bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional microfluidic model for tumor cell intravasation and endothelial barrier function
Authors: Zervantonakis Ioannis K. , Hughes-Alford Shannon K. , Charest Joseph L. , Condeelis John S. , Gertler Frank B. , Kamm Roger D.
Published: August 2012

Entry of tumor cells into the blood stream is a critical step in cancer metastasis. Although significant progress has been made in visualizing tumor cell motility in vivo, the underlying mechanism of cancer cell intravasation remains largely unknown. We developed a microfluidic-based assay to recreate the tumor-vascular interface in three-dimensions, allowing for high resolution, real-time imaging, and precise quantification of endothelial barrier function. Studies are aimed at testing the hypothesis that carcinoma cell intravasation is regulated by biochemical factors from the interacting cells and cellular interactions with macrophages. We developed a method to measure spatially resolved endothelial permeability and show that signaling with macrophages via secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha results in endothelial barrier impairment. Under these conditions intravasation rates were increased as validated with live imaging. To further investigate tumor-endothelial (TC-EC) signaling, we used highly invasive fibrosarcoma cells and quantified tumor cell migration dynamics and TC-EC interactions under control and perturbed (with tumor necrosis factor alpha) barrier conditions. We found that endothelial barrier impairment was associated with a higher number and faster dynamics of TC-EC interactions, in agreement with our carcinoma intravasation results. Taken together our results provide evidence that the endothelium poses a barrier to tumor cell intravasation that can be regulated by factors present in the tumor microenvironment.
Individual differences, cultural differences, and dialectic conflict description and resolution
Authors: Kim Kyungil , Markman Arthur B.
Published: August 2012

Previous research suggests that members of East Asian cultures show a greater preference for dialectical thinking than do Westerners. This paper attempts to account for these differences in cognition using individual difference variables that may explain variation in performance both within and across cultures. Especially, we propose that the abovementioned cultural differences are rooted in a greater fear of isolation (FOI) in East Asians than in Westerners. To support this hypothesis, in Experiment 1, we manipulated FOI in American participants before having them resolve two conflicts: an interpersonal conflict and a conflict between an individual and an institution. We found that the Americans among whom a high level of FOI had been induced were more likely to look for a dialectical resolution than those among whom a low level had been prompted. The relationship between conflict resolution and FOI was further investigated in Experiment 2, in which FOI was not manipulated. The results indicated that Koreans had higher chronic FOI on average than did the Americans. Compared to the Americans, the Koreans were more likely to resolve the interpersonal conflict dialectically, but did not show the same bias in resolving the person–institution conflict. The differences in the preference for dialectical resolution between FOI conditions in Experiment 1 and cultural groups in Experiment 2 were mediated by FOI. These findings bolster previous research on FOI in showing that chronic levels of FOI are positively related to both preference for dialectical sentences and sensitivity to context. They provide clearer insight into how differences in FOI affect attention and thereby higher‐level reasoning such as dialectic description and conflict resolution.
How are number words mapped to approximate magnitudes?
Authors: Sullivan Jessica , Barner David
Published: August 2012

How do we map number words to the magnitudes they represent? While much is known about the developmental trajectory of number word learning, the acquisition of the counting routine, and the academic correlates of estimation ability, previous studies have yet to describe the mechanisms that link number words to nonverbal representations of number. We investigated two mechanisms: associative mapping and structure mapping. Four dot array estimation tasks found that adults' ability to match a number word to one of two discriminably different sets declined as a function of set size and that participants' estimates of relatively large, but not small, set sizes were influenced by misleading feedback during an estimation task. We propose that subjects employ structure mappings for linking relatively large number words to set sizes, but rely chiefly on item-by-item associative mappings for smaller sets. These results indicate that both inference and association play important roles in mapping number words to approximate magnitudes.
A role for apoptosis-inducing factor in T cell development
Authors: Banerjee Hridesh , Das Abhishek , Srivastava Smita , Mattoo Hamid R. , Thyagarajan Krishnamurthy , Khalsa Jasneet Kaur , Tanwar Shalini , Das Deepika Sharma , Majumdar Subeer S. , George Anna , Bal Vineeta , Durdik Jeannine M. , Rath Satyajit
Published: August 2012

Apoptosis-inducing factor (Aif) is a mitochondrial flavoprotein that regulates cell metabolism and survival in many tissues. We report that aif-hypomorphic harlequin (Hq) mice show thymic hypocellularity and a cell-autonomous thymocyte developmental block associated with apoptosis at the β-selection stage, independent of T cell receptor β recombination. No abnormalities are observed in the B cell lineage. Transgenes encoding wild-type or DNA-binding–deficient mutant Aif rectify the thymic defect, but a transgene encoding oxidoreductase activity–deficient mutant Aif does not. The Hq thymic block is reversed in vivo by antioxidant treatment, and Hq T but not B lineage cells show enhanced oxidative stress. Thus, Aif, a ubiquitous protein, serves a lineage-specific nonredundant antiapoptotic role in the T cell lineage by regulating reactive oxygen species during thymic β-selection.
GERMANIUM, ARSENIC, AND SELENIUM ABUNDANCES IN METAL-POOR STARS*
Authors: Roederer Ian U.
Published: August 2012

The elements germanium (Ge, Z = 32), arsenic (As, Z = 33), and selenium (Se, Z = 34) span the transition from charged-particle or explosive synthesis of the iron-group elements to neutron-capture synthesis of heavier elements. Among these three elements, only the chemical evolution of germanium has been studied previously. Here we use archive observations made with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope
and observations from several ground-based facilities to study the chemical enrichment histories of seven stars with metallicities −2.6 ⩽ [Fe/H] ⩽ −0.4. We perform a standard abundance analysis of germanium, arsenic, selenium, and several other elements produced by neutron-capture reactions. When combined with previous derivations of germanium abundances in metal-poor stars, our sample reveals an increase in the [Ge/Fe] ratios at higher metallicities. This could mark the onset of the weak s-process contribution to germanium. In contrast, the [As/Fe] and [Se/Fe] ratios remain roughly constant. These data do not directly indicate the origin of germanium, arsenic, and selenium at low metallicity, but they suggest that the weak and main components of the s-process are not likely sources.
Wideband flat frequency response of thermo-acoustic emission
Authors: Hu Hanping , Wang Yandong , Wang Zedong
Published: August 2012

Many advantages of thermo-acoustic (TA) ultrasound over the conventional electro-acoustic ultrasound are mainly attributed to its unique nature—constant (flat) amplitude–frequency response over a wide frequency range. However, realization of the TA flat frequency response itself has so far remained unclear due to the lack of theoretical investigation. In this work, using analysis of thermal–mechanical coupling and thermal wave penetration depth for TA emission in gas, the mechanism and regularities of flat frequency response are clarified. The limits of both frequency and space for the existence of flat frequency response of TA ultrasound are revealed. In addition, the performance evaluation and selection techniques for both TA material and its backing are presented. Therefore, the most important feature of TA ultrasound from a technical standpoint is studied more completely.
Improved constraints on the expansion rate of the Universe up to z ∼ 1.1 from the spectroscopic evolution of cosmic chronometers
Authors: M. Moresco  , A. Cimatti  , R. Jimenez  , L. Pozzetti  , G. Zamorani  , M. Bolzonella  , J. Dunlop  , F. Lamareille  , M. Mignoli  , H. Pearce  , P. Rosati  , D. Stern  , L. Verde  , E. Zucca  , C.M. Carollo  , T. Contini  , J.-P. Kneib  , O. Le Fèvre  , S.J. Lilly  , V. Mainieri  , A. Renzini  , M. Scodeggio  , I. Balestra  , R. Gobat  , R. McLure  , S. Bardelli  , A. Bongiorno  , K. Caputi  , O. Cucciati  , S. de la Torre  , L. de Ravel  , P. Franzetti  , B. Garilli  , A. Iovino  , P. Kampczyk  , C. Knobel  , K. Kovač  , J.-F. Le Borgne  , V. Le Brun  , C. Maier  , R. Pelló  , Y. Peng  , E. Perez-Montero  , V. Presotto  , J.D. Silverman  , M. Tanaka  , L.A.M. Tasca  , L. Tresse  , D. Vergani  , O. Almaini  , L. Barnes  , R. Bordoloi  , E. Bradshaw  , A. Cappi  , R. Chuter  , M. Cirasuolo  , G. Coppa  , C. Diener  , S. Foucaud  , W. Hartley  , M. Kamionkowski  , A.M. Koekemoer  , C. López-Sanjuan  , H.J. McCracken  , P. Nair  , P. Oesch  , A. Stanford  , N. Welikala
Published: August 2012

We present new improved constraints on the Hubble parameterH(z) in the redshift range 0.15 <z< 1.1, obtained from the differential spectroscopic evolution of early-type galaxies as a function of redshift. We extract a large sample of early-type galaxies ( ∼ 11000) from several spectroscopic surveys, spanning almost 8 billion years of cosmic lookback time (0.15 <z< 1.42). We select the most massive, red elliptical galaxies, passively evolving and without signature of ongoing star formation. Those galaxies can be used as standard cosmic chronometers, as firstly proposed by Jimenez & Loeb (2002), whose differential age evolution as a function of cosmic time directly probesH(z). We analyze the 4000 Å break (D4000) as a function of redshift, use stellar population synthesis models to theoretically calibrate the dependence of the differential age evolution on the differentialD4000, and estimate the Hubble parameter taking into account both statistical and systematical errors. We provide 8 new measurements ofH(z) (see table 4), and determine its change inH(z) to a precision of 5–12% mapping homogeneously the redshift range up toz∼ 1.1; for the first time, we place a constraint onH(z) atz≠0 with a precision comparable with the one achieved for the Hubble constant (about 5–6% atz∼ 0.2), and covered a redshift range (0.5 <z< 0.8) which is crucial to distinguish many different quintessence cosmologies. These measurements have been tested to best match a ΛCDM model, clearly providing a statistically robust indication that the Universe is undergoing an accelerated expansion. This method shows the potentiality to open a new avenue in constrain a variety of alternative cosmologies, especially when future surveys (e.g. Euclid) will open the possibility to extend it up toz∼ 2.
Möbius iterated function systems
Authors: Vince Andrew
Published: August 2012

Iterated function systems have been most extensively studied when the functions are affine transformations of Euclidean space and, more recently, projective transformations on real projective space. This paper investigates iterated function systems consisting of Möbius transformations on the extended complex plane or, equivalently, on the Riemann sphere. The main result is a characterization, in terms of topological, geometric, and dynamical properties, of Möbius iterated function systems that possess an attractor. The paper also includes results on the duality between the attractor and repeller of a Möbius iterated function system.
Pointwise 𝐶^{2,𝛼} estimates at the boundary for the Monge-Ampère equation
Authors: Savin O.
Published: August 2012

We prove a localization property of boundary sections for solutions to the Monge-Ampère equation. As a consequence we obtain pointwise

C

2
,
α

C^{2,\alpha }

estimates at boundary points under appropriate local conditions on the right-hand side and boundary data.
The Asbestos Litigation Master Narrative: Building Codes, Engineering Standards, and “Retroactive Inculpation”
Authors: Maines Rachel
Published: August 2012

“Asbestos litigation is a quintessential example of the expansion of the scope of liability by retroactive inculpation”—Lester Brickman, Lawyer Barons (Cambridge University Press, 2011, 154).

Sociologist of science Sheila Jasanoff tells us that “A master narrative is a compelling and frequently repeated story about the way the world works that takes hold of our imaginations and shapes the ways in which we perceive reality, as well as our possibilities for collective action.” The asbestos litigation master narrative, versions of which are available on hundreds of plaintiff-firm websites, has been spectacularly successful in generating billions of dollars in revenue for plaintiffs, attorneys, and expert witnesses since 1973.2 As of December 31, 2009, the US District Court E.D. Pa. MDL 875 (Multi-District asbestos Litigation) docket included 42,076 cases “consisting of 2,337,692 individual claims (all diseases).”
Growth differentiation factor 15, ST2, high‐sensitivity troponin T, and N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide in heart failure with preserved vs. reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Santhanakrishnan Rajalakshmi , Chong Jenny P.C. , Ng Tze P. , Ling Lieng H. , Sim David , Toh G. Leong Kui , Shuan D. Yeo Poh , Ong Hean Y. , Jaufeerally Fazlur , Wong Raymond , Chai Ping , Low Adrian F. , Richards Arthur Mark , Lam Carolyn S.P.
Published: August 2012

Aims

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), ST2, high‐sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), and N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) are biomarkers of distinct mechanisms that may contribute to the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) [inflammation (GDF15); ventricular remodelling (ST2); myonecrosis (hsTnT); and wall stress (NT‐proBNP)].

Methods and results

We compared circulating levels of GDF15, ST2, hsTnT, and NT‐proBNP, as well as their combinations, in compensated patients with clinical HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF) (n = 51), HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) (n= 50), and community‐based controls (n = 50). Compared with controls, patients with HFPEF and HFREF had higher median levels of GDF15 (540 pg/mL vs. 2529 and 2672 pg/mL, respectively), hsTnT (3.7 pg/mL vs. 23.7 and 35.6 pg/mL), and NT‐proBNP (69 pg/mL vs. 942 and 2562 pg/mL), but not ST2 (27.6 ng/mL vs. 31.5 and 35.3 ng/mL), adjusting for clinical covariates. In receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, NT‐proBNP distinguished HFREF from controls with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.987 (P < 0.001); GDF15 distinguished HFPEF from controls with an AUC of 0.936 (P < 0.001); and the combination of NT‐proBNP and GDF15 distinguished HFPEF from controls with an AUC of 0.956 (P < 0.001). NT‐proBNP and hsTnT levels were higher in HFREF than in HFPEF (adjusted P < 0.04). The NT‐proBNP:GDF15 ratio distinguished between HFPEF and HFREF with the largest AUC (0.709; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study provides comparative data on physiologically distinct circulating biomarkers in HFPEF, HFREF, and controls from the same community. These data suggest a prominent role for myocardial injury (hsTnT) with increased wall stress (NT‐proBNP) in HFREF, and systemic inflammation (GDF15) in HFREF
Development of a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Procedure as a Sensitive and Rapid Method for Detection of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ in Potatoes and Psyllids
Authors: Ravindran Aravind , Levy Julien , Pierson Elizabeth , Gross Dennis C.
Published: August 2012

This study reports the development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification procedure (LAMP) for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’, the bacterial causal agent of potato zebra chip (ZC) disease. The 16S rDNA gene of ‘Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum’ was used to design a set of six primers for LAMP PCR detection of the bacterial pathogen in potato plants and the psyllid vector. The advantage of the LAMP method is that it does not require a thermocycler for amplification or agarose gel electrophoresis for resolution. Positive LAMP results can be visualized directly as a precipitate. The LAMP strategy reported here reliably detected ‘Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum’ and the closely related species ‘Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus’, the causative agent of huanglongbing disease of citrus, in plant DNA extracts. Although not as sensitive as quantitative real-time PCR, LAMP detection was equivalent to conventional PCR in tests of ZC-infected potato plants from the field. Thus, the LAMP method shows strong promise as a reliable, rapid, and cost-effective method of detecting ‘Ca. Liberibacter’ pathogens in psyllids and field-grown potato plants and tubers.
The Efficacy of Electromagnetic Navigation to Assist with Computed Tomography–Guided Percutaneous Thermal Ablation of Lung Tumors
Authors: Narsule Chaitan K. , dos Santos Ricardo Sales , Gupta Avneesh , Ebright Michael I. , Rivas Roberto , Daly Benedict D.T. , Fernando Hiran C.
Published: August 2012

Objective

Electromagnetic (EM) navigation is increasingly used to assist with bronchoscopic interventions such as biopsy or fiducial placement. Electromagnetic navigation can also be a useful adjunct to computed tomography (CT)–guided thermal ablation and biopsy of lung tumors. This study compares procedures carried out using an EM navigation system (Veran Medical Technologies Inc, St Louis, MO) with procedures using CT fluoroscopy only.

Methods

Over a 23-month period, 17 patients scheduled for thermal ablation were prospectively enrolled in this study. The mean age was 72 years (range, 60–84 years). Seven patients were women. Patients were randomized to EM navigation (n = 7) or CT fluoroscopy alone (n = 10). In some cases, additional ablation or biopsies were performed with or without EM navigation depending on the randomization arm. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia either by a thoracic surgeon or a radiologist.

Results

A total of 23 procedures were performed in 17 patients: 20 were ablation procedures and 3 were biopsies. Fourteen were performed for non–small cell lung cancer, and 9 for pulmonary metastases from other organs. Despite randomization, patients receiving EM navigation had a trend for smaller tumors (mean diameter, 1.45 vs 2.90 cm; P = 0.06). For thermal ablation procedures, the time to complete intervention was significantly less when EM navigation was used (mean, 7.6 vs 19 minutes; P = 0.022). Although not statistically significant, there were fewer skin punctures (mean, 1 vs 1.25; P = 0.082), fewer adjustments (mean, 5.6 vs 11.8; P = 0.203), less CT fluoroscopy time (mean, 21.3 vs 34.3 seconds; P = 0.345), and fewer CT scans (mean, 7 vs 15; P = 0.204) whenever EM navigation was used.

Conclusions

Electromagnetic navigation reduces the time to successfully place an ablation probe in a target tumor. Further study is required to determine whether EM navigation may also reduce the number of adjustments, skin punctures, and CT scans as well as decrease CT fluoroscopy time.
A three-component cocrystal: benzoyl(hydroxyimino)acetonitrile–18-crown-6–water (2/1/4)
Authors: Ponomarova Vira V. , Domasevitch Konstantin V.
Published: August 2012

In the title compound, 2C9H6N2O2·C12H24O6·4H2O, the 18-crown-6 (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane) molecule resides across a centre of inversion. The adduct exists as a molecular hydrogen-bonded complex featuring integration of two kinds of synthons,viz.[(18-crown-6)(H2O)4] [O...O = 2.8645 (18)–2.9014 (18) Å] and an oxime/aqua ensemble, PhC(O)C(CN)NOH...OH2[O...O = 2.5930 (18) Å]. The reliability of the oxime/aqua motif, sustained by the highly acidic cyanooxime, is an essential factor in the construction of multicomponent cocrystals and the accommodation of oxime species in macrocyclic hosts. The supramolecular structure is generated by the alternation of hydrophilic [(18-crown-6)(H2O)4] layers and bilayers of benzoyl(hydroxyimino)acetonitrile molecules, resulting in stacking interactions between the phenyl and cyano groups of 3.666 (2) Å.
Modulation of Opioid Receptor Ligand Affinity and Efficacy Using Active and Inactive State Receptor Models
Authors: Anand Jessica P. , Purington Lauren C. , Pogozheva Irina D. , Traynor John R. , Mosberg Henry I.
Published: August 2012

Mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists are widely used for the treatment of pain; however, chronic use results in the development of tolerance and dependence. It has been demonstrated that coadministration of a MOR agonist with a delta opioid receptor (DOR) antagonist maintains the analgesia associated with MOR agonists, but with reduced negative side‐effects. Using our newly refined opioid receptor models for structure‐based ligand design, we have synthesized several pentapeptides with tailored affinity and efficacy profiles. In particular, we have obtained pentapeptides 8, Tyr‐c(S‐S)[DCys‐1Nal‐Nle‐Cys]NH2, and 12, Tyr‐c(S‐S)[DCys‐1Nal‐Nle‐Cys]OH, which demonstrates high affinity and full agonist behavior at MOR, high affinity but very low efficacy for DOR, and minimal affinity for the kappa opioid receptor (KOR). Functional properties of these peptides as MOR agonists/DOR antagonists lacking undesired KOR activity make them promising candidates for future in vivo studies of MOR/DOR interactions. Subtle structural variation of 12, by substituting D‐Cys5 for L‐Cys5, generated analog 13, which maintains low nanomolar MOR and DOR affinity, but which displays no efficacy at either receptor. These results demonstrate the power and utility of accurate receptor models for structure‐based ligand design, as well as the profound sensitivity of ligand function on its structure.
Evaluation of Imidazole‐Based Compounds as Heme Oxygenase‐1 Inhibitors
Authors: Sorrenti Valeria , Guccione Salvatore , Di Giacomo Claudia , Modica Maria N. , Pittalà Valeria , Acquaviva Rosaria , Basile Livia , Pappalardo Morena , Salerno Loredana
Published: August 2012

Imidazole‐based compounds previously synthesized in our laboratory were selected and reconsidered as inhibitors of heme oxygenase‐1 obtained from the microsomal fractions of rat spleens. Most of tested compounds were good inhibitors with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Compounds were also assayed on membrane‐free full‐length recombinant human heme oxygenase‐1; all tested compounds were unable to interact with human heme oxygenase‐1 at 100 μm concentrations with the exception of compounds 11 and 13 that inhibited the enzyme of 54% and 20%, respectively. The binding of the most active compound 11 with heme or heme‐conjugated human heme oxygenase‐1 was also examined by spectral analyses. When heme was not conjugated to human heme oxygenase‐1, compound 11 caused changes in the heme spectrum only at concentration 50‐fold (100 μm) higher than that required to inhibit rat heme oxygenase‐1; when heme was conjugated to human heme oxygenase‐1, compound 11 was able to form a heme‐compound 11 complex also at low micromolar concentrations. To obtain information on the binding mode of the tested compounds with enzyme, docking studies and pharmacophore analysis were performed. Template docking results were in agreement with experimental inhibition data and with a structure‐based pharmacophoric model. These data may be exploitable to design new OH‐1 inhibitors.
The sympathetic nervous system in polycystic ovary syndrome: a novel therapeutic target?
Authors: Lansdown Andrew , Rees D. Aled
Published: August 2012

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition associated with long‐term health risks, including type 2 diabetes and vascular dysfunction in addition to reproductive sequelae. Many of the common features of PCOS, such as central obesity, hyperinsulinaemia and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), are associated with chronic sympathetic overactivity, suggesting that sympathoexcitation may be involved in the pathogenesis of this condition. Rodent models of polycystic ovaries have shown that ovarian sympathetic outflow may be increased, accompanied by elevated intra‐ovarian synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF) which may be involved in initiation of ovarian pathology. Patients with PCOS have evidence of increased muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), altered heart rate variability and attenuated heart rate recovery postexercise, compared with age‐ and BMI‐matched controls, suggesting a generalized increase in sympathetic nerve activity. Active weight loss can reduce MSNA and whole body noradrenaline spillover, whereas low‐frequency electroacupuncture decreased MSNA in overweight women with PCOS. Treatment of OSA with continuous positive airways pressure may reduce plasma noradrenaline levels and diastolic blood pressure and improve cardiac sympathovagal balance. Renal sympathetic denervation also reduced MSNA, noradrenaline spillover and blood pressure in two PCOS subjects with hypertension, accompanied by improved insulin sensitivity. The sympathetic nervous system may thus offer a new therapeutic target in PCOS but larger and longer‐term studies are needed before these treatments can be considered in clinical practice.
Global internet trade of plants – legality and risks
Authors: Kaminski Katrin , Beckers Franz , Unger Jens‐Georg
Published: August 2012

Internet trade of plants has been investigated in a short study that focused on plants for planting imported into Germany from third countries worldwide. Internet trade of plants may pose a high phytosanitary risk when commodities are infested with non‐native pests including quarantine pests. The offers of 1097 internet traders, in particular non‐European traders, have been checked. One hundred and seventeen consignments of plants were purchased from 70 different internet traders and investigated in detail. As only individual plants were purchased the study shows in particular what is available for purchase to private consumers. The study revealed that 89% of the consignments did not comply with phytosanitary import requirements for one or more reasons. In all these cases the phytosanitary certificate was missing and in 68% of the consignments the customs declaration was missing or wrong. Wrong customs declarations indicate that these internet traders ignored the import requirements or provided incorrect information to the import authorities. Prohibited plants could be easily bought via the internet. In addition, harmful organisms were found in 13% of the consignments and 2% of these were quarantine pests. All consignments that were accompanied by the required phytosanitary certificate issued by the National Plant Protection Organisation of the exporting country (11%) complied with the EU and German, respectively, import requirements.
Tuta absoluta, a South American pest of tomato now in the EPPO region: biology, distribution and damage
Authors: Tropea Garzia G. , Siscaro G. , Biondi A. , Zappalà L.
Published: August 2012

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is an invasive pest of tomato native to South America, where it is responsible for extensive damage. It rapidly spread into several European countries, becoming a key pest. Knowledge of its main biological traits can be used to develop effective plant protection management strategies. It is a multivoltine species with a homodynamous behaviour, and the length of its life cycle depends on environmental conditions, particularly temperature. The larvae feed and develop inside tomato leaves, stems and fruits throughout the entire growing cycle. The adults have crepuscular habits, and in Mediterranean conditions they can be easily detected throughout the year. Damage is directly related to the reduction of plants' photosynthetic capacity and of production levels in both protected and open‐field tomato crops; indirect damage can be also caused by secondary infections, with pathogens developing on the infested plant and fruit tissues.
Management strategies for the control of Tuta absoluta  (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) damage in open‐field cultivations  of processing tomato in Tuscany (Italy)
Authors: Balzan M. V. , Moonen A.‐C.
Published: August 2012

Since its recent introduction into the Mediterranean area, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) has become widespread and an important pest throughout the region, including in Tuscany, where it was first recorded in 2009. Although several studies have been conducted within controlled environments on the ecology and management of T. absoluta, limited information is currently available on the importance of this pest in open‐field cultivations, which may lead to ineffective management strategies. This study was carried out to monitor fluctuations in adult populations of T. absoluta in organic and conventional cultivations of processing tomatoes using pheromone lures, and to collect inter‐annual data on direct yield loss and fruit damage from larval feeding in two separate trials in Grosseto (Tuscany). The first trial included eight conventionally managed fields; the second trial was carried out in four organically managed fields. Results show relatively higher crop damage for tomatoes transplanted later in the season and harvested towards the end of August to early September, and limited fruit damage from this pest during the second year of the study for both conventional and organically managed fields. Finally, biological and chemical pest management strategies for the control of T. absoluta adopted by farmers within the region are reviewed and discussed.
The tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Tunisia: current status and management strategies
Authors: Abbes K. , Harbi A. , Chermiti B.
Published: August 2012

The tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) was first identified in the region of Akkouda in October 2008 before it spread to all tomato‐producing areas in Tunisia. The introduction of this pest disturbed existing pest control programmes in greenhouses and open fields, forcing Tunisian growers to use more chemicals to reduce its impact on their crops. A national programme was adopted to control T. absoluta, including cultural practices, the use of pheromones, the installation of insect‐proof screens in greenhouses, and the use of organic insecticides including Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki (Bt) and plant extract‐based products. In addition, a few experiments in biological control, using the predatory Mirid Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Heteroptera: Miridae) and the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma cacoeciae Marchal (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), were conducted in greenhouses and open‐field crops (producing tomatoes for fresh consumption as well as for processing). This paper describes the status of T. absoluta in Tunisia, including data collected from sex pheromone traps installed in six tomato‐producing areas (Takelssa, Korba, Teboulba, Bekalta, Sousse and Kairouan) between 2009 and 2011, and control strategies in greenhouses and open fields.
Comparison of pheromone lures used in mass trapping to control the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) in industrial tomato crops in Kairouan (Tunisia)
Authors: Chermiti B. , Abbes K.
Published: August 2012

An experimental trial of integrated pest management against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) based on mass trapping with a density of 32 traps per hectare was conducted in a 5 ha open‐field tomato crop. During this trial, the efficiency of three brands of sex pheromone dispenser commercialized in Tunisia was tested. The ‘superdosed’ pheromone lure type TUA‐Optima® (Russell IPM, Deeside, Flintshire, CH5 2LA, United Kingdom) loaded with 0.8 mg of synthetic pheromone was more attractive to males of T. absoluta, and these lures should be used with high populations. Standard lures Pherodis® and TUA‐500® containing 0.5 mg of pheromone were less attractive, and can be used in open‐field tomato crops with lower populations of T. absoluta. An assessment of the susceptibility of crop borders to T. absoluta, based on data collected from traps, revealed that levels of adult T. absoluta were similar between borders with either tomato or cereal crops. Particular attention should thus be paid to crop borders even when not adjacent to other tomato crops.
Use of predatory mirids for control of the tomato borer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Sardinian greenhouse tomatoes
Authors: Nannini M. , Atzori F. , Murgia G. , Pisci R. , Sanna F.
Published: August 2012

The introduction of Tuta absoluta in Sardinia (Italy) has caused an important increase in the number of insecticide treatments applied for pest management on greenhouse tomatoes, thus raising growers' demand for alternative control options. To evaluate the efficacy of releasing two specimens of Macrolophus pygmaeus or Nesidiocoris tenuis per m2 for the control of tomato borer infestations, an investigation was conducted under field conditions between August 2010 and July 2011. The tests were carried out on 18 commercial greenhouse crops. Fifteen other greenhouses, where no biocontrol agents were released, were also surveyed as controls. The release of the mirid bugs resulted in poor population growth of predators, which reached a peak density of 1.79 individuals per plant. In approximately half of the cases, this was caused by the application of pesticides (usually abamectin and oxamyl) which are highly toxic to the predatory mirids. However, even in crops where only products regarded as harmless to beneficials were used (e.g. Bacillus thuringiensis‐based insecticides), both M. pygmaeus and N. tenuis failed to achieve the levels necessary for effective pest control. Presumably factors other than pesticide‐related mortality contributed significantly to delaying mirid population build‐up. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the feasibility of improving the efficacy of releases of the predatory mirids by the implementation of measures that may contribute to enhancing the establishment of these beneficials on tomato crops.
Distribution of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum’ and its vector Cacopsylla pruni in European fruit‐growing areas: a review
Authors: Steffek R. , Follak S. , Sauvion N. , Labonne G. , MacLeod A.
Published: August 2012

European stone fruit yellows (ESFY) is an EU‐listed I/AII disease affecting Prunus spp. caused by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum’. This paper reports the results from a systematic literature review approach that sought to determine the geographic distribution of ‘Ca. Phytoplasma prunorum’ in European fruit‐growing areas. Evidence for the presence of the phytoplasma was found for 15 of the 27 EU countries. It is prevalent in the most important stone fruit production areas of Central and Southern Europe, where it causes substantial impact in apricots (Prunus armeniaca), Japanese plums (P. salicina) and peaches (P. persica). In Northern European areas where these hosts are not produced, it is occasionally found on tolerant species (P. domestica). However, because surveys of the disease status of tolerant hosts are not performed, it remains unclear whether the pathogen is absent in Northern Europe or survives in tolerant cultivated or wild hosts. No reports of ESFY were found from the southernmost part of Europe: Portugal, Spain (Andalucia, Castile–La Mancha), Italy (Sicily, Puglia), Greece (Crete), Cyprus and Malta. This may be explained by the absence of the favoured wild hosts of the vector. Moreover, it remains unclear if the vector finds suitable conditions for aestivation and overwintering in these regions.
Stratégie Nationale de lutte contre la mineuse de la tomate Tuta absoluta Meyrick
Authors: Ouardi K. , Chouibani M. , Rahel M. A. , El Akel M.
Published: August 2012

Au Maroc, la mineuse de la tomate Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) a été signalée pour la première fois en avril 2008 dans la région de Nador, puis s'est propagée rapidement dans toutes les régions de production de tomates. Depuis sa signalisation, des efforts ont été déployés par la profession et les départements techniques du Ministère de l'Agriculture de la Pêche Maritime (MAPM) pour faire face à ce fléau. Le plan d'action 2008–09 se basait sur la surveillance, les approches techniques de lutte dans le cadre d'un programme de protection intégrée, la sensibilisation et l'encadrement des agriculteurs et la production de supports d'information et de vulgarisation. Pour inciter les agriculteurs à adopter une approche de lutte intégrée contre ce ravageur, des subventions ont été mises en place par le MAPM, pour l'acquisition du filet insect proof et de capsules de phéromone à utiliser pour le piégeage de masse. L’ONSSA a également autorisé de nouvelles spécialités phytosanitaires pour lutter contre T. absoluta en cultures de tomate et de pomme de terre. Cette stratégie a fait l'objet d'une évaluation qui a permis de définir un plan d'action pour 2010–11. Ce plan d'action suit les mêmes axes que la campagne précédente tout en mettant l'accent sur la surveillance du ravageur en cultures de tomates de plein champ, le renforcement du programme de sensibilisation et d'encadrement des agriculteurs et le lancement d'un programme de suivi des résidus de produits phytosanitaires dans les tomates. En 2010–11, les attaques de la mineuse de la tomate ont toujours été maitrisées.
Biologie et complexe des ennemis naturels de Tuta absoluta à Mostaganem (Algérie)
Authors: Boualem M. , Allaoui H. , Hamadi R. , Medjahed M.
Published: August 2012

Biology and complex of natural enemies of Tuta absoluta in Mostaganem (Algeria)

L'apparition de Tuta absoluta Meyrick en Algérie a suscité l'implication du secteur agricole et scientifique dans des travaux de recherches visant à le contrôler par différentes méthodes appropriés. Notre travail a porté sur l'étude de la biologie de Tuta absoluta et du prédateur Nesidiocoris tenuis et l'inventaire de son complexe parasitaire dans la région de Mostaganem. Le cycle de développement de T. absoluta est de 21,1±0,4 jours à 26±1,6°C et une HR de 87±6,4% et 29,4±2 jours à 23,4±2°C et une HR de 75±3%. N. tenuis a fait ressortir un cycle de développement de 17,1±0,5 jours à 26±1,6°C, une longévité de 16±1,6 jours pour les individus alimentés aux larves de T. absoluta et de 9±2,2 jours pour ceux non alimentés. L'inventaire a mis en évidence la présence de trois espèces de prédateurs de T. absoluta: Nesidiocoristenuis Reuter, Macrolophus pygmaeus “caliginosus” Wagner et Dicyphus errans Wolff; ainsi que six parasitoïdes : Necremnus artynes Walker, Neochrysocharis sp., Sympiesis sp., Diglyphus isaea Walker, un Braconidae et un Ichneumonidae. Necremnus artynes a été le parasitoïde le plus fréquent et le plus abondant.
Comparative study of 2 protection strategies against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in late open field tomato crops in Tunisia
Authors: Abbes K. , Harbi A. , Chermiti B.
Published: August 2012

A comparative study of 2 protection strategies against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in open field tomato crops was performed. The first strategy used Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through mass trapping, release of Nesidiocoris tenuis and rational use of compatible insecticides. The second strategy was based on conventional use of synthetic insecticides (9 treatments). This study revealed at the end of the culture a 20% infestation rate of leaves in the IPM cropping system versus 98% in the conventional cropping system. The infestation rate of fruit was 18.2% in the IPM cropping system versus 46.8% with the conventional one.
Response of the tomato miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) to thirteen insecticides in semi‐natural conditions in Tunisia
Authors: Hafsi Abir , Abbes Khaled , Chermiti Brahim , Nasraoui Bouzid
Published: August 2012

Experiments on larvicide and ovicide activity of 13 insecticides in semi‐natural conditions showed a medium to low efficacy of bio‐insecticides on all instars of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) except for Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var. kurstaki which was distinguished by an average mortality of 72.5%. Spinosad and Spinetoram based insecticides showed high efficiency in controlling all instars of larvae with respectively an average mortality of 66.5% and 85.6%. However, this study revealed a unique ovicide effect of azadirachtin‐neem oil based insecticide with 43.8% egg mortality.
The current status of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiiidae) in Turkey and baseline toxicity of some insecticides
Authors: Ugurlu Karaagac S.
Published: August 2012

Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crops in Turkey, with national production of over 10 million tonnes in 2010. Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is an important pest of tomato, and was first recorded in Urla District of Izmir Province in the Aegean region of Turkey in August 2009. It has since spread rapidly to the other regions of Turkey and become the main pest of tomato. Since its dispersal, chemical control has been the main method of control. Intensive use of insecticides has led to the development of resistance in T. absoluta. In this study, the baseline toxicity (LC50 values) of some insecticides was determined using a leaf‐dip bioassay method in Antalya and Ankara populations of T. absoluta.
Morphogenesis of chimeric hair follicles in engineered skin substitutes with human keratinocytes and murine dermal papilla cells
Authors: Sriwiriyanont Penkanok , Lynch Kaari A. , Maier Elizabeth A. , Hahn Jennifer M. , Supp Dorothy M. , Boyce Steven T.
Published: August 2012

Engineered skin substitutes (ESS) have been used successfully to treat life‐threatening burns, but lack cutaneous appendages. To address this deficiency, dermal constructs were prepared using collagen‐glycosaminoglycan scaffolds populated with murine dermal papilla cells expressing green fluorescent protein (mDPC‐GFP), human dermal papilla cells (hDPC) and/or human fibroblasts (hF). Subsequently, human epidermal keratinocytes (hK) or hK genetically modified to overexpress stabilized β‐catenin (hK') were used to prepare ESS epithelium. After 10 days incubation at air–liquid interface, ESS were grafted to athymic mice and were evaluated for 6 weeks. Neofollicles were observed in ESS containing mDPC‐GFP, but not hDPC or hF, independent of whether or not the hK were genetically modified. Based on detection of GFP fluorescence, mDPC were localized to the dermal papillae of the well‐defined follicular structures of grafted ESS. In addition, statistically significant increases in LEF1, WNT10A and WNT10B were found in ESS with neofollicles. These results demonstrate a model for generation of chimeric hair in ESS.
Cyclin D1 in invasive breast carcinoma: favourable prognostic significance in unselected patients and within subgroups with an aggressive phenotype
Authors: Mylona Eleni , Tzelepis Konstantinos , Theohari Irene , Giannopoulou Ioanna , Papadimitriou Christos , Nakopoulou Lydia
Published: August 2012

Aims:  To study the clinicopathological and prognostic value of cyclin D1 overexpression in patients with breast carcinoma.

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens from 290 invasive breast carcinomas to detect the proteins cyclin D1, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), p53, c‐erbB2, and topoisomerase IIα (topoIIα). Cyclin D1 staining was quantified using a computerized image analysis method. Cyclin D1 overexpression characterized smaller, ER‐positive and PR‐positive tumours (P = 0.017, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.0001, respectively), of a lower histological and nuclear grade (P = 0.011 and P < 0.0001, respectively), and with reduced expression of topoIIα (P = 0.001) and p53 (P < 0.001). Cyclin D1 was found to have an independent favourable impact on the overall survival of both the unselected cohort of patients (P = 0.011) and of patients with ER‐negative and lymph node‐positive tumours (P = 0.034 and P = 0.015, respectively). In triple‐negative tumours, cyclin D1 overexpression was found to have independent favourable impacts on both overall and relapse‐free survival (P = 0.002 for both).

Conclusions:  This is the first immunohistochemical study to dissociate the advantageous prognostic effect of cyclin D1 overexpression from its association with ER expression, and to provide evidence that cyclin D1 overexpression may be a marker of prolonged survival in patient subgroups with aggressive phenotypes.
Effect of hyperoxia and vascular occlusion on tissue oxygenation measured by near infra‐red spectroscopy (InSpectra™): a volunteer study
Authors: Kyle B. , Litton E. , Ho K. M.
Published: August 2012

Standard cardiorespiratory monitoring may fail to detect occult tissue ischaemia. This study assessed whether a near infra‐red spectroscopy tissue oxygen saturation monitor (InSpectra™) could detect progressive peripheral tissue ischaemia and whether hyperoxia may confound tissue oxygen saturation measurement. Tissue oxygen and arterial oxygen saturations were measured continuously in 30 healthy volunteers, first during a period of progressive increase in inspired oxygen concentration and subsequently during two periods of low‐ and high‐pressure limb ischaemia. Increasing inspired oxygen concentration was associated with a small increase in mean (SD) tissue oxygen saturation of 5.3 (7.1) %, reaching a plateau between 30% and 40% inspired oxygen. The rate and magnitude of decreases in tissue oxygen saturations were greater during high‐ than low‐pressure ischaemia with a mean (SD) desaturation rate of 3.3 (0.9) vs 1.8 (0.8) %.min−1 (p < 0.01). The dose‐related association and lack of confounding by hyperoxia suggest that tissue oxygen saturation monitoring may be a useful adjunct to detect occult ischaemia.
A model for post‐orogenic development of a mountain range and its foreland
Authors: Tucker G. E. , van der Beek P.
Published: August 2012

Decaying mountain ranges often show a surprisingly dynamic pattern of landscape evolution. Although one might expect a simple, monotonic decline in relief over time, evidence from several inactive mountain ranges shows alternating sequences of deposition and erosion in the associated basins, suggesting variations in relief and exhumation rate in the ranges themselves. Examples include the Southern Rocky Mountains, the Pyrenees, the European Alps and the Atlas Mountains. In this paper, we explore the possible origins of post‐orogenic landscape dynamics using a simple mathematical model of a mountain range and an adjacent foreland basin. The analysis highlights the importance of mass balance. In particular, a switch from basin exhumation to renewed sedimentation requires either an increase in sediment influx from the range or a decrease in sediment outflux beyond the basin margin. Although it is widely understood that post‐orogenic changes in erosion and sediment flux can have multiple causes (including climate change, regional tectonic uplift or tilting, or exhumation of variable lithologies), an important implication of our analysis is that the impact of such changes must differ in sign or magnitude between the range and the basin to be recorded. This requirement places an important constraint on viable explanations for alternating sequences of deposition and erosion in a decaying mountain‐basin pair.