bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feeding on Beauveria bassiana-treated Frankliniella occidentalis causes negative effects on the predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri
Authors: Wu Shengyong , Gao Yulin , Xu Xuenong , Wang Dengjie , Li Juan , Wang Haihong , Wang Endong , Lei Zhongren 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana and the predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri are both potential biocontrol agents for their shared host/prey Frankliniella occidentalis. The combination of the two agents may enhance biological control of F. occidentalis if the fungus does not negatively affect N. barkeri. This study evaluated the indirect effects of B. bassiana strain SZ-26 on N. barkeri mediated by F. occidentalis using the age-stage, two-sex life table. When fed on the first instar larvae of F. occidentalis that had been exposed for 12 h to the SZ-26 suspension, the developmental time of preadult N. barkeri was significantly longer and the longevity and fecundity were significantly lower than that of N. barkeri fed on untreated F. occidentalis. The mean generation time (T), net reproductive rate (R0), finite rate of increase (λ), intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) and predation rates were correspondingly affected. The data showed that B. bassiana has indirect negative effects on N. barkeri population dynamics via influencing their prey F. occidentalis larvae, which indicates that there is a risk in combining B. bassiana with N. barkeri simultaneously for the biocontrol of F. occidentalis. The probable mechanism for the negative effects is discussed.
Angiotensin type 1a receptor deficiency decreases amyloid β-protein generation and ameliorates brain amyloid pathology
Authors: Liu Junjun , Liu Shuyu , Matsumoto Yukino , Murakami Saki , Sugakawa Yusuke , Kami Ayako , Tanabe Chiaki , Maeda Tomoji , Michikawa Makoto , Komano Hiroto , Zou Kun 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease is characterized by neuronal loss and cerebral accumulation of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) and lowering the generation of Aβ is a pivotal approach in the strategy of Alzheimer’s disease treatment. Midlife hypertension is a major risk factor for the future onset of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease and the use of some antihypertensive drugs may decrease the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is largely unknown how the blood pressure regulation system is associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Here we found that the deficiency of angiotensin type 1a receptor (AT1a), a key receptor for regulating blood pressure, significantly decreased Aβ generation and amyloid plaque formation in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. The lack of AT1a inhibited the endocleavage of presenilin-1 (PS1), which is essential for γ-secretase complex formation and Aβ generation. Notably, the ligand of AT1a, angiotensin II, enhanced Aβ generation, PS1 endocleavage and γ-secretase complex formation. Our results suggest that AT1a activation is closely associated with Aβ generation and brain amyloid accumulation by regulating γ-secretase complex formation. Thus, removal of life style factors or stresses that stimulate AT1a to elevate blood pressure may decrease Aβ generation and brain amyloid accumulation, thereby preventing the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.
High-Throughput Cancer Cell Sphere Formation for Characterizing the Efficacy of Photo Dynamic Therapy in 3D Cell Cultures
Authors: Chen Yu-Chih , Lou Xia , Zhang Zhixiong , Ingram Patrick , Yoon Euisik 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT), wherein light sensitive non-toxic agents are locally and selectively activated using light, has emerged as an appealing alternative to traditional cancer chemotherapy. Yet to date, PDT efficacy has been mostly characterized using 2D cultures. Compared to 2D cultures, 3D sphere culture generates unique spatial distributions of nutrients and oxygen for the cells that better mimics the in-vivo conditions. Using a novel polyHEMA (non-adherent polymer) fabrication process, we developed a microfluidic sphere formation platform that can (1) generate 1,024 uniform (size variation <10%) cancer spheres within a 2 cm by 2 cm core area, (2) culture spheres for more than 2 weeks and (3) allow the retrieval of spheres. Using the presented platform, we have successfully characterized the different responses in 2D and 3D cell culture to PDT. Furthermore, we investigated the treatment resistance effect in cancer cells induced by tumor associated fibroblasts (CAF). Although the CAFs can enhance the resistance to traditional chemotherapy agents, no significant difference in PDT was observed. The preliminary results suggest that the PDT can be an attractive alternative cancer therapy, which is less affected by the therapeutic resistance induced by cancer associated cells.
Cardiac myosin binding protein C regulates postnatal myocyte cytokinesis
Authors: Jiang Jianming , Burgon Patrick G. , Wakimoto Hiroko , Onoue Kenji , Gorham Joshua M. , O’Meara Caitlin C. , Fomovsky Gregory , McConnell Bradley K. , Lee Richard T. , Seidman J. G. , Seidman Christine E. 
Published: July 2015

SignificanceWe demonstrate that hearts lacking the sarcomere protein cardiac myosin binding protein C (MYBPC) undergo altered development due to an extra round of postnatal cell division. Normal cardiac myocytes replicate rapidly during fetal life, undergo a final round of cell division shortly after birth, cease dividing, and increase in cell size during prepubescent life. MYBPC has an unexpected function—inhibition of myocyte cytokinesis. MYBPC-deficient myocytes undergo an additional round of cytokinesis, resulting in increased numbers of myocytes and a greater proportion of mononuclear myocytes in neonatal hearts. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms of dilated cardiomyopathy caused by homozygous mutations that reduce MYBPC levels.
Cluster of Leptospirosis Acquired Through River Surfing in Switzerland
Authors: Schreiber Peter W. , Aceto Leonardo , Korach Raphael , Marreros Nelson , Ryser-Degiorgis Marie-Pierre , Günthard Huldrych F. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Background.  In Switzerland, leptospirosis is still considered as a travel-associated disease. After the surprising diagnosis of leptospirosis in a patient who was initially suspected as having primary human immunodeficiency virus infection, we recognized that acquisition of leptospirosis occurred through recreational activities and we identified additional affected individuals.
Methods.  Detailed anamnesis, excluding occupational exposure, acquisition abroad, and pet contacts, enabled us to detect the source of infection and identify a cluster of leptospirosis. Convalescent sera testing was performed to confirm Leptospira infection. Microscopic agglutination tests were used to determine the infecting serovar.
Results.  We identified a cluster of leptospirosis in young, previously healthy persons. Acquisition of leptospirosis was traced back to a surfing spot on a river in Switzerland (Reuss, Aargau). Clinical presentation was indistinct. Two of the 3 reported cases required hospitalization, and 1 case even suffered from meningitis. Serologic tests indicated infection with the serovar Grippotyphosa in all cases. With the exception of the case with meningitis, no antibiotics were administered, because leptospirosis was diagnosed after spontaneous resolution of most symptoms. Despite a prolonged period of convalescence in 2 cases, full recovery was achieved. Recent reports on beavers suffering from leptospirosis in this region underline the possible water-borne infection of the 3 cases and raise the question of potential wildlife reservoirs.
Conclusions.  Insufficient awareness of caregivers, which may be promoted by the missing obligation to report human leptospirosis, combined with the multifaceted presentation of the disease result in significant underdiagnosis. More frequent consideration of leptospirosis as differential diagnosis is inevitable, particularly as veterinary data suggest re-emergence of the disease.
Lack of Agreement on How to Use Antegrade Enemas in Children
Authors: Kuizenga‐Wessel Sophie , Mousa Hayat M. , Benninga Marc A. , Di Lorenzo Carlo 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of the present study was to provide an overview of the existing literature regarding the outcomes of the antegrade continence enema (ACE) procedure and to assess the present practices of physicians worldwide regarding the use of the ACE.Methods:A search of the MEDLINE database was performed using the following criteria: having a clear definition of “successful outcome,” published in full manuscript form, sample size >20 patients, age <25 years. We then conducted a survey among 23 pediatric gastroenterologists and surgeons worldwide who were known to use the ACE using an 18‐item questionnaire.Results:A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. Successful outcomes were reported in 15% to 100%. Thirteen studies classified the outcome as full continence (success) or incontinence (failure), with a mean successful outcome of 75.6%. The 23 physicians who completed the questionnaire differed in their opinions about indications and mandatory preoperative testing. Constipation with (78%) or without (91%) fecal incontinence, anorectal malformations (96%), and spinal abnormalities (100%) were considered suitable indications for the ACE by the majority. There was less agreement regarding the required preoperative diagnostic workup. Most physicians (70%) start infusions using saline solutions and do not add a stimulant laxative to the cleansing solution.Discussion:There is a wide variation in the reported outcome of the ACE procedure and in the way success is defined. The survey identifies important differences among physicians using the ACE. Consensus on optimal use of the ACE could improve outcome of this treatment option.
Learning by hiring or hiring to avoid learning?
Authors: Tzabbar Daniel , Silverman Brian S. , Aharonson Barak S. 
Published: July 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to advance the understanding of the mechanisms associated with learning-by-hiring.Design/methodology/approach– The authors built a yearly dyad data structure of all of the hiring and sourcing firms in the US biotechnology sector between 1973 and 1999.Findings– The authors found that hiring firm’s learning from a prior employer’s knowledge is limited in scope to the knowledge developed by the newly hired inventor, and could be attributed to new hire direct involvement. Learning from new recruit occurred only when incumbent inventors collaborate intensively with the hired inventor. Accordingly, what might seem like learning-by-hiring may result in hiring to avoid learning, unless the organization creates the social structures that facilitate the exchange of knowledge within and throughout the organization.Practical implications– The results, thus, highlight the importance of aligning a firm’s social environment with its strategic goal to learn from its external competitors.Social implications– Recruitment is one means by which organizations can interact with and learn from their external environment. Incumbent inventors are more likely to learn from hired inventor knowledge through the development of a collaborative social culture that facilitates communication and trust in the process of transferring knowledge among individuals. The results, thus, highlight the importance of aligning a firm’s internal environment with its strategic goal to learn from its external competitors.Originality/value– The authors suggest that access to new knowledge bases through hiring is not sufficient for learning purposes; internalizing a new hire’s knowledge also requires the internal mechanisms, structures, and cultures that motivate knowledge sharing and promote mutual trust.
Image calibration and analysis toolbox – a free software suite for objectively measuring reflectance, colour and pattern
Authors: Troscianko Jolyon , Stevens Martin 
Published: July 2015

Summary

Quantitative measurements of colour, pattern and morphology are vital to a growing range of disciplines. Digital cameras are readily available and already widely used for making these measurements, having numerous advantages over other techniques, such as spectrometry. However, off‐the‐shelf consumer cameras are designed to produce images for human viewing, meaning that their uncalibrated photographs cannot be used for making reliable, quantitative measurements. Many studies still fail to appreciate this, and of those scientists who are aware of such issues, many are hindered by a lack of usable tools for making objective measurements from photographs.

We have developed an image processing toolbox that generates images that are linear with respect to radiance from the RAW files of numerous camera brands and can combine image channels from multispectral cameras, including additional ultraviolet photographs. Images are then normalised using one or more grey standards to control for lighting conditions. This enables objective measures of reflectance and colour using a wide range of consumer cameras. Furthermore, if the camera's spectral sensitivities are known, the software can convert images to correspond to the visual system (cone‐catch values) of a wide range of animals, enabling human and non‐human visual systems to be modelled. The toolbox also provides image analysis tools that can extract luminance (lightness), colour and pattern information. Furthermore, all processing is performed on 32‐bit floating point images rather than commonly used 8‐bit images. This increases precision and reduces the likelihood of data loss through rounding error or saturation of pixels, while also facilitating the measurement of objects with shiny or fluorescent properties.

All cameras tested using this software were found to demonstrate a linear response within each image and across a range of exposure times. Cone‐catch mapping functions were highly robust, converting images to several animal visual systems and yielding data that agreed closely with spectrometer‐based estimates.

Our imaging toolbox is freely available as an addition to the open source ImageJ software. We believe that it will considerably enhance the appropriate use of digital cameras across multiple areas of biology, in particular researchers aiming to quantify animal and plant visual signals.
Impact of the radius of the injector system on the cell viability in descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty: an ex vivo experimental study
Authors: Yoeruek Efdal , Bartz‐Schmidt Karl‐Ulrich , Hofmann Johanna 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the impact of the radius of the injector system on the viability of the endothelial cells in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).MethodsDescemet membranes (DMs) of 30 corneoscleral rims were used in a paired design and divided into three groups (A, B, C). The right corneas were used as control (without shooting through the injector after DM preparation) and the left cornea for simulation of the implantation step (shooting through a glass injector of different radii). The injector in Group A had a diameter of 0.5 mm, group B 0.9 mm and group C 1.4 mm. Prior to preparation, endothelial cell count was measured and endothelial cell quality assessed. Quantification of potential damage was achieved by staining with a viability bioassay (calcein acetoxymethyl and ethidium homodimer‐1) and DAPI. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL (terminal dUTP nick‐end labelling) staining.ResultsThe average percentage of the endothelial cell death ratios was 4.9 ± 3.3% in group A (n = 5), 3.7 ± 3.7% in group B (n = 5) and 3.9 ± 3.6% in group C (n = 5) with no significant difference compared to the control. The average percentage of apoptotic endothelial cells was 0.05 ± 0.05%, 0.60 ± 0.53% and 0.15 ± 0.26% in groups A, B and C, respectively, with no significant difference compared to the control.ConclusionsPrepared grafts for transplantation in DMEK procedures may be injected through a smaller sized injector system of up to 0.5 mm with no significant increase in cell loss. Clinical studies are necessary to draw a final conclusion.
The genetic variant rs4073 A→T of the Interleukin‐8 promoter region is associated with the earlier onset of exudative age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Hautamäki Asta , Seitsonen Sanna , Holopainen Juha M. , Moilanen Jukka A. , Kivioja Jarno , Onkamo Päivi , Järvelä Irma , Immonen Ilkka 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPurposeTo study the association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4073 in the interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) promoter region with the diagnosis and age of onset of exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in association with the known genetic risk factors for AMD and tobacco smoking.MethodsMedical records, smoking history and angiograms or fundus photographs of 301 patients with exudative AMD, 72 patients with dry AMD and 119 control subjects were analysed retrospectively. The associations of IL‐8 rs4073 A→T, CFH rs1061170 T→C, ARMS2 rs10490924 G→T and C3 rs2230199 C→G SNPs with the presence of AMD and with the age of onset of exudative AMD were analysed.ResultsYounger age of exudative AMD onset was associated with the homozygous AA genotype of IL‐8 rs4073 (p = 0.009, Mann–Whitney U‐test), CC genotype of CFH rs1061170 (p = 0.016), TT genotype of ARMS2 rs10490924 (p = 0.001) and with current smoking (p = 0.002). The risk alleles C in CFH rs1061170 (p < 0.0001, Pearson chi‐square) and T in ARMS2 rs10490924 (p < 0.0001), as well as smoking (p < 0.0001), were more prevalent in AMD patients compared with controls. No association was found between the IL‐8 rs4073 genotype and the presence of AMD.ConclusionOut of the factors associated with the earlier onset of exudative AMD, only the genotype of IL‐8 rs4073 did not appear as a risk factor for AMD in general. IL‐8 may have a role in accelerating the development of the choroidal neovascularization in exudative AMD.
THE IMPACT OF FOREIGN CAPITAL ON MACROECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN CENTRAL ASIA
Authors: ARAZMURADOV Annageldy 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the short‐run impact of shocks in international capital flows channeled through foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign aid on national output and export performance in five Central Asian economies under a dynamic multivariate structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) framework. The identification of structural shocks is implemented by AB model based on IS‐LM‐BP postulates. The main message is that external capital shocks are persistent and small open economies are weak to absorb them. Overall, the aid shocks reduce national outputs, while FDI increase it, on average. The expansion of global demand (G20) leads to an increase in domestic GDPs, notably in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The impact is augmented by a positive effect of FDI on export channel (and net exports) that shift the IS curve upwards. We cannot find any significant aid‐FDI nexus in the region, except in Kazakhstan. The structural variance decomposition (SFEVD) results suggest that external flows and foreign demand together explain the bigger part of variability in domestic GDP and exports. Finally, variations in foreign capital, aid and FDI, are mainly explained by series themselves. The role of domestic activities is found to be weaker for aid and greater for FDI. The results could be attributed to rigid exchange rates, high trade dependence, and necessity for foreign capital to explore natural resources in Central Asian region. Our results provide some valuable suggestions to improve an investment climate for boosting economic growth.
Effects of different roughage sources and feeding levels on adipogenesis of ovine adipocytes
Authors: Kim Da‐Hye , Choi Ki‐Choon , Ichinohe Toshiyoshi , Song Sang‐Houn 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to conduct an adipogenic evaluation of different roughage sources and feeding levels during ruminant adipocyte differentiation in vitro. Six wether sheep were divided into a timothy hay feeding group (TFG, n = 3) and an Italian ryegrass straw feeding group (IFG, n = 3). The sheep were fed high‐roughage (HR), medium roughage (MR) and low‐roughage (LR) diets in a one‐way layout design each over a 6‐day period. Sheep serum samples collected on the last day of each dietary treatment were added to an adipogenic induction medium for differentiation of preadipocytes derived from sheep subcutaneous adipose tissue. The cytoplasmic lipid accumulations in the TFG serum‐treated preadipocytes were significantly higher than those of the IFG‐serum treated preadipocytes on day 12. Messenger RNA expression of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP)‐α, C/EBP‐β, C/EBP‐δ, fatty‐acid‐binding protein (aP2) and stearoyl‐coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) were regulated by each serum treatment. This study shows that different roughage source diets and roughage‐to‐concentrate ratio diets can regulate adipocyte differentiation via ruminant blood composition.
Early post mortem expression of genes related to tenderization in two Italian Simmental young bulls' skeletal muscles differing in contractile type
Authors: Saccà Elena , Corazzin Mirco , Pizzutti Nicoletta , Lippe Giovanna , Piasentier Edi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe early post mortem expression of eight genes potentially involved in meat ageing process and the tenderness of two Italian Simmental young bulls' (Bos taurus) skeletal muscles differing in their contractile type were evaluated. Samples of Longissimus lumborum (LL) and Infraspinatus (IS) muscles were collected from 17 bulls. The messenger RNA (mRNA) abundances of calpain‐1, calpain‐2, calpastatin, caspase 3, caspase 9, heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), Hsp40 and Hsp70 were detected by quantitative PCR. The myosin heavy chain‐slow and ‐fast isoform content, the pH48h and the lipid content of the muscles were in line with the contractile and metabolic type. In comparison with the fast LL, the slow IS showed a lower calpain‐1/calpastatin mRNA content ratio after slaughtering and a higher Warner‐Bratzler Initial Yield value after 7 days of ageing. Hsp27 and Hsp70 mRNA abundances were significantly lower in LL than IS, highlighting their potential role in the ageing process of bovine muscles.
Basic fibroblast growth factor is pro‐adipogenic in rat skeletal muscle progenitor clone, 2G11 cells
Authors: Nakano Shin‐ichi , Nakamura Katsuyuki , Teramoto Naomi , Yamanouchi Keitaro , Nishihara Masugi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIntramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) formation is a hallmark of marbling in cattle. IMAT is considered to originate from skeletal muscle progenitor cells with adipogenic potential. However, the mechanism involved in IMAT formation from these progenitor cells in vivo remains unclear. In the present study, among the growth factors tested, which were known to be expressed in skeletal muscle, we found only basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has a pro‐adipogenic effect on skeletal muscle derived adipogenic progenitor clone, 2G11 cells. Pre‐exposure of 2G11 cells to bFGF did not affect initial gene expressions of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP)β and C/EBPδ, while resulting in an enhancement of subsequent expressions of C/EBPα and proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) during adipogenesis, indicating that bFGF is acting on the transcriptional regulation of C/EBPα and PPARγ. In addition, the effect of bFGF is mediated via two types of FGF receptor (FGFR) isoforms: FGFR1 and FGFR2 IIIc, and both receptors are prerequisite for bFGF to express its pro‐adipogenic effect. These results suggest that bFGF plays an important role as a key trigger of IMAT formation in vivo.