRC patients has identified tumor site, type of mutation, and adjuvant treatment as important factors in determining the prognostic significance of this genetic alteration.
Phase III Trial of Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel Compared With Polyethylated Castor Oil–Based Paclitaxel in Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Gradishar William J. , Tjulandin Sergei , Davidson Neville , Shaw Heather , Desai Neil , Bhar Paul , Hawkins Michael , O'Shaughnessy Joyce 
Published: September 2005

Purpose ABI-007, the first biologically interactive albumin-bound paclitaxel in a nanameter particle, free of solvents, was compared with polyethylated castor oil–based standard paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). This phase III study was performed to confirm preclinical studies demonstrating superior efficacy and reduced toxicity of ABI-007 compared with standard paclitaxel. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to 3-week cycles of either ABI-007 260 mg/m2 intravenously without premedication (n = 229) or standard paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 intravenously with premedication (n = 225). Results ABI-007 demonstrated significantly higher response rates compared with standard paclitaxel (33% v 19%, respectively; P = .001) and significantly longer time to tumor progression (23.0 v 16.9 weeks, respectively; hazard ratio = 0.75; P = .006). The incidence of grade 4 neutropenia was significantly lower for ABI-007 compared with standard paclitaxel (9% v 22%, respectively; P < .001) despite a 49% higher paclitaxel dose. Febrile neutropenia was uncommon (< 2%), and the incidence did not differ between the two study arms. Grade 3 sensory neuropathy was more common in the ABI-007 arm than in the standard paclitaxel arm (10% v 2%, respectively; P < .001) but was easily managed and improved rapidly (median, 22 days). No hypersensitivity reactions occurred with ABI-007 despite the absence of premedication and shorter administration time. Conclusion ABI-007 demonstrated greater efficacy and a favorable safety profile compared with standard paclitaxel in this patient population. The improved therapeutic index and elimination of corticosteroid premedication required for solvent-based taxanes make the novel albumin-bound paclitaxel ABI-007 an important advance in the treatment of MBC.
Parallel Simulations in Turbulent MHD
Authors: Gómez Daniel O , Mininni Pablo D , Dmitruk Pablo 
Published: September 2005

The large-scale dynamics of plasma flows can often be described within a fluidistic approximation known as onefluid magnetohydrodynamics. Complex flows such as those corresponding to turbulent regimes are ubiquitous in laboratory plasmas and in astrophysics, because of their typically very large Reynolds numbers.
Numerical simulations have become a powerful tool for the study of complex plasma flows in recent years. The aim of the present paper is to introduce the reader to some of the standard numerical approximations used for the integration of the magnetohydrodynamic equations. In particular, we focus on pseudospectral methods and on how to develop parallel codes to speed up large Reynolds number simulations. We show the results arising from numerical simulations of astrophysical interest such as the development of turbulent flows in reduced magnetohydrodynamics and the generation of magnetic fields by dynamo mechanisms in three dimensional magnetohydrodynamics.
Supernovae and Dark Energy
Authors: John L Tonry  
Published: September 2005

Type Ia supernovae provide a precise luminosity distance at redshift as high as z 2. At present nearly 200 SN Ia paint a consistent picture that Ω
A
- 1.4Ω
M
= 0.35 ± 0.14 (if w = -1). If Ω
T
= 1, SN Ia tell us Ω
M
= 0.28 ± 0.05, independent of any other measurements. Adopting a prior based on the 2dF redshift survey constraint on Ω
M
and assuming a flat universe, then -1.48 < w < -0.72 at 95% confidence. If we further assume that w > -1, we obtain w < -0.73 at 95% confidence.
Understanding systematic errors is of paramount importance, both because they may affect our present results and they will limit the eventual precision achievable. Possible sources of error include photometric error, dust extinction, evolution of SN Ia selection effects, K-corrections, and gravitational lensing, all which could vary with redshift. There are many efforts underway to push to higher redshift and to control possible observational systematic errors the bottom line is that the acceleration reported earlier appears to be confirmed.
The propagation of systematic error in luminosity distance to inferred w or w(z) depends critically on how much is known about Ω
M
. For example, at fixed Ω
M
a systematic uncertainty in d
lum of 0.04 mag corresponds to a 10% uncertainty in w, but this becomes much worse if Ω
M
is not known. We will have some good constraints on Ω
M
, either directly from 2dF or SDSS, or indirectly from WMAP whose constraints in the (Ω
M
, w) plane run more or less perpendicular to the SN Ia (but they can also have systematic errors themselves).
Theoretical models for SN Ia are now able to make multi-wavelength light curves and spectra which are a decent match to observation. The luminosity-decline rate correlation depends primarily on the amount of 56Ni produced in the explosion. There are other, more subtle effects which are also being elucidated, for example, increasing initial metallicity (in the form of neutron-rich 56Fe and 22Fe) diminishes the neutron-poor 56Ni and dims the explosion. Unfortunately we have very little idea at present about what causes a WD to explode. A small fraction of WD explode, and those that do wait a long time between their formation and their explosion. Without initial conditions, there is a lot of room for systematic error at the 0.02 mag level from SN Ia explosions, and whether they depend in a serious way with z and therefore limit our ability to measure w(z) remains to be seen. It may be that we can measure d
lum(z) to 1% (0.02 mag) by controlling only observational systematics, or it may be that we incur significant systematic errors for which we do not have the requisite information to realize their presence or correct for them.
Ultra-Precise Measurement of Distance by Fabry-Perot Resonator
Authors: O Číp  , F Petrů  , J Lazar  , Z Buchta  
Published: September 2005

Length measurements in the region of nanometers by help of laser interferometers are influenced by the nonlinearity of their scale, which is usually ten or more nanometers. We developed and experimentally verified a new method, which has the resolution and linearity of the scale in the order of hundredth part of a nanometer. This method uses an optical Fabry-Perot resonator as a measuring element and by its help it is possible to measure small lengths and to test the nonlinearity of any interferometer with an uncertainty smaller than 0.1 nm The method takes advantage of a direct conversion of the relative changes of the optical path in measuring the arm of the Michelson interferometer to relative changes of the resonant optical frequency of the Fabry-Perot resonator. Frequency changes of the resonator resonance frequency have been monitored by a beat-frequency comparison between tunable He-Ne or semiconductor ECL (Extended Cavity Laser) laser and He-Ne-I2 optical frequency standard at 633 nm.
Holographic Characteristics of an Acrylamide/Bisacrylamide Photopolymer in 40–1000 µm Thick Layers
Authors: M Ortuño  , S Gallego  , C García  , I Pascual  , C Neipp  , A Beléndez  
Published: September 2005

In this study we analyze the holographic behaviour of an acrylamide/bisacrylamide photopolymer in layers that range in thickness from 40 to 1000 µm. The photopolymer is composed of acrylamide as polymerizable monomer, N,N' methylene-bis-acrylamide as crosslinker, triethanolamine as radical generator, yellowish eosin as sensitizer and polyvinyl alcohol as binder. The composition and method of depositing the solution varies depending on the desired thickness of the final layer. For each thickness we analyze the holographic behaviour of the material during recording of unslanted diffraction gratings using a continuous argon laser (514 nm) at an intensity of 5 mW/cm2. The response of the material is monitored in real time with an He-Ne laser. The results obtained for the different parameters evaluated vary considerably depends on the layer thickness. Therefore, the different potential applications of the material (fabrication of holographic optical elements, use as recording material in holographic interferometry, or manufacture of holographic memories) depends on its thickness.
Advancing the Optical Feed Back Concept: Grating Enhanced External Cavity Diode Laser
Authors: A Wicht  , P Huke  , R-H Rinkleff  , K Danzmann  
Published: September 2005

We present theoretical and experimental investigations on a new optical feedback concept for single mode diode lasers. It is based on the optical feedback from a resonant external cavity coupled to the diode laser through the 1st order diffraction of a grating. With a single mode diode laser operating at 852 nm we demonstrate a short term line width of less than 60 kHz, an overall tuneability in excess of 36.4 nm and a continuous tuning range in excess of 45 GHz, both at constant diode temperature.
Frequency of Micronucleated Erythrocytes in Rat Bone Marrow Exposed to 2.45 GHz Radiation
Authors: I Trosic  , I Busljeta  
Published: September 2005

Wistar rats were exposed to 2.45 GHz continuous, radiofrequency microwave (RF/MW) field 2 hours daily, 7 days weekly, at power density 5–10 mW/cm2. Four subgroups were created in order to be irradiated 4, 16, 30 and 60 hours. Sham-exposed controls were included in the study. Animals were euthanized on the final irradiation day of each treated subgroup. Bone marrow smears were examined to determine the extent of genotoxicity after the particular treatment time. Mann-Whitney test was used for statistical evaluation of data. In comparison to the sham-exposed subgroups, the findings of polychromatic erythrocytes revealed significant differences for the 8th and 15th experimental day. Bone marrow erythrocyte maturation and/or proliferation initiated by subthermogenic RF/MW irradiation showed temporary disturbance. Thereafter, the frequency of micronucleated bone marrow red cells was significantly increased after 15 irradiation treatments. Comparison of micronucleus frequency data obtained after 2, 8 and 30 irradiation treatments did not reveal statistically significant differences between sham and treated subgroups. Under the applied experimental conditions, RF/MW irradiation initiates transitory cytogenetic effect manifested with micronucleus formation in erythropoietic cells.
A Novel Redox State Heme a Marker in Cytochrome c Oxidase Revealed by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: C Piccoli  , G Perna  , R Scrima  , O Cela  , R Rinaldi  , D Boffoli  , V Capozzi  , N Capitanio  
Published: September 2005

This study was aimed to characterize by Raman spectroscopy (excitation line 633 nm) different redox states of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase. The results obtained from a systematic analysis carried out on the mitochondrial enzyme prepared under redox conditions, differently affecting the valence state of the metal prosthetic groups, and a comparison with homologous bacterial heme-copper oxidases, cytochrome c and pyridine hemo-chrome extract revealed a novel redox state marker specifically linked to the redox transition of heme a, peaking at 1645 cm-1, and tentatively assigned to the C=C and/or C=N streching mode of the imidazole ring of a proxymal histidine ligand. The possible involvment of this redox-linked conformational change in the catalytic activity of cytochrome oxidase is discussed.
Effects of Static Magnetic Fields on Primary Cortical Neurons
Authors: A Prina Mello  , E Farrell  , P J Prendergast  , V Campbell  , J M D Coey  
Published: September 2005

The aim of this interdisciplinary study was to investigate the effects of a range of static magnetic fields (up to 5 T) on intracellular signalling cascades in primary rat cultured cortical neurons. Magnetic field exposures were conducted using a superconducting magnet with primary rat cultured cortical neurons maintained at 37°C. A series of test were carried out to investigate the effect of magnetic field strength on the activation of the proteins kinases, extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK). Cells were exposed to the magnetic fields for one hour, fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and examined for ERK and JNK activation using antibodies which recognise the phosphorylated (i.e., active) form of ERK or JNK.
This immunocytochemical data demonstrate a differential activation of ERK and JNK when cells are exposed to increasing magnetic field. Thus, ERK activation was increased when cells were exposed to 0.75 T whereas JNK activation was increased at a higher magnetic field strength of 5 T.
Since ERK and JNK have been implicated in cellular differentiation and stress response, respectively, the results presented here suggest that static magnetic field strength may influence those cellular parameters.